“As have I.” He brought her closer to the bench, then waited for her to sit before saying more. “As a boy, I often snuck out onto the balconies of our London home and stared at the sky. While in the country, at Fairfax Palace, I would be so bold as to sneak away from the house and lay on a nearby hill to gaze at the stars.”
Phoebe notched her chin so she could meet his eyes. “I was never so brazen as a girl. Though I spent many an evening staring out my bedchamber window while wishing I could be outside.”
Graham sat beside Phoebe, his thigh brushing hers. A now-familiar warmth seeped into her and congregated in her abdomen. Would he always stir her in such a way? Did she have the same effect on him? She studied him for a moment. A nearby torch illuminated his smoldering eyes.
“My mother used to tell me that the stars were the souls of those who came before us, and when one shoots across the sky, it means someone has found true and everlasting love.”
A spark of joy lit in Phoebe’s heart. “Do you believe that to be true?”
“As a boy, I did.” Graham grinned. “Now… Well, perhaps.”
Phoebe stared at him and grinned. “I think it is a lovely notion.” Her mind went to her brother Roland, who’d died at war, and she wondered which star he might be.
Glancing up at the twinkling dots, she let her gaze roam from one to the next. Surely her brother would be bold and bright, for he had been in life. He’d been brave and honorable, too.
“You seem to be a great distance from me.” Graham stroked the back of his hand down her cheek. “What has you so distracted?”
“I was merely woolgathering. Think nothing of it.” She averted her attention to her lap and smoothed her skirt.
Graham brought his fingers to her jaw, then gently turned her head toward him, his gaze locking with hers. “About what?”
Phoebe sighed, her chest rising and falling with the action. “My brother. I was wondering which star he would be.”
“Ah, yes, Lord Gillford. I have been told he was brave and kind. Did you choose one?”
The tenderness in Graham’s eyes set her at ease, and she gave a slight grin. “No, but I decided he would shine brighter than the rest.”
Graham stood, then pulled Phoebe to her feet and led her back to the path before tugging her into his arms. He tipped his head back as he held her, then pointed up at the sky. “Perhaps that one.”
“It is perfect,” she said, gazing at the bold, twinkling light.
Graham smoothed his thumb across her face. “Not as perfect as you.”
Phoebe’s stomach fluttered as he leaned closer, his lips soft and warm against hers. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched a star shoot across the sky. Her eyes fluttered closed as she melted into the kiss, her heart full of optimism and bliss.
Fourteen
Over the following sennight, Graham called on Phoebe as was expected of him. He even sat dutifully beside her at the local parish while the parson read the banns. He had not brought up the subject of calling off the engagement since the day they picnicked together. In fact, a large part of him no longer wished for her to beg off.
Still, he knew marriage to him would change her. There was nothing for it. He simply could not marry her, because he cared for her as much as he desired her. He would not ruin her life, not if he could help it. Graham had to get through to her.
Graham leaned against the stone wall, scanning the castle bailey with a furrowed brow. Dark, billowing clouds crept closer, casting a dappled gray light over the courtyard. The wind picked up, bringing a chill to the air. He knew rain was imminent and hurried to gather his tools from where they were scattered on the ground. With a huff, he headed towards the small outbuilding where Camden kept them organized. After neatly stowing everything away, Graham made his way back to the keep just as the first drops of rain fell.
He would call on Phoebe after the weather cleared. Once he was more presentable. Graham dusted his hands as he walked across the great hall. He had taken it upon himself to restore one of the outbuildings. Messy business to be sure. He had to mix mortar and move stones in order to repair the walls. Now his shirt and trousers were positively caked in the stuff. He most certainly could not go to Phoebe in such a state.
He paused at the sound of clanking china as he passed by the solar. Peering in, he caught sight of his intended sipping tea. He could not fight the grin that overtook him as he dipped into the room. “What a pleasant surprise,” he said.
Phoebe lowered her teacup and met his gaze. “I came to see Rebecca. When the butler informed me she had gone to town, I decided to wait for her to return.”
“Ah, indeed.” Graham turned his attention to the tea service on a nearby table. “I am surprised she has not returned already. Perhaps she and Camden decided to spend the day in the village?”
“I suppose they might have. I should return home,” Phoebe said.
“Or I could join you.” Graham strolled closer. “I am afraid the rain will pickup intensity and would not have you caught in it.”
Phoebe nibbled her lower lip as she appraised him. “Then it is settled.”
Graham stepped back, remembering the state of his clothing, and gave an apologetic grin. “Allow me to freshen. I will only be a few minutes.”
