"How long do you think of hiding her, Daniel?"  Anthony McLachlan slapped his friend's shoulder good-naturedly, "the rumors are spreading as we speak: Daniel Blackwood, having a scandalous adventure with a fiery gypsy woman."  He chuckled amused.

"Ara told me all about it," Nathaniel chimed in. He looked at Daniel curiously.

"There's nothing to tell," Daniel told them. He held up his hands and let out a soft laugh. He pointed at Nathaniel. "And you should know better than to listen to Ara's gossip." 

"Gossip she has learned from your dear sister, Danny," Nathaniel teased.

"There is no gossip," Daniel said, "she's simply a guest in our household. In any case, Ara has invited her to the fete, so you can all see her for yourselves then."

***

"Come," Amelia said and she took Milena's hand. Pulling the girl into her chamber, she gently pushed her down on a chair in front of a large mirror.

Amelia came to stand behind her and ran a hand through Milena's hair. "You have such beautiful hair," she sighed wistfully. She twisted it on top of Milena's head and fumbled until a few locks dropped down. "No," she mused, "down is better." She bit her lip. "Maybe..."  She picked up some decorated hair pins and pushed them in Milena's hair in various places.

"What are you two doing?"  Emily's soft voice sounded. The young girl peeked around the door.

"Come," Amelia said, "I'm doing Leah's hair for Jackson's banquet." She waved he sister into the room. "What do you think?" 

Emily looked at Milena. "What about the silver comb? The one with the butterfly?"

Amelia nodded and went to fetch it.

Milena looked at herself in the mirror in wonder. It was so different from what she was used to.

As an unmarried woman, she wore her hair down. The married women of the kumpania covered their hair with a diklo, a scarf.

Gadji were different. They wore their hair in various fashionable styles. It was strange to see such a style on herself, though it was not displeasing.

Her hair was pinned back with a silver comb and tiny sparkling flower were in her hair. A few curls hung loosely down her face.

Was that really her?

"You look beautiful, Leah," Emily sighed, "you should wear your hair like this for the banquet. Don't you think, Amelia?" 

Amelia bit her lip. The silver comb looked better on the gypsy girl than on her. She couldn't help but feel a bit envious. "Yes," she said quietly, "very pretty." 

Milena smiled at Emily and motioned for the girl to come closer. She moved to stand behind the chair and started brushing the younger girl's hair. She knew Emily was sad that she could not go to the banquet herself. She didn't want Emily to feel left out.

"You're going to have a lovely time, Leah," Emily sighed, "Amelia has been to several parties an she says they are wonderful. There will be music and dancing and decorations. Everyone says Ara and Jackson hold the best banquets. Everyone wants to be invited. You are so lucky." 

" Ah Em," Amelia sat down next to her sister and gently held her hands. "Your time will come. You'll be old enough next year and Ara has promised you will go to her wedding." She smiled. "You will be a flower girl." 

Amelia turned and picked a few flowers from a nearby vase. "We'll put all kinds of flowers in your hair," she laughed and started to place the flowers into Emily's curls. 

The two sisters laughed together and Amelia hugged her sister.

Milena watched it quietly. The interaction between the two girls reminded her how it used to be with Daria. She missed her friend.

And Tsura.

Little Tsura, who wore flowers in her hair as well.

"Leah, why are you crying?"  Emily asked startled. She looked at te gypsy girl in the mirror. "Don't you like the flowers?" 

Milena shook her head and wiped her tears. She smiled at Emily, but neither Emily nor Amelia was fooled.

Amelia bit her lip guiltily. Here she was, acting jealous. She had never really considered what it would be like for the gypsy girl, so far away from her family and not even being able to speak.

"Here Leah," she said and opened a drawer, "I will lend you my necklace Saturday." It held a silver teardrop with a  mall pearl. "It was a gift from my father, but you can wear it at the banquet." 

Milena ran her finger across the pearl and looked at Amelia stunned. This girl would lend her something so precious?

She took Amelia's hand and pressed it lightly.

Amelia smiled back uncertain. She saw the tears shimmer in the gypsy girl's eyes. Perhaps she had never worn something so valuable. It made her less reluctant to help the girl. Her grandmother always said she should be more considerate towards the poor.

Yes, if this wasn't a good idea, then nothing was.

***

"We've made some good trade," Milosh said content. He eyed the sacks of gold on his table. They would be well equipped when winter came.

He looked up when he heard footsteps headed in his direction. "Puridaia* Aishe," he said respectfully, "what brings you to the door of my wagon?" He gestured towards a stool for her to sit on.

"Sastimos, baro* Milosh." 

"You look troubled, puridaia," Milosh said, "speak." 

"My son spoke to me. You are looking for a husband for Carmen." 

Milosh sighed. "It will be good for her. She has been alone for too long." 

"Too long to be remarried," Aishe answered.

"Feh," Milosh dismissed her words, "a woman should not be alone and be a burned to the kumpania. A husband will make her forget her grief." 

"She will not burden the kumpania. I have room in my wagon." 

"Tahmor of Vitor's kumpania is in need of a wife."

"Vitor's kumpania? They are not of our kin. They travel the Northern roads." 

"Arvah*,"  Milosh said and he nodded, "but they are still of our people. And it will be good for her. Tahmor is a metalworker. He has a steady business. Carmen will be taken care for."

"And see her familia once a  year at the fair?" 

"I do not like this either eh. It is the only solution. Now, she only sits and stares. Tahmor, he is willing to take her. He knows, he. He still accepts." 

Aishe gave him a stern look. "We should take care of our own. She is sister of my son's wife." 

"I have spoken with Cezar. He has heard my words." 

"And what does Carmen say?"

Milosh threw his hands in the air. "Women!" He looked at Aishe. "I will tell her." 

Aishe shook her head. "It will break her heart."

***

" I have made you something." 

Daria looked up at the sound of Petsha's voice. She straightened her skirts and gave him a weak smile. 

Petsha cleared his throat and rubbed his neck in an awkward gesture. "May I sit?" 

Daria glanced over her shoulder at the wagon, where her mother was pretending not to listen in.

She looked back at Petsha and nodded shyly.

Petsha sat down on a log of wood and fished a small object from his pocket. He toyed with it for a moment before handing it to her. "I know it is not much, but will you wear it?"

Hesitantly, Daria took the small leather bracelet and ran her fingers over it. "It is beautiful. Thank you." 

She carefully tied it around her wrist.

Petsha nodded and stood up. "Will I see you at the evening meal?"

Daria blushed and bit her lip. He wanted her to be there? She nodded. "I will be there."

Petsha nodded again. "God. I am glad." He smiled briefly and left.

***

"Ah no!" Amelia said upset. Her hand held the broken pieces of a bracelet. "The lock broke and now the beads are missing. And I wanted to wear it a the banquet." She sunk down on her bed.

"Is there nothing that can be done?" Emily wheeled closer to have a look.

"No, it's ruined," Amelia complained, "and it's too late to purchase a new one." 

"Will Daniel not ride into the city?"

Amelia shook her head. "He only just returned and he would never be on time for the fete."

Milena looked at Amelia and bit her lip. Why was the girl so worried over simple trinkets? Could she not wear another bracelet?

"Do you want to borrow mine?" Emily asked quietly.

Amelia smiled at her sister. "You are so kind, Emily, but this was my favorite and it goes so well with my dress." She stood up and threw the remains of the piece of jewelry in a drawer. "Nothing can be done." She sighed distressed. "Perhaps Ara will visit again before Saturday. Perhaps she has a bracelet that will go with my gown."

Milena looked at her with sympathy and started to undo the necklace Amelia had lend her.

"Ah no," Amelia protested when he saw, "no Leah. I said I would lend it to you and borrow it you must. Besides, the necklace fits your dress better. Please wear it." 

Milena nodded and dropped her hands. 

There was a knock on the door and the girl Anna stepped into the room.

When she noticed Milena at Amelia's dresser, her eyes narrowed with disdain, but it was gone within a second. She lowered her eyes towards the ground and curtsied. "Miss Amelia, Miss Emily, your grandmother lets you now dinner will be served soon." 

Emily nodded at her.

"Thank you Anna," Amelia said and dismissed her.

Emily smiled at Milena. "Come Leah, we should get changed. Grandmother does not like to wait." 

Milena nodded and stood up, moving behind Emily to wheel her out of the room. She shook her head bemused. Change clothes to eat diner. She would never understand gadje.

***

"Yes," Ramiro said while scratching the ears of Laszlo's dog Ruv, "you miss her too, don't you?" 

The dog whined softly and lay down at Ramiro's feet. 

Ramiro let out a sigh and looked up at the darkening sky.

Was she at peace now?

How long ago since she had crawled to his bed at night to fend off the nightmares? They had been children still

Why had he not spoken up sooner? Why had he not let Nikolai and Imrich steal her for him? A life of shame was a hard one, but at least they would be alive. Why had he not gone with them that day?

Why?

'Why did you leave me, my love?'

He buried his head in his hands and cried.

***

"Has Milosh spoken with you?" Izabela softly brushed her sister's hair.

Carmen sat quietly, an empty look in her eyes. Upon hearing her sister's words, she lowered her head and stared at her hands. Their rom baro wanted her to wed a man from Vitor's kumpania. She did not know this man, only that his kumpania travelled the Northern roads.

She would be far away from her family.

But here, everything reminded her of the child she had lost so brutally. Perhaps the Northern roads were friendlier.

"Carmen," Izabela urged and forced her to look up. Her heart bled for her sister, but she had to make her speak. It was enough that her own children looked like mulani*. She could not bear it from her sister as well. They had to move on.

Let the dead rest in peace. The living had to continue the long road.

Carmen nodded weakly at her sister's pressure. She did not trust her voice with words. Was this how Lenka had felt? Was this why she did not speak?

She closed her eyes in agony. What was the point in clinging to life? She had no will to go on. 

Perhaps it would be best if she died too. Perhaps then she would no longer be a burden to the kumpania.

"He is big," Izabela said, "this man, this Tahmor." She patted Carmen's hair. "I have seen him." 

When Carmen did not react, Izabela sighed. "Pena*, please. Perhaps this is a good thing. He has a wagon of his own. Working the metal is a good craft." 

Carmen sighed. She knew it was too much to ask for love. She had loved her first husband. Love did not prevent people from dying.

"Milosh has invited the kumpania of Vitor to sit at our fire tonight," Izabela continued, "the metal worker will be there. Milosh will want you to bring his food." 

Now Carmen did look at her and Izabela gave her a look of sympathy. "Go pena," she said, "and find happiness. I would have you smile again."

***

Milena looked over her shoulder before slipping into Amelia's room. She turned up the lamp that was sitting on the dresser and opened the drawer. 

The bracelet was still sitting there and she carefully took it.

There wasn't that much damage. With some patience she should be able to repair it. She let the bracelet slide in her pocket and left the room to go to her own.

She had retired early. The family was still downstairs so it would give her the opportunity to repay Amelia's kindness. 

Even though Aranka was the one that made the trinkets in the kumpania, Milena was not unfamiliar with the task. 

She would try.

She carefully laid out the pieces of the bracelet. A few beads were missing and the string had snapped, but that was not so hard to fix.

The beads were another matter.

Milena bit her lip and thought for a moment. She knew there was a small sowing kit in the wardrobe and she went to retrieve it. Her hand felt around on the bottom of the wardrobe and landed on something soft. When she pulled it out, she found it was her skirt and shawl. 

She spread it out over her knees and ran her hand over the fabric.. She traced the small trinkets that were sewn in.

They had been a gift from Aranka.

Milena sighed and bit her lip. Surely she could spare a  few. They would look lovely on the bracelet.

Carefully she removed some of the gold trinkets from her skirt. She studied them carefully to determine where they should go in the bracelet. It should not be so hard.

With a determined expression she set to work.

***

"When will you speak with Cezar?" Elena asked her husband.

Vali looked up from the harness he was repairing. "Why would I speak with Cezar?" he asked.

Elena put her hands in her hips. "On behalf of your son," she said firmly, "how long will you let him make eyes at Daruszka? And she to him?"

"They can make eyes all they want," Vali said and pulled on one of the straps.

"Vali..." 

"Vestacha*," Vali interrupted her, "it is done. I have spoken with Cezar last night at the fire when you were watching your son make eyes at Daria. It is done. We will announce it after we have spoken with Milosh, once we have broken camp." 

Elena narrowed her eyes. "And you did not think to tell me? "

"I am telling you now," Vali said, but there was a twinkle in his eyes, "you should rejoice, you are getting a daughter."

"There is so much that needs be done," Elena said, "a meal to be prepared. Why did you not say anything. I must speak with Izabela." She hurried away.

Vali raised his eyes at the sky. "Women." He picked up the next leather strap.

***

She was combing through her hair when she heard the commotion down the hall. It was still early morning and she had not slept much, because she had been up all night to finish the bracelet. She could not wait to see the look on Amelia's face. She hoped the girl would like it.

The door to her room was thrown open and Milena jumped. Cecily Blackwood stepped inside with Ruth on her heels. Behind them walked Daniel with the servant girl Anna.

"I warned you, mother," Cecily said, "gypsies are not to be trusted. It didn't even take long for her true nature to show itself." 

"Don't jump to conclusions, Cecily," Ruth said, "let her explain herself." 

"So she can spin more lies? No mother. Enough. I will not have a thief under this rood. There is no telling in what else she will steal." 

Thief? Steal? What did they mean? Milena looked at them confused and frightened. What was going on? 

"I'm sure it is merely a misunderstanding," Ruth said calmly and she looked at Milena.

"The guilty look on her face says it all," Cecily said, "she is a thief."

Milena's eyes went wide. She had not stolen anything. 

Her eyes moved to Daniel who eyed her sadly. "Tell us it's not true, Leah," he said quietly, "please say she is mistaken."

Anna narrowed her eyes. "I am not mistaken. I have seen it with my own eyes. She took Miss Amelia's bracelet from her room. I felt horrible m'lrd. After all the kindness you've shown her, she would steal from you. Who knows what else she would have done if I had not caught her in the act?"

"Thank you Anna," Cecily said and she looked at Milena furiously. "Now tell us. What else did you steal?"

---

A/N Amelia is so shallow in this chapter :) But I guess it can't be helped. She was brought up that way.

*Dictionary:

puridaia = Grandmother, honorable title to elder women in the kumpania

Sastimos = greeting

baro = leader of kumpania

arvah = yes

mulani = spirits, the dead

pena = sister

vestacha = beloved