Chapter 15 If you're afraid of wolves, stay out of the forest

“Are you two finished?” Daniel called from the hallway. He had one hand on the railing of the stairwell and smiled amused. “If you take any longer, the banquet will be over before we have left.”
Amelia peeked around the door. “A few more minutes, Daniel. It takes time for a young woman to dress herself up. Why can’t men understand?” She drew back into the room, leaving her brother laughing.

Amelia returned to Milena and ran her fingers through the gypsy girl’s curls. “You look beautiful,” she said, “perfect for your first banquet. You will love it.”
Milena bit her lip Suddenly she wasn’t so sure this would be a good idea. The only people on this feast would be gadje. They would be people she did not know. Would they accept her?
She looked at her reflection in Amelia’s mirror. She barely recognized the girl staring back at her. A light rouge was powdered on her cheekbones. Her eyes seemed bigger and darker. Her curls were oiled and brushed. Everything was brought on very delicately, but she still felt like a different person.
Milena shifted her eyes towards Amelia’s image. The girl looked beautiful. She felt quite ordinary next to Amelia.
“Come,” Amelia spoke, “we must go before my brother decides to leave without us.” She ushered Milena to her feet. “I promised to wish Emily good night before we go.”

Milena followed her to the younger girl’s room. Emily was already in bed. She smiled when Amelia and Milena entered. “I thought you had left already,” she said in a delicate tone.
“And not wish you goodnight?” Amelia leaned forward and kissed her sister’s cheek . “Sleep well my sweet. I will tell you everything tomorrow.”
Emily hugged her sister and smiled at Milena. “You look beautiful.”
“Good night,” Amelia said and stood up from the bed. She smiled at Milena. “Now we can go.”

***

A blush crept on Daria’s face as she filled Petsha’s bowl with stew. These last few days it had become harder to look him in the eye without feeling nervous.
He sent her a warm smile. “Thank you,” he said and accepted the bowl.
Daria simply stood there, beaming at him with a  ridiculous sense of happiness.
Next to her, a throat was cleared. “Do you think you have some stew for me as well, little sister?”
Daria jumped in fright and placed her hands on her hips. “Do not scare me like that!”
Ramiro smirked at his sister. “Then you should not stand around and dream. The men are hungry. Go help your mother.”
“You are impossible,” Daria said, but she was glad he could smile again. The haunted look in his eyes since the attack had frightened her.
“Go,” Ramiro said kindly.
She went.
Petsha shook his head at his friend. “Do not tease my wife, Ramiro.”
Ramiro grinned and sat down next to hm. “She is not your wife yet, my friend.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
“Aye, but she might.”
Petsha pushed his friend.
Ramiro smiled and shook his head. “Forgive me for my jest. She has been in love with you since we were children.”
“And she though I did not know.”
Ramiro chuckled. “So did Len…” he caught himself and gritted his teeth.
Petsha fell silent as well. He knew it would take a long time for his friend to move on. “Rami…”
“Do not mind me,” Ramiro interrupted him, “I am glad for you.” He gave a rueful smile. “Take good care of my sister.”
Petsha nodded. “I will.” 

***

Milena blinked in awe when they arrived at the Caldwell Manor. She had believed the Blackwood Family rich, but this really was a palace in comparison.

Torches lit the entire courtyard and several servants were outside to welcome the guests and help them out of their carriages.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Amelia leaned towards her, “just wait until we reach inside.”
It was their turn in the line of carriages. Daniel climbed out first and held his hand out to his sister to assist her.
Milena made sure to hop to the ground after her, before he could think of aiding her as well. There had been too much contact between them already.

Daniel smiled at her and offered his sister his arm. He would have offered it to the gypsy girl as well, but he knew she would refuse, even if he did not understand why. She didn’t seem frightened in his presence anymore.

A servant at the entrance bowed when they entered and announced them. “Lord Daniel Blackwood and his sister, Miss Amelia.” He eyed Milena who followed behind them and frowned at the sight of the gypsy girl. “And company,” he concluded.
Daniel didn’t even pay him attention. His eyes were moving across the hall.

Milena didn’t know where to look. She had never seen so much wealth.
Servants were going about the room, offering refreshments to the guests. Couples were dancing. Men and women were conversing.

“You’ve made it!” Arabella Caldwell came hurrying over to greet them. She clasped Amelia’s arms and gave her a kiss on her cheek before turning to Daniel. “Shame on you, Daniel to keep us waiting. I had been expecting you an hour ago at least.”
“Is Jackson not the host of this fete?” Daniel asked amused.
Arabella pouted. “Are you tired of me already, Danny?”
Daniel shook his head amused. “Who would ever be tired of you?”
Arabella playfully slapped his arm. “Stop teasing me, you horrible man. Go. Go find my brother and see if he is better suited for company. I will entertain your sister and your new friend.” She winked at Milena.
“Stay out of trouble, Ara,” Daniel said stern while tapping her chin. And he walked away.
Arabella watched him go, a devious twinkle in her eyes. “Well then,” she said. She looked at Milena. “I must say, you look gorgeous my dear.”
Milena gave an uncertain smile. She had not anticipated how many people would be here. How would they react to her presence?
“Don’t look so frightened, Leah,” Amelia tried to comfort her.
“Come now,” Arabella said, “let’s not stand around. There is a fete to enjoy.”
The three girls walked further into the ballroom.

“She’s a marvel,” Christopher mused while watching the three girls move around the room, “how did you manage to hide her?”
“She was never hidden, “Daniel commented, “but she is not comfortable around strangers.” 
Jackson smiled and flashed his teeth. “Have no fear, my friend, Ara will take care of her and introduce her to people. She will be over her shyness in no time.” His yes followed the gypsy girl appreciative. His sister had  forgotten to mention how well-curved her new friend was shaped.
“I don’t think it’s shyness,” Daniel said, oblivious to his best friend’s trail of thought. “She has probably never been around people not of her kind.”
“This must be such an improvement from her former environment,” Jackson said, “imagine the filth she is used to. You saved her my friend.” He shook his head. “I can only imagine what you’ve had to put up with in order to teach her manners.”
“She does have manners,” Daniel answered, but Jackson did not pay him attention. He was too busy watching his sister’s new protégé. The party had suddenly become a lot more interesting.

Arabella smiled when she caught sight of a young man in the crowd. She gave Milena a conspiring look. “Come dear, there is someone I’d like you to meet.”
The man turned around when Arabella touched his arm and he smiled at her. “Ara.”
The young woman smiled back and turned to Milena. “Leah, this is my fiancé, Nathaniel Salisbury. Nathan, this is Leah, guest at Blackwood Manor.”
Nathaniel inclined his head. “Miss,” he greeted and then turned to Amelia, who was standing to the side. “Miss Amelia.”
“Nathaniel,” Amelia said quietly.
Milena gave a hasty curtsy and lowered her eyes. He seemed like a kind man. His eyes held the same calm as Daniel’s. A tall man, with aristocratic features.
“Are you enjoying the party so far?” Nathaniel inquired.
Milena bit her lip and looked around.
“We’ve only just arrived,” Amelia answered for her, “but I must say, Jackson has outdone himself. The mansion looks beautiful.”
Arabella laughed softly. “Please Amelia, Jackson knows naught of decorating if his life depended on it.”
“Fishing for compliments again, Ara?” Nathaniel smiled.
“You know me so well,” Arabella said haughtily.
Nathaniel chuckled. “I will leave you to enjoy the evening.” He kissed Arabella’s hand and nodded at Milena and Amelia. “Ladies.”
“He’ll be back,” Arabella said with a wave of her hand., “he owes me a dance.” Her eyes moved around the room. “Ah I see Rebecca, Amelia. Why don’t you go greet her. I will take care of your friend and introduce her to some people.”
Amelia felt a pang of jealousy. Ara was supposed to be her friend. Now it only seemed she couldn’t get rid of Amelia fast enough. “We could greet Rebecca together,” she protested weakly.
“Amelia, don’t be cross with me,” Arabella pouted, “I am only here to help. Did I not take you under my wing at your first gathering? It’s only appropriate that I do the same for your friend.”
“I suppose,” Amelia said hesitantly.
“We will join you soon,” Arabella promised.
“Alright then,” Amelia softly gave in and she made her way over to her friend.

Milena bit her lip. She would rather have gone with Amelia, but perhaps Arabella was right. If she ever wanted to understand these people, perhaps taking Arabella’s advise was the way to go about it. Everybody seemed to look up to her.
Arabella patted the girl’s hand. “Don’t  be nervous, my dear. I will take good care of you.” Her eyes searched the crowd until they landed on a young woman. She smiled deviously. “Come my dear. There’s someone you must meet.”

***

Carmen sighed as she looked up at the  night sky. She had only been with Vitor’s kumpania for a short time, but it was so different from what she was used to.
Vitor’s kumpania was a small one, consisting of only three familia. During the day, they traveled in their wagons, but at night they slept in tents.
Carmen wondered how they managed during winter, but she had not found the courage yet to ask.
She glanced back at the tent she shared with her new husband. He was a man of few words and even fewer demands, but at least he had been gentle with her.
They were traveling towards the coast. She had never seen the ocean before and the thought of such vast waters frightened her.
Carmen sighed again and pulled the blanket closer around her. At Milosh’ kumpania, everyone would be sitting around the fire, sharing stories. Perhaps Daria would dance.
Daria.
Had she been wed yet? Perhaps they were celebrating this very moment. It would be a year before she would see them again.

Something stirred behind her and she looked over her shoulder. Her new husband sat in the entrance of their tent and watched her silently.
When she didn’t move, he opened the tent and nodded.

She went.

***

“Katherine,” Arabella chimed happily. “I am so glad you could make it.”
A short and elegant woman turned at the sound of Arabella’s voice. She smiled politely, but her smile did not reach her eyes. “Arabella,” she said, “how lovely.”
Milena looked back and forth between the two women. Even though their exchange had been polite, their tone had been laced with venom. Whatever feud was between them, she did not wish to be caught in it.
Arabella smiled. “Katherine, I’d like you to meet Leah. She is currently a guest of the Blackwood family. Leah, Katherine Goodwin.”
Milena smiled carefully, but only received a look of disdain in return.
“Don’t jest, Arabella,” Katherine said, “the Blackwood  family would never allow a … a peasant into their house.”
“Careful who you insult, Kat,” Arabella warned, “I do not jest and Leah is no peasant girl. Daniel seems very fond of her.”
Katherine narrowed her eyes at Milena. The girl was beautiful, that much was true, but her skin and eyes betrayed a low birth and she had the hands of a land worker. “Why does she not speak?”
“Don’t concern yourself with that,” Arabella dismissed her words.
Milena looked at her uncertain. What game were they playing?
“Then don’t concern yourself with me,” Katherine said haughtily. She would never admit it to Arabella, but it did concern her that this girl was residing at Blackwood Manor. She wanted Daniel to herself. The young lord Blackwood was a good catch, both in appearance and wealth. If what Arabella said was true, then this girl was a rival, low birth or no.
Arabella laughed softly. “Have no fear, Katherine, We will leave you to your own devices. There are many more people to whom to introduce Leah.” She took Milena’s arm again and guided her further across the room

When they were out of hearing, Arabella leaned closer. “Katherine has her eyes set on Daniel’s money. She needs to be put in place. After having seen you, I’m sure she will keep her distance.”

“Leah,” Rebecca smiled when the two girls joined them.
A young man was standing next to her and Amelia. “This must be Daniel’s secret gypsy girl,” he grinned, “allow me to introduce myself. Anthony McLachlan, one of Daniel’s closest friends.”
Before Milena knew what was happening, he had taken her hand and planted a kiss on it. Her eyes grew wide and she quickly pulled herself free.
Anthony didn’t seem discouraged. He grinned widely. “Amelia, you didn’t tell me your new friend was so shy.”
“You are scaring her, Anthony,” Arabella said teasingly.
“Do I scare you?” Anthony asked Milena, “tell me it is not so.”
Milena vividly shook her head, making him laugh. “Well then,” he said, “how about a dance? Would you do me the honor?”
Milena’s eyes grew wider. She shook her head again.
It didn’t seem to phase him, rather amuse him. “No?”
“Ah Anthony, she has probably hear about your two left feet.”
Anthony looked at her in mock insult. “I will have you know that I am an excellent dancer.” He stuck up his nose and then winked at Rebecca. “Do you not agree, Miss Clarke?”
Rebecca blushed vividly under the sudden attention. “I… I would not know, sir.”
“Well then,” he grinned, “perhaps you should judge for yourself.” He held out a hand to her which she nervously accepted.
Arabella leaned on Amelia’s shoulder and watched the pair go with an amused smile.
The girls looked at each other and giggled.
Amelia turned to Milena. “Do not worry Leah. Anthony is harmless. Did he really frighten you?”
Milena shrugged.
“Why did you not want to dance with him?”
Milena bit her lip and shrugged again. She looked at the couples on the dance floor. Dancing, they called it. How could they dance in such close proximity?
Amelia smiled in understanding and took Milena’s hands. “Come, I will teach you the steps.” And she pulled the gypsy girl towards the dance floor, unaware of the looks they were receiving.

“You should keep a close eyes on her, my friend,” Nathaniel said amused while watching the two girls.
Daniel raised an eyebrow. “She is not committing any crime. She is having a good time.”
Nathaniel laughed and slapped his friend’s shoulder. “That is not what I was talking about. Don’t tell me you haven’t looked at her, because I can say you must be blind.”
Daniel shook his head. “Of course I noticed her. It doesn’t matter though. Men seem to scare her.”
“So I’ve noticed. I didn’t take you for someone to give up so easily.”
“It’s not a contest,” Daniel said, “and for now she is our guest. She needs friends more than suitors.”
Nathaniel sighed. “I meant nothing by it. I just hope you know what you’re doing. Not everyone will appreciate your choice of… guests.”
 

Amelia laughed as they came to a halt. “You are quite the dancer, Leah. Do you dance where you are from?”
Milena smiled and nodded.
“Well, it seems you two are amusing yourselves,” a deep voice spoke at their shoulder.
“J-Jackson,” Amelia stuttered, “very much so. Thank you for inviting us.”
“Ah but you are always invited, Amelia,” Jackson smirked and kissed her hand.
Amelia blushed and curtsied.
“Who is your friend?”
“Of course. Forgive me. Leah, this is Jackson Caldwell, heir to the Caldwell fortune. Arabella’s brother and Daniel’s best friend since childhood. Jackson, this is Leah, our guest.”
“The gypsy girl.” His eyes lit up, but weren’t smiling. “Enchante.”
Milena smiled nervously. From the corner of her eyes she noticed she was receiving some hostile stares. It made her uncomfortable. She was still a stranger here and all alone at that. There was no kumpania to protect her.
“Amelia,” Jackson smiled, “I believe Rebecca was looking for you.”
“Ah, we should go find her then.”
“No worries,” Jackson smiled while keeping his eyes on Milena, “I will keep your friend company.”
“Of course,” Amelia answered quietly. She smiled weakly and curtsied.
Milena drew a sharp breath. She wasn’t sure she liked being left alone with this man. But on the other side… he was Daniel’s best friend.
She glanced around the ballroom, but Daniel was in deep conversations with some of the men.
When she turned back to Jackson, he was smiling at her. “Why don’t I give you a tour? The gardens are quite lovely. Ara has outdone herself with the decorations. I am certain you have seen nothing of the like in your entire life.”
Milena bit her lip. She shouldn’t be alone with him, but she had taken strolls in the garden of Blackwood Manor too. With Daniel.
“How about it?” Jackson offered his arm.
Milena took a deep breath and gave a deep curtsy. She wouldn’t accept his arm, but she did not want to insult him. He had been kind enough to invite her into his house.
Jackson watched her curiously for a moment, but then smiled again. “Please follow me.”
He turned towards two large open doors in the back of the room that gave access to the gardens.
As soon as his back was turned towards the gypsy girl, his kind smile disappeared.
And gave way to a menacing grin.