“Found her?” Katherine gasped in horror. So she had been right. The girl was of low birth. She was even lower than that. A peasant girl would have morals still. This girl however, was a gypsy.
“Daniel really is too kind,” Katherine shivered, “why on earth would he allow that sort of people into the household?”
Christopher Longley raised an eyebrow. He never had cared much for Katherine Goodwin. She was obnoxious and spoiled, but he hadn’t thought her that thoughtless.
“She was injured,” he defended his friend. The girl may be a gypsy, he supposed she deserved at least some assistance.
“She’s not injured now,” Katherine countered.
Christopher took a sip from his drink. “As it appears,” he spoke, “Daniel’s little sister Emily seems quite fond of the little gypsy.”
Katherine gritted her teeth. She didn’t care much for the disabled girl. In her opinion, Emily Blackwood was a spoiled brat. The family should have had her placed in a facility long ago. She wouldn’t want to be seen with a child that was stuck in a chair. That was the first thing she would arrange once she had become Lady Blackwood.
She would make sure to never lay eyes on Emily Blackwood again.
But first, the gypsy girl would have to go.
Katherine’s eyes searched the crowds until they landed on the object of her jealousy.
The girl was just vanishing through the open garden doors with Jackson at her side.
A cunning smile played around Katherine’s lips. “You’re making this far too easy,” she muttered.
“Hm?” Christopher looked at her questioningly, “were you saying something?”
Katherine quickly turned her smile into one of innocence. “Nothing at all.” Her yes turned to the gardens again. She would have to play it just right.

“A gypsy! Unheard of!”
“I can’t believe they let her in. What was lord Blackwood thinking? Someone like that is hardly suited company.”
The whispers were all around the room.
“Ignore them, my friend,” Nathaniel said to Daniel, who was holding his glass with cordial very tightly. “I have met your little friend and I find her quite charming.” He shook his head. “But you must have known it would cause a stir to bring her here.”
Daniel drank from his glass. “Apparently I did not.” Involuntarily his eyes searched the crowd to find the girl, but he did not see her anywhere.
He frowned. Where could she have gone?

“How are you enjoying the evening so far?” Jackson inquired while keeping a slow pace beside his companion.
Milena smiled weakly. She wished Amelia were here with her. Or even Arabella.
“I have to say, I am starting to enjoy it more by the second,” Jackson continued, “having such lovely company I mean.” He eyed her carefully. “You are quite lovely.”
Milena stiffened at the sudden sultry tone in his voice. When she looked up, she realized they had strayed from the main trail and that they had left the other guests far behind.
In the distance she could still hear the music.
When she looked back, Jackson had closed the distance between them. “Forget about them,” he said, “they are only a distraction.”
Milena stepped back.
“Enough of your games,” Jackson said, “that hard to get act was fun when we were still inside, but now it’s just the two of us.”
Milena’s eyes grew wide and she turned to run, but Jackson grabbed her, preventing her escape. She started to struggle.
“Feisty,” Jackson growled, “I like that.” He pushed her back against the wall of the stables, out of sight of the mansion.
Milena  gasped in fear and tried to push him off, but he was strong. Tears sprung in her eyes when he started kissing her neckline. Why had she agreed to go with him?
But she knew the answer.
He was Daniel’s friend. She trusted Daniel, who had shown her nothing but kindness. And because of that, she had trusted his friend as well.
She should have known better.
She tried to kick him, but he caught her leg. “Don’t fight now, little thing. Playtime is over. Don’t pretend it’s not what you wanted. You came with me willingly.”
Milena shook her head and struggled against his grip. That was when he hit her.
For a moment she was too shocked to react. Her body hit the ground before she realized what he had done. By the time she had come to her senses, he was pressing her against the ground.
“Much better,” Jackson grinned. He pressed his lips against hers.
A howl escaped him when she bit down hard and he slapped her. “You little… what is it with you? First you’re coy and now this…”
He gasped when he was suddenly pulled away from the girl. He landed on the grass and glared up at his attacker.

Milena drew a deep breath when Jackson’s weight was lifted from her. She hurried to sit up. Whoever had attacked him, she knew she wasn’t safe yet. This newcomer might well decide to have a go himself.
Carefully she looked up in an attempt to catch sight of him.
He was young. Perhaps a little older than Alec. She couldn’t see much of his features in the dark, but it appeared he had dark curls.
His back was turned towards her so he could face Jackson who had crawled to his feet and was wiping his chin.
“You have a lot of nerve, boy,” Jackson spat angrily.
“I believe the lady does not return your… affection, sir,” the boy spoke quietly. He had an accent that sounded vaguely familiar to Milena’s ears.
“What would you know of such matters,” Jackson asked, “leave boy. You can walk away now and pretend you’ve seen nothing.”
The boy shook his head. “I was taught not to abandon a lady in need.” 
Jackson laughed. “She is no lady.”
The boy ignored him and looked at Milena. He held out his hand. “Are you alright, ma’am?”
Milena nodded slowly and stood up.
“I said, walk away,”  Jackson growled. He took a step towards Milena and grabbed her arm.
Milena gasped and tried to pry him off.
The boy narrowed his eyes. “Let her go!” he shouted and he attacked Jackson.
When they collided, Milena fell to the ground again. By now, the fight had drawn the attentions of some of the other guests and people came hurrying in their direction.
“Take your hands off me, you filthy gypsy brat,” Jackson hissed.

Someone pushed through the crowd of onlookers and stared at the two men. His eyes moved to Milena. “Leah?” he said startled as he saw her unsettling appearance, “what happened here?”
The girl’s dress was dirty, her hair was blown around her face and there were tears in her eyes.
He took a step closer. “Jackson?” 
Jackson brushed off his jacket and straightened his clothes. “Daniel,” he acknowledged his friend.
“What happened here?” Daniel asked again.
Jackson narrowed his eyes. “I caught these two together,” he said, “they were planning on robbing us blind.” He smirked. “You were too trusting, Daniel. There’s’ no such thing as an honest gypsy.” 
Daniel blinked confused and turned to the boy. “Who are you?”
The boy  flinched under the sudden attention and lowered his eyes. “My name is Harun,” he said nervously, “Stable boy to the Caldwell family.”
“Not anymore,” Jackson sneered, “you can pack your bags. I don’t ever want to see your face again.” 

Harun’s eyes moved over the gathered crowd. No matter what he’d say, no one would believe him. These people were all of the same sort as Jackson Caldwell. They were friends.
He didn’t care all that much what these people thought of him. He had been looked down on all his life. But he couldn’t leave that young woman undefended. She had no fault in this.
It didn’t seem like she belonged with these people anymore than he did.
And he had worked for the Caldwell family long enough to know what kind of man Jackson Caldwell truly was, even if he did not show his true face to the rest of the world.
“I will go,” Harun said stiffly, “but I have committed no crime. And neither has the lady.” He looked at Daniel. He knew this man was a friend to the Caldwell family, but he had called the lady by name. And he had heard affection in the man’s voice. “He harassed her, sir,” Harun spoke bravely, “she refused his advances, but he forced himself on her. I only meant to help her.” 
Jackson snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous boy. I do not need to force women.”

“Leah!” Amelia brushed past Daniel and took Milena’s hands, “but how you look!”
“Amelia,” Daniel called sharply.
Amelia jumped and looked at her brother startled.
Arabella hurried to her side and whispered something in her friend’s ear. She took Amelia’s hand and gently tugged her to the side.

Milena’s lip trembled. She wanted to leave this place. She did not like all these people staring at her with their judgmental looks. Most of all, she wanted to get away from Jackson.
If this boy had not been there…
She didn’t want to think of what would have happened.
And now he had lost his job because of it.
She glanced at Daniel and flinched. She had never seen so much anger in his eyes.
“Katherine said…” Daniel started, “She saw you leave with Leah. To the gardens.”
“I was being a good host,” Jackson said, “how was I to know she would deceive me so? She was meeting up with… that.” He motioned towards Harun. He smirked. “Come Daniel. We have been friends since childhood. You know me.”
Daniel nodded. “Yes,” he growled, “I do. He looked at Milena who was close to tears again. “Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
Milena bit her lip. Her eyes nervously darted towards Jackson and back to Daniel.
“She’s fine!” Jackson said irritated, but Daniel ignored him. He kept his eyes on Milena. For years he had known about Jackson’s low morals. Many a young woman had found her way to his bedchamber. But he had never thought his friend was capable of such a despicable act.
“Why?” he asked in a low voice, “why did you do it?” 
Jackson narrowed his eyes. “For crying out loud Daniel! Why do you care?! It’s only some gypsy girl!”
The crowd gasped when Daniel’s fist collided with Jackson’s jaw.

Jackson stumbled back and wiped his lip.
Arabella, who was standing close by, raised her hands to her mouth in shock.
Without looking back, Daniel turned to leave. “Amelia! We’re leaving!” 

Amelia broke from her shock and hurried to Milena’s side. She took the gypsy girl’s wrist and tugged the girl with her. “Come,” she whispered.
She cast Arabella a quick look of concern before hurriedly disappearing towards their carriage.

Daniel straightened his jacket and ignored the people around him. He brushed some invisible dirt from his shoulder and followed after the girls.
When he passed Harun, he stopped. “If you’re in need of work,” he said, “come to Blackwood Manor. Ask for Jonathan. We can use someone like you.”
The boy stared at him dumbfounded, but then gave a quick bow and watched the young lord leave.

Jackson gritted his teeth in annoyance. He didn’t like being embarrassed in public.
With as much dignity as he could muster, he turned and walked back to the mansion, ignoring his guests.

***

Daria sighed heavily and stared at the ceiling of their family wagon with a dreamy look.
Tomorrow, Petsha’s father would offer her father the gold. She was certain she would not be able to sleep tonight.
For days, her mother had been busy making her diklo, the scarf that would indicate she was a married woman. Daria had not been allowed to see. Her mother had told her to be patient. She would see it on her wedding day.
Daria lifted her hand to admire the bracelet Petsha had given her and she smiled.
But soon after, her smile faded and her eyes turned sad.
She wished she could share this moment with her best friend. Milena would have been so happy for her. They would have laughed together and Daria would have teased her about Ramiro.
She bit her lip.
Lenka would never come back. It was time she accepted that.
Daria turned to her side and closed her eyes.
But sleep would not come.

***

When the carriage stopped in front of the Mansion, both Ruth and Cecily came rushing out to meet them.
Daniel was the first to climb out.
“What has happened?” Ruth asked, “why are you back so soon?” One look on her grandson’s face and she fell silent. She turned her attention to the two girls that had climbed out of the carriage. Both of them held a haunted look.
“Daniel?” Ruth asked again.
Daniel clenched his fists. “I can’t believe I called him my friend for so long! I knew the kind of person he was, but I believed there was some good in him still! How could I have been so blind?” He ran a hand through his hair.
“Who?” Ruth asked.
“Jackson!” Daniel shouted, “he said it wouldn’t matter! That she was only a gypsy!”
Ruth turned her attention to the girls again. Amelia had her arms wrapped around the gypsy girl. Her face was ghostly white.
Ruth sighed. She could imagine what had happened. She too knew the reputation of Jackson Caldwell. That young man was not used to being denied something. And there was a cruel strike in him.
Her heart went out to the gypsy girl that had fallen victim to his greed.
“Cecily,” she said firmly, “wake up Agnes and have her make some tea. I will see the girls inside.” She looked at Daniel. “We will speak more of this in the study.”
Daniel gritted his teeth and was about to protest, but his grandmother cut him off.
“Now Daniel.”
He took a deep breath and marched into the house.

***

Cecily Blackwood looked at the girls in shock. It was one tragedy after another since this gypsy girl had set foot onto their property.
Trouble with the Caldwell family was the last thing they needed. The Caldwells held a lot of influence in the society.
“Cecily,” Ruth drew her attention, “tea.”
Cecily sighed and nodded. “Yes. of course.” With one last look at her daughter she followed her son into the house.

Ruth took a deep breath and gently took Milena’s arm. “Come children. Let’s get you inside and upstairs. Then we can talk.”
Amelia followed them quietly.
When they had reached Milena’s room, Ruth closed the door behind them and guided Milena to the bed. “Come Amelia, help me,” she said as she stared to undo Milena’s dress.
Amelia nodded and opened the drawer to take a nightgown.
“Speak child,” Ruth said to her granddaughter, “what has happened? Your brother is too agitated at the moment to reason with.”
Amelia swallowed nervously and handed her grandmother the nightgown for Milena to wear. She glanced at her new friend who was sitting on the bedside passively.
“I… I only came later,” she said hesitantly, “I did not see, but…”
Milena started crying again.
On seeing her friend’s tears, Amelia began crying as well.
Ruth sighed and patted both girls’ hands. “Alright. Let’s get you two to bed. Go to your room Amelia. I’ll stay here.”
Amelia glanced at Milena one more time and left the room sobbing.

Ruth turned her attention to the gypsy girl and gave her a sad smile. “It’s alright now child.” She locked her arms tightly around the girl. “That boy is rotten to the core. I am so sorry.”
There was a knock on the door and an older woman came in with a tray in her hands. “Tea, ma’am.”
Ruth nodded. “Thank you Agnes. You may leave.”
Agnes curtsied and glanced at Milena curiously. The house was in quite an uproar. And she wondered about it. Miss Amelia appeared upset as well and the young lord was pacing around the study like a wild boar.

When Agnes had left, Ruth stood up and poured Milena some tea. “Here child. It will help you sleep.” She sat back down on the bed. “Try to get some rest. We will speak in the morning when you’ve calmed down.”  She hesitated. “I will call in the doctor as well.”
Milena’s eyes went wide and she shook her head.
“I know you are not comfortable with that,” Ruth tried to calm her, “but we need to be practical. If there is to be a child…”
Milena vividly shook her head. She wanted to explain it was not necessary, but she did not know how. The woman’s kindness was both assuring and touching. She was still trying to get over the shock of the night’s events.
Daniel.
Daniel had punched his friend to defend her.
And that boy… what had become of him? He had saved her.
She frowned. His name… it was a name of the traveling folk. And Jackson had referred to him as such.

Ruth patted her hair soothingly. “Alright. Calm down child. Drink your tea and get some rest. We’ll sort things out. No one blames you.” She smiled at Milena sadly. “Try to sleep. I’ll be back later.”

***

Emily Blackwood rubbed her eyes sleepily. Was it morning already? What was all the commotion about?
“Mother?” she asked sleepily when she saw movement in the hall.
The door to her bedroom opened and Cecily stepped in. “What are you doing awake, Emily? You should be sleeping.”
“Why is there so much noise?”
Cecily sat down on the bedside and stroke her daughter’s hair. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry. It’s your brother and sister returning from the fete.”
Emily smiled. “Did Leah have a good time?”
Cecily smiled back and kissed the girl’s brow. “Go to sleep, Emily. You can ask all about it in the morning.”
“Okay,” Emily whispered.
“Good night.”
“Night,” Emily mumbled. She closed her eyes again and let sleep claim her.

***

Amelia looked up when the door opened and she fled into her mother’s arms.
“Oh child,” Cecily said and held her closely. She patted Amelia’s hair.
“Why would he do something like that momma?” Amelia’s voice cried, “why would he hurt Leah?”
Cecily sunk down on a chair and stroke her daughter’s back in a soothing manner. “Are you certain she did not do anything that might suggest she was welcoming his attention?”
Amelia lifted her head and stared at her mother with a startled expression. “What are you saying mother?”
Cecily sighed. “Amelia child. She is a gypsy after all.”
“You did not see her,” Amelia answered. Her lips trembled. “She looked so frightened and Jackson said such hurtful things.” She sobbed. “I did not know he could be so mean.”
“But she got herself in a situation where she was alone with him.”
“It was my fault!” Amelia cried, “I should not have left her with him, but he said Rebecca wanted to see me and he offered to keep her company and I thought nothing of it.” She sobbed. “It is my fault!”
“Ah no my heart,” Cecily soothed her. She sighed sadly. “It is not your fault. Sh. Hush now. Everything will be alright. You’ll see.” She stood up. “Go get some sleep now.” She wiped the tears from Amelia’s eyes.
“What about Leah?” Amelia sobbed quietly.
“Don’t worry about that,” Cecily said, “we will sort it out in the morning.” She kissed Amelia’s hair. “Go to bed.”

***

“The girls are in bed,” Ruth said as she closed the door to the study behind her.
Daniel was staring into the fireplace, his hands on his back and tension in his jaw.
“What happened with Jackson?” Ruth asked calmly.
He whipped around. “He forced himself on her, grandmother. Do I need to go into detail?!”
“Don’t raise your voice,” she reprimanded him.
Daniel sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Forgive me. I was angry.”
“Understandable,” Ruth said, “how could this happen, Daniel?”
“I do not know. She was with Amelia and Arabella. I should have watched her, but my friends were there. And Katherine said…”
“Katherine Goodwin?”
Daniel nodded miserably. “She told me she had seen Leah and Jackson walk into the gardens.” He sighed again. “I should have been there to protect her, but I failed. If that boy hadn’t been there…”
“Boy? What boy?”
“The stable boy. He pulled him off her. I told him to come work for me.”
“The boy pulled Jackson off?” Ruth sighed in relief. Perhaps the worst had been prevented.
“I considered him my friend,” Daniel continued. He narrowed his eyes, “But if he ever shows his face here again, I will do more than break his jaw.” 

---

A/N So much drama in this chapter. Did you like it? :)