“You promised her what?” Cecily Blackwood stared at her son disbelieve.

“I see no harm in it mother,” Daniel said. He poured himself some wine and walked up to the window. He stared out over the front lawn.

“You hardly know that boy and Emily is a vulnerable child. How could you decide this without consulting me? I am her mother.”

“And I am her brother,” Daniel countered calmly, “I would not do anything that might cause her harm.” He sighed. “All they will do is talk, mother. It’s not like I will leave her alone with him.”

“And where is this ‘conversation’ going to take place? Surely not in the parlor. He is a stable boy Daniel.”

“Yes, and how very fortunate for us. If he had been anything else, he would not have been able to save Leah.” He looked at his mother, but she did not respond. He nodded. “If we turn up the fire in the kitchen, it should be warm enough for Emily. Would you be content with that?”

Cecily let out a sigh. All of her children were stubborn in their persistence. It had been a trait from their father’s side of the family. “We will see,” she gave in.

Daniel stooped and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Mother, we both want to see Emily happy. She does not have many friends. Is it really that bad for her to talk to a simple lad?”

“She is my youngest,” Cecily said, “you will understand when you have children of your own.”

“Mother…” Daniel said embarrassed.

“You have the age for it, Daniel,” Cecily said. She brushed some invisible dust from his shoulder. “And I would love to have some grandchildren.”

“And you shall,” Daniel said, “I will tell Emily you approve.” He pulled away and strode out of the room. They had had this conversation before. He didn’t like being pushed. His mind wasn’t focusing on getting married. He had an estate to run and a family to provide for. It didn’t leave him much time to look for a wife.

Through the open doors of the salon, he could see Leah sitting next to Emily. She was listening to the younger girl’s story, a serene smile on her face.

He could feel the corners of his mouth pulling into a smile of his own. Was this what it felt like to be in love?

He sighed. The only woman he would want to marry and she was a gypsy girl. She would take lot of convincing.

***

Oszkar studied the sky carefully. A weather change was forthcoming. It wouldn’t be long now before the roads would be hard to follow. They needed to make for their winter settlement. For a few long months every year, they would have to rely on the generosity of gadje.

His eyes followed  his new son-in-law. Nikolai had been a good choice.
Oszkar nodded to himself. The young man was the only one that could counter Jasmina’s sharp tongue. He had almost given up on finding her a suitable husband.

She was a handful. Perhaps it was his own fault. Perhaps he had encouraged her too much.
Nikolai was good for her.

He nodded. Now he only had Dalena to worry about, but in time she would settle in her own wagon too.

Oszkar smiled lovingly as he watched his wife and daughter about their chores. They were sowing shawls to sell at the market.

“What are you staring at?” Iskra, his wife called to him when she caught his look.

“Finish your work,” Oszkar retorted, but there was affection in his voice and he smiled at the heated blush that appeared on his wife’s face.

Even after all these years, she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Next to her, Dalena giggled, earning a glare from her mother.

“Oszkar,” Boris approached him, an axe slung over his shoulder. “We will reach the coast soon.”

Oszkar nodded. “I know this.”

Boris spoke again. “I have heard that some gadje pay to see a traveler girl dance.”

Oszkar nodded again. “Aye. I have heard this to eh. The men, they come as guards, so no gadje will touch them.” He glanced at Boris. “Is it safe eh?”

“No more dangerous than traveling the roads. But I hear they are more tolerant there, with sailors coming in from other lands.”

Oszkar nodded. It was something to think about come winter. “We will see,” he said. It was not uncommon for travelers to entertain gadje that way. And it would earn them some coin in the long winter months.

Boris nodded and disappeared towards the forest edge to chop wood. They would need to stock it before the autumn storms began. It would not be long.

With a deep sigh, he lifted the axe.

***

“I thought it only right to visit,” Katherine said while handing her coat to a servant without looing. She strode further into the mansion and glanced around. Daniel was nowhere to be seen.

Neither was the gypsy girl

“What are you waiting for man,” Katherine said impatiently, “go announce me.”

Miles made a stiff bow and turned to find a member of the Blackwood family. He rolled his eyes at Agnes, who was pushing a trolley.

Agnes bit her lip to keep from laughing. None of them were very fond of Katherine Goodwin.

“Katherine,” Ruth strode towards the young woman, “we were not expecting company.”

Katherine focused her eyes on the older woman. “I could not stay away. I had to see how the poor girl was doing. Such a horrible situation and on her first formal gathering.”

“Leah is well,” Ruth said cautiously. She didn’t care much for Katherine Goodwin. Katherine was vicious and arrogant. There wasn’t a compassionate bone in her body. If she was here for Leah, it wasn’t from the goodness of her heart.

Katherine let out a sigh and placed a hand over her heart. “I am relieved to hear that. Could you please let me visit her? I have been dying to speak with her.”

“Hm,” Ruth mused, “she is in the salon with Emily.”

Something dark passed over Katherine’s face, but she regained composure quickly. “Thank you,” she said and she made her way towards the salon.

…

 Emily blinked in surprise when Katherine entered the salon. “Miss Katherine.”

Katherine ignored her and turned to Milena. “Don’t you look wonderful today.”

Milena looked at her confused.

“Well aren’t you going to greet me?”

“Ah,” Emily said, “Leah can’t…”

“Emily, why don’t you excuse yourself and let the grown-ups speak.”

Emily gasped in shock. A hurt expression marred her face.

Milena was shocked too. How could anyone be so rude? She patted Emily’s hand and shook her head.

Emily smiled at her. “I will be outside.” She rolled out of the salon, a concerned look in her eyes. Katherine rarely came to visit, and if she did, it was only to be near Daniel. This was not a pleasure call. She was plotting something. She needed to be stopped.

With one last glance over her shoulder, Emily went in search of her sister.

…

Katherine seated herself across from Milena. “Such an unfortunate event,” she said, “what happened at Jackson’s arty. I can only imagine the rumors that are going around now.” She paused to see how her words would affect the gypsy girl. When she didn’t receive a reaction, she continued. “I have to say, I am surprised to find you here still. It would be better if you left. Your presence here will affect the Blackwood family. I don’t expect someone like you to understand, but the Caldwells have a great influence in the area. Everyone that means something will be on Jackon’s side. You wouldn’t want to give Daniel a bad name, would you?”

Milena stared at her. She would give Daniel a bad name if she stayed here? She shook her head.

“Good,” Katherine nodded content, “I see we understand one another.” She leaned forward and narrowed her eyes. “You don’t fool me with your act of innocence. It may hold Daniel’s attention for now, but he’ll have enough of it soon.” She leaned even closer towards Milena. “You’ll never have him. He is mine.”

Katherine,” Amelia’s voice drawled from the door, “such a surprise to see you here.”

Katherine sat up and turned towards the girl. “I was merely doing a good deed.”

“Really?” Amelia tilted her head, “and what would that be?”

“Just giving some friendly advice.” She smiled at Milena,  “and of course I had to see how your little friend was doing.”

“As you can see, she is well,” Amelia stated, “so there is no need to be concerned.”

“Silly Amelia,” Katherine said while standing up, “what would you know? You’re still a child.” She walked past Amelia and glanced at the girl. “Give my best to your brother. I’m looking forward to our next meeting.”

Amelia didn’t respond, but narrowed her eyes at Katherine’s back as she walked down the hall. She hadn’t even acknowledged Emily, who was sitting right next to her in chair.

“I am glad she is gone,” Emily said quietly, “I did not know what to do.”

“You did well to call me,” Amelia said. She smiled at her sitter. “Come, my sweet. Let’s collect Leah and make sure the beast is gone.”

***

Daniel stared into the fireplace while pouring himself another glass of brandy. He placed the bottle on the table and let out a deep sigh.

He didn’t look at his friend who sat in the opposite chair, studying him.

Nathaniel sighed as well. “Daniel,” he said calmly, “you can’t keep blaming Ara for this. She feels terrible.”

Daniel narrowed his eyes and looked into his glass. “I have told her she is still welcome in this house. I’m not ready to forgive her yet. Next thing you’ll ask me to forgive Jackson too.”

“Not at all,” Nathaniel assured him, “what he did is despicable. I’ve known Jackson all my life. I knew the kind of man he is and I stayed friends with him nonetheless. He deserves a good punch. Just don’t hold Ara responsible. You know what she’s like. She was only trying to keep Katherine away.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never been interested in Katherine. Everyone knows she hunts men for money.”

Nathaniel emptied his drink and placed the glass back on the table between them. “It is rumored that her father made some careless investments. Their money is dwindling. This is her last chance on a good marriage.”

Daniel settled back in his chair. The rumor was news to him, but he wasn’t very surprised. Theodore Goodwin wasn’t knows for his insight. He spent a lot of money on pampering his wife and daughter. It had made Katherine into a spoiled and conceited young woman.

He let out a sigh. “I wish her well, but I won’t be her catch.” He smirked at his friend. “I’d like to think I have better taste.”

Nathaniel laughed. “If you’re talking about the little gypsy girl, then you most certainly do. She is adorable.”

Daniel’s face softened at the mention of her. He wasn’t quite sure why he would feel this way towards a girl he’d only just met some days ago. He didn’t know why he felt so protective of her.

Nathaniel watched his friend in wonder. Had he held that same expression when he had seen Arabella for the first time, realizing she was not a little girl, but a woman grown? He smiled. “Why don’t you bring her to dinner at my house?” he suggested, “bring Amelia and Emily too. We’ll make it a dinner between friends.”

Daniel eyed him suspiciously. “Is this another one of Ara’s machinations?”

“No, no,” Nathaniel assured him. He held up his hands in defense. “It is all my idea. Could you stop blaming everything on my fiancée? She feels guilty enough as it is.” He reached over to grab the bottle and poured himself another glass. “The little girl seems to have forgiven her. Why can’t you?”

“Leah,” Daniel corrected annoyed, “her name is Leah, not ‘little girl’ or ‘gypsy’.”

“I didn’t mean anything by it, Daniel,” Nathaniel said calmly, “you know that.”

“Someone has to stand up for her,” Daniel replied.

“And you want to be her hero,” his friend smiled, “there’s nothing wrong with that. Just remember not everyone wishes her harm.”

Daniel turned his eyes towards the fire again. Nathaniel wasn’t Jackson. He was a good man with an open mind. And the Salisbury family also held influence. It wouldn’t be a bad thing to have their support. “Alright,” Daniel nodded, “I accept your invitation.”

Nathaniel smiled. “Good. Let’s set a date then.”

***

“Are you sure this amulet will help me find my true love?”

Ersan smiled at the young man in front of the stall. She judged him to be in his early twenties. He wasn’t particularly handsome, but not entirely ugly either. He had a crooked nose. It must have been broken once.
From his appearance, she assumed he was a farmhand.
“Certainly,” she replied to him, “if you wear it every day. It is necessary for the magic to do its work.”

The young man nodded. “I’ll take it then.” He handed Ersan a few coins and tied the necklace around his neck. He seemed very pleased with himself.

Ersan watched him leave, an amused expression on her face. She turned to Ihrin, who was arranging the items on the table for the people to see.
The two women exchanged smiles. Gadje were so easy to trick.

It was only a small market, but they had made some trade. On a stool next to their stall, Sergei was grinding knives and other tools for the villagers.

“How much for this basket?” A middle-aged woman stood in front of the stall and held up a large woven basket  that could be used for carrying vegetables.

“Only three pennies, ma’am,” Ihrin answered, “five if you take the smaller one as well.”

“Five pennies?!” the woman replied, “you think coin grows on trees?”

“The baskets are very strong,” Ihrin told her, “they are woven with the finest material. You will not find any of the like elsewhere.”

“For just a farthling extra, I will tell you your fortune,” Ersan added. She winked at Ihrin without letting the woman see their silent exchange.

The woman bit her lip uncertain. It sounded tempting. Who would not want to know what the future held? “Alright then,” she said decisively, “just this once. Because you have an honest face.”

“You are most kind,” Ersan smiled as she accepted the coins.

Next to then, Sergei was hiding a grin. It worked every time. Most gadje were greedy by nature. They deserved to be tricked. Especially the ones who believed every word they heard without question.

They had earned a lot of coin that would help them through the harsh winter.

In the distance, he could see Alec and Nina return. They had been about the market, buying some vegetables and bread for the next few days.

“Did you find everything we need?” he asked the boy as soon as they had arrived.

“Yes,” Alec nodded. He held up one of the baskets they were carrying. “We should return to camp soon.” His expression became more serious. “There are rumors of the fire in the village we passed not long ago.”

Sergei narrowed his eyes in concern. They were speaking of the village where they were attacked. The boy was right. It was better to leave before things would get out of hand.
He nodded. “We are almost finished here. Load up the cart and we can go.” He signaled for Ihrin and Ersan, who had just finished up spinning a tale to the middle-aged woman.

They nodded and gathered their merchandise. Not much was left, but they could sell it along the road to passerby’s. It would be dark soon anyway. They all longed for a good meal and a warm fire. Maybe some stories.

And new roads to follow in the morning.

***

“What is the matter with you?” Amelia asked amused as she watched her sister, “you have been giddy all afternoon.”

Emily blushed lightly. “I have not.”

Amelia laughed softly. “Yes, you have dear sister. Tell me what’s the matter.”

“You will only make fun of me.”

Amelia stood up and walked over to the younger girl. She wrapped her arms tightly around her sister. “I will never make fun of you, my sweet, sweet Emily. Will you tell your only sister your secret?”

Emily laughed at her sister’s behavior. Amelia could be really persistent if she wanted something. “Alright, I will tell you.”

Her sister smiled victoriously and sat down next to Emily.

Emily smiled. “I am just glad that I will be able to speak to Harun again tonight.”

Amusement flashed across Amelia’s face. “You are excited to speak with a stable boy.”

“You said you would not make fun!” Emily pouted and refused to look at her sister any longer.

Amelia’s face dropped. “Don’t be cross, dear sister. I am sorry. I’ll admit, he is well mannered for a stable boy.” That being said, she still wasn’t sure why Daniel would allow such a thing. But if it made their sister happy, then she would not gainsay it. Emily didn’t have many friends and she could not go out much. What would be the harm in it? He had, after all, protected Leah. That must count for something.

She smiled again and moved behind her sister’s chair. “Let’s not keep him waiting then.”

…

Harun dipped his hands in the trench and splashed water in his face. He cleaned himself up as good as possible. He didn’t want to enter the house smelling like horse and sweat, especially in the presence of a lady. He was not sure why he felt so nervous.

He straightened his clothes and took a few deep breaths before heading towards the back of the mansion where the servant’s entrance was located.

He stepped into the welcoming heat of the kitchen. The girl was already there. She smiled at him brightly. “You came.”

“Miss,” he greeted politely, his eyes cast down.

“Sit down please,” she said.

Hesitantly he complied and sunk down on the edge of the chair. An awkward silence followed.

Emily leaned forward and rested her head in her hands on the table. “Will you tell me more? About the traveling people?”

“Where is your sense of hospitality, little sister?” Daniel appeared in the doorway with Milena at his side.

Emily blinked at her brother. “What do you mean?”

He laughed. “Let the poor lad eat first. He has worked all day.”

Heat rushed to Emily’s face. “Yes, of course,” she said and she looked at Harun, “you must be hungry. Please eat. I apologize.”

Harun was dumbfounded. The young lady was apologizing to him? He looked around helplessly.

Milena was the one to move. She calmly walked up to the fire where a kettle was still boiling. She took a bowl and scooped up a few spoons of soup. After that she cut a thick slice of bread and some cheese and handed it to him.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. It felt strange to eat in front of his superiors.

“I will leave you to it,” Daniel said. He smiled at Milena who had seated herself next to Emily and he retreated into the house.

Amelia, who had ben quietly standing against the wall, now took a seat as well. “Well, eat,” she told the boy. She tried her best to keep her tone kind. She was not sure how to behave around him. It was such an odd situation.

“Yes Miss,” Harun said, “thank you , Miss.” He carefully took a spoon full. The soups was rich and delicious. It filled his empty stomach and warmed his body. A sound of pleasure escaped his throat involuntarily.

“Is it good?” Emily smiled at him.

Harun flinched. “Yes, Miss. Thank you.”

“You can call me Emily,” Emily said kindly, “friends call each other by first name.”

Harun coughed as he almost choked on a piece of bread. Friends?

“Are you well?” Emily said startled.

Harun managed to swallow the food. “It is not appropriated that we are friends, Miss,” he answered her, “I am but a stable boy.”

Emily shook her head. “That does not matter to me. I can be friends with whomever I want.” Her lip trembled. “Or perhaps you do not want to be friend s with someone like me?” She sighed. “Is it because of this chair?”

Harun’s eyes went wide. She really believed such a thing? “Of course not , Miss. I would never... I mean… That’s not… I have a father who is lame…” he flinched and bit his tongue for his awful choice of words. “Forgiveness,” he muttered with lowered head when he heard the older girl gasp.

A rustling sound was heard and then he felt a hand on his arm. When he looked up in surprise, he met Emily’s sympathetic eyes.

“There is nothing to forgive.”

“I am sorry, Miss.”

“Emily,” Emily corrected.

“Miss Emily,” he conceded.

She smiled at him amused. “Now then, since we are friends now, will you tell me more about yourself?”

He felt himself smiling too. “As you wish.”