Jane Conway was a shy girl. She was never very confident in public, so she usually kept quiet. She was an only child. Most of the girls her age made fun of her, of her long copper colored hair and her freckles.

Emily Blackwood was different.

They had met a few years ago when Emily’s father was still alive. The Blackwood family had been hosting a party and Jane’s family had been invited.

The other children had shut her out again and she had ended up on a chair in a corner of the salon.

That’s when she had seen Emily. She had been quietly watching the guests.

When their looks had crossed, Emily had smiled hesitantly. And when she had answered that smile, Emily had wheeled towards her.

Only then had she noticed.

She knew what it was like to be different, when you were not accepted. They had been friends ever since.
They knew each other’s every secret.

That was why it was quite a shock when Jane had heard about Emily’s latest adventure.

“He is really very kind,” Emily said with her delicate voice.

“But a gypsy,” Jane gasped, “are you not afraid?”

Emily laughed softly. She pressed her fingers against her lips. “Harun is not dangerous. And you shouldn’t call him that. They don’t call themselves that.”

Jane looked at her friend uncertain. She wasn’t sure what to think. She had never met a gypsy. Her parents had always warned her to stay away from ‘those people’. They were supposedly untrustworthy and unpredictable. And they kidnapped children.

The garden door opened and Emily’s grandmother came in. Behind her, a young woman entered, carrying a basket with roses. She had sunburned skin and long dark curls.

“Leah,” Emily said happily, “come meet my friend Jane.”

“How kind of you, Emily, to greet your poor old grandmother,” Ruth shook her head.

Emily’s cheeks turned warm. “Forgive me, grandmamma, a lovely day.”

Ruth laughed softly. “You are forgiven, child. Good day Jane. It is good to see you again. How was your trip?”

Jane lowered her eyes shyly. “It was lovely, Lady Weston. Thank you for asking.”

“My pleasure child,” Ruth smiled, “give my best to your mother.”

Jane nodded.

“I will leave you three girls to it then. Hand me that basket Leah. Thank you for your help.” She smiled and left the girls in the salon.

Emily smiled at the older girl. “Leah, this is my best friend, Jane Conway. Jane, this is Leah.”

Jane stared at Milena wide-eyed. “She is a gypsy,” she whispered at Emily.

“I know that,” Emily sighed.

“Why does she not speak?” Jane asked startled. Having a gypsy so near made her uncomfortable.

“She can’t,” Emily said quietly. She bit her lip. Not for the first time she wished that her new friend could speak. It would be so nice to hear her stories.

Jane wasn’t sure what to think. Emily seemed to adore the gypsy. It was all she talked about. And Ruth didn’t seem to mind leaving her with her granddaughter. She even stayed in one of the guestrooms.

Perhaps not all gypsies were evil.

Then why did she feel so intimidated?

“You should really meet Harun,” Emily interrupted her thoughts, “I’m sure you will like him.”

Before Jane could protest, Emily had already wheeled herself out of the room

…

She found her brother in the hallway. “Daniel.”

Daniel smiled at her. “Hello Emily. Did you see Jane earlier? Has she returned from her trip? Did she leave already?”

“No,” Emily answered his last question, “She is allowed to stay until the evening. I wanted to ask you something.”

“You know you can ask me anything.”

Emily bit her lip. “I’d like for Jane to meet Harun. I’m sure she will like him too. Can you not ask him to come in for a little while?”

Daniel crossed his arms and looked at her sternly. “We discussed this, Emily.”

Emily sighed. “I know, but I thought you could make an exception. Just for today.”

Daniel sighed. He didn’t want to disappoint his sister, but there were rules to be followed. It wasn’t that he had a problem with the boy. In the few days Harun had been working for him now, he had seen the boy was a hard worker. And he knew his way around horses. But he was still a stable boy, which meant he had to work.

“He can come visit when is work is done,” Daniel said calmly, “that was the agreement.”

“But Daniel…”

“No Emily.” He kept his voice calm and friendly. “He works for us. That means I pay him for his labor. Every moment he doesn’t work, he does not get paid and I think he would need that money. He is not as fortunate as you.”

“But can’t you just pay him anyway?”

Daniel smiled at his sister kindly. He knew she meant well, but she needed to understand how the real world worked. “How do you think the other servants would feel about that?” he asked her.

“But you could explain it to them,” Emily protested.

“Emily,” Daniel said, “they would think I’m giving him a special treatment. They would hate him for it. There are a lot of people that don’t like gypsies already. It would only be one more reason to be cruel to him.”

“But that’s not fair!” Emily said.

“No, it’s not. But that is how things work. If Jane wants to meet Harun, then she’ll have to meet him when he’s finished his chores.”

Emily sighed in defeat. “Yes Daniel.”

“Don’t be disheartened,” Daniel sighed. “What if I send a carrier to the Conway house that Jane will be spending the night? I’ll have my own driver bring her home tomorrow.”

Emily’s face lit up. “Thank you! That will be perfect!” She turned her chair to tell Jane the news.

Daniel shook his head and smiled.

***

The whole of the kumpania was anxiously waiting for the arrival of the newborn. Zilje’s contractions had started this morning and the women of the kumpania were with her to aid with the birth.

Abhirati was holding her daughter-in-law’s hand while Izabela was muttering soothing words. She gently wiped the sweat from Zilje’s forehead. “Twill be alright.”

“Of course it will,” Aishe gruffed, “you’re not the first woman to birth a child.” She examined Zilje again. “One more push. It’s almost there.”

A few seconds later, a loud wailing was heard. Aishe took the babe and placed it on its mother’s stomach. “Your son,” she said with a smile.

Zilje smiled and held her child close, whispering in his ear the name only she would know. As soon as his father had acknowledged him, he would receive his official name that would be announced to the kumpania.

Aishe stood up and whipped her hands. She tuned to Daria, who had been standing at the door, and nodded.

Daria hurried out the door to find Tisrav and tell him about his child.
She didn’t have to go far.
As soon as she stepped out, she almost collided with him.

“Go on,” she said.

Tisrav stood in the doorway and hesitated.

“Well? Come,” Zilje told him sternly, but there was a tender smile in her eyes, “meet your son.”

Tisrav joined his wife while the other women left the wagon.
He looked at his son in wonder. Something so small.

“Well?” Zilje asked.

Tisrav took the vest he was wearing and wrapped it around the baby. Carefully he carried it towards the door.
When the others saw him, he held up the child for all to see. “This is Rajesh of Tisrav’s wagon.” He grinned widely. He had never felt more proud. He hoped he would be up to the task of being a father.

He sighed.

It was time for him to grow up. He had to be a role model now.

***

“He really said he’d come?” Arabella asked for the third time. She walked over the market place on Nathaniel’s arm.

He had picked her up with his own carriage mid-morning for a drive around his estate. The Salisbury family was very wealthy and Nathaniel held his own lands and his own residence.
That was where he would take her as soon as they were wed.
She looked forward to it.

Perhaps it would be good to have some space between her and Jackson.

Her brother had been insufferable these past few days.

Nathaniel hid a smile. “You’d almost make me jealous,” he teased her, “you’re acting like a young girl that is getting ready for a rendezvous with her lover.”

Arabella huffed and slapped his chest. “Do not make fun of me. You know how important this is for me.”

Nathaniel laughed softly and caught her hand. He placed a chaste kiss on it.

Now that they were engaged, and with the wedding so near, they could walk in public as a couple without a chaperone.

It didn’t keep his fiancée from blushing.

“I won’t tease you anymore,” Nathaniel promised. He walked over to a stall that sold trinkets and accessories. He picked out a shawl and draped it over Arabella’s shoulders. “Let me make it up to you.”

“It’s beautiful,” Arabella gasped, “but you didn’t have to buy me something.” Though she was secretly very content that he would spend so much money on her. She was used to niceties. And the shawl truly was beautiful.

“You can wear it at the dinner party,” Nathaniel said, fully aware of Arabella’s love for gifts. He moved over to the vendor and paid for his purchase.
He offered his fiancée his arm and they walked on.

“When will your parents return?” Nathaniel asked after a few minutes.

“They wrote that they’d be arriving in two weeks. They want to be in time for the wedding.” Arabella casually strolled about the market. She was used to her parents being away from home. Their father had many investments throughout the country and a few estates to go with them. Their mother usually accompanied him.

Ever since Arabella and Jackson were children, they had been left with governesses and teachers. And every time their parents came home, they indulged their children with presents and money.
As a result, she and Jackson had become very close. They had been thick as thieves... until recently.

She sighed. She had everything a young woman could wish for. Wealth. Name. Statue. A wonderful fiancé. But sometimes she envied other families. Families like the Blackwoods, who had each other. Sometimes she wondered what it would have been like to have parents, grandparents, a house full of siblings.

Nathaniel caught up with her and gently took her arm. “Ara,” he said softly, “do not worry so much. Everything will turn out right, you will see. And in three weeks time you will be my wife.” He caressed her cheek. She could drive him crazy sometimes, but he truly loved her, quirks and all. He wanted to make her happy.

Arabella locked her fingers with his and gave him a watery smile. He was the one constant factor in her life. He would never let her down, but the question still left her lips in an unguarded moment. “Are you really certain that is what you want?”

Nathaniel smiled and brushed her hair. “Come here silly girl,” he said. He kissed her publicly.

And he didn’t care who’d see.

***

Daria smiled adoringly at little Rajesh. It had been a long time since a child was born to the kumpania. She herself had been a child. Gently she stroke the babe’s cheek.

From the bed, Zilje smiled at her warmly. “You’ll have one of your own soon enough, Darka.”

“Do you think so, beebee?”

“I am certain of it. And if your Petsha has anything to say about t, it will be sooner rather than later.”

Daria sighed dreamily. “I want to have many children.”

“You might want to think on that,” Zilje laughed, “what if you get all boys like my husband’s mother?”

Daria pulled a face when she thought about the wild Tisrav and Kristof and the gloomy Dorin. “Then I will hope they find wives with a different kumpania,” she commented.

Zilje lifted her son and cradled him close against her chest. “It does not have to be bad,” she told Daria, “they cannot all be like my husband.”

Daria giggled.

The door to the wagon opened and Aishe came in. When she saw her granddaughter sitting idle on the bed, she gave the girl a reprimanding look. “There you are, Daria. Your mother needs you. Go do your chores.”

Hurriedly, Daria rose to her feet. “Yes, puridaia.” She rushed outside.

Aishe sighed and shook her head. “That girl is such a dreamer. It would do her good to start a familia of her own.”

“She has time, puridaia,” Zilje smiled, “she is young.”

“She is a married woman now,” Aishe spoke in a gruff voice, “she needs to start behaving like one.” But there was an affectionate tone to her voice. She turned to Zilje. “Now, let’s take care of the little one, shall we?”

…

“Puridaia said you needed me,” Daria found her mother at the wagon.

“See if the clothes are dry and bring them in,” Izabela ordered without greeting her daughter, “and then you can see if Abhirati needs help with the meal. When the men come back they will be hungry.”

“Mother,” Daria said, “I am a married woman now. I do not need ordering around.”

Izabela gave her daughter an unimpressed look. “You do as long as you neglect your tasks. There is work to be done, child.”

Daria pouted and started taking down the laundry. “I was helping Zilje with the child. I know to do my chores.”

“Good,” Izabela answered, “then you’ll know what to do next.”

Daria huffed and stalked towards Abhirati to help with the evening meal.

Abhirati watched the young woman approach and gave her a stern look. She clacked her tongue. “It does not become you to stomp around like a wild foal,” she reprimanded.

“My mother treats me like a child,” Daria complained while stirring in the large kettle that hung over the fire. “I am married now.”

Abhirati shook her head. “It is never easy for a mother to let go of her child. You will understand, Darka, when you are a mother yourself.” She grinned. “And by the looks of it, it will not be long.”

Daria’s cheeks heated up. The women of the kumpania had been teasing her ever since she wed Petsha. They were good-natured jests, but they still embarrassed her.

“Is the food ready? I am starving.” Kristof appeared at the fire and hung his nose over the kettle.

“Off with you!” Abhirati swatted at him with her spoon. “Go clean yourself up. You can eat when everyone has returned.”

Kristof pouted at his other. “What kind of mother would deny her child food? You are a cruel woman.”

“And you are disrespectful son,” Abhirati retorted, threating the woman who birthed you like that.”

She swatted at him again. “Get lost.”

Kristof smirked, snatched a slice of bread and quickly hurried away before his mother could reach him.

“Bah!” Abhirati growled, she looked at Daria. “I pray you will have daughters. Sons are nothing but trouble!”

Daria stifled a laugh. The familia of Czibor was incredibly loud, even little Rena. Dorin was the odd one out, the serious one in a wagon filled with noise.

The subject of her thought came strolling towards them. After greeting his mother, he turned to Daria and gave her a nod. “Daria.”

“Dorin,” Daria replied. She smiled “Where did you leave my husband? Did he not go in the woods with you?”

“He is tending to the horses with your brother,” Dorin answered. He accepted the bowl of stew Daria handed him.

“Hey!” Kristof, who had returned, shouted, “why does Dorin get his dinner and not me?”

“Because he is my good son! You good for noting brat!” Abhirati growled at him.

“If you will not feed me, I will ask Darusha. At least she has pity for me.” He winked at Daria.

Daria eyed him dryly. “I pity your mother more,” she said, “for having to put up with a son like you.”

“Marriage has sharpened your tongue, Darka,” Kristof retorted, “poor Petsha. That is why I do not have a wife.”

“Are you sure it’s not because of your ugly face?” Petsha stepped up from behind Kristof and gave him a warning glare. “Do not annoy my wife.”

“Feh,” Kristof scoffed, “I was only making conversation.”

“If you want any food at all,” Daria threatened, “it would be wise for you to hold your tongue, Kristof of Czibor’s wagon.”

Kristof threw his hands in the air. “Women!”

They watched as he stalked off and dropped down a few feet away next to his brother Tisrav.

Petsha shook his head and smiled at his wife. “Is the food ready? I am hungry.”

Daria smiled and nodded. She handed him his bowl before turning to Ramiro.

“Married life becomes you, little sister,” Ramiro said quietly, “you look happy.”

“I am happy,” Daria answered equally soft. She was happy. And it made her feel guilty, because he was not.

Ramiro nodded. “That is good.” He took is food and walked towards the fire with Petsha in tow.

Abhirati shook her head and kept her eyes on his retreating back. “He needs to marry, that brother of yours,” she told Daria, “it is bad luck to keep thinking about the mule. You tell him that, you. It will bring nothing but trouble.” She turned back to the kettle and plated more food.

Daria’s hand tightened around the spoon. Though the woman meant well, Abhirati’s words had been cruel. Her brother was grieving. How could they discard that so easily? “Do you still need my help, beebee?” Daria asked, “or I will see if I can help Ihrin.”

Abhirati nodded distracted and waved her away. “Go.”

Daria let go of the spoon and walked away with her head held high. Mulani or not, she would not forget. And she would never force her brother to forget either, even if it meant he would never marry.

She would remember.

***

Harun lifted the pup closer and rubbed it with a soft cloth. It had been a throw of seven and this was the smallest of the litter. The mother had rejected it. He had been busy all of last night and today trying to keep the little thing alive.
He took another cloth and dipped it in milk to let the pup suckle. “Yes, that’s a good boy.” He gently brushed the pup with one finger.

“You got it to drink,” Jonathan, the stable master, peeked around the corner of the door. “If you keep it up, it might live.”

“He’s a fighter,” Harun said, “he will live.”

Jonathan nodded. “Perhaps.” He tilted his head. “Shouldn’t you be with Miss Emily now?”

Harun flinched. “I forgot. I should go right away.” He stood up, the puppy still in his arms. He stared down at the animal helplessly. He didn’t want to leave the puppy alone.
Decisively he tugged the shirt in his pants and put the puppy behind it to keep it warm. “There you go,” he said, “safe and warm.”

Jonathan shook his head and disappeared back into the stables to finish up for the night.

Harun quickly cleaned himself up as good as possible and hurried towards the mansion.

…

He was late.

Emily bit her lip. These past few days, talking to Harun had been the highlight of her day. It was something she looked forward to.
And now he wasn’t here, just as she wanted Jane to meet him.
Perhaps he’d had enough of her. Perhaps he did not like her. After all, she wasn’t that interesting. He probably had better things to do than talk to a crippled girl.

“Are you sure he will come?” Jane asked.

“He always comes,” Emily said softly, but she was not convinced. What if he didn’t come?

She let out a sigh when the door opened and momentarily brought in a gust of wind.

Harun carefully but firmly closed the door behind him and bowed at Emily. “Forgive my lateness, Miss Emily.”

Emily was too relieved to be upset. “You are forgiven Harun. Please sit and eat. I want you to meet my friend, Jane Conway. Jane, this is Harun, whom I told you about.

“Miss Jane,” Harun bowed.

Jane stared at him in shock. He was not at all what she had expected. Unsophisticated, yes, but tall and muscular. He had deep dark eyes and black curls and he was handsome.

She was still staring when he hesitantly took a seat at the table and started on the food that had been prepared for him.

“I told Jane about you,” Emily chatted, “she would like to hear some of your stories. I hope you don’t mind?”

“I don’t mind, Miss Emily.”

Jane’s eyes went wide at the way her friend spoke to him. It was almost as if he were her equal instead of a servant. And a stable boy at that. But she knew better than to comment on it.
She flinched when a squeaking sound came from Harun. What was that?

“Are you that hungry, Harun?” Emily asked startled. She could only imagine the kind of labor he had done today to be so hungry.

“Oh!” Harun gasped. He sat back and tugged his shirt free.

Jane’s cheeks heated up and she quickly turned her head away. Was he going to undress himself in front of them?

Emily blushed too. Still, she could not tear her eyes away.
When she saw what he pulled out, her eyes went wide and she gasped. “Oh! Can I hold it?”

“Careful Miss,” Harun said, “it is very delicate.”

“It’s so small,” Emily whispered, “it fits in one of my hands.”

“Emily!” Jane shrieked. Her face was a deep red. What was her friend doing?

“But look Jane,” Emily said, “isn’t it adorable?”

“I don’t want to look,” Jane squeaked.

“It’s just a puppy Jane,” Emily said confused, “you aren’t scared of dogs are you?”

Slowly Jane turned her head. Dog?

And truthfully, there was a tiny ball of fur in Emily’s lap. Its eyes were still closed and it gave tiny protesting sounds.

She was sold on the spot.

Harun sat kneeled besides Emily’s wheelchair, keeping a careful watch on the tiny creature. “It was rejected by its mother,” Harun spoke, “it needs to be raised by hand.”

Jane dared to stick out her hand and brushed the tiny animal. “It’s so soft.” She had almost forgotten there was a gypsy nearby. “Its eyes are still closed.”

“They’ll open in a few days, Miss,” Harun provided.

“What does it want?” Emily asked when the pup moved its head around as if searching for something.

“It’s hungry,” Harun answered, “do you have some milk and a cloth?”

“I’ll ask Agnes,” Emily said, and she started to move her chair.

“It’s alright, Miss Emily. I can get it myself if you would point me toward it.”

A blush spread across Emily’s cheeks and she looked down embarrassed. “I… I would not know. She bit her lip. Strangely enough it made her feel guilty. She was so used to the servants arranging things for her and her family. She had never concerned herself with such things as to where the milk was being kept.

“I’ll go ask,” Jane said kindly and she rose to her feet.

It didn’t take her long to return. Not with Agnes, but with Milena.

“Leah!” Emily smiled, “look what Harun brought.”

Milena smiled back and nodded at the sight of the pup in Emily’s lap.

“Harun says it’s hungry,” Emily continued, “it needs milk but I don’t know where Agnes keeps it.”

Milena held up her hand to indicate she would be a moment. She disappeared through a door that lead towards the storage room and came back with a decanter. She poured some milk in a bowl and put it on the table.

“Thank you,” Harun aid, “do you have some cloth too?”

Milena handed him a towel.

Harun dipped it in the milk and held it close to the pup’s mouth. Immediately it started suckling and when it was finished, it rolled itself in a ball and fell asleep.

“I should get it back to where it’s warm,” Harun said quietly. He saw the disappointment on Emily’s face and bit his lip. “I will bring it again tomorrow, I promise, but right now it needs sleep and warmth.”

“Alright,” Emily said slightly disappointed. She watched as Harun put the pup back underneath his shirt.

“Are you two still up?” Ruth stepped into the kitchen. “Jane, Emily, it’s time for bed.” She looked at Harun and smiled politely. “I’m sure our stable boy could use some rest as well.”

Harun stood up and bowed. “Ma’am.”

Ruth’s eyes moved towards the bowl and cloth, but she said nothing. She took Emily’s wheelchair and turned it around. “Say goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Emily said to Harun, “Night Leah.” She let her grandmother wheel her out of the kitchen.

Jane slowly followed after.

“Good night, Miss Emily, Miss Jane,” Harun glanced at Milena who smiled at him. “Good night,” Harun spoke quietly.

Milena nodded at him and opened the door to let him out. She watched him run off into the night and locked the door behind him. She was glad he was accepted so easily and that he had befriended Emily. She wished her life were that simple.

Milena let out a sad sigh and started cleaning up the kitchen.