“And that way is the harbor, where all the ships come in. And here you have some of the finest restaurants.” Amelia walked arm in arm with Milena and pointed out every little  thing they came across.

Behind them was Daniel, keeping a close eye on the two girls, but leaving them to enjoy the city.

Milena wasn’t sure where to look. It seemed every inch of the city had been utilized. It was so crowded, it made her a little uncomfortable. If it hadn’t been for Amelia clinging to her arm, and Daniel behind her, she would have probably bolted.

Then again, if it hadn’t been for them, she probably wouldn’t have been here in the first place.

“Oh! There is the dress shop!”

“And that is my cue to go,” Daniel smirked behind them, “I will see you ladies later at the teashop, alright?”

Amelia smiled brightly. “But not too soon.”

Daniel shook his head in amusement. “I don’t want you two walking the streets alone in the dark. I’ll give you two hours. That should be plenty of time. We will still be here tomorrow.”

“Daniel! A woman needs time to find the perfect dress!”

“A woman, yes,” Daniel grinned, “now off you go, girls.” He winked and strolled in the other direction.

“Oh!” Amelia gasped. She took Milena’s arm. “Come, Leah. We will show him.”  She pulled the girl towards the shop with a determined face.

***

“Really Emily, what were you thinking?! Going out in that weather? On your own? And to those dirty stables! No wonder you have fallen ill.”

Emily coughed and her mother pulled the blanket closer around her.

“I don’t want you to go there again.”

Emily’s eyes went wide. “No!” she rasped, “please mother. I have to.”

“Don’t be silly, Emily,” Cecily ran a hand through her hair, “that is no place for you.”

Emily’s lip trembled. “Why? Why can’t I have friends?” She coughed again.

Cecily sighed. “Of course you can have friends. You have friends. Jane for instance.”

Emil sighed. Why wouldn’t her mother just listen to her? She had enjoyed helping Harun, even if she had done little of significance. At least he didn’t treat her like some fragile porcelain doll. “I want to go back,” she tried to sound firm, “once I’m well again, I want to go back.”

Cecily stood up from her chair and smoothed out her dress. “I will not discuss this with you now. You need to rest. Agnes will bring you some broth later and then the doctor will see you when he arrives.”

“Mother…”

“I will come see you later,” Cecily quickly left the room. She couldn’t handle another one of her children rebelling.

Cecily turned and jumped when she almost ran into her mother. “Mother!” she gasped and she placed a hand over her heart. “Please don’t do that.”

“How is she doing?” Ruth asked. She glanced at Emily’s door.

“Not well obviously. I should never have let Daniel hire that stable boy. Before he came here, Emily wouldn’t dream of doing something so foolish.”

Ruth shook her head. “Don’t blame this on that boy. If anything, she is more alive since he came here.” Secretly she was happy that Emily made her own decisions now. “Cecily,” she said to her daughter, “you can’t shield her from the world forever. You need to let her grow up, not keep her hidden away in this house.”

“That is not what I’m doing,” Cecily hissed.

“Come,” Ruth said gently, “let us go downstairs and we’ll talk.” She took her daughter’s arm and guided her away from Emily’s room and to the salon. “We’ll take our tea here now, Anna,” she instructed the servant girl.

Anna curtsied and went into the kitchen.

“Mother,” Cecily began, “surely you must see reason. Look what happened. The poor child!”

“That poor child is not the first to come down with a cold,” Ruth stated calmly. She sighed. “Cecily, you are my only daughter and believe me, I know how worried you are, but look at her. She had never been so lively. She needs to make her own choices. She’s hardly a child and who will take care of her when you’re gone if she doesn’t learn to take care of herself?”

Cecily turned pale. She didn’t even want to think that far ahead. “She has Daniel. And Amelia.”

“And both will one day marry and start their own family. I’m not saying they won’t take care of their sister, but you have to be practical, Cecily. Emily is a very capable girl.”

“But that boy…”

“Is it the fact that he is a stable hand that has you worried? Or the fact that he’s a  boy?”

“It is hardly appropriate,” Cecily avoided the question.

“Your son didn’t seem to have any objections,” Ruth said calmly. She paused when Anna came in with a tray of tea and biscuits. “Thank you Anna.” She waited until Anna had left again. “And I don’t have any objections either. I find him a very polite young man and he has a kind heart. I will encourage their friendship and I’d like for you to do the same.”

A throat was cleared by the door and Ruth looked up. “Yes Miles?”

“The doctor has arrived, ma’am.”

Ruth nodded. “Very well. Send him in,”  She rose to her feet and turned to her daughter. “Think about it. Think about what is good for her.” With one swift motion she strode out of the room.

***

“Look at this color, Leah,” Amelia was holding up a tray of fabric, “it would compliment your eyes.”

“It most certainly does,” the shop owner agreed, “a dress in that color would be perfect.”

Milena had to admit that the color suited her. It was very much like the dresses she had worn at home. She nodded at Amelia.

“That is settled then,” Amelia stated. She turned to the woman behind the counter. “The commission is for three dresses then for my friend and three for myself. My brother will warrant your payment.”

The woman nodded. “Yes, Miss.”  She accepted the sheet of paper with the Blackwood seal. “I will see to it.”

“We will come back tomorrow for a  first fitting,” Amelia informed her, “we will be here for the remainder of the week. If they are not finished by then, we will have them picked up next week.”

“They will be ready on time, Miss,” the woman assured her.

“Thank you,” Amelia smiled. She took Milena’s arm. “Come Leah. We still have time before we have to meet with my brother. Let’s see about shoes. And a hat. You’ll need a  hat.”

The girls left the shop and walked down the street. It wasn’t quite dark yet, but the restaurants were filling up and music could be heard through many a doorway.

Milena didn’t know where to look. The city had transformed completely. There was laughter and music and streetlights. A few vendors sold hot food on the streets.

“Very different than at home, isn’t it?” Amelia said softly. She smiled at the obvious awe on Milena’s face. “Why don’t we wait with the shoe shopping until tomorrow? We can watch the street performers instead.”

Milena nodded and followed Amelia down the street when her attention was drawn to an establishment to her left. There was nothing out of the ordinary with the bar itself. It was just another city building. But the music was familiar and it sent a jolt through her body.

It could not be.

They would not be here in the city.

But she unhooked her arm from Amelia’s and hurried to the building’s doorstep.

The room as filled with smoke and sweat. The guests were mostly sailor folk and they were laughing and clapping with the music. It was hard to see past them, but Milena managed to find a spot near the wall where she could see what their attention was on.

She had been right.

It was a traveler girl dancing there. A young man was sitting nearby, providing the music while the girl held a tambourine, making the bells chime softly with each of her movements.

Milena’s heart gave a lurch when she recognized the pair.

Jasmina and Nikolai from Oszkar’s kumpania.

Her friends.

Her friends were here!

She didn’t even wonder about the reason, only that now she could go home. She was certain Oszkar would let her travel with them until they crossed paths with Milosh again come summer.

She would see her family again.

Tears formed in her eyes and she stepped forwards to meet them, but she was grabbed by her arm and pulled towards the exit.

Milena gasped and fought to break free, but her attacker would not let her go.

“Leah!” Amelia gasped while dragging her further towards the door, “what were you thinking? You scared me half to death when you suddenly ran in here. Come, we must go.” She looked around nervously. “This isn’t a place for people like us. We should not be here.”

Milena shook her head and tried to stop Amelia. She couldn’t leave yet. She had to go to Nikolai and Jasmina, but Amelia was relentless.

“Quickly,” she urged. Her face was pale and she seemed nervous.

A few of the guests had now noticed them too and when they saw Milena, they smirked and eyed her with lust. “Hey now doll. Are you here to dance for us too?”

Milena’s eyes went wide and she recognized the danger she was in. They wouldn’t dare come near Jasmina with Nikolai there to protect her, but she was without company.

“No sir,” Amelia said with a quiver to her voice, “we entered by mistake. We will leave now.” She pulled Milena out the door before the man could advance on them.

Milena gave one last glance over her shoulder. One look was all it would take. If Nikolai would only look up once. He would know her. She was certain.

But he did not look

And the moment was gone.

***

Katherine stared at the invitation. Everyone that was someone was invited to the wedding of Arabella Caldwell and Nathaniel Salisbury.

Her family had been invited too, but she would be the only one that would not wear a new dress. Because her father had hit rock bottom.

It was not fair. She deserved nice things. And usually her father would give in. Only this time he had put down his foot. She could wear one of her old dresses to the wedding or stay at home.

Of course staying at home was not an option. This wedding was going to be the event of the year. She had to be part of it.

But in last year’s dress, everyone would know her shame. It would only confirm to everyone that the rumors were true. They were poor now.

Soon enough, the invitations would stop. Then they would be shunned and eventually they would be forgotten.

Katherine sat down at her vanity and stared at her reflection in the large mirror. She couldn’t be poor. It was unbearable. Her father had sold so much of their inventory already to pay off his debts. It was humiliating.

A few weeks ago, her father had sat her down in his, almost empty, study to have a ‘talk’  with her. He had informed her that it would be for the best if they started looking for a suitable husband for her. He had dared to present it as a favor to her, so she wouldn’t be affected by the family’s dwindling money.

It was ridiculous. Certainly the lack of money would be temporary. Soon there would be a new opportunity and her father would have his money back. And when that happened she did not want to be wed to some lower class man and bear him a lot of children. Having a child would only ruin her figure.

No. She had another prize in mind.

She still intended to become the next lady Blackwood. Daniel would get over that gypsy soon enough. She might be interesting for him to frolic around with, but she wasn’t marriage material. If Katherine knew one thing about Cecily Blackwood, it was that the woman would never allow her son to marry below him. And with Arabella wed to Nathaniel Salisbury, there wouldn’t be any competition, Katherine convinced herself. The only other eligible young women didn’t even compare to her. Hardly worth considering.

Katherine smiled at her image again. Yes, she would ensnare him and ensure herself a comfortable life.

But she would have to do it soon. Before the rumors could spread any further than they already had.

The wedding.

That would be her moment of glory.

She’d make sure he’d forget all about that little gypsy. Her last plan had failed, but she wouldn’t let that girl get away this time.

Daniel Blackwood was hers. And the sooner she made that girl understand, the better.

***

Amelia sighed in relief when they had turned the corner. It had been bad enough to have to enter that drinking bar, but she had seen the two travelers quite clearly. And it had been obvious that Leah had seen them too.

Amelia had not been sure what to do and could think of only one solution; make sure to get her new friend away from them as soon as possible before they would get noticed.

It was an utterly selfish thing to do, but Amelia was afraid of what would happen if those travelers would recognize Leah. She did not want Leah to leave with them. Her brother would be heartbroken. Not to mention Emily would be devastated. And Amelia herself did not want her friend to leave them either. So she pulled her friend down the street and pretended not to notice the girl was trying to get her attention.

They soon reached the teashop they were supposed to meet Daniel. Perhaps she shouldn’t have insisted on coming to the city. What was she to do?

Daniel, she decided, he would know. But she’d have to tell him in private.

***

“What is it?” Jasmina asked when Nikolai stopped playing. She ignored the protests that sounded from the audience and looked at Nikolai concerned.

Nikolai shook his head distracted. “Nothing,” he said, “I just thought…” He shook his head again. “It is nothing.”

‘Tisn’t nothing,” Jasmina said stubbornly.

“Hey! Get back to dancing, girl!” someone in the crowd shouted. His comment was backed up by a few other customers.

“Yeah, we want to see more of those pretty hips, lassy.”

Jasmina glanced back at them uncertain.

Nikolai stood up and addressed the crowd. “That was all for tonight.” He put away his instrument and took Jasmina’s hand and pulled her towards the door.

“Hey!” the bartender called, “I paid you lot to entertain my guests all night!”

“I beg forgiveness,” Nikolai called, “we have urgent business to attend.”

“You cheating scum!” the man called after them, “don’t you dare show your face in here again!”

“We will make it up to you,” Nikolai called over his shoulder, “tis a promise!” He pulled Jasmina with him out the door and hurried down the street.

“Nikolai!” Jasmina pulled on his hand until he stopped, “wattis going on?”

Nikolai turned to her. “I thought I saw something,” he told her. His face was a shade paler and his eyes were searching the streets

“Wattis it you saw?” Jasmina asked confused.

“A dead girl,” Nikolai whispered.

Jasmina gasped and paled. Seeing one of the mulani was not a good sign. “Do not say her name,” Jasmina warned.

Nikolai shook his head. “It is not possible. It would not make sense for her to be here.” He hadn’t even heard Jasmina speak.

“Nikolai.” He was scaring her.

Nikolai could not make sense of it. There had been another girl too. One he had not recognized, but she had definitely been one of the gadje. It made no sense for them to be together in death. Unless… “Unless she is not quite dead,” he muttered.

“What?” Jasmina asked confused.

Nikolai turned to her. “We need to speak with Oszkar.”

***

“You will be alright, Emily.” The doctor patted her hand and put his gear away, “though I must say, I had thought you a smarter girl, going out in that weather.”

Emily smiled weakly. “It was not raining when I went outside,” she protested, “and Harun gave me his coat the moment I was getting cold.” She coughed.

A smile passed over the doctor’s face. “Harun huh? And who is that?”

“He is my friend,” Emily said with a  blush on her cheeks.

“Ah I see,” he nodded in understanding and winked at her, “such a good friend to see to your comfort.” He placed a medicine bottle on the nightstand. “A spoonful thrice a day and you should be all better soon. I will return in a week’s time to see how you are feeling.” He stood up and smiled at her. “And perhaps next time you will remember to bring a coat yourself?” He winked again and Emily looked down.

“Yes doctor. Thank you.”

The doctor walked to the door where Ruth was waiting. “Thank you, doctor,” Ruth nodded at him.

“Don’t mention it,” he replied, “she will be up and about in no time. But I advise for her to dress more warmly when she goes on adventure again.”

A smile slipped on Ruth’s face. “We will make sure of it, doctor.” She accompanied the man down the stairs and to the front door.

“I will see her again next week,” the doctor buttoned up his coat and nodded at Ruth before exiting the house.

Ruth closed the door behind him and smiled. Yes, she had a feeling there would be many more ‘adventures’ likes this, but she did not disapprove at all.

***

Milena glanced back at the two siblings who were softly conversing in a corner of the room. They thought her still upstairs in the room she shared with Amelia. If there was any time to make her escape, it would be now. She had to get back to that tavern.

Pulling up the hood of the cloak she had borrowed from Amelia’s wardrobe, she slipped out the door and onto the street.

It wasn’t hard to find the tavern again, but she stood outside of it for a moment before entering. Whether Nikolai and Jasmina had been here or not, Amelia had been right about one thing. This was nota place for a  woman to enter alone.

Milena pulled her cloak tighter around her. This could be her only chance of getting home.

She entered the building.

The room was still filled with smoke and sweat. Only a few men looked up when she entered, but her hood hid her features and they did not pay her much attention.

She shuffled to the front of the room where she had seen her friends before, but there was no one there.

Another survey of the room confirmed it. They were no longer there. They were gone.

And so was the chance of getting home.