"Are you certain you are well enough?" Cecily fluttered around her youngest daughter like a mother hen.

"I am fine, mother," Emily sighed, "I have been fine for over a week. You promised I could go. I don't want to stay behind."

"Of course you can go." Daniel stepped into the room and caught Emily's last words. He ruffled his sister's hair and kissed his mother's cheek. "We have to leave or we'll be late and Ara will throw a fit."

He retreated from the room and looked over his shoulder. "Mother, you can take the second carriage with grandmother. We will take the other."

"Who will drive us, Daniel?" Emily asked curiously.

Daniel grinned. "I have asked Harun to drive us." He watched how Emily's face lit up an chuckled to himself. It had been a wise decision to ask the boy. Not only would Emily enjoy the evening more, perhaps Leah would cheer up as well. Ever since their return from the city, she had been even more withdrawn then usual.

He winked at his sister. "Don't keep him waiting."

***

"You look beautiful," Amelia smiled at Milena, "you are sure to draw attention now. Every male eye will be on you tonight." When she saw Milena's horrified expression, she quickly waved her hands. "No. no, not like that! The good kind of attention. Don't worry. Tonight is going to be perfect." She linked arms with Milena and towed her towards the door. "We should go. Daniel has the carriage waiting. Ah Leah, you won't know what to look at first. If you think the last fete was great, then the wedding will be magnificent! I can't wait to see Ara's dress."

Milena listened to Amelia's rambling with half an ear. Inside, she was panicking. If what Amelia had said was true, then there would be even more people here than at Jackson's party.

The rest of the Blackwood family had already gathered in the hall downstairs and they turned their heads at the arrival of the two young woman.

"Ah Leah, you look beautiful," Emily gasped.

"That's what I've been telling her," Amelia nodded, "I don't think she believes me." She smirked when she saw her brother's face. Daniel was openly staring at the gypsy girl. "What do you think, Daniel? Doesn't she deserve a compliment?"

When it remained quiet, Ruth nudged her grandson. An amused smile was on her lips.

"Ah yes..." Daniel blurted, "you look stunning." His expression softened and he smiled at her.

His mother cleared her throat. "Well then. Let us be on our way, before Arabella Caldwell throws a fit for our tardiness." She repeated her son's earlier words, he clearly had forgotten what they were set out to do.

Emily giggled behind her hand as her grandmother wheeled her out the door, Cecily in tow.

"Daniel!" his mother called from the front steps.

Daniel flinched and cleared his throat. "Coming, mother." He rushed out the door, leaving the two girls.

Amelia laughed softly and winked at her friend. "See? You have one admirer already. And we haven't even left the house yet."

***

Dorin sat on the edge of the camp with his back towards the kumpania. His hands were occupied with the wood carving on his lap. Not long now and it would be finished and it would be sold at the market.

With a sigh, he put his work aside and pulled out a few leather straps. He'd had enough of work for one day. To distract his mind, he started braiding the leather straps in a complicated mass of knots and strands.

"Would you not rather sit at the fire for that?" a voice sounded behind him.

He didn't need to look up to know it was Ihrin, so he kept his eyes on his hands. "It's nice to be away from the noise once in a while," he answered in his casual curt tone.

Ihrin sighed and sat down next to him in the grass. "You've been distancing yourself a lot lately. More that usual."

"Why would that matter to you?" Dorin asked, "is there a reason your eyes have been following me?"

Ihrin wasn't put off by the tone in his voice. That was just how he was, brooding and curt. And ever since Ramiro had left, he had barely said a word, "It's not your fault," she said, "no matter what the others say. You could not have kept him from leaving."

"What are you spouting? Why would I care where Ramiro of Cezar's wagon goes? You talk nonsense, woman."

Ihrin didn't respond. She had felt lost herself. Everyone knew Cezar had intended for her to wed his son. Everyone also knew Ramiro had wanted someone else. And now they were both gone. She had seen too many people go as of late.

More than anything, Ihrin wanted a family of her own, but the choices were limited. Even more so now. Ramiro had left. Alec was too young and Marius too old, besides, everyone knew he planned to ask Aranka. There was Kristof, Dorin's brother, but Kristof was... well... Kristof.

And there was Dorin, who shunned the world, who had only ever considered one girl and even then it had not been out of affection.

She sighed.

They sat in silence for a while and Ihrin watched Dorin's hands fiddle with the leather. He was very adept at it, but perhaps it was because of all the baskets he had weaved. "You should sell those at the market," she spoke, "they would make a fair price."

Dorin glanced at her from the corner of his eyes before focusing back on the bracelet he had created. "They are not for sale," he said curtly.

"Well," Ihrin said, "if not the bracelet, then perhaps something else? Like halters for the horses. Or straps for saddlebags. Or maybe..."

"Ihrin talks too much," Dorin huffed.

She fell silent. "Sorry," she spoke, "I will leave you be." She crawled to her feet and straightened out her skirts.

"Here," Dorin called when she was about to turn. Ihrin looked over her shoulder and watched him hold out the piece of leather. For a moment she only stared. "You want it or no?" Dorin asked impatiently.

Ihrin jumped and accepted the bracelet. "Thank you," she muttered, but he had already picked up his wood carving again. And she returned to the camp.

***

She had thought Jackson's party had been large, but if possible, there were even more people here. Milena recognized a few of Daniel's friends and Rebecca Clarke was there too, who was friends with Amelia, but she had not greeted many people. She was content staying at Emily's side, who was watching the event from the sideline, delighted to be here, even if she could not join the dancers.

The ceremony had been long and complicated. Milena did not understand why they needed so many words and customs for something as simple as getting wed, but she was happy for Arabella and Nathaniel, who both seemed to glow with love.

"Don't you want to dance, Leah?" Emily asked. The two were sitting at a small table, sharing a plate of delicacies.

Milena eyed the dance floor and shook her head. This kind of dancing was not for her, but she enjoyed watching it and she did not want to leave Emily on her own.

"Are the ladies enjoying my wedding?" Nathaniel approached their table with a wide smile on his face. "Emily, Leah," he greeted the girls.

"Congratulations, Nathaniel," Emily beamed, "I am so happy for you and Ara. Thank you for inviting us."

Nathaniel laughed. "I couldn't have a wedding without my best friend and his lovely sisters." He turned to Milena. "And his charming companion of course."

Milena offered him a smile. She liked Nathaniel. He was kind and thoughtful, but not afraid to voice his opinion. She felt at ease with him.

"If you excuse me," Nathaniel said, "I believe my wife wants a word with me.." He inclined his head and walked to Arabella who was in conversation with her parents and waving him over.

The girls watched him go and Emily sighed. "Ara is so lucky. I wish I would find someone like Nathaniel, but who is ever going to marry me?"

Milena took the girl's hand and shook her head. Why would she even think that way? Of course someone would take an interest in Emily. She was such a beautiful and lovely girl.

Emily smiled sadly. "You're very kind, Leah. But I will probably never marry." She looked away. "Would you mind taking me to the garden? I'd like some fresh air."

Milena nodded and stood up. She carefully tucked the blanket that covered the girl's knees and placed it around Emily's shoulders. She steered the chair towards the double doors.

***

Katherine tightened her grip on her glass as she watched the gypsy girl from across the room. It was like a slap in the face that the girl was her on Arabella Caldwell's wedding. And in a brad new dress for that matter.

Seeing how similar it was to the one Amelia Blackwood was wearing, it had to have been purchased by Daniel Blackwood himself.

It made her green with envy. Here she was, in a dress from last year, and that girl was flaunting a brand new creation. It was not fair.

On top of that, Nathaniel had picked up conversation with the girl. It was almost as if they had socially accepted her.

The next step would be Daniel Blackwood proposing.

Katherine took a large gulp of her wine. She wouldn't live through it if that wench got what she, Katherine, had been coveting. It was infuriating.

She watched as the girl stood up and carefully pulled a blanket around Emily Blackwood. Why was that girl even here? She should have stayed at home where she wouldn't be a burden to everyone around her, but no, she had to be present at Arabella Caldwell's wedding for all the world to see her crippled form. Katherine couldn't stand it.

Her eyes followed the two girls as they made for the garden doors. What were those two up to now?

Finishing her drink and snatching another glass from a nearby tray, Katherine Goodwin followed after them.

***

"Daniel," Emily drew her brother's attention away from his friends.

Her brother smiles at her. "What is it, Em? Are you enjoying the evening?"

"It's lovely," Emily smiled, "I am just going out for some fresh air with Leah. The gardens are so beautiful."

Daniel glanced at Milena questioningly and then at the garden doors. He had not forgotten what hat happened last time.

His eyes searched the room and landed on Jackson, who was in conversation with some of the other guests. He was nowhere near and not paying them any attention.

He sighed. "Alright. But be careful and stay within sight of the house."

Emily nodded. "Okay."

"Good," Daniel smiled, "don't stay out too long. You wouldn't want to fall ill again." He watched the two of them leave and shook his head.

The young man next to him chuckled. "So that's the one."

Daniel turned to his friend Jacob and frowned. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Hmm of course you don't," Jacob grinned. He had heard about the girl from Daniel himself, but he had not met her yet.

Daniel chuckled and scratched his neck sheepishly. "Alright, you caught me. She's just so different from the girls I know."

"Of course she is," Jacob nodded, "all the girls you know have been trained from birth to be pretty decorations. That one is a wildflower. And a lovely one at that." He watched the two girls leave as well. "Your sister seems to adore her."

"And she adores my sister," Daniel replied. It brought a smile to his face. It wasn't always easy for people to accept Emily. Most were uncomfortable with the wheelchair. Only a handful of people knew to look beyond Emily's disability. Ara. Nathaniel, Jane, Jacob. Rebecca. And Anthony. But Leah treated Emily like her own sister. She would run through fire for the girl. And that was a very important quality to him.

***

There were guests strolling about the garden too and an orchestra was playing in the garden parlor. The trees were lit with little light and they gave the entire garden a fairytale glow.

Emily's eyes were sparkling. "Isn't it beautiful, Leah?"

Milena wasn't paying much attention to the decorations. Her eyes had found the coaches on the front lawn where all the carriage drivers were waiting patiently for their masters to return home.

Had no one thought to bring them refreshments? They had been standing there all day.

"What is it, Leah?" Emily looked at her friend over her shoulder and then followed her gaze. "Do you think Harun and Henry are having fun?"

Milena sighed. It didn't seem like they were enjoying themselves. From this distance she could see Henry place a blanket over the horse. Harun was gently stroking the other horse's head. Both animals were still in their harness, like the other horses, so their masters could leave at any given point. Had they no regards for their animals?

"Can we go to them, Leah?" Emily broke her thoughts, "I'd like to speak with Harun." At least he would talk to her. Everyone inside was too occupied, and her friend Jane was not here. Her parents had decided she was still too young to attend such a fest. Of course Leah stayed with her, but unfortunately she could not speak. And she liked talking to Harun.

"Miss Emily," Henry said surprised at the arrival of the girls, "are you well? Do you wish to go home?"

"Henry," Emily said startled. She had forgotten the man was here as well. She was suddenly shy. "I am well. I came... to speak with Harun."

Henry's eyes flashed with amusement. It was no secret to the staff of Blackwood Manor that Miss Emily had taken a liking to the stable boy. "Does your brother know you're here?"

Emily nodded. "He knows where I am and I have Leah with me."

Milena smiled when Henry's eyes flicked to her. He nodded at her and gestured with his head. "Go on then. The lad will enjoy some company."

Milena pushed Emily around Henry to the second carriage.

Harun was grinning widely at their approach. "Miss Emily. Miss Leah. Have you come to tend to the horses again?"

Emily blushed. "No. Not this time. I was just... admiring the garden. It looks so lovely with all those lights. And then Leah saw you here and we decided to say hello. Are you enjoying the evening? The music is wonderful, don't you think?"

Harun grinned at Emily's rambling. She was cute when she was awkward. "Wouldn't you enjoy it more inside?" he inquired, "with all the other guests?

Emily looked down at her lap. "It won't make that much of a difference. I can hear the music here just as well and I can't dance anyway. So there is not need for me to be close to the festivities."

It was quiet for a moment and both Milena and Harun looked at Emily sadly.

Suddenly Harun's face lit up. "Of course you can dance, Miss Emily. You can dance with us."

Emily's face dropped. "I can't walk, Harun. My legs don't work."

"You don't need your legs for this," Harun said. He held out his hands for her.

Emily hesitantly took them. "Now what?" she asked uncertain.

"Now we dance," Harun smirked and Emily gasped when suddenly the chair was set in motion.

Milena carefully pushed Emily's wheelchair and made slow circles while Harun held on to her hands. He grinned at her and a laugh escaped Emily's lips when the chair suddenly spun in a fast circle.

A few feet away, Henry was watching the youngsters amused. The Blackwood estate sure had become lively since the two gypsies had arrived.

"See Miss Emily," Harun grinned, "you're dancing." He released her hands.

Emily smiled. "Thank you."

***

Katherine watched the trio with disdain and scrunched her nose in disgust. How on earth could that Emily allow a stable boy to treat her like that? To come anywhere near her for that matter. It was bad enough that the gypsy girl resided in their house. Did she have to make a fool of herself as well?

"Such an unladylike face," a voice drawled behind her.

Katherine turned around and met the eyes of Jackson Caldwell. "Jackson," Katherine greeted haughtily, "shouldn't you be assaulting some poor girl?"

Jackson sneered at her. "Shouldn't you be flaunting your assets to string yourself a husband?" he swirled his drink and took a sip.

Katherine narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't patronize me," she hissed.

"Perhaps you should be more careful with your words then," Jackson answered icily, "unless you want your daddy to know what his little princess has been up to of late."

Katherine gritted her teeth and turned back towards Emily, Harun and Milena, a look of annoyance on her face.

Jackson chuckled softly. "What's that Katherine? It's not like you to get so worked up." He followed her gaze and scowled when his eyes landed on Milena and Harun.

Katherine cast a sly smile. "What is that Jackson? It's not like you to get so worked up," she mocked.

"Those two," Jackson growled, "and their little act of innocence. They've ruined everything."

"If you had been a little more discrete, she would have been out of our lives already," Katherine spat.

Jackson laughed and looked at her. "Ah, now there is the real reason for little Katherine's displeasure. A poor little gypsy girl has stolen dear Danny boy's heart and Katherine Goodwin doesn't stand a chance."

"It's not over yet," Katherine said coldly, "besides, you didn't have any more luck. I heard she fought you tooth and nail."

"Ah but there's a difference, little Kat, Jackson's voice was dripping with malice, "I was only chasing a quick pleasure. You, on the other hand, don't have many opportunities left to get situated. Everyone knows about your father's... misfortune."

Katherine glared at him. "Don't act so high an mighty, Caldwell. Rumor has it your father cut your allowance and he keeps you short after you almost ruined his reputation."

Jackson's eyes turned dark and he leaned towards Katherine. His face only inches from hers. "It's still better than being sold to the highest bidder."

He caught her hand as she was about to slap him. "Careful, little Kat," he warned, "or we'll see who will ruin their reputation." He threw her hand away and turned his back on her, fully aware of the deadly glare that was directed at his back.

***

Laugher reached him in between two dances and Daniel moved towards the garden doors to search for the source of the sound.

He smiled when his eyes landed on his youngest sister. It had been along time since she had been so carefree.

He watched as Leah and Harun spun her around in a completely out-of-tune dance. It didn't seem to bother any of them.

His eyes moved to the gypsy girl. She seemed completely at ease in the company of his sister and Harun. She was at ease with most of the staff of Blackwood Manor for that matter. Only Anna still looked at her with suspicion.

Daniel sighed. Why couldn't she be just as comfortable in his presence? He had thought she trusted him by now, but was she actually still afraid of him?

He frowned. She knew he would never hurt her, didn't she? She seemed to trust Nathaniel when they had visited his estate not long ago.

Should he ask her about it?"

The laughter outside had ceased and made place for clapping.

When he looked again, he saw a crowd had gathered. Several of the coach drivers and a few servants had formed a circle around Emily, Leah and Harun. Harun was hammering his hands against the side of a carriage.

And Leah...

Leah was dancing.

Daniel's eyes couldn't move away. Behind him, the music had picked up again in a waltz, but he didn't even notice. The world could fall apart around him at this point and he wouldn't even care.

He was already lost.

***

Ramiro sighed as he urged his horse down the dark road. "Come Galbi," he cooed the animal, "just a little further. Perhaps we will find some shelter eh?"

The past three weeks had been hard on both him and his animal. People were reluctant to hire him or outright hostile. One traveling merchant had shown pity and hired him to have the horse carry some of his load to the next city. It had gained him food an water for three days and a handful of coins, but they were already spent by now.

Sometimes he had stolen to get some bread. It wasn't a thing he was proud of, but he could not let himself starve. With winter so near, the frost didn't provide for much other than berries and roots and those only filled his stomach for so long. If he wanted to find labor, he'd need his strength.

Somewhere in the distance he could hear music and laughter, a party of some sort. By the sound of it, it was a party of the richer class of gadje.

Ramiro snorted in disgust. He didn't understand gadje, so concerned with themselves and caring so little about others.

He turned his back on the music and steered his horse further into the forest. He'd sleep under the stars tonight.

Perhaps tomorrow he'd have better luck.