"I have decided I do not like winter," Daria complained. She blew her hands and rubbed tem to warm them up.

Petsha chuckled soflty while placing an extra blanket over his horse. The snow that had been pending all of yesterday had finally started to fall and now formed a thick blanket on the ground. "Poor Darka, afraid of a little snow."

"I am not afraid," Daria pouted, "I simply do not like the cold."

"Then perhaps you should make yourself useful and gather some wood for the fire," Isabella interjected. She pushed her daughter towards one of the baskets. "Work will keep you warm so you won't have to worry about the cold."

"Mother!" Daria complained.

"Hurry," Isabella pointed, "there is enough for you to do."

Daria sighed and picked up the basket.

"Take Alec with you!" her mother called after her.

Petsha shook his head in amusement. "Isabella," he said, "you shouldn't treat her like a child. She does her chores. Grand her some freedom."

"And you shouldn't indulge her so much," Isabella countered, "she is your wife."

"Aye," Petsha nodded, "and my responsibility. It's not easy for her. She is trying."

"It hasn't been easy for any of us," Isabella spoke, "we all need to carry on. Perhaps a child would be good for her. She would have something to focus on."

Petsha sighed and tied the horse to a pole where it could graze. The horse snorted and started prodding the snow. "We have decided to wait," he answered.

Isabella tutted and sighed. "Waiting. Always waiting. That is the problem these days." She threw her hands in the air and walked back to her own wagon.

Petsha shook his head. As much as he liked his mother-in-law, she was a meddlesome woman.
When he turned around, he caught Dorin's smirk. Petsha glared at him. "Don't laugh."

"I'm not laughing," Dorin commented casually, "only watching you get pushed around by women." Dorin flinched when he received a slap against the back of his head.

His mother narrowed her eyes at him. "At least he has a wife," she commented, "you are going to burden your poor mother until you're old and grey."

Dorin scowled and it was Petsha's turn to smirk as Abhirati walked away.

"Don't laugh," Dorin growled.

Petsha's smirk grew wider. "I'm not laughing," he said, "only watching you get pushed around by women." He chuckled at Dorin's annoyed expression and walked into his wagon.

***

"Emily! Look! It's snowing!" Amelia jumped up from her seat and dashed over to the window. Thick white flakes were falling from the sky.

Emily rolled herself next to her sister and stared at the snow longingly. "It's so pretty, don't you think?"

"And so cold," Amelia said. Involuntarily she rubbed her arms.

"When the snow stops falling, we should build a snowman," Emily said dreamily. She smiled. "Maybe Leah wants to help. Or Harun."

Amelia smiled amused. "You and that stable boy."

Emily crossed her arms. "What about it? He is my friend. Don't make fun of me."

"I wouldn't dream of it, little sister," Amelia ruffled her sister's hair affectionately.

A throat was cleared behind them and both girls turned around.

"Miles," Amelia said surprised, "what is it?"

"Pardon the intrusion, Miss," Miles spoke, "but I was wondering if you knew where I might find your brother. There is a visitor for him."

"Is he not in his study?" Amelia questioned.

"I have looked, Miss," Miles said, "he was not there."

Amelia bit her lip. Both her mother and grandmother had left early that morning and with Daniel nowhere to be found, she was the lady of the house.

"Who is the visitor?" Emily asked curiously. It was rare for anyone to show up unannounced and if Daniel had expected anyone, he would have been home.

"A man, Miss," Miles provided, "he says he needs to speak wit lord Blackwood."

"What man?" Amelia asked.

"I have not seen him before, Miss. He looks liked a villager, but he is not from around here."

Amelia took a deep breath. No matter who this visitor was, she knew how to be a good hostess. "Please bring him into the side room," she instructed Miles, "and have Anna serve him tea. I will keep him company until my brother arrives. Please keep searching for him."

"Yes, Miss," Miles bowed and retreated.

The two sisters shared a look. "What do you think?" Emily asked quietly. A look of concern was on her face.

"I don't know," Amelia answered equally soft, "but I shall find out." She leaned over and kissed her sister's forehead. "Stay here." She took one deep breath and walked out to meet the visitor.

***

Jonathan shook his head amused. The girl kept coming to the stables, whenever she could. Even now, in the cold, she was happily grooming one of the young horses while Harun was sharing out hay to feed the animals. He had long since stopped commenting on it. And she was good with the horses. If Lord Blackwood had no objections, who was he to gainsay it?

Jonathan leaned on the stable door and grinned. "If you keep it up, I might have to consider paying you wages."

Milena looked up at him wide-eyed and shook her head vividly.

Next to her, Harun chuckled softly. "He is joking," he told her.

Milena glanced at Harun and then back at Jonathan's smirking face, and offered a careful smile.

Jonathan winked teasingly and pushed away from the door to continue his work when someone entered the barn. "Henry," Jonathan nodded at the coach driver, "the Miss wants to go somewhere?"

Henry shook his head. "In this weather? Not likely, no. I'm looking for the young lord. There is a visitor for him."

Jonathan frowned. "He left early this morning. Had something to discuss with the overseer of his estate in the North. I don't know when he'll be back." He turned to Harun. "Saddle a horse, boy. Go find lord Blackwood and inform him about his guest."

Harun bowed and did as he was told.

Milena listened curiously. There hadn't been many guests at Blackwood Manor in the time she had been living here, except from a few of the family's friends. She hoped nothing was wrong.

Henry tapped his hat and left the barn again.

Jonathan turned to the girl now. "You best go inside. Not sure what that visitor is here for, but he didn't' come by horseback or carriage. If it's one of the villagers you'll be safer in the mansion."

Milena paled and put down the brush she had been holding. She nodded at Jonathan and hurriedly made her way over to the mansion, using the servants' entrance.

When she stepped out of the kitchen and onto the hallway, she same across Emily.

"Leah," the girl rolled her chair to meet her friend, "you look so cold. Were you outside?"

Milena waved in the direction of the stables and Emily smiled. She brushed Milena's dress. "You're covered in snow. Come heat yourself up in front of the fireplace. Amelia went to greet our visitor. Did you hear? He wanted to speak with Daniel so the staff is looking for him."

Milan followed after Emily as the girl chatted on. She wondered what this visitor wanted and hoped it didn't spell trouble for her.

***

"I can't believe daddy really did this to me!" Katherine complained, "please mother, talk to him. I don't want to marry Jackson!"

Aloise Goodwin locked her arms around her daughter and patted her hair in a soothing manner. "Don't cry, my heart. It's not such a bad thing. Jackson is wealthy. The Caldwell family has an excellent reputation. And if we can bind our name to theirs, we will get back in favor."

"You don't care about me!" Katherine sobbed, "why do I have to give up everything? It isn't fair! I was going to be lady Blackwood and now everything is ruined!"

"You're not married to him yet, Kat," her mother said, "your father only went to speak with lord Caldwell."

"I didn't do anything wrong!" Katherine whined.

The door slammed and Katherine flinched as her father stepped into the salon. "Well," he spoke, "it took a lot of convincing, but we have come to an agreement. That boy will do the honorable thing." Theodore looked at his daughter. "Jackson is going to court you. And once the rumors have died down you will marry him."

"I don't want to marry Jackson!" Katherine shouted.

"You should have thought about that before getting drunk and letting him feel you up. Your reputation is all you have, Katherine. This is our chance to get back in favor."

Katherine glared at her parents. "You two should marry Jackson!" she screamed, "neither of you care about me! I hate you both!" She stomped out of the room and slammed the door. It wasn't fair, Why did she have to suffer for her father's financial problems? When word would get out that she'd have to marry Jackson, she'd become the laughing stock of society. Jackson chased almost every girl in the country. He wouldn't stop his behavior once he was wed. It would be so humiliating if he kept chasing his little pleasures. She could already hear the whispers. 'Poor Katherine, she could have been lady Blackwood, and now she has to settle for a cheating husband.'

Katherine gritted her teeth. It was all that gypsy's fault. If that girl hadn't been here, none of this would have happened.

She stomped up the stairs towards her room and sat down on her chair.
The large vanity had been sold a few days prior and a simple table with a small hand mirror was all that was left.

In a moment of fury, Katherine swiped the table clear, causing everything to crash to the ground. When the mirror hit the floor, the glass shattered and Katherine gasped. She stared at the shards in terror. Wasn't her life miserable enough? Did they really need to add seven more years of misfortune?
With a frustrated growl, Katherine buried her head in her arms and cried.

***

"Do you think he is safe?" Daria didn't look at her husband, but kept her eyes on the sky where the snow was still falling.

Petsha locked his arms around her and kissed her hair. He knew she was speaking of Ramiro. "He is clever, my love. He will have found shelter."

"You do not know that," Daria said, "what if the villagers hurt him? What if he can not find shelter? What if he falls ill?"

Petsha looked at her with a sad expression. "You should not worry so much." He brushed her hair aside with one hand. "We will see him again. He only needs some time alone."

Daria sighed. She wasn't sure if she should believe him. She had lost too many people already in such a short time. She was afraid to hope.

Petsha sighed too. "I have to go help Laszlo and Dorin with the horses. Will you be alright? Perhaps you should ask Ihrin and Gita to keep you company."

Daria smiled sadly. "I think I will see if I can help Alec's mother." It wasn't that she disliked Gita or Ihrin, but she still found it difficult to speak with the latter. Ihrin, who her father had preferred for Ramiro in Milena's stead.

Petsha nodded in understanding. "I will not be long, my love." He kissed her again and walked towards Laszlo's wagon.

Dorin did not look up when he arrived, but kept treating his horse's hooves with a salve. He had an annoyed expression on his face, still peeved about being scolded earlier this morning.

Petsha ignored it. The entire kumpania was used to Dorin looking sour. "Looks like the snow will hold on," Petsha commented.

"There's a storm coming," Dorn said briskly, "we should stock up on food and blankets." He stood up and moved to the next horse.

Petsha nodded. "We'll reach the next town tomorrow afternoon. Marius plans to go knock on doors, see if he can grind knives. I think he is taking Tisrav with him."

Dorin gave a nod at the mention of his brother's name. Since Zilje had given birth, his brother had grown a lot more responsible. And a lot more bearable. He sighed as he rubbed the leg of the horse. The snow had forced them to make camp early today. And one of the horses had miss-stepped. Carefully he felt the leg. It was a little warm. Perhaps it was a good thing they had stopped early. With a good night's rest, it might be better tomorrow, though the horse should not pull a wagon just yet.

"How is it?" Petsha leaned over, inspecting his work.

"It will hold," Dorin muttered, "if he does not strain it. He needs to walk behind the wagon tomorrow."

Petsha nodded. I will tell Laszlo." He walked up to the horse trainer's wagon to inform him about the horse's injury and to get the food for the animals.

Laszlo nodded when Petsha told him what Dorin had said. "I will keep en eye on it." He glanced at the sky. "Looks like more snow is coming."

Petsha nodded. "Winter has come early this year."

Laszlo pressed his shoulder. "We will manage. We always do." He sighed. "Come, let's finish up with the horses and then we can eat."

***

Jackson paced the room angrily and threw up his hands. "You cannot be serious!" he shouted, "you want me to marry Katherine Goodwin?! And you lecture me about reputation! Binding our family to theirs is what will drag down the Caldwell name!"

"Do not use that tone with me!" his father barked, "I have warned you about discretion. You've brought this on yourself and you will take responsibility."

"We were drunk, but I didn't sleep with her," Jackson spat, "I have better taste."

His father narrowed his eyes. "It doesn't matter to me what you did or didn't do, you did it at your sister's wedding with witnesses present. Your little folly with that gypsy that is in the Blackwood residence, that could be overlooked. People would have forgotten in time, but Theodore Goodwin, no matter what financial disaster he's gotten himself into, is still part of our society. And you dishonored his daughter!"

"Oh please! There isn't a shred of honor in that girl."

"You will do as I say," his father told him, "or I will cut you off."

Jackson scoffed. "And who is going to take over your company then?"

His father gave him an even look. "Nathaniel of course. Did you really think I would entrust my lifework to you? An ungrateful, untrustworthy, good for nothing jester?!"

Jackson's eyes turned cold. "How good to know I make my father proud," he said sarcastically.

"You can," his father spoke, ignoring the sarcasm, "by marrying the Goodwin girl. Of course, the ceremony will be small, family only, but you will do this. I'll make arrangements for you to move into one of the smaller estates."

"Do you honestly think you can fix everything by telling me to marry Katherine? You think having a wife will change how I am?" Jackson snorted.

"I don't care what you do once you're married," his father hissed, "take as many mistresses as you want. Just be discrete about it. If I hear even one rumor, I will still cut you off." When Jackson was about to protest, his father held up his hand. "Not another word," he warned, "now get out of my sight. I have arrangements to make."

Jackson gritted his teeth an stomped out of his father's office, mentally cursing the man to the darkest part of the afterlife. Oh, he'd marry Katherine Goodwin alright, but he'd make sure his father was going to pay the price. He'd bleed him dry to the last penny. And he'd enjoy every second of it.

***

"What do you think?" Emily whispered at Milena. Both girls were peeking around the door of the side room where Amelia was making awkward small talk with their visitor.
The man was on his third cup of tea and his fourth biscuit and was nervously perched on the edge of his seat. He didn't seem comfortable in the luxurious space.

"I'm sure it won't be long now," Amelia said, "my brother will be here soon."

"It's quite alright, Miss," the man answered softly, his eyes at the floor.

There was a silence.

"More tea?" Amelia asked.

"No thanks, Miss."

Milena looked back at Emily and lifted her shoulder in a shrug. They still hadn't figured out why the man was here.

The girls turned back to the room.

"Maybe you should get closer."

Milena jumped and Emily let out a scream. Both girls turned to find an amused Daniel standing behind them.

"Daniel!" Emily shrieked, "you scared us!"

Daniel gave her a stern look. "You know better than to eavesdrop."

Emily pouted and Milena looked away in shame. Neither of them noticed Daniel's smirk. He had caught them in the act and now they were looking like little children.
"Well then," he said, "let's see what this is about." He walked past the two girls and entered the room.

Both Amelia and the man stood up. The man fumbled with his hat and bowed.

Daniel looked at Amelia, who curtsied and scurried out of the room.

The moment she had stepped over the threshold, Daniel gave them another stern look and closed the door.

Immediately the three girls pressed their ear against the wood, but the door was too thick to let through any sound. They sighed and settled a little further down the hall.

"Did he say anything?" Emily asked her sister.

Amelia shook her head. "He only asked for Daniel. He seemed nervous."

The door opened again and both Amelia and Milena jumped to their feet. Daniel looked at Milena. "Leah, would you mind going to the stables and bringing Harun here please?"

Milena bit her lip in concern and nodded.

"Is Harun in trouble?" Emily asked in a small voice. She didn't want anything to happen to him.

Daniel cupped her cheek and kissed her hair. "Don't worry about it, alright? He's not in trouble. I only need to speak with him. Why don't you and Amelia got to the salon? As soon as Leah has returned I will send her to you." He walked back into the room.

"Come my heart," Amelia said quietly as she wheeled Emily down the hall.

Emily gave one last concerned look over her shoulder before the room was out of sight. Amelia wheeled her into the salon and seated herself next to her sister on a nearby couch.

"You should not worry," Amelia said, "you hear what Daniel said. Your stable boy is not in trouble."

"Then why would he need Harun?" Emily asked.

"I don't know," Amelia admitted, "but he would not lie. Let us just wait until Daniel returns."

The door opened again and Milena entered the salon.

"Leah!" Emily called, "what is the matter? Why did Daniel sent for Harun?"

Milena bit her lip and shook her head. She did not know, but Harun had looked upset when he had seen the visitor. She was wondering to herself what was going on, but they would have to wait until Daniel had finished speaking.

***

Harun stared at the man in front of him startled. "Joseph," he said, "why are you here? Did something happen to my father?" He glanced at Daniel who was standing at the window. The young lord had turned his back to give them more privacy.

Harun looked back at his visitor. Joseph and his wife Hannah were his father's neighbors. Joseph helped out in his father's workshop sometimes and Hannah often cooked for him.

Joseph looked at him with grave eyes. "Your father has taken a bad fall. The doctor said he will be fine eventually, but he cannot work for now. My wife and I, we are doing what we can, but we can't run the shop for him. He needs you at home."

"He sent for me?" Harun asked. He glanced at Daniel who still hadn't said a word.

"No," Joseph said, "he doesn't know I am here, but he needs you."

Harun bit his lip. Joseph wouldn't have come all this way if it wasn't serious. He was concerned about is father. But he couldn't just leave here. He had a job.

Daniel had turned around and looked at Harun with a serious expression. "If your father needs you, you should go."

"But sir," Harun said, "the stables..."

"Will still be here when you return," Daniel told him, "so will your job. Don't worry about that." He smiled to the boy kindly.

Harun's eyes went wide. He could go home? There wouldn't be consequences?
"Th-thank you my lord," he stuttered, "you don't know how much that means to me."

Daniel pressed his shoulder. "It is your father, Harun. If he needs you, you need to go. I only ask that you wait until morning. It will be dark soon and I'm sure your friend is hungry. He has travelled a long way."

"Thank you, my lord," Joseph said gratefully, "you are most kind." He hadn't expected such generosity.

"I'll have a guestroom prepared," Daniel said, "Harun, why don't you show your friend to the kitchen so he can eat and then you can pack for your journey. And I think there are some goodbyes to be said." He winked.

Harun bowed. "Yes sir." He turned to Joseph and motioned for the man to follow him.

Once they had left the room Joseph smiled at the boy. "You have a good life here."

Harun nodded. "Yes. Lord Blackwood is a good man."

Joseph nodded. "And very generous too. The money always reaches your father on time. He needs it. The shop isn't going well, Harun. These are hard times. There aren't many who can afford his service. He's even been lowering the prices for families in need. With him out of commission, he'll need your help more than ever." He smiled. "He is very proud of you."

Harun looked at him wide-eyes. His father was proud? But he wasn't doing anything special. He just worked in the stables.

"Harun!"

Harun turned around at the sound of Emily's voice. The girl was wheeling towards him, concern all over her face. Behind her, both Milena and Amelia watched from the doorway of the salon.

"Miss Emily," Harun bowed.

"What's going on Harun? Why did Daniel send for you? Is everything alright?"

Harun bit his lip. "I.. I'm going home, Miss Emily. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

Emily gasped. There was hurt in her eyes. "You're leaving us? Don't you like it here anymore? Did Daniel send you away? I'll speak with him right now!"

Next to Harun, Joseph stifled a laugh. The young lady sure was feisty and it seemed she had taken a liking to the boy. Judging from Harun's expression, the girl had an effect on him too.

"N-no, Miss," Harun stuttered, "your bother did nothing of the kind. It's... it's my father, Miss. He fell and he needs me at home. Joseph is his neighbor. He came to bring me the news."

Emily's face dropped and she looked at him with sympathy. "Your father?"

Harun nodded.

"Oh," Emily said softly, "then you must go of course."

The other two girls now walked up to Emily. Amelia paced a comforting and in her sister's shoulder.

"I'll come back as soon as I can, Miss," Harun promised quickly, "as soon as my father is well again."

"Really? You'll come back?" Emily smiled.

Harun's cheeks heated up. "Of course, Miss. I have my job here after all."

"Yeah," Emily agreed. There was a light blush on her cheeks, "So you better come back."