George Filcher blew his cold hands and rubbed them together to try and regain feeling in his fingers. He was grateful for the fire burning in the inn where he would spend the night. He had walked all day trying to sell his pelts and had made great business. Now he was tired and hungry.

The serving boy nodded at him and placed a mug of beer and a plate of food on the table. George's stomach grumbled at the smell of the food.

It was a rowdy establishment, but travelers he had met on the road had assured him it was a trustworthy place. He couldn't afford a single room, so he paid for a bed on the loft. Where less wealthy travelers quartered. But for a few extra pennies, the innkeeper had promised to guard his merchandise so it wouldn't get stolen.

It had been a week since he'd left his home. He wondered how his wife was doing. Had Lord Blackwood provided for the village?

Part of him was glad to be away from the village for a while. He had lived there all his life and his father and his father's father before him. It was his home, but there were a lot of memories there too, not in the least what had happened to that poor gypsy child.

Sometimes George wondered if he shouldn't just take his wife and start over somewhere else, but it was hard for outsiders to settle somewhere new and at least he had permission for his trade now. In most other districts he'd risk losing a hand. How would he provide for his wife then?

George finished his meal and motioned for another beer. Tomorrow would be another long walk. He'd have to cross a forest to reach the next town. It wasn't something he looked forward to. Perhaps he could meat other travelers along the way and have the safety of a group.

George took a swig of his beer and relaxed in his seat. The talk around him was muted, but part of a conversation still reached his ear.

"... not to be trusted."

"They seemed to be in a hurry when they left."

"Wouldn't you be if you tricked someone out of his money like that? They won't be dancing in that city no more. A pity though. The girl had nice hips."

"I'd be careful if I were you, watching those hips. Gypsy girls may bat their eyes at you, but their men will knife you for even looking at 'em."

"Aye, an' they'll put a curse on you. You'll find yar ship at the bottom of the ocean before ya know it."

George sighed and put his empty mug down. Gypsies. Even in this town. And the harbor city too by the sound of it. A shiver ran down his spine. He hoped he wouldn't run into any gypsies on his journey. What if it was the same group that had set fire to his village?

He placed a few coins on the table and went to his cot. There had been enough talk of gypsies lately. All he wanted now was some peace and quiet. Morning would come soon enough.

***

Amelia sighed deeply and stared into the fire. Ever since Jacob had returned home, the days had been rather dull. She missed him and his attention.

It was hard to believe she was engaged now. She could hardly wait to tell Arabella and Rebecca. Luckily it had stopped snowing. The road should be available for carriages soon.

Amelia's hand played with the ends of the shawl Jacob had given her. She had worn it every day since Jacob had given it to her, even inside the house. It had earned her many a jest from her siblings, but she did not care.

Currently she was alone in the salon. Her mother and sister had retreated early. Her grandmother had left to instruct the staff for the following day and Daniel was in his study.

She wasn't sure where Leah had gone, but Amelia was not worried. Sometimes her friend just needed time on her own.

Amelia was so lost in her own thoughts that she was startled when Miles appeared in the salon. "Forgive the intrusion, Miss Amelia, but there is a messenger in the hall."

"A messenger? This late?" Amelia sat up.

"I believe the snow has delayed him, Miss. And then darkness surprised him."

Amelia stood up. "I will receive him. Please inform my brother and see that there is food available. I'm sure our messenger would welcome it."

"Yes, Miss." Miles bowed and disappeared again.

Amelia followed after him to visit their late arrival. She was surprised to see how young he was, maybe even younger than Emily. "Hello," she said, "I believe you have a message?"

The boy looked at her hesitantly. "I have a message for lord Blackwood," he stated. It sounded like a well rehearsed announcement.

"My brother will be here soon," Amelia said, "are you hungry? Miles told me you've had quite the journey."

"I..." the boy seemed unsure now, "I have a message..." his voice trailed off. The mention of food no doubt sounding appealing.

Amelia smiled. "Well, after you deliver your message then."

The boy's eyes lit up briefly and he gave a serious nod.

"Amelia?" Daniel's voice rang across the hall, "Miles said there was a messenger."

Amelia turned around, revealing the boy at her side. "There is," she said. She motioned towards the boy.

Daniel blinked at the child. Wasn't he a little young to be a messenger? "Hello," he said, "who are you?"

"Bay, sir," the boy said quietly, "I have a message for lord Blackwood."

"I am lord Blackwood," Daniel said, "what is your message?"

The boy frowned and thought for a moment before patting himself down. He came up with a folded note.

"What's this?" Daniel asked while taking the note.

"I don't know, sir," the boys spoke, "I can't read."

Daniel unfolded the note and carefully read its content.

"Bad news?" Amelia questioned.

"It's from Harun," Daniel answered, "he needs to stay with his father a little longer. It's not going well."

"He won't die, will he?" Amelia asked quietly. She had been young when he father died, but still old enough to remember him and how she had felt when he was gone.

"No," Daniel said, "but he probably won't recover enough to maintain his business. Harun may have to stay permanently."

Amelia bit her lip. Emily would be so devastated.

Daniel folded the note and put it in his coat's front pocket. He looked at the boy again. "Did you come walking all this way from Harun's village?"

"No sir," the boy spoke timidly, "Harun gave me some coin. Dwight from the next town over runs a stable, sir, and he owns a sled. I paid him coin, sir, to take me to the village nearest here and I came walking, sir."

"That's still a fair walk," Daniel said, "you must be hungry."

"I've already told Miles to see to some food," Amelia informed him.

Daniel nodded. "Well then, let's get you to the kitchen. And I'm sure we can spare you a spot near the fire tonight. We won't let you go back in the dark."

"Thank you, sir. You're so generous, sir. Harun said you were kind." The boy followed him towards the kitchen.

Amelia remained in the hallway a little longer. The news had her worried. What if Harun wouldn't come back? It would leave Emily heartbroken.

At first she had disapproved of the friendship between her sister and a simple stable boy, but the boy had made Emily happy. Her sister smiled more and had become so lively. And now she herself had found someone. Who was she to deny Emily the same? Her sister deserved to be happy too. Would that all be taken away again now?

***

Ramiro stared at the ceiling of the barn. For the past few days this had been his home. It was good to have a place for himself. He couldn't stay in front of Bonny and Matthew's kitchen fire forever. The barn was warm an dry and he was close to his horse.

It suited him just fine.

It also gave him a lot of time to think. More than once, Bonny and Matthew had invited him to stay and work with Matthew in the blacksmith's. And occasionally Dwight, who ran the stable, might have some work for him too. Ramiro was debating whether or not to accept the offer. He missed his family, but he couldn't go home. He had been traveling without direction, but he knew he couldn't continue like that either. He wouldn't find his beloved. Nothing could bring her back. Perhaps he should stay here. At least here were people willing to help him.

He turned his face when his horse's head appeared over him. "What do you think, girl?" he asked, "should we stay here?" His mare snorted in response and went back to nibbling her hay. Ramiro sighed and rolled onto his side. Life here wasn't so bad. He had a roof over his head and food on the table. It was an honest job. He could make a living here.

Yes, perhaps it would be for the best. Maybe in time even his heart would heal.

***

When Emily entered the salon that morning, the house was awfully quiet. She turned her chair around and rolled towards the kitchen where she was greeted by a happily barking Rowdy, and Agnes tending to the fire.

"Good morning, Miss Emily," Agnes greeted, "do you need assistance?"

"Where is everyone?" Emily asked while scratching Rowdy's ears.

"I believe lord Blackwood left the estate early this morning. Miss Amelia has also left with your mother."

"And Leah?" Emily asked.

"I do not know, Miss. I have not seen her yet. Now if you seat yourself in the dining room, I will tell Anna to serve you breakfast."

Emily sighed in defeat. "Yes," she said quietly and she wheeled herself away again. She looked at the puppy that followed her. "At least I still have you," she said.

...

It didn't take long for Anna to appear with her breakfast. The serving girl quickly and efficiently placed everything on the table and poured Emily a cup of tea.

"Thank you, Anna," Emily said.

Anna curtsied and left the room gain.

Emily sighed and quietly stared out of the window while she broke her fast.

It had stopped snowing a few days ago. That her mother and sister had left must mean the roads were clear for travel. She wondered where they had gone. Knowing Amelia, she probably wanted to tell everyone about her engagement. It made Emily smile. She liked Jacob. It would be nice if he became her brother.

A movement in the garden drew Emily's attention. A small boy was hurrying his way across the snow covered lane. He had a small wrapped cloth in one of his hands.

She had never seen the boy before.

Emily pushed her chair back and wheeled towards the window to have a better look. "Miles!" she called.

A moment later, Miles came rushing into the room. "Miss Emily. Is something the matter?" he studied her with a worried expression.

"That boy," Emily pointed without looking up, "who is he?"

Miles walked up to her and followed her gaze. He frowned. "He is only a messenger boy, Miss. He arrived late last night. He spoke with your brother and Miss Amelia. Your brother was kind enough to let him sleep in the kitchen for the night."

"A message? What was the message?"

"I do not know, Miss Emily. You should ask your brother when he returns."

"Do you know where he went?" Emily asked.

"No Miss, but he expected to be back around tea time."

"Thank you Miles."

"Miss," he bowed and retreated from the room.

A new set of footsteps entered te room. "Emily!" her grandmother's voice rang out, startling the girl, "you haven't even finished your breakfast yet!"

Emily looked over her shoulder at the table where the remainder of the breakfast was waiting. "I'm sorry, grandmamma. I was distracted."

"Well, there is no use finishing this now since it's gone cold. I'll tell Agnes to make you something else. After that, you need to tend to your lessons. You've been neglecting them."

"Yes, grandmother," Emily sighed, "grandmother?" Do you know where Amelia went? And Leah?"

"Your mother took Amelia to visit the Clarke family," Ruth answered.

"And Leah?"

"I believe she is outside in the garden. Now no more excuse, Emily. Lessons. And this afternoon you may read to me so I can hear your progress."

Emily sighed again. "Yes, grandmother." She cast one more longing look out of the window and rolled herself back to the table.

***

Amelia and Rebecca sat huddled together in a corner of the salon while their mothers were happily discussing Amelia's recent engagement.

"They have already planned out my entire wedding," Amelia sighed.

Rebecca giggled. "I am so happy for you, Amelia. Jacob is a good man."

"I know," Amelia sighed again. Only this time her sigh was of a different nature, I could hardly believe it when he made his intentions clear. I didn't think he saw me as anything other than Daniel's little sister." She smiled at Rebecca, "you must be my bridesmaid."

"I'd be honored," Rebecca answered.

"And what about you?" Amelia asked in a conspiring tone, "any progress with Anthony?"

Rebecca's cheeks turned a deep red and she glanced at her mother nervously. "Shh," she hushed her friend, "not so loud. My mother has been pushing me to draw attention of a potential suitor. She wishes to see me married."

"Do you not wish to marry?" Amelia questioned, "I thought you liked Anthony."

"I do," Rebecca's voice was a mere whisper and her cheeks turned even redder, "but if my mother catches wind of it, she will never leave it alone." She sighed. "Does he even like me?"

"Of course he likes you, Becca," Amelia said, "did he not flirt with you last time at the fete?"

"He flirts with everyone," Rebecca noted.

"Don't despair," Amelia comforted her friend, "we will make him notice you. He won't have any other choice."

Rebecca smiles shyly. "Oh," she said, leaning closer to Amelia, "speaking of choice..." she lowered her voice to a whisper, "have you heard about Katherine and Jackson?"

Amelia blinked. "What about them?"

"Apparently they are engaged too," Rebecca entrusted her with, "mother heard it in the market place from Abby's mother. It seems that the two were discovered in a compromising situation the morning after Ara's wedding. Lord Caldwell was furious and he made Jackson court Katherine. They want to have the two wed as soon as possible. In secret of course."

Amelia's jaw dropped. Katherine and Jackson? "I don't know who I am most sorry for."

"In any case," Rebecca continued, "the financial problems of the Goodwins are solved now."

"Poor Ara," Amelia sighed, "to have Katherine as a sister."

Rebecca giggled. "It could have been you. She's been after your brother for years."

"Luckily we have Leah now," Amelia said.

Rebecca's eyes went wide. "They are together now?"

A smile spread over Amelia's face. "Not yet. But I'm sure it is only a matter of time."

***

"No! There is not going to be a grand wedding!" Theodore Goodwin paced the room with an irritated expression, "we've been over this, Katherine. This needs to be done discretely."

Katherine stomped her foot. "Why do you have to control everything?! You already forced me into this marriage and now I can't even have a proper wedding! The Caldwell family has money! Ara had a large wedding! Why can't I?!"

"You know why," Theodore tried to regain his calm, "please be obedient, Katherine. You've already stressed out your mother."

"It's not fair!"

"Life's not fair," her father stated, "you'll discover that soon enough. You will marry Jackson and you'll be a good wife to him. Think of all the luxuries you'll have. How many times have you said you missed your dresses and your jewelry? You can have all that and more."

Katherine gritted her teeth. Of course she wanted her pretty things back. That was not the issue. She didn't want to be married to Jackson. She'd be the laughing stock of the entire county.

But her father was relentless. "Tomorrow around this time, you two will be wed. I will lock you up if I need to. Remember, I am your father, I do not need your consent in this." He turned his back on her and locked the room.

Katherine shrieked in fury and threw a pillow at the door. She would have thrown something breakable, but there was nothing left.

Her hands ripped away her bed sheets and threw them to the floor. She pulled at the curtains and threw those down too. After that, she sunk down in the mess she had made and cried.

***

"But is it doable?" Daniel studied the small wooden hut carefully, "it hasn't been used for years."

"It needs a lot of repairs," his overseer pointed, "but yes, it can be done. Someone could live here."

"Good," Daniel said, "start making arrangements."

"Yes, my lord." The man bowed and went to follow his orders.

Daniel stayed behind a moment longer. He had thought for most of the night and had only managed a few hours of sleep, but slowly and surely this plan had come to mind.

The small house had once belonged to his grandfather's steward. Now he planned to give it to Harun and his father. That was, as soon as the man would be fit for travel. That way, Harun would be able to keep his job and still be close to his father.

Daniel nodded content. It was the perfect solution. Who knew? Perhaps in time, Harun's father could even provide with some light chores. He had sent the messenger boy back home this morning, after a sturdy breakfast and some provision for the road, with a letter for Harun, explaining everything in detail. He would even provide for a carriage for them to make the journey easier.

Daniel took a deep breath and returned his horse to ride home. He had arrangements to make and manifests to go over. The estate didn't run itself. Besides, he thought with a smile, he had a reason to be home now. It was like Jacob had said. It was good to have someone to return to after a journey. And at home was a beautiful dark-eyed girl that made him long for just that.

***

George Filcher knocked on the door of the building in front of him. The shoemaker that lived here always bought pelts from him for his shoes. The man was one of his best clients.

It didn't take long for the door to open.

"Malcolm," George nodded.

Malcolm stepped aside and let him enter the room. "Is it that time of year again?" he asked while shuffling towards his work bench, "I'm surprised you arrived here unscathed."

"It stopped snowing days ago," George answered, "the roads are still packed, but one can manage."

"I ain't talking about the weather," Malcolm said, "it's those gypsies." The roads have been crawling with them of late. Had a camp a mile out of town a few days ago. You're lucky you didn't run into them."

A shiver ran down George's spine. Gypsies. Even here. Had there always been so many of them or did they only stand out now after what happened in the village? "Which way did they go?" he asked. If he could avoid crossing paths with them, he would.

Malcolm shrugged. "Don't know, don't care. They've gone. That's all that matters. Now let's have a look at your merchandise."

George nodded and placed his pelts on the work bench. "Here you go. Nice and clean. Good quality."

Malcolm carefully inspected the pelts and nodded appreciative. "I'll take these." He pointed at three large pelts.

"That's two shillings," George said.

"Hm," Malcolm muttered, "you've raised your prices."

"Times change," George answered, "times are hard now and we've had some setbacks at home. We need the money."

"I'll give you one and five pennies."

"Ten," George countered.

"A shilling, two pennies and a new pair of boots when you return home."

"Agreed," George nodded and held out his hand. The two men shook on it and the exchange was made. "I'll pass here again in a few weeks."

"I'll have 'em ready by then," Malcolm promised. He looked at George with a serious expression. "you'd do well to avoid the Eastern roads. There's been word of highway men. It would be best if you found an escort somewhere here in town."

"Robbers?" George questioned, "in these parts?"

"Hm," Malcolm nodded, "harsh winter drove 'em here. I supposed they won't target large traveling parties, only lone individuals."

"I'll keep it in mind," George nodded. Inwardly he sighed. If it wasn't gypsies it was robbers. But he still needed to get to the next town. He needed the money. Now it seemed he'd have to spend most of his earnings on an escort, forcing him to stay away from home even longer to make up for the losses.

It was going to be a long winter indeed.