They didn't see any of the men, but Alin made her stay in the tree with him. "We have to stay quiet, Lenka. If we make a sound, they will find us."
"I want to go home," Milena sobbed.
"I know. Just a little longer." But he was concerned too. Judging by the sun, they had been here for at least an hour. Why had no one of the kumpania come look for them? "Wait here. I will go see if all is safe. "
"Do not leave me here."
Alin cupped his sister's cheek. "I will not be long. I promise." He planted a kiss on her brow and lowered himself from the tree branch.
On the ground, he looked up to his sister one more time. "Stay in the tree until I come for you."
He took a deep breath and hurried back towards the camp.

 "Why did you run away?" the young lord asked. He had slowed his horse down to a calm stride and looked back at her over his shoulder. "You are still injured. My grandmother said your ribs might be bruised. You should be more careful."
Milena bit her lip. She was leaning away from him as much as possible in order not to touch him.
Truth to be told, he was right, but she had to find the kumpania.
"Why are you so silent?" he asked, "you don't have to be afraid. I won't hurt you."
Milena sighed. She wasn't afraid of him. Not anymore. But she still did not trust him. And she wanted to go home.
"Or maybe you can not understand what I'm saying, is that it?" He looked at her again.
Milena shook her head.
"No?" he let out a soft laugh, "what is it then?"
Milena sighed again and he halted his horse. He looked at her puzzled. "You can't speak, can you?"
Milena's eyes went wide and she made ready to let herself down from the horse, but he stopped her.
"Don't be frightened. I told you I won't harm you. But you do need to rest. Your injuries need time to heal and that running of yours has probably made matters worse. I will take you back to the mansion, alright?  Come, you must meet my sisters." He urged his horse forward again. 

A stable boy came out of the stables as soon as they arrived and held the horse while Daniel dismounted.
The young lord turned back to Milena to help her and no matter how much she wanted to decline, she needed his help to get down.
He carefully planted her on her feet. "Come," he said and guided her inside the house.

An elderly woman came to greet them, but she instantly headed for Milena. "Thank goodness he fund you child." She gently took Milena's shoulders. "Do not be afraid of us, you are safe here." She smiled kindly. "What is your name child?"  
"She cannot speak, grandmother," Daniel said, "at least I think so."
The woman sighed. "I am sorry to hear that," she told Milena, "my name is Ruth Weston. I am Daniel's grandmother. Come child. You must be hungry." She took Milena's hand and made for the dining room. "Sit please." She directed Milena to a chair and turned to call a young woman. "We will take lunch here today, Anna. And tell the staff we have a guest for the time being."
Anna curtsied and walked out of the room.
Ruth turned to Daniel, who had entered the room as well. "Please call your mother and your sisters. We will have lunch together."
Daniel grinned and winked at Milena before disappearing down the hall.
Milena nervously looked around the room. It was so big here and there were so many people. She knew some of the gadje had servants. This must be a wealthy family. 

It didn't take long before the girl from earlier entered the room, pushing a wheel chair with a younger girl in it.
Daniel followed behind them, a playful grin on his lips. His mother walked at his side.
The older girl gasped when she saw Milena. "Ah! He found you. I'm so glad!"
"Amelia," Ruth reprimanded, "do not raise your voice."
"Forgive me, grandmother," Amelia said.
Ruth nodded at her. "As you can see, we have a guest," she continued, "she will be staying with us for the time being. I expect both you girls to treat her with kindness and respect as we would any other guest."
"Yes grandmamma," both girls chimed.
Amelia pushed her sister closer to Milena. "My name is Amelia. I'm Daniel's sister. And this is our youngest sister Emily."
The girl in the wheelchair smiled kindly. "Nice to meet you. What is your name? I've never meta gypsy before, Do you like it here? How long will you stay?"
"Em..." Daniel chuckled, "can you pause to breathe between the questions?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Emily gasped. She looked at Milena wide-eyed.
"What's the use?" Cecily sighed. She held her fingers to her head. "She can't understand a word."
"She understands," Daniel said, "she just can't speak."
"You can't speak?" Emily's eyes were filled with sympathy. She knew what it was like to not be able to use her body the way she would like. Her legs could not carry her, but at least she could still communicate with her family and friends. It must be horrible not being able to do that.
"Then how do we find out her name?" Amelia asked, "we need to call her by something." She looked at Milena. "Can you write it down? "
Milena shook her head. She did not know how to write, nor read. Some of the men in the kumpania knew the language of the gadje. Perhaps Aishe had learned as well, but most of them had no use for the written word. Trade was done by verbal agreement. When dealing with gadje, they used tricks or immediate exchange, but they rarely wrote anything down. When they had to leave a message, they used certain markings that were known only by the travelers, not words.
"Then we'll have to guess," Daniel smiled. He sat down at the head of the table, two seats away from Milena.
He looked at her amused. "Cassandra?"
Milena blinked and shook her head.
"No? Hmmm... Esmeralda? Carmen?  Tanya?  It must be something exotic."
Milena hung her head and bit her lip. They never gave the gadje their true names. When someone knew your name, that person held power over you. And gadje could not be trusted. Perhaps she should just agree to a name. She would not be here long.
"Amyra," Amelia suggested.
Milena sighed. She knew she was taking a risk, but none of the names seemed to fit her. So she mouthed her name to him.
But he misread.
"Leah?" Daniel said surprised.
Milena bit her lip. It was close enough. She nodded.
"Well," Cecily said with a sigh, "now that we've solved that matter, perhaps we can eat." She unfolded her napkin and placed it on her lap. She looked at her daughters pointedly.
Amelia curtsied at her mother and wheeled her sister to the other side of the table and sat down next to her.
On the other side, Ruth gestured towards a servant girl to serve lunch.

Milena stared at it confused. They were going to eat all at the same time? She glanced at Daniel. She hadn't seen any other man yet, so she assumed he was the phuro of this family. Shouldn't he eat first?
She glanced around the table. Everyone was eating like nothing was wrong.
"What's the matter?" Emily asked concerned when she noticed Milena had not moved, "is the food not to your liking?"
Milena looked at the young girl and then at her plate. Two slices of bread were placed on the plate and a fruity substance next to it. Someone had poured tea in her cup.
Afraid of insulting her hosts, Milena took a bite.
She looked at Emily again, who smiled at her.
Milena sighed. She kept hitting her elbow against the table. Why would anyone want to sit at such an uncomfortable thing? And why were they all so silent?
At the kumpania, they would gather around  the fire and tell stories. They would laugh together. Did the gadje not care for each other? 

When Milena had finished, they girl from before, Anna, came to take her plate away and Milena stood up to help her clean up.
She froze when she heard gasps.
Everyone at the table looked at her in shock.
Amelia bit her lip and Emily hid her laughter. "You don't have to do that Leah. That's Anna's job. She is a servant. You are our guest."
Milena looked at them confused. They weren't going to help? Had they not eaten the food? Should they not assist Anna?
Where she came from, such a thing would be unheard of. Everyone in the kumpania had a task. Even guests did their share of the work.
Her eyes shifted to Anna, who made a point to not look at anyone at the table while she stiffly carried the plates out of the dining room.
Ruth cleared her throat. "And what are your plans for today, Amelia?"
The older girl smiled. "Arabella is coming to visit. We will talk about her wedding. Did you know what Nathaniel sent her as a wedding present?"
"One of many you mean," Cecily commented.
"What did he sent?" Emily asked dreamily.
"Diamond earrings."
"Real diamonds?" Emily gasped.
Amelia nodded vigorously. "And a brand new hat. All the way from the city."
"I see where this is going," Daniel said amused. He pushed back his chair. "I should get back to work. I have a lot of paperwork waiting in my study." He winked at Milena and walked out of the room.

Amelia turned to her mother. "Can we have tea and biscuits in the garden, mother? It's such nice weather."
"I'll let Anna know," Cecily nodded, "but make sure to bring a shawl. It is a little chilly."
"Perhaps you should ask Leah to accompany you," Ruth said.
Amelia looked at her grandmother uncertain. Having the gypsy girl stay at the house was one thing, but to bring her to meet her friends? The girl was so unsophisticated.
"I don't thin that is such a good idea, mother," Cecily aided her daughter, "what would the girl have in common with Arabella Caldwell? She would feel left out."
"She is our guest," Ruth said firmly, "it would only be polite. Besides, she will need to be introduced at some point. Why not here in our own garden?"
"I-Introduced?!" Cecily gasped.
"I'm sure Leah would only be bored," Amelia quickly said, "besides, is she not injured? She should rest."
Milena silently sat on her chair. It was obvious Amelia did not want her to meet her friend. The girl had seemed so kind before. Had that just been a trick?
"Can I come?" Emily asked hopeful.
"You have lessons to attend, Emily," Cecily turned to her youngest daughter, "a good education is important. And after that, doctor Avery is visiting to give you a check up. You know that."
"But mother..."
"No discussion Emily. In fact, you're already late. It's not polite to keep someone waiting."
Emily sighed and lowered her eyes. "Yes mother." She looked at Cecily hopeful. "Can Leah come?"
"I'm sure she is tied. Your sister was right. She should rest. But perhaps you can visit her after doctor Avery's visit."
"Perhaps doctor Avery can check on Leah too," Emily suggested.
Cecily pursed her lips. "We shall see."
"You should go now child," Ruth said, "don't keep Mr. Tate waiting."
Emily nodded and wheeled her chair back. "Bye Leah. It was nice to meet you."
A small smile escaped Milena. It seemed not everyone was against her presence here. Still, she would rather go home to her family. Had they forgotten her already?

 ***

"Get up Daria, you must eat," Aishe forcefully dragged her granddaughter to her feet. "There is water to be carried and food to be prepared. Aranka is at the stream to wash the clothes. You should help her."
Daria lifelessly picked up the bucket at her feet. What did she care about water and clothes? Her cousin was dead. Her best friend was gone and it was all her fault. If only she had not been such a child. If only she had been more responsible.
The worst of it was that she could not talk about it with anyone.
You did not speak of the dead.
It was her folly that had brought the kumpania so much pain. Her mother's sister would not stop crying and her own brother barely spoke a word. The tragedy had hit them hard.
"Darka!" Aishe said sternly, "go bring water." She sighed. She did not mean to be cruel to the girl, but she would not stand by and let her wilt away. Life had to go on. And so had Daria.

Across the camp, Petsha followed the movements of the lifeless girl. He wanted to go over  to her, to comfort her, but his father stopped him.
Vali shook his head at his son. "You must let her grieve. The kumpania looked away last night because of what has befallen us, but they will not do so now. Do not bring shame on her as well as grief."
"I will wed her," Petsha said.
"She needs time to grieve," Vali answered firmly,  "you now this. Now is not the time."
Petsha bowed his head. "I mean no disrespect."
"I know," Vali nodded, "be patient son. When it's time, we will make it official, but I cannot speak with Cezar now. I will not dishonor him." 

***

 "It's so lovely," Amelia sighed while carefully touching the satin ribbons  on her friend's  hat. "I wish I had a suitor."
"You will my dear," Arabella said comforting, "very soon, I'm sure of it."
"You're so lucky. Nathaniel is so romantic."
"I know," Arabella said and they both laughed. "Who is your new servant?" Arabella suddenly asked.
Amelia followed her friend's gaze towards Milena who was walking behind Ruth near the rose bushes.
"Daniel found her along the road," she told her friend, "she was unconscious." She leaned towards Arabella. "She's a gypsy."
"A gypsy?!" Arabella gasped in disbelieve.
"Grandmother insists that she stays here as our guest until she is well again. Her people abandoned her."
"Why?"
"I don't know. She doesn't speak."
"How tragic! But still, a gypsy! What is your grandmother thinking? I'd hide my jewelry if I were you." Arabella looked at Milena again. "She's pretty though." An amused smile flashed across her lips. "I wonder what Katherine will say when she finds out." She winked at Amelia. "She will throw a fit when she hears about a girl in your household."
"Perhaps she will finally stop obsessing over my brother," Amelia sighed.
Arabella shook her head. "She throws herself at every available wealthy man."
"She's been after Daniel ever since father passed away and he inherited the property and family fortune." Her eyes narrowed the tiniest bit. "I do not like her. She looks down on Emily."
Arabella's eyes went wide. "Why would she do that?"
"I don't know," Amelia answered, "but she's all pleasant when mother or Daniel is around, but behind their backs she is a different person. And I heard her say cruel things about Emily. I do not think it was her intention for me to hear."
"Have you told Daniel?"
"No. Its not right to tattle. Besides, he has not shown interest in Katherine. I am sure her true nature will come out in time." 

"Come child," Ruth spoke to the gypsy girl. She cut off a few roses and placed them in the basket Milena was carrying.
Milena quietly followed the woman across the garden. Daniel might be head of the family, this was his grandmother and she should be respected as such.
The woman was kind to her, but very collected.
Milena sighed. It was like she was in a completely different world. She didn't understand their rules. She was surprised when the old woman spoke again, though she did not look at Milena.
"My father used to allow your people to camp on his lands. They came every year, but never stayed long." She moved on to trim the next rose bush. "I have always wondered why." She looked at Milena.
Milena sighed and wished she could explain. But even if she could speak, she wasn't sure she could make the woman understand.
"It's not the end of the world child," Ruth said, "you can stay here for the time being."
But she did not want that.
Ruth pursed her lips. "But first we should do something about your appearance. Follow me."

 ***

How did people walk in these contraptions? Milena gasped when Ruth pulled the strings on the corset. Why would  they even want to? This was so indecent. Her cheeks colored red by the thought of how much cleavage must be showing. And the skirt barely reached below her ankles. It was a good thing she still had her boots. They would make up for the shortage of fabric.
Ruth finished buttoning up Milena's dress and nodded content. "Much better." She gathered Milena's old clothes to dispose of them, but Milena was quick to stop her. She shook her head at the old woman. She did not want to part with the clothes. They were the only thing she had from home.
"Really child, you can not be serious. Look at these rags. They're all torn up."
But when Milena kept shaking her head, Ruth sighed and gave in. "Keep them then, but you cannot wear them. Amelia will lend you some dresses for the time being. They are much more appropriate for a young woman." She shook her head and walked out of the room.
Milena sighed and hid her clothes in the back of the wardrobe so no one would find them and take them again. She sate down on the bed and closed her eyes. She wished she could go home.
She looked up when someone knocked on the door.
A hesitant Emily peeked inside the room. "May I come in?"
Milena nodded and Emily carefully wheeled herself inside. "How are you feeling?"
Milena gave the girl a sad smile. Emily looked at her in understanding. "Do you miss your family?" When Milena looked away, she bit her lip. "Of course you do. I'm sorry. I should not have asked." She rolled closer and placed a frail hand on the older girl's arm. "You'll like it with us, I'm sure."  She cast a sad smile. "It must be hard not being able to speak."
Milena patted the girl's hand. 'It must be harder not being able to walk,' she thought, 'to never be able to run across the fields in summer, to never dance at the fire... it must be really lonely.'
Emily smiled back at her. "But you have one friend already," she said warmly.
Milena let her breath escape. Yes. She could use a friend.
She smiled back.

---

There you have it, the new chapter. I hope everybody liked it. Please let me know what you think of the family. And what about Arabella?