Free GypsyDukeEpub by Unknown Page A

he dropped her hand. "I thank you. May we sit together and speak? I need your help."
    Ardaix looked at John, a cold hard stare that revealed nothing of his thoughts or offered any encouragement then he looked at the cantankerous, old woman. She spat and turned away from him. At last, he nodded his head at the duchess.
    "Come with me."
    John and his mother were shown into one of the tents. At the sight of so many rugs and pillows thrown on the ground, John was curious. Did they sleep like that? But he didn't want to offend Ardaix, so he kept his gaze on his mother and his questions to himself.
    They reached a pile of satin pillows around a low table with a lighted candle. Ardaix dropped to a pillow and nodded at the duchess.
    "May I offer you our hospitality, Duchess?"
    "We would like that above all things."
    John felt like laughing. His very proper mother was seated on the floor of a tent, acting as if the prospect of sharing a repast with gypsies was her fondest wish. Clearly, he didn't know her as well as he thought.
    Nothing further was said until a gypsy woman entered the tent with a pot of tea and three exceedingly small cups, which she placed in front of the duchess.
    "Why, thank you, Maria. Will you not join us?"
    Maria shook her head, though she flashed a faint smile before disappearing from the tent.
    John's mother poured out the steaming brew and handed a cup first to John then Ardaix. Finally, she took one for herself, immediately raising it to her lips as if she participated in some strange ritual. "Mmm, always a delight. We appreciate your hospitality, Ardaix."
    He nodded at her, and his lips thinned in a semblance of a smile. "Now, what brings you here, Patroness, with your heir, in the middle of the night?"
    John took a sip of tea and found it flavorful with a faint minty taste. Through the steam rising from his cup, he watched his mother face the austere gypsy before her. No, he had never known her. There was depth here that she had hidden from him.
    She set down her cup and folded her hands daintily in her lap. For all her aplomb, she could have been conversing with one of the patronesses of Almack's.
    "As you know, my husband has passed, and John has inherited the duchy. There is one problem. His father did not think him old enough to take on such responsibilities and left a guardian of sorts. An unpleasant man."
    "Your brother-in-law."
    "I was sure you'd understand." She turned to John. "Ardaix always knows." She looked back at the gypsy. "He attacked John tonight...not in such a manner that we could report him to the authorities…There would be gossip if we even tried to explain. He has also made threats against John's future wife. You know Kitty, Lady Katherine…that lovely child. She's much too young to be subjected to…to…that sort of danger."
    A slight smile tugged at the corner of the gypsy leader's mouth. "Do not trouble yourself, Teresa. We are aware John ordered the young people to stay away from the manor. Mr. Timmons was kind enough to pass the message along to our clan."
    "Then you see our problem. Bartholomew says if John doesn't bring Kitty into the household and under his uncle's domination, he intends to take his revenge on John...which he already tried. I had to use the pistol."
    The gypsy's eyes widened as he stared at her in silence for a moment. "You need us to get rid of the body?"
    "Heavens, no. I merely threatened him. He is locked in his room until he sleeps off the liquor. But you see the danger if John remains. Bartholomew will force him to marry, bring Kitty into the house, and he will ruin everything...probably kill them both." She took another deep breath, and tears came to her eyes.
    Whether his mother was acting or really distraught, John didn't know, but she had a profound effect on Ardaix. At the sight of a crying woman, his eyes grew wide and he hurriedly thrust a bright red handkerchief at her.
    She beamed at him through wet lashes. "Thank you, Ardaix. So...will you