Free GypsyDukeEpub by Unknown Page B

leave tonight and take John with you? He cannot return for three years.
    The duchess blurted out her request in a rush, leaving the poor gypsy stunned with his mouth gaping. "Teresa…" He shook his head, continuing to stare at her in astonishment.
    When Ardaix found his voice, he spoke haltingly as if still unsure what to say. "With all due respect, what you ask is…dangerous. The authorities would hunt us down and kill us. They would say we had kidnapped the Duke. His relationship with Michel is not unknown. This is the first place they would look if he were to go missing, especially if we disappear in the night."
    "You misunderstand. John is not going to disappear. I mean he is. No one will know where he has gone, but he is leaving letters for his solicitor, for Kitty, and for the earl. Everyone will know he left of his own free will to...to...find himself. So, you see…No one will think to look here. What duke in his right mind would hide out with gypsies?"
    Ardaix gave her a sardonic grin. "Indeed."
    John glanced from his mother to Ardaix. Assuredly, some undercurrent passed between them, but he had no idea what.
    At last, Ardaix put both hands on the table. "I will think on this. It would put my people at risk. We would miss the harvest, and we need the work. Winter is approaching."
    Teresa reached into her cape and pulled out the bag then dropped it on the table. "We will pay for the missed harvest."
    That brought a definite gleam to the eye of the gypsy, but he crossed his arms over his chest. "We will miss three years of harvest if we are to keep him away from this place, and we will need clothing for him. He looks...gorgio, not Roma."
    Teresa turned and studied John. "Oh, I don't know. He has that ebony hair, not much shorter than yours, and it would grow quickly. Put an earring in his ear, give him worn clothing…I think he would pass."
    "There is still the three years of missed harvest. He will eat our food and wear our clothes. We're not as welcome in other counties, and I don't think his Grace has any particular…talent…for earnings."
    John brought forth another bag of coin and dropped it on the table. "There is always this."
    "Agreed." Ardaix reached for both bags then stared John in the eye. "But you will have to learn a profitable trade."
    "One moment. I propose an exchange. Leave Michel here with my mother. He can work in the stables and ensure that my uncle has no opportunity to gain access to Kitty. If Michel saddles the horses, he will know when my uncle goes out. He could also bring us useful information. Is it not true that a gypsy can always find his tribe?" John rose to his full height and offered Ardaix a challenging look.
    Ardaix chuckled. "You have spent too much time among my people, gorgio." He grew silent, watching them both. "I agree to the exchange...if Michel is willing."
    He stood and bowed to the duchess before leaving the wagon.
    John turned on his mother. "How in the world did you get on a first-name basis with the gypsies? And how is it that Ardaix speaks so well?"
    "A long story, John. Perhaps he will share it with you." A dry sob rose in her throat. "Oh, John. How can I live without you for three years?"
    This was the duchess he knew and loved. His mother needed him. He wrapped his arms about her and held her against his chest. "I will write you often. Know that I love you above all things and will not forget this sacrifice." He lifted his head to peer down at her. "What possessed you to think I would wear an earring? It is simply not done."
    Her face broke into a smile, and she lifted her hand to cover it. "You looked just like your father when you said that."
    "Perhaps I should pierce both ears."
    When the doorway opened, Michel preceded Ardaix to the table and held out his hand. "You have troubles, friend."
    John took Michel's hand as he stood. "I would consider it a great honor, Michel, if you would guard my mother and my betrothed, Lady Katherine, in my absence."
    "You've