Bewitched.

“Father, the gypsy travellers are camped down in the field next to the forest again. There are about six caravans. Do you want me to tell them to move on or are you going to put some of them to work as you did last year?” asked Lucien of his father.

“They can stay as long as they don’t poach on our land. If Jacques is still with them, we can put him to work in the stables as we did last year. He is very skilled with horses and he seems honest enough.” “I will ride down there tomorrow and speak to Jacques.” replied Lucien.

Lucien was the son and only child of the Earl of Chesterville and his wife the Countess Elizabeth. Their ancestral home was a picturesque, solid stone building with Virginia creeper covering the walls. The extensive gardens were well kept by a team of gardeners. The land owned by the Count who was known as Count Louis, was extensive and the areas that were not farmed or rented to workers on the estate or to people who worked in the local village were covered in beautiful forests. There was a river running through the estate that flowed rapidly over smooth rocks. Small rapids along the way broke the peaceful flow where the water tumbled over large rocks making a gurgling sound and white foam flew into the air.This river was a constant source of fish for the household and the Count was generous to his workers giving them fish from time to time.

Lucien would one day manage this very large estate, so he spent most of his time overseeing work and checking on animals. Sometimes he just rode out into the forest, just for the sheer enjoyment of being surrounded by the beautiful trees and he often rode alongside the river, stopping occasionally to sit and admire the view and listen to the soothing sounds of the river as it flowed.

Lucien was taller than most of the men that he associated with and he had a wonderful physique. His dark hair was thick and slightly, unruly curls framed his face and covered the nape of his neck. His complexion was even with a tendency to change to a slightly darker hue during the warmer months. His eyes were blue and penetrating, framed by dark brows. He was a handsome young man and it was the dream of many a young woman to catch his eye and hopefully become his wife.

His parents had high expectations for him to marry a respectable woman from another aristocratic family but Lucien really had very little interest in most of the young women that he met. He found most of them rather dull, lacking any individuality, conforming to the expectations of that era and never creating any reason for people to gossip.

He had recently been seeing a young woman from another grand estate whose family were titled and very wealthy. Her name was Frances and her parents had hopes for a union between the two families. She was the perfect choice for a wife as she would be perfectly capable of running a large household and she knew how to socialise, having impeccable manners. She was educated in the classics and knew how to play the piano, embroider and she could speak French. She was an attractive woman with long, light brown hair, that she always had styled perfectly. Her skin was white and unblemished and her large eyes were a grey, green colour.

Lucien was fond of her but like most of the women he met, she did not set his pulse racing or spark any passion in him. He had resigned himself to the fact that he would marry a suitable woman, someone he was quite fond of but probably would never set his passions on fire.

The following day, Lucien rode over to see Frances as he had made arrangements to go for tea there. He shared an afternoon tea of delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and little cakes while he conversed with Frances and her parents. Later after he had strolled in their beautiful formal gardens with Frances he left and made in the direction of the field on his father’s estate where the travellers were camped. It was already getting dark as he approached the ring of vadas and he could hear the sounds and smell the aromas of food being prepared. Their campfires were burning and there was melancholy music in the background as one of the men played a stringed instrument. Lucien looked for Jacques as he was the head of the group. He found him sitting next to a flickering fire talking with some of the other men and enjoying a drink. Jacques acknowledged Lucien and beckoned him over to the group.

Lucien explained that the group could stay in the field as long as they did not poach wildlife in the forest or on the estate. This included all the stock on the estate. Lucien told him that they could fish in the river once a week. He told Jacques that the other condition was that he would work in the stables with the horses as he had the previous year. If they were prepared to abide by these conditions they could stay. Jacques accepted these conditions and thanked Lucien.

As Lucien prepared to leave the camp, he glanced across towards the musician and in the flickering firelight he saw a vision. There was the most beautiful, exotic woman he had ever laid eyes on and she was dancing slowly and sensuously, her body swaying and her arms moving slowly and smoothly in rhythm with the music. Her black, luxurious hair hung down her back and swayed with the movement of her body. He was mesmerised for a few minutes and then suddenly he realised that the men with Jacques were looking at him intently and with suspicion.

He moved away and mounted his horse to ride home. He could not get the vision of the exotic creature he had just seen out of his mind. He walked into his home and sat in the drawing room with his parents having a drink until dinner was served in the dining room. He knew he was distracted and his mother asked him if everything was alright with him. “Yes Mother, I was just thinking about the travellers. I have offered Jacques work in the stables and I have warned them about poaching but I told them that they can do some fishing once a week in the river. Jacques will be here tomorrow to start work with the horses. When I was talking to him, it struck me that in some ways their life is quite enviable. They travel throughout the country with all their belongings in those small vardos that serve as their home. They sit out in the open when the weather is fine and sit beside their fires talking and listening to music. It is a simple life and in many ways difficult but somehow I envy their freedom, their lack of material possessions liberates them from many of the worries that we have with all our wealth and privilege.” “Oh, Lucien, you are dreaming and romanticising their life. People are suspicious of them in general and they are regarded to some degree as thieves. They are lucky that your father is so generous to let them stay here on our land” replied his mother in an exasperated tone.

Lucien kept seeing the image of the young woman dancing, with the flames flickering and lighting up her lovely face.

Jacques arrived at the stables the next day to start working with the animals. He had an incredible affinity with the horses and ability to train them. Lucien went about his everyday business but could not get the young woman out of his mind. Never in his life had he been so affected by a woman to the point that he could not concentrate or think about anything else.

His mother had been hinting to him that perhaps he should declare his intentions with Frances. She warned him that if he did not make a move and propose, that another suitor would come along and claim her as his bride. Lucien could not get enthused about the whole idea and he secretly hoped that Frances would find another beau. He knew she was an ideal woman for him in every way, She was pretty, intelligent, skilled in all the areas that were important for a woman in her position and she was part of the aristocracy.

The travellers had been camped on the site for about a week and Lucien tried to think of a reason to visit again in the hope that he would see the beauty again. He did not know her name and did not like to ask Jacques so he thought he would have to bide his time to find out.

Then one afternoon, he set off along the edge of the river on horseback, weaving his way between trees and bushes. He intended to go to his favourite spot near one of the small rapids and think about everything. He knew he had to make a decision about Frances, so he thought he could think more clearly in a peaceful, isolated spot. He tethered his horse some distance away and walked around a bend in the river. As he approached the water, his eyes fixed on a sight that took his breath away and sent his heart racing. Standing waist deep in the water amidst the rapids was the stunning woman he had seen dancing in the travellers camp. She was totally natural without a stitch of clothing as she bathed in the invigorating water of the rapids. He stepped back into the branches of a bush as he did not want to startle her. She was standing with her back to him and her wet, dark hair streamed down her back. He knew he should walk away but he felt rooted to the ground. He had never seen a woman completely unclothed before and his curiosity prevented him from moving. He slid further into the bush to conceal himself, feeling guilty and somehow that this was very distasteful, but he was fascinated. She finished her bathing and waded out of the water to the smooth, large rocks that bordered the river. She laid down on a rock on her back savouring the warmth of the smooth surface allowing the gentle sun to warm and dry her wet skin that glistened tantalisingly in the light. She had closed her eyes and her dark tresses spread around her and across the rock. Lucien held his breath. He feared that she would realise that he was there and this would be very shameful for him. As a gentleman, he should have walked away but he had never seen such a refreshing and beautiful sight as this perfect woman enjoying the delights of nature. After a short while she rose and stood in all her female glory on the rock while she dressed herself in her traditional gown which was made from a simple fabric that women from the working class wore. This was not the formal type that he was used to seeing women dressed in within his circles. She did not restrict herself with a corset but pulled the dress on and laced the bodice. Once she had left and entered the forested area to return to her camp, Lucien emerged and made his way to sit on the edge of the river. He had intended to make a decision about Frances, but after the sight he had encountered, he could not concentrate and wondered how he could ever be satisfied with a woman who was governed by the expectations of the day. There were certain codes of behaviour and the women in his society would never break those etiquettes and behavioural modes. He was smitten with this woman and admired her freedom and individuality, let alone being unable to get her beautiful face and body out of his mind.

He did not make any decision and decided that he would wait until his twentieth fifth birthday had passed. His mother had organised a large party for the occasion and he knew that Frances would be anticipating a proposal shortly afterwards. He had an idea during the following week that he thought would make his party one that no one would ever forget. He told his mother that he was going to have some surprise entertainment during the evening. “Lucien, please tell me what you are planning. Make sure it is appropriate.” “No Mother, if I tell you it is no longer a surprise. All I can tell you is that it will be unique and it will liven up the party. I can’t see that anyone would not enjoy it.”

Lucien strolled over to the stables during the afternoon and sought out Jacques. He mentioned that he had noticed some dancing the night he visited the camp. He asked Jacques if the musicians and the dancers would agree to perform at his party. “They will be compensated for their performance of course.” Jacques informed him that he would have to ask the musicians and the two dancers, one being his daughter and her dancing partner. Lucien was taken aback to hear that the female dancer was the daughter of Jacques. As the travellers had been camping on the estate for many years, Lucien realised that he had probably seen her before when she was a child. He asked Jacques the names of the two dancers and he was informed that his daughter was Malina and the male was Stefan.

Jacques assured Lucien that he would ask the musicians and dancers if they would perform at his party and let him know tomorrow.

With great anticipation Lucien headed down to the stables to see Jacques the next day and he was delighted to hear that they had agreed to perform at the party.

During the following week, Lucien had not encountered Malina anywhere when he was out on the estate. One afternoon, Frances arrived with her mother to visit his parents and leaving them to talk, he took Frances down to the stables to see a new horse that he had purchased. Jacques was there and he informed Lucien that Malina was up in the arena training the horse which was called Pegasus. Lucien tried to suppress his excitement as they made their way to the arena as he knew he would see Malina. He would have to act in a very nonchalant way to cover his feelings. They approached the gate and here was the magnificent Pegasus mounted by Malina who was riding him bareback. She was simply wearing a colourful, traditional blouse and a cotton skirt that had crept up exposing her legs and a small part of her outer thigh. She appeared not to notice them as she was absorbed with the training she was doing with Pegasus. She rode him confidently going from walking to trotting and teaching him to obey her directions as she rode him in small circles, large circles and patterns. Lucien watched her intently, conscious that Frances was beside him. When the training finished, Malina dismounted and began to lead Pegasus back to the stables. As she passed Lucien and Frances she paused to acknowledge them. She gave a small bow of her head and addressed them. Sir, Milady, he is truly an exceptional horse. He would be an ideal horse for you Milady. Having made this comment she kept walking back to the stables. “He certainly is a magnificent horse don’t you think Frances?” Lucien made the comment about the horse to take his mind off seeing Malina again. “Yes he certainly is but that gypsy girl is rather forward speaking to you in that familiar manner. It is not her place to suggest a suitable horse for me and she has no modesty making a spectacle of herself having her bare legs exposed for everyone to see.” criticised Frances.

The day of the party arrived and there was great activity at the house as servants prepared food, put up decorations, cleaned and dusted until everything gleamed. As evening approached, Lucien dressed and went into the hall to greet the guests along with his parents. Frances and her parents arrived and they alighted from the coach and entered the house. Frances looked lovely with her hair perfectly styled and a rich, deep blue gown that emphasised her small waist and complemented her pale skin. She joined Lucien and as all the guests gradually arrived, the music began to play for the guests who wanted to dance. It was a wonderful sight to see the ladies in their richly coloured silk and satin gowns twirling around the room with their partners dancing the popular polkas, the galop and the viennese waltzes. The refreshment room was set with tables laden with delicious sandwiches, cold meats, cakes, spiced biscuits and all manner of mouth watering delicacies along with tea and coffee. The guests could wander in at will when they felt like indulging in some supper.

After much dancing and conversation, Lucien made an announcement that there was going to be some very unique entertainment that most of the guests had probably not experienced before. Suddenly three swarthy men dressed in the traditional costumes of the travellers appeared in the ballroom in brightly coloured loose shirts and coloured waistbands carrying their stringed instruments. They began to play stirring music and then the impassioned vocals of one of the men started and then suddenly Malina appeared in a deep, red dress with layers from the hips down. The underside of each layer was lined with black. She looked so exotic. She had ornate combs in her hair and she began to move slowly to the rhythm of the music. Her body swayed and she moved her hands and arms sensually and then suddenly the music increased in tempo and Stefan appeared and joined Malina on the floor. He was dressed in black pants, and shirt with a wide red band around his waist. They began dancing with their feet moving rapidly and their shoes clicking loudly. They made intricate movements with their arms and hands and as two musicians played the exotic music, the third was the cantaor performing the flamenco singing. The two dancers moved around each other seductively, sometimes coming close together and Stefan put his arm around Malina’s waist as they moved their feet in rapid rhythmic patterns. Malina twirled and moved her hips, lifting the layered half of her dress to expose her legs and the intricate foot movements. Her hair swung around as she moved and her expression was full of passion as she moved close to Stefan and caressed his body as he danced showing his masculinity and a certain arrogance. The atmosphere in the ballroom was electric as both the men and women stared in awe at this fiery, sensual display. The men tried to contain their feelings as they were stirred by this beautiful woman dancing in a way that they had never seen before. The women were entranced by the music, the rhythm of the feet and shoes clicking, the passionate interaction of the two dancers and something that no woman there would acknowledge was the stirring in their bodies as they watched the handsome, masculine Stefan. Compared to their restrained code of behaviour this was outrageous. They could not help but to be secretly envious of this exotic woman who followed her own rules.

After the dancing, the performers departed and went back to their camp. Everyone was excited and could not stop talking about what they had seen. Of course, everyone was very restrained and no one admitted how the dancing and music stirred their passions.

Some of the more conservative men and women made disapproving sounds and expressed their feelings quite loudly saying that they had never seen such a disgraceful display from a young woman. Afterwards, the guests continued their dancing but there was a more vibrant feeling to the rest of the evening.

The next few days after the party seemed dull to Lucien. He visited Frances and her parents discussed the evening and the performance. They commented that this type of entertainment would not normally be acceptable in polite society but as it was Lucien’s birthday an exception was made. He walked in the garden with Frances and he knew she was expecting a proposal soon which caused him anxiety as he was not sure that he could commit to a life with her or with any of the women he knew since he had encountered Malina. He was smitten by her charms and he did not know how to get her out of his mind.

Over the next week, he saw her a number of times at the stables with her father. He had the opportunity to talk to her and he was surprised at her knowledge of many different subjects, particularly the natural world as she had lived all her life surrounded by nature. She had visited many places with the travellers and her father had taught her to read as he had been lucky to receive some education when he was young from his grandfather. Malina told him that she read whenever she got the opportunity but she did not have many books. Not only did Lucien think she was beautiful physically but he was impressed by her mind and the way that she expressed opinions. He had never been with a woman who was not interested in gossip or discussing the latest fashions. She expressed opinions which he found very refreshing and she was eager to learn from him. He knew that given an opportunity her mind would be like a sponge.

One evening, Lucien was returning from the village and he was riding through the forest at a leisurely pace when he heard thunder and then some hard raindrops followed by lightning that lit up the forest. Gradually the rain began to fall in torrents and it pounded against his face, stinging his skin. He decided that riding through this storm was not advisable, especially with bolts of lightning and the cracking of thunder and now torrential rain that he would have to struggle through to get home. He decided to divert and guided his horse towards the small hunting lodge that belonged to his family where they could stop for refreshments or even rest overnight when they were hunting. It was a simple timber construction but it had a fireplace, a plump sofa and a bed along with a small kitchen where refreshments could be prepared. He arrived at the lodge and was already drenched and shivering. He opened the door and peeled off his wet clothes after lighting a fire. He wrapped himself in a blanket and placed his clothes in front of the fire to dry. He was just about to heat some water to make tea when he heard banging on the door. He wondered who it could be at this hour so he opened the door cautiously and standing before him was Malina, in a soaking gown, her dark hair plastered to her head and she was shivering uncontrollably. He quickly pulled her inside and gave her a blanket to put around her, guiding her to a screen that separated the living area from the bedroom so that she could remove her gown. When she emerged wrapped in the warm blanket, Lucien made scalding hot tea for both of them which soon sent the blood coursing through their bodies. They sat on the floor on a big soft fur rug. When Malina’s teeth stopped chattering and her body ceased shaking she told Lucien that she was walking back from the stables and decided to go through the woods as she always enjoyed being amongst the trees. Her father had left earlier and he took a different route so he would be home now. She was taken by surprise when the storm started and alarmed when the lightning and thunder became fierce. She struggled through the pounding rain and was trying to find her way as with all the rain and darkness, she became disorientated. She came across the hunting lodge which she had seen before when she was walking through the woods. She was glad to see the glow of candles and a fire through the windows.

As they warmed themselves and drank tea, they talked together about her life as a traveller and his life as the son of a count. Neither could even imagine what each other’’s lives would be like. He told her that in many ways he envied the simplicity of her life as a traveller and she told him that she was happy but at times it was difficult for them and often people ridiculed them. She told him that his life was something that she could never imagine living.

I hope the rain stops soon as my father will be worried about me. He won’t know I am with you Sir. “”Please don’t call me Sir, Malina! Call me Lucien”. “Oh that seems strange. I don’t think I should address you that way” responded Malina. “Please do! I feel old when you call me Sir!” Ï will try to remember” said Malina. “The rain is still torrential and the lightning is dangerous when walking under the trees so we are safer here under cover!” They sat for longer, talking and exchanging stories of their very different lives. Eventually, Malina decided to dress again as her gown had dried out. “I will go behind the screen and dress and hopefully by then the storm will have abated.” She began to get to her feet and Lucien took her arm to help her. When they stood up, his hand was still on her arm and he was standing face to face with Malina. Suddenly his desire for her overcame him and he pulled her close and kissed her. Malina moved away and said that this was not appropriate especially as he was expected to marry Frances. “Malina! I have fallen in love with you. I can’t stop thinking of you. Thoughts of you are in my head constantly. You drive me mad. You are so beautiful, intelligent and exciting. Every other woman seems dull and uninteresting to me. I have to be with you!” “Lucien, we cannot be together as we are from different worlds. You would hate to live my life and I would never fit into your society. “Please see the sense Lucien!” Lucien pulled her closer into his body and Malina felt her passion aroused as he kissed her again, this time urgently and intensely. Both their hearts were pounding as their common sense abandoned them and desire for each other engulfed their bodies. Malina’s blanket fell to the ground and then Lucien’s fell. Once again, Lucien was seeing her beautiful body as he did at the river that day. Malina was stirred by his strong smooth biceps and chest as she pressed into his body. Urgently, they fell onto the rug in front of the fire and Lucien could not contain his passion when he saw her skin in the flickering light of the flames. Their bodies were on fire and they came together in a frenzy. Lucien was aware that Malina had probably never been with a man before so he tried to be gentle even though he was overcome by desire for her. She cried out but soon was responding to his body as he made furious, passionate love with her. When they were both sated they lay together, their legs and arms entwined, their bodies hot and their skin wet with perspiration. “Malina, I adore you! I can’t live my life without you!” Lucien said hoarsely. “I feel this way about you as well Lucien, but there is no future for us together because we live in different worlds. If anyone knew what happened between us here we would be ostracised. We have to put this behind us and just remember the beautiful, passionate love making that we just experienced. I will never forget the way that you made me feel. I loved the fire that you lit in my body and I don’t know if I will ever experience that feeling again, but if I don’t I will have this memory. I love you too Lucien”.

They had not noticed in the middle of their fiery lovemaking that the storm had disappeared. Malina was worried that her father would be out looking for her so she told Lucien that she had to return to the camp. They both dressed and left the lodge and began walking through the trees in the direction of the camp. Malina asked Lucien to leave her before they arrived at the Vadas as she thought her father would be concerned to see her with him and Stefan would not be very happy as he hoped one day to marry her. They parted and Malina walked into the camp. She explained that she was caught in the storm and came across the lodge and sheltered until the rain stopped.

Lucien was unable to function without Malina being on his mind constantly. He was distracted and his parents noticed that his behaviour was unusual. Malina knew she was in love with Lucien and she could not get the image of his beautiful body as he made love with her out of her mind.

Two days later, Jacques instructed the rest of the travellers that it was time to move on to another part of the country. When Jacques told Lucien that they were leaving, he was devastated and tried to think of some way to see Malina again. The opportunity did not happen so he rode down to the travellers camp one evening after dark and stood at the edge behind the Vada’s hoping to see her. How he wished he was part of this scene. The fires were crackling, lighting the area as people cooked and ate their meal. Further on the other side from where he was standing he saw Malina dancing. Her body swayed as she moved her arms and hips and Stefan placed his hands around her waist and moved with her to the rousing strains of the music. Lucien could not bear the sight so he returned to his home feeling desolate and lost.

Malina hoped that she would forget Lucien eventually and she hoped that he would be able to put her out of his mind and get on with his life.

Lucien met with Frances and told her that he could not marry her as his heart belonged to someone else. She was upset and hurt that he did not want her to be his wife. He would not tell her the name of the woman who had captured his heart. His parents were angry and demanded an explanation. He explained that he was smitten with Malina and could never be satisfied with any other woman. His parents thought he had lost his mind and thought he was just overcome with a young man’s passion for a woman who was exotic compared to the women he normally associated with in their society. His father advised him to go on an extended trip to Europe which would help to clear his mind and hopefully allow him to avoid the gossip that was sure to be rife, once Frances broke the news that she was not going to marry Lucien.

Lucien agreed and set off for southern Europe where he explored the delights of Italy and France, enjoying the sunshine and colours of the landscape. He did meet some women and made love to a few but he could not get the image of Malina out of his mind. No woman could compete with her charms. He travelled for a year, corresponding regularly with his parents who broke the news that Frances was getting married. Lucien was relieved to hear this as he felt ashamed of the way he had treated her.

Eventually, Lucien made his way back to England and arrived home to familiar surroundings. He was able to get back into a routine of overseeing the estate and his parents were satisfied that he was over his infatuation with the gyspy girl as they called her. Another year passed and it was now two years since Lucien and Malina had made love in the hunting lodge. Lucien still thought of Malina every day and she thought about him constantly. Both of them had to keep their feelings to themselves and try to get on with their lives. Lucien presumed that Malina would be married now to the handsome Stefan and it stirred his jealousy to think of him making love to her. His parents were concerned that he was not married and did not seem to show an interest in any of the young women in the district. Even though he had caused some gossip when he did not marry Frances, there were still many women who were very keen to have him notice them.

He was walking along the river one afternoon with the thought that he might cast a line out and hopefully catch a fish. As he approached the rapids, he was confronted by a woman bending over and bathing a tiny child in the water. His heart leaped as he recognized the familiar shape and the black hair cascading down the woman’s back. He approached and she must have sensed his presence. She turned around and he was gazing at that familiar, exotic face that he had not been able to forget. She stared at him not believing that she was really seeing him. “Lucien! it is you!” “Malina, I never thought this day would ever come again! Are the travellers here again on the estate? Yes. My father is going over to your house later to ask permission to camp in the field. She stepped out of the water onto the smooth rocks and for the first time, Lucien glanced at the little boy who she was bathing. He was mesmerised when he looked at the child and saw his own face staring back at him. “Malina? You have a baby now!” “Yes Lucien, I do and you must be able to see the resemblance!” “I saw that straight away. You mean this is my child?” “”Yes there is no doubt as you are the only man I have ever been with. My father has been shamed and demanded to know who I had been with and I had to tell him. He said he would stand by me. He loves me more than anything in this world because he brought me up when my mother died after my birth.”

“Stefan has offered to marry me so that little Rom will have a father and I will have a husband. It is very generous of him as I have brought shame on my family and the other travellers. Rom is greatly loved by everyone for which I am grateful.”

“Malina, you can’t marry Stefan as I am still in love with you and I want to be a father to my child.” “Lucien, you know that is not possible as it will bring disgrace to your family. It is best for me to marry Stefan and Rom will be raised with us and he will know where he belongs.” Malina, do you still love me or do you love Stefan?” “Lucien I love you with every fibre of my being and I have not been able to put you out of my mind since we met. I am so happy to have given birth to Rom because everyday I have a reminder of you. I would never fit in with your life and I want Rom to live our life.”

Lucien was not sure what he should do but he asked Malina to come to the house with him to talk to her father. They walked slowly back to Lucien’s house savouring the time together. Lucien was overjoyed to see her again and he ached to hold her in his arms again, but he restrained himself because she was with her little son. When they arrived back, Jacques was waiting outside. Lucien greeted him and explained that he knew that Rom was his child. He apologised for taking advantage of Malina on the night of the storm but he told Jacques that he loved his daughter and that he had broken off his relationship with Frances because of his love for Malina. He said he was so proud to have this son and he wanted to be a father to him. “Jacques, I am going to take Malina and Rom in to see my parents now, so I will talk to you later. This is going to be a big shock for them, so I think it is best if just the three of us are there to let them absorb the news.”

Lucien led the way into the house and found his parents in the drawing room. He told Malina to wait outside the door with Rom until he spoke to them. “Mother and Father, I have to speak to you about a very important matter. This is going to be a shock for you but I hope that you will try to understand and accept the situation.” Lucien’s mother looked at him warily. “Lucien, I hope this is not going to be something that will cause a scandal as we have had quite enough of that in our lives. The way you abandoned Frances was a disgrace and her parents are only just starting to accept us again.” “I don’t think you will be happy about the situation but I can only hope that you will accept my decision so brace yourselves.” Lucien walked out and asked Malina to enter the room with Rom. When her parents saw her they could not speak as they thought she had disappeared forever. Then Lucien introduced Rom not mentioning that he was their grandchild, but when they gazed on his face they knew straight away that he was Lucien’s son. “Lucien, what have you done?” whispered his mother. “Mother, as you can see, this little boy is my son and I am still in love with Malina. I want to be with them forever so we will have to try to work something out.” “”Lucien, I don’t think that is possible as Malina would not fit into our life.” ”I would like to speak,” said Malina. “I am not trying to cause any problem and I realise that I would not be suitable for this life, but I do want Rom to know his father and his grandparents, so hopefully we can come to some resolution that won’t cause you embarrassment. Lucien and I love each other very much and our love has not faded in the time we have been apart.”

Lucien and Malina spent hours with his parents discussing the situation and no solution was found. The travellers were given permission to camp in the field and Jacques worked in the stables once again. Lucien found every opportunity to see Malina and his little son. He frequently took Rom to the house to visit his parents and he could see that this little boy who was exactly like he was as a child, was winning the affection of his parents and breaking down the barrier. Malina accompanied them a number of times and Lucien was so proud that she held her own in conversation with her parents. She had no interest in the trivial conversations that were usual amongst women in drawing rooms of that time. Lucien’s parents began to see why he was so smitten with her. They could see that she was a true beauty in a dark, exotic way and she could converse with them about many subjects. They had seen her dance at Lucien’s party which had certainly caused a lot of excitement and gossip for some time later but they had to admire her ability as a dancer.

Lucien and Malina talked about their situation and one day as they were walking through the forest alone while Rom was back at the camp, Lucien took her in his arms and pulled her tight into his body. He felt his desire for her and he wanted her so badly and Malina felt the same passion but they knew they had to restrain themselves. “Malina, I want to marry you! I don’t care what anyone thinks, I just want to be with you forever and to raise my son. I don’t know how you will adapt to living my way of life but I can’t go on without you.” ‘’I want to marry you too Lucien so we will have to work something out for both of us as most importantly we need to be happy and our son needs to have both of us in his life and to know the way of life of my people too.”

Determined to be together as a family, Lucien and Malina visited the small church in the village and spoke to the pastor. They arranged a day for him to make them man and wife. When they went back to Lucien’s home, they told his parents their plans. “We want you to give us your blessing so please come to the church for the ceremony. We will ask Jacques to come and I will arrange for witnesses.” Lucien’s parents were confused and not entirely happy with this decision as they always had grand plans for him when it came to his choice of a wife. They knew that it was no use trying to change his mind because it was obvious that he loved this woman deeply and he wanted to live with her and their son. They eventually gave them their blessing. They themselves had entered into an arranged marriage when they were young, combining two very wealthy, titled families but fortunately, they eventually fell in love over time, but they had never experienced this overpowering love and passion that this young couple were experiencing.

Jacques was agreeable to the marriage as long as Lucien was always faithful and loving to Malina and Rom.

The ceremony took place at the ancient church in the village. Malina wore an ivory silk gown that was appropriate as she already had a child. It emphasised her beautiful, olive skin. She had arranged flowers from the garden at Lucien’s house into a simple but lovely cascading arrangement. Her dark hair was adorned with flowers. Lucien was entranced by her beauty as she walked up the aisle with her father to become his wife.

Jacques stayed in the field after the travellers left. Lucien offered him the gate keepers cottage but he preferred to live in his vada. Malina moved into Lucien’s part of the great house, feeling daunted to start with, but she adapted to life gradually. His parents grew to love her and they treasured the little boy who was so much like Lucien. Malina did not want to be addressed by her title and asked all the household staff to call her Malina. They admired her and had great affection for her little Rom.

Malina spent a lot of time roaming in the woods and along the river, walking with Lucien or with her son. She taught Rom the names of flowers, trees and insects and like her he loved everything in the natural world. Lucien helped Malina with her education. There were hundreds of books in the library and she devoured these, absorbing knowledge like a sponge absorbs water.

Sometimes Jacques would stay when the other travellers left but he liked to use his vada instead of having the cottage. He did not feel comfortable eating at the big house, so he always ate at his vada and often Malina, Lucien and Rom joined him. Jacques began teaching Rom the traditions of the travellers and he taught him to play the stringed instruments. Malina would dance for her husband and it always excited him to watch her stirring performance.

The travellers continued to return to the field and now they would come more frequently and Lucien helped them by supplying them with game and fish. Once a year, Malina and Rom went with the travellers to other parts of the country. Lucien wanted Malina to be happy and not to pine for her old life and he wanted Rom to experience life as a traveller as well.

Lucien’s family friends and acquaintances had distanced themselves for a long time after his parting with Frances and they did not have many visitors but his mother decided to have a dinner one evening and she invited the people who had always been their good friends but because of society’s constraints they had stayed away. When they heard Lucien had married a gypsy traveller they were astounded and shocked. His mother thought it was time to break down the barrier and let them see what a unique woman that Lucien had chosen. Malina had won them over by just being herself.

The guests accepted their invitations readily, more out of curiosity than anything. When they arrived and were greeted by Lucien, Malina and his parents, they were awed by her beauty. She was wearing a deep, emerald green gown and she outshone every woman in the room. The dinner was a huge success as Malina enthralled them with stories of her travels. They were slightly envious that she still continued to wander with them once a year. It was obvious that she was a very independent woman and she was not worried about the opinions of other people. She won their admiration and the word spread among other people and from then on she was accepted and received invitations even though she was always regarded as an outsider and not quite equal on the social ladder. Malina was never concerned about this and had no interest in class matters. Her and Lucien were truly in love and continued to be for the rest of their lives.

This is the story of a young woman who lived in two worlds and managed to make a success of her life even though she had stepped from an often ostracised group of people into high society. She remained true to herself, rejecting the constraints that females had to conform to at that time. She followed her heart and in the end, love prevailed.