JULY 1820

Following the return of a long journey that Raul Mansfield, the Duke, had taken two years earlier, the manor was enchanted by lights, flowers, and ladies of high society in exclusive fashionable gowns and escorted by distinguished gentlemen. The first of July ... the Duke of Mansfield's birthday ... a big ceremony missed for two years. The two children, Sir Karl and Lady Dana both young and brilliant, intelligent, and privately educated, accompanying their mother the Duchess Virginia, day after day waiting for the return of their father.

Fresh flowers, banners, music, and candles to create the party atmosphere dressed up the Mansfield manor founded by the Duke's ancesstors. The outside walls of imported white stone were unique in Mansfield, as a matter fact this manor was the only one of it's kind in the area. Surrounded by a never-ending park, stately trees, flowering shrubs and landscaped gardens was like a picture a fairy tale.

There was magic in the air that night of the first of July. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, "Nothing lasts forever".

"Mama, I've received an invitation to the Vermon's residence for a tea, at two o' clock tomorrow. Should I go?" Lady Dana exclaimed.

Walking across the room, the duchess Virginia sit a basket of red roses, white miniature daisies, gladiolas and fresh cut baby's breath on a console by the entrance. Virginia hesitated before answering. "Certainly my dear, if you wish do so!" she hesitated back.

The idea of a child of the Duke of Mansfield stepping into the Vermon's residence made Duchess Virginia's blood chill in her veins; but after all, she thought somehow she belongs there, just as Rudy and Peter Vermon had all the right to be there.

For over twenty years the Duchess carried her secret in her heart and she wasn't about to ruin her entire life just yet.

"Mama ... Mama!" exclaimed lady Dana wondering if her mother was there in that moment or maybe a thousand miles away.

"Ohh ... I am sorry dear," the duchess said surprised.

"I said ... what time are our guests supposed to be here?"

"At six o' clock my dear, and we have just enough time to make ourselves presentable. Come along dear ... we should look our best tonight," the duchess added on their way up to their chambers.

Twenty years ago exactly, at a party just like tonight, on a summer night like this, in a beautiful enchanted gown of lace and ribbons and satin just like the one to be worn tonight, Sir Luke Vermon romanced the beautiful Virginia. The first time he laid eyes on her, like lightning striking a strong tree in half, Luke Vermon managed to rend Virginia's heart in two. "Tonight will be a strike back at Luke Vermon," said Virginia to her image in the mirror.

Her thoughts, feelings, and smile, were interrupted by the Duke of Mansfield. Happy to meet all his family after so long a time. He burst into the room questioning what colour his tie should be, or perhaps his handkerchief was better to be white instead of green. But the sight of his graceful lady standing in front of him he gasped.

"You ... You ... are ... a splendour. You are ... breathlessly, beautiful and the light of my life," commented the Duke.

"Well, your grace. Do I arouse your desire?" asked Virginia, twirling around and around the Duke tormenting his senses into desire to hold her, for an instant and then ... God only knows. Nevertheless this wasn't the time nor the place for such craziness, childish, and non- appropriate behaviour. "Shall we go your grace! I believe our guests are going to arrive soon, and I wouldn't want to wrinkle my dress," said Virginia with a smile. "But your grace ... hold those thoughts for later on.".

During the next ten years the manor was visited by personalities from all over, including Sir Vermon, but his attitude towards the Duke of Mansfield was obviously with a cold civility.

Nevertheless lady Dana couldn't understand their feelings towards one another. Tonight was a return into high society for Sir Vermon, after a long journey on an African jungle safari.

The last time he was seen by the Duke of Mansfield was the day that he chose to start his journey and leave Virginia behind broken hearted. The Duke's purpose of having him included in his list of guests tonight though, was to show him what he left behind a long time ago, would have made his life worth living for.

They walked down the stairs as graceful as they can be. Virginia was the eye catcher of the party after all every single young men tonight would strike the Duchess.

Knowing all along his plans, she powdered her nose and for one more time, one quick look in her little mirror. She walked, arm in arm beside her husband proud of herself that she was: a respected lady of the high society.

Weaving through the crowd, they stopped in front of Sir Vermon. "Luke, What a wonderful surprise! I wasn't sure you would show up!" exclaimed the Duke happy to show his presence with Virginia beside him.

"Raul, it is my pleasure to be ... here," he answered at a loss for more words. Stopping as soon as his blue eyes met Virginia's. He had to remember she was the Duke's wife now.

The Duke couldn't help but notice his admiration of his wife, but bracing the silence he said: "You do remember Virginia. She was once in your care ... a long time ago," continued the Duke. "Surely you do remember Virginia.".

His heart starting to beat faster and faster, Sir Vermon said: "Yes, yes, I do remember Virginia, very well" kissing Virginia's hand. "and it is my pleasure to see you again,".

Lady Dana, as she came down the stairs was like a jewel herself. Her red satin dress, and the blonde curls dropping down her shoulders, caught the attention of every eyes in the room. Peter and Rudy Vermon watched as Lady Dana came down the stairs, and couldn't help saying;

"She's gorgeous" said Peter Vermon as she walked by.

"Goergeous, indeed. Her perfume fills the entire salon," said Rudy speechless after he cleared his throat. Dana enraptured every one in the room, with her graciousness and glowing smile.

"Look Rudy, she's walking towards father. Perhaps he would introduce us," said Peter.

"Not so fast," said Sir Karl stepping forward from behind Peter. "Be careful, not too close, or else ..." said Karl moving between Peter and Dana.

"Or else what? exclaimed Peter very impulsively.

"Or else you're going to face me, her brother. Believe me this isn't funny," remarked Karl confronting Peter. I am very protective of my sister.

Raul had stepped away from the group but he kept a watchful eye on Peter.

Lady Dana though ignored completely the young man's remarks, instead all her attentions were directly to the quiet man of the family: Rudy, a perfect gentlemen. Totally the opposite of his brother Peter, she was thinking that he was almost unbelievable they're brothers.

The evening went along fine, and Virginia kept looking over Sir Luke on every turn of a waltz, and on every chance she had. Although Lady Dana watched her mother across the crowded, room, Sir Luke felt the strong desire of running towards her. Something, maybe it was a blood calling, that forced him to feel drawn to her. Nevertheless he knew that Dana was a Mansfield and he couldn't possibly have anything to do with them, because of what happened that night about twenty years ago.

Rudy though, stood by a column and watched the dancers. He watched mostly Lady Dana as he slowly sipped a glass of scotch, wanting so much to approach her, but had no idea how. But Peter instead tried everything, perhaps too much, because Sir Karl was never far away. Nevertheless, the Duke Raul was enjoying the evening and Sir Luke couldn't take the pressure anymore and left the manor.

The party went on until dawn announced itself across the horizon. A new day. The day which Lady Dana's presence was requested at the Vermons. The day that maybe Rudy Vermon would finally dare to approach her.

Lady Dana was the most enchanting the night before, but no one could have said anything less on the day after. Her long baby blue dress reflected her blue eyes, just made to match, and white lace adorned the collar cascading softly to her waist. It was hot ... very hot almost impossible to breathe. Lady Dana felt it necessary bringing along her fan and her parasol that would protect her from the heat of the midday sun. She was ready and happy. Happy to see Rudy's beautiful blue eyes. Happy to admire his long wavey blonde hair, along with his handsome looks.

Outside the manor the coach awaited with Charlie. The driver ready to leave whenever she was.

Knowing all the drive distance took two hours, they had preplanned to leave early to be on time for the two o' clock tea. Along the road, about half way there, a caravan of gypsies were paused on the side road. The driver tried to go on, but a man with long black hair and a long beard, stood in front of us then in the middle of the road blocking the way. Lady Dana got out of the carriage asking the reason of all that. Why was he interroupting her trip. "What is going on? would you be kind enough to explain to me why did you interrupted our journey?" she asked. "Why in the wold of God won't you get out of the way andlet us pass?"

"It is not me you should speak with," he answered standing and holding our horses by their reins.

"What is all this and who should I speak to?" Dana asked, worried that they would be late for the tea. "Take me to the person you think has something to tell me," she continued, grabbing her long blue dress in an angry way and standing around him to move towards a caravan marked Mona Cuba. Dana's mood wasn't the same as when she left the manor. Furious, foretold and irritated she head to Mona's wagon. She was perplexed and curious as to why this Gipsy wished to talk to her. "I need an explanation for all this nonsense," she exclaimed.

To the two men. Leaning on the wagon a woman's voice said: "Jova ... Vertico ... leave us alone. This is only lady Dana's business," said Mona.

"How do you know my name!" exclaimed lady Dana. "And who are you people?" she asked.

"Who we are is not important. We are ... Gipsies, that's all you need to know. We, or better I, the Great Mona Cuba, I am here to save you from a great deal of pain that will destroy your life, if you decide to go on," she persuaded.

Dana's eyes wide open, felt a chilling fear. "I am old enough to know what I am doing. Of what should I be aware and from who?" she quiried as she nervously fanned away the oppressive heat. "I am I listening go on,"

Mona says "It is written in the book. You can change your ugly destiny by going back to the manor right now," as she caressed the palms of Dana's hands.

"And why should I do that?" Dana inquired not knowing yet what was happening.

"You will have a child. a child that will be seriously ill at an early age. A child with little or no future ahead. A child that shouldn't be brought in the world," responded Mona looking like a cobra staring right into your eyes just before it strikes.

"Stop ... stop it ... I don't wish to ear any more," yelled lady Dana trammatized by the incredible story.

"Only you can stop changing your fate. It is written in your future, you should not go any farther on this trip of yours, or you will be forever sorry. I am here to save you tears and heartbroken," concluded Mona.

Mona's head dropped to the tabletop, and she was left whitout words. Meanwhile lady Dana sat nearby, staring at the wagon's walls and hoping to get out of this bad dream. But it wasn't a dream, because when she blinked a few times everything was still there until she jumped out running swirtly into the woods bumping into trees and shrubs. Her beautiful dress was no longer a dress but in tatters. Her eyes were no longer full of life but paled and blurred by tears. Her heart was so frightened, and she was afraid to stop running, but she did. Kneeling down on her knees she prayed to God like she never had before. "Dear God, I know your love is immense, forgive me if I am doubtful of Mona's story, but please protect the children of this world, those born now and in the future as you always do. Amen," Dana begged looking to the heavens.

Dana fell exhausted, to the ground and slept, awakening at nightfall, in the woods. It was dark, cool, and she was all alone with the creatures of the night.

Night went by fast, and the screech of an eagle announced the dawn: the beginning of a new day as night.

Lady Dana woke up at the sound of a bluejay's chatter as she flew up towards her nest carrying food in her beak for her chicks. "It was just a dream, that's all," she thought still lying on the ground. She arose shaking her torn blue dress and looked cautionsly around. "How did I get here! Dear God tell me that it was just a dream, please! Its true isn't it?"

The more she looked around, the more she was frightened by the thoughts that crossed her mind. "I've got to go back to the caravan. Mona ... she's got a lot of explaining to do," she commended. "How dare she invade my life! God help me, she's going to explain all this." She dragged herself through the woods, dragging along of whatever was left of her dress and looking everywhere for Mona's caravan but without any luck.

"How much did I walk yesterday, it couldnt've been any further than this," she wondered wiping her face with a corner of the lace collar. "Why! ... why me!" exclaimed yelling up in the sky as she paused sitting on a rock finding it warm. "Fire ... this is a rock from beside a camp fire, still warm. They left, but not too long ago. She was lost away from Charlie and the coach, not knowing where to turn next. Nevertheless she held onto one single thought, which it was the only solution at the time. "The main road ... yes, it shouldn't be far from here," she thought and started to walk in the direction she felt was where it would be.

She was right, the road was not far. Dana was safer along the main road, and with a better chance of being found by someone. "Father ... oh mother, they must be worried sick about me. Oh dear God help me," she prayed once again.

Back at the manor every one was worried when Charlie returned with the coach, but without lady Dana. Charlie was chased by the two gipsies who had scared his horses away. The Duke of Mansfield sent a massage to the Vermons, just in case somehow lady Dana arrived there late in the night. Impatiently the Duke stampled back and fourth constantly while Virginia sobbed. Even though the Duke assured her that no one would hurt their little girl.

As time went by the Duke ordered Sira the housekeeper, to tell Charlie to be hurry and saddle "Cinga" the best and strongest horse that he owned. "Tell Charlie that I would like to leave quickly as in ten minutes," he ordered.

"Yes your grace," said Sira as she ran out the room.

"I will find Dana, and I'll bring her home my dear." He hugged Virginia and wiped away her tears from her face.

"Be careful, perhaps you'll meet Karl along the way. He left a couple of hours ago, to search for Dana. Good luck, and bring her back safe to us," Watching at the window, Virginia saw a cloud of dust rise in front of the manor as Cinga galloped away.

Seated by the edge of the road Dana was devastated. She trembled with fear with every strange noise. At the sound of a galloping horse coming closer and closer she was glad to see some one after hours of waiting. As the figure on a brown horse got closer, she realised that it was Rudy. "Oh thank God," she exclaimed, very happy to see him.

Rudy got the message from the manor and didn't hesitate to jump on a horse and hurry away.

Happy that he found her goaded his horse to gallop faster, and when he got near her jumped off. "Lady Dana ... I came as soon as I heard. Thank God you're alright," he remarked looking at her.

Sharing a strong hug, Dana repeated again: "I just said that,".

"What's that?" he asked.

"I've just thanked God for sending somebody to help me. I thought this nightmare was going to last forever," whispered Dana.

With his charming face surrounded by his golden curls, his eyes as blue as Amethists looking straight at her, made her heart palpitate fast: "I feared something bad happened to you, and you were gone forever without giving me a chance to tell you, oh, never mind." Rudy said instead.