GypsyDukeEpub by Unknown

have grown weary of unenlightened comments such as that in the past few years. Mayhap, I find more honor in the gypsies than the illustrious ton. If you are so concerned with honor, Newport, find your own traitors. Why ask me? Obviously, you have no problem with lying about your identity."
    Before Newport could respond to John's outrage, Sir James took control of the conversation again.
    "There is no need for either of you to disparage the other. If not for men such as Newport, we would never win the war. And you must admit, your grace, you have become adept at hiding your true identity. No other is in a position to accuse or defend your gypsies. Bare that in mind before you refuse this assignment.
    "They will be hanged, or, at the very least deported, and most likely, they will lose all their possessions, if they are not cleared of wrongdoing. We simply don't have the manpower to watch every gypsy. If they are disbanded, you will be left with nowhere to hide from your uncle."
    John's head whipped around, and Sir James smiled humorlessly. "Oh yes, we are aware of your difficulties, your grace."
    John frowned. Had he been betrayed by someone he thought he could trust? "I take it that Robert has kept you well-informed."
    Sir James nodded. "He had no choice. He is involved in this operation. When he learned of your presence in the gypsy camp, he was most troubled and begged us to give him time to unravel the truth. You have his interference to thank for the liberty of your gypsies."
    "Robert should be at Oxford, not running about the country, looking for spies."
    Newport stirred. He gave John a direct look that begged restraint. "John…we are at war. Men do things of sacrifice at such a time. Robert's father didn't want him on the front lines. He is the heir with no other male relatives. Yet Robert refused to sit back and do nothing but attend ton parties. He seeks only to protect your honor, not expose you."
    "It is irrelevant. I am returning home. I have begun to feel that my uncle is no longer a threat to me, and I miss much by remaining away." More than they could possibly know, if his estate manager's letter was to be believed.
    Newport shook his head, but said nothing. Sir James leaned forward. "I beg you to reconsider, your grace…John. We can take steps to protect your interests at home, but we need an inside man with the gypsies. What if this is not an isolated problem? What if all the tribes are involved? Would you sentence them all to exile for the crimes of a few? Surely you owe them more than that."
    "I owe them much, 'tis true, but…I owe my family more." He leaned back and closed his eyes. What he wouldn't give to go home right now. He'd convinced himself that it was time, that he was ready to take on his uncle. His twenty-first birthday approached. More importantly, Kitty would be waiting for him. It was a difficult dream to relinquish.
    He opened his eyes and reached out to the fire so that he kept both men in sight. "Whom do you suspect, in particular, sir?"
    Newport gave a dry laugh. "I think you know the answer to that if you recognize the souvenirs."
    John could detect no deception in them. It seemed they had received accurate information. "She is but an old woman. What profit could she find in betraying the country that shields her clan?"
    "Perhaps that is one of the things you can tell us, your grace," said Sir James.
    John stood. "My time is gone. I will think on what you said." He inclined his head. "Sir James...Mr. Newport."
    Newport stood and bowed. "Until tomorrow, your grace. You will be at the gypsy carnival?"
    "I'm sure your informants told you I am always there. Bring your horses to be shod."
    John stepped out of the overly warm, stagnant inn and breathed in the crisp air of winter. This appointment had not transpired as he'd hoped. He regained his horse and rode back to the gypsy camp, intent on the problem at hand.
    As time passed, Kitty's letters had become increasingly sparse. They had also