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by the back gate so that if anyone were awake in the house, they would not hear Apollo’s hooves.
    She rode without hurrying, because there was no need, towards Long Meadow.
    The moon had risen by now and the stars had come out. It was easy to find her way and the light from the sky made the world seem enchanted.
    As she rode on Della felt as if a special power, which had helped her before in her life, was guiding her.
    She saw the gypsy caravans in the distance and there was a glint from the dying fire in the middle of the camp.
    She was remembering vividly, as if Lendi was saying it aloud, that she must follow her heart.
    It was just what she was now doing in her own way.
    Her heart was telling her that it was utterly and completely impossible for her to marry Jason. She just knew when he held her hand in his that everything about him was bad and unpleasant.
    There was, however, nothing she could do about it.
    â€˜I am running away,’ Della told herself, ‘and it is the only course I can take at this moment. I have no alternative but to follow my heart.’

CHAPTER FOUR
    Della approached closer to the gypsy caravans.
    As she did so, she saw to her relief that there was a man standing by the dying fire and she was sure it must be Piramus.
    Eventually it was easy to recognise him and he was looking at her in surprise. He must have been wondering who could be approaching the camp at this hour of the night.
    As Della drew up beside him, she lightly slipped off Apollo’s back.
    â€œGood evening, Lady. ’Tis late for you – to be visiting us,” Piramus greeted her.
    â€œI have come to you for help, my good friend, Piramus.”
    She saw him glance at the large bag on Apollo’s saddle.
    â€œPlease, Piramus,” she pleaded, “may I come with you wherever you are going? I will explain to Lendi why I have to run away, but there is nothing else I can possibly do.”
    It suddenly struck her that Piramus might refuse to take her. He could be afraid of her uncle’s anger if she disappeared or, perhaps, as all the gypsies possessed clairvoyant powers, he might divine that she would also be antagonising the Duke.
    To her relief Piramus smiled at her.
    â€œAnything I do for Lady,” he said, “is gift – from the stars.”
    Della was so relieved that for a moment she could not say anything. She just stood looking at him to make certain she had not been mistaken in what he just said.
    Piramus, however, was more practical.
    He started to remove the bag from Apollo’s saddle and put it down on the ground near the fire. Then he led Apollo behind the gypsy caravans to where the horses were kept.
    Della did not move.
    She knew he would be taking off Apollo’s saddle and bridle, before tethering his back legs so that he could not run away.
    She waited by the fire looking up at the sky, thinking that the stars were looking down on her and telling her she had done the right thing.
    She was still afraid that the Duke would be angry and so would Jason when he called the following day and she was not there.
    Yet she remembered her uncle’s long years of diplomacy in far worse circumstances. His charm and tact would enable him to make light of her absence and promise that she would be returning in a few days.
    For the moment Della could not think of anything that might happen in the future. All she was concerned with was getting away tonight.
    She would go anywhere so that she would not be waiting for Jason when he arrived for her.
    Piramus came back carrying Apollo’s saddle and bridle. He put them inside one of the caravans, which Della thought must be his.
    Then he came to where she was standing.
    â€œLady share caravan with Mireli?”
    â€œI would love to,” responded Della, “and I only hope she does not mind having a companion to stay.”
    â€œLady – honoured guest.”
    He spoke firmly and Della knew that none of his clan would dare