Desert Song (DeWinter's Song 3) Read Free

grin. "Many women of high and low birth have vied for your notice. But, my handsome young man, all their attentions have become commonplace to you."
    "Tell us something we don't know," Lord Grussom said tauntingly. "Lord Michael would have all the women and leave us with none."
    The Gypsy continued as if she had not heard the interruption. "You will soon meet a woman that will not be so easily won, and you will suffer much before you are tamed, my comely one. Take particular notice of any woman you meet with hair like flame."
    Lord Michael merely raised a dark brow.
    The Gypsy continued. "You will take a long sea journey within a fortnight."
    Lord Michael yawned behind his hand. "I can assure you I have no intention of leaving England until spring. My mother has suggested that I spend the winter at Ravenworth." He glanced at Lady Samantha. "As you know, my mother's suggestions are more like commands."
    The old woman shook her head. "Nonetheless, you will embark on a long sea voyage. Beware, for you shall know betrayal as well as great friendship. Trust not a one-eyed man, and avoid a man of high rank who is of Turkish descent."
    Lord Michael grinned, thinking this woman was quite entertaining after all. "A journey at this time might be quite amusing. It would certainly take me away from the doldrums of spending the winter months in the country."
    The Gypsy waved her hand over the crystal ball and stared long into the smoky depths. Her dark eyes suddenly turned colorless like a swirling mist. "The black feather of disaster has fallen at your feet, young lord. Much trouble for you—much trouble. Someone close to you is in grave danger, perhaps dead."
    There was a gasp from one of the ladies and a murmuring of voices. Suddenly the fun had gone out of the evening.
    Madame Zambana's tone became urgent, and she caught Michael's hand. "You will not know winter this year, for you will travel to a land of warmth and sand. It would be best if you heed my words, young lord, for there is someone who needs you." Her eyes became piercing, and she looked deeply into Lord Michael's eyes. "You should go home."
    Michael pried her hand from his and looked into eyes that were glowing with sincerity. He reminded himself that the Gypsy was acting a part and had put on a good performance. Why then did he feel this uneasiness in the pit of his stomach? Why had her predictions struck fear in his heart?
    Without another word, he rose to his feet, tossing a few coins to the old woman. "You are most entertaining, madame. But you missed your calling—you should have been on the stage."
    The Gypsy gathered up the coins and held them in her hand. "You do not believe what I have told you, but you will soon know that I have spoken the truth. Remember my words."
    He laughed and bowed stiffly. "I'll consider your warning."
    "That is all I ask."
    Lord Michael turned to the others. "I take leave of you." To Lady Samantha, he added: "A most enlightening evening."
    "Must you go?" she asked with disappointment etched on her face.
    "Yes, I must. I'm to meet Lord Walters at my club. Fortune has been kind to me of late. I promised I'd give him a chance to win back his money."
    Lady Samantha accompanied him to the door and waited for the butler to bring his hat. "You don't believe that old woman, do you?"
    "No," Lord Michael said adamantly, "and you shouldn't put any trust in her words either."
    "Will I see you at Lady Milan's party tomorrow night?"
    He became impatient to leave. "Of course."
    She watched the butler close the door behind Lord Michael, feeling empty inside. If only she could tell him how much she loved him. But she knew if she ever declared her love, Michael would turn away from her as he had from many others. No, she had to be cleverer than those women who threw themselves at his head. She would be patient and wait for him to come to her.
    When Michael was seated in his coach, the Gypsy's warning rang in his head. No, he would not believe her— she