Follow Your Heart Read Free

institution and I have a feeling that the villagers will not believe anyone else as they have always believed her.”
    â€œMireli has gift,” replied Piramus. “The stars teach her. Family never end.”
    Della knew that he was making it clear there was always continuity in the family and she was sure it would never be broken. As she thought about it she remembered hearing that Lendi had taken the place of her own mother, who had also been a famous fortune–teller in her time.
    As if he could read her thoughts, Piramus said,
    â€œLine never broken. For all Lee’s when life done – another fill empty place.”
    â€œYou are so wise,” exclaimed Della. “But I hope that Lendi will not leave us for a long time yet.”
    Piramus made a gesture with his hands, which told her that he was saying, without words, that it was in the lap of the Gods.
    Della shook hands with two of the gypsies she had not spoken to before and then she walked to her horse with Piramus beside her.
    â€œYou must tell me if there is anything you need, Piramus. My uncle will be only too pleased to provide you with eggs from our hens and any vegetables you want from the garden.”
    â€œLady very generous. We kneel at feet.”
    Piramus helped Della onto the saddle and she thanked Abram for looking after her horse.
    â€œI will come back to see you tomorrow,” she called as she rode away.
    The gypsies waved until she re–entered the wood. She rode home thinking that her uncle would be interested in knowing the Lees were with them again and he would doubtless go and speak to them himself.
    When she reached the entrance to their drive she saw that the gate was open and wondered if anyone was calling on her uncle. She hoped it would not be with a problem that would take him back to London.
    Twice last month the Prime Minister had sent for him and he had felt obliged to journey back to Downing Street.
    â€˜If Mr Disraeli is bothering him again,’ Della said to herself, ‘I shall be very angry. After all he is retired and Lord Derby, who has taken his place, should be able to manage.’
    She realised, however, it was really a great compliment. It was not only the Prime Minister who asked for her uncle’s advice, when problems arose there were those in other positions who also asked for his help.
    After making a turn in the drive Della could see there was an impressive carriage outside the front door. Even though it was still some distance from her she knew whom it belonged to.
    This knowledge took away her anxiety about her uncle.
    The visitor was not someone from London, but the Duke himself from Wood Hall.
    He had been away last week, and she now remembered he had been expected back either yesterday or the day before. In fact her uncle had awaited a message from the Hall to say that the Duke wanted to see him.
    It was not surprising that the Duke turned to his greatest friend for company. His wife was a semi invalid who seldom left the house, his son lived in France and his two daughters were married.
    Although there were parties from time to time at Wood Hall, Della was aware that the Duke was often lonely.
    He did not possess the brains of her uncle, but he was still an intelligent man. He liked talking seriously as well as being amusing.
    It was not surprising that more than anyone else he sought the company of his oldest friend.
    There were, of course, many relations and one or two of them were invariably staying at the Hall. Della had found most of them rather dull.
    She suspected the Duke felt the same and as she rode on up the drive she thought,
    â€˜As he is here, I expect he will stay for luncheon so I must warn cook.’
    Mrs Beston had been with her uncle for a large number of years. She was always ready at a moment’s notice to provide His Grace with the food he particularly liked.
    He had a number of favourite dishes that, fortunately, did not take long to