Never Wager Against Love (Kellington Book Three) Read Free

of true love will not
run smoothly.”
    “When does it ever?” asked Arthur, getting ready to ask
about the tavern girl.
    “And now for you,” said Sofia as she laid out the cards. 
“You will explore the world, but not for many years.”   She studied the cards
intently, then her expression blanked.  Something stilled in Arthur at the
sight of it.
    “But what happens in the meantime?” he asked.
    “That is all the cards told me,” she said as she gathered up
the cards and beads, avoiding meeting his eyes.
    “There is more, isn’t there?” said Arthur.  He put his hand
on her arm.  “Please tell me.”
    She debated what to tell him, weighing her words carefully. 
“The cards only tell what is likely to happen.  They’ve been wrong before.  You
doubted what I said about your sister and brothers.”
    He had, but Arthur wanted to know what she wasn’t telling
him.  He needed to know.  “What do you see in the cards?  Please, Sofia, you
must tell me.”
    Sofia looked at him, the weariness of the day’s events in
her eyes.  “I see the woman you love being shot and you are unable to get to
her in time.”
    There was a moment of silence.  Arthur could hardly
breathe.  Of course there was nothing to this, just card tricks by a woman who
thought she was doing him a kindness.  But just the thought of more loss
paralyzed him.  He couldn’t face it.  He’d never fall in love; he’d never risk
it.
    “Remember, Arthur,” said Sofia softly.  “No life is without
difficulty.  But do not be afraid to live.”
    At that moment, the flap to the wagon’s door was thrown
open.  The Romany man who’d first spoken to Sofia looked in on them. 
    “I’m Michun,” he said to Arthur’s unspoken question.  “Lord
Arthur, your family has come to retrieve you.  I will take you to them.”
    Michun led Arthur through the camp, which was now in the
process of packing up to leave.  Every member of the tribe from the eldest man to
the youngest child had a task to complete to facilitate a smooth, quick departure. 
All eyes were on Arthur as he passed the wagons where people lived, as well as
the stalls of wares the Romany sold in villages, including one that featured
intricate jewelry boxes and small chests, which Arthur paused to inspect.  He
needed a distraction before he faced his family.  He’d suddenly become quite
embarrassed by all the attention focused on him, not to mention the worry he
must’ve caused his family.
    “We have some of the best artisans in the Rom community,” said Michun proudly.  “If you see something you like, take it.  We
cannot thank you enough for what you did for Sofia.”  Then he added softly.  “I
personally cannot thank you enough.  She is my mother.”
    Arthur looked at the man and noted the similarity to Sofia. 
He didn’t know what quirk of fate had made him walk by the field at just the
right moment, but he was immeasurably glad he had. 
    “Arthur!”
    Arthur turned to see Hal grinning at him.  He was standing
with a solemn Liam, Ned and Lizzie.
    “Is it true you fainted?”  Hal couldn’t believe his great
good luck.
    “Your brother came to my assistance,” said Sofia, as she joined
them and made her curtsey to Lynwood.  “He is a very brave man.”
    “Arthur,” said Liam, after introductions were made, “how
badly are you injured?”
    “His head certainly can’t hurt as much as my arm,” said
Hal.  “After all, his head is much harder.”
    “Might I remind you, Henry,” said Liam, “that your arm
wouldn’t hurt if you hadn’t climbed that tree to spy on your brother.”
    “Well, someone had to make sure he told the truth about the
wager.”
    “What wager?” asked Lizzie.
    Liam shot a quelling look at Hal, who wisely refrained from
answering.
    Ned dragged his eyes away from a beautiful young woman whose
décolletage had also drawn Liam’s interested gaze.  “Are you feeling all the
thing, Arthur?”
    “I’m fine,” said