The Gypsy Moon Read Free

plenty of it.”
    Greg turned his attention to Gabby and smiled in admiration. “You look great, Gabby.”
    “Why, thank you, Greg.”
    “A new outfit?”
    “Yes. You really like it?”
    “It’s the cat’s pajamas, as they say in the States. Are you ready?”
    “I’m all ready.”
    Gabby got her hat, and as the two went out the door, Lance called out, “We’ll be waiting up for you. Be home before eleven.”
    Jo waved at the young people and closed the door, then turned to her husband. “I believe you’re more nervous than she is about her first date.”
    Lance came over and put his arms around her. “You women don’t understand what it’s like to be a father trying to keep a fifteen-year-old girl in line.”
    Jo leaned against him. “Tell me about it. Is it really all that hard?”
    “Almost as hard as keeping a beautiful woman like you in line. Come on. Let’s go finish packing.”
    ****
    “Greg, slow down. You’re driving too fast.”
    “Fast! Why, this isn’t fast at all.” He was proud of his bright red roadster. The car was so small he had no trouble reaching around and putting his arm around her. “You’re out with the best driver in England. Relax and enjoy yourself.”
    Gabby did not resist and leaned against him. The roar of the small engine made it necessary for them to shout against the wind, and as he sped along the narrow, winding road, they encountered little traffic. She liked the touch of his arm around her, and she was feeling very excited. He had taken her to dinner at a very nice restaurant in downtown Hastings, and then they had gone to see The Gold Rush, starring Charlie Chaplin. They had both laughed themselves weak over the comedian’s antics, and afterward they had gotten ice cream before heading home.
    They shouted at each other over the noise of the engine and the racing wind. When they were less than a quarter of a mile from the street where the Winslows lived, Greg made such a sharp turn that Gabby had to grasp wildly at the frame of the car. “Where are you going?”
    “Why, I couldn’t take you home from your first date without a trip to Lovers’ Grove.”
    Gabby instantly grew alert. Lovers’ Grove was a large, heavily wooded park. During the daylight hours nannies pushed babies in their perambulators along the shady walkways, and at times Gabby had gone there herself looking for specimens for her collections. At night, however, the park was known asa place where young men took unsuspecting young women for their own selfish purposes. “I’m not going to Lovers’ Grove with you,” she protested. “Take me home.”
    Greg merely laughed and slowed the car as he followed the serpentine road that led deep into the grove of large trees. “Why, you’re not a little girl,” he said. “It’s not going to kill you.”
    But then the headlights picked up some movement, and he muttered, “Blast, somebody’s here!” They got closer. “Looks like a bunch of gypsies.”
    Gabby was intrigued by the sight. They were all sitting around a blazing fire, singing a song with a haunting melody. Three wagons were grouped behind the small gathering, and horses grazed on the tall grass nearby. “Come on, Greg. Let’s go visit them.”
    “Not on your life!” He shook his head firmly. “They’re thieves and even worse. I’m getting out of here.”
    But Gabby opened the door and stepped out, ignoring his protests. “Oh, come on, you’re a grown man, aren’t you?” she mocked him. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid!”
    He glared at her and shut off the engine. “This is your idea, not mine,” he complained as he opened his door and got out.
    As Gabby approached the small band of gypsies, the music fell silent and a tall man came toward her.
    “Good evening. Welcome to our home,” he said in a strongly accented voice, bowing deeply.
    Gabby could see by the light of the fire that he was wearing a brilliant yellow shirt with a red kerchief around his neck. Gold