DEADLY REVENGE

Chapter Three

It was just before dawn when both Nicholas and Elizabeth woke up. They jumped out of bed, got dressed and were downstairs within twenty minutes. Elizabeth couldn't quit smiling the whole time they ate breakfast.

"You're going to chore if you don't slow down." Nicholas said as he watched his wife shove another piece of toast into her mouth."

"Oh Nicholas! I'm just so excited to get going this morning and for your information I was taught at a very early age how to eat, so not to worry I've never choked before and I'm not going to start now."

Nicholas was never surprised at anything his wife did. She was brought up a proper young lady of quality but at times ....

Now that they had finished breakfast they headed out the front doors where their bags had already been loaded on the coach and was waiting for them out front. The coachman opened the passenger door as Nicholas helped Elizabeth step up into their coach. Then he followed right behind her. The coachman closed the door before he asked Nicholas of their destination.

"The gypsy encampment outside London. You know where that is, we've traveled there before."

The coachman nodded his head, "very good, sir" and then climbed up and took up the reins in his hands. Within seconds they were off.

Elizabeth sat back and watched out the window of the coach as they passed by all the vendors selling their wares. The sidewalks were filled with people of every walks of life from the nobility and their well-dressed ladies to the poorest of peasants and servants scurrying down the sidewalk doing their master's bidding. "I hate to admit it but I sometimes miss all of the festivities here in London." Elizabeth said.

"That really surprises me. I thought you hated city life and everything it represents?"

"I do but ... to be able to sit and watch all of the different people that spend their whole lives in London and never get to experience the outside world."

"Now you're starting to sound philosophical," he laughed. She shot him a disapproving look before looking back out the window.

"I'm just messing with you Elizabeth, don't go and get all upset about it." He in turn was also looking out the other window. Everything seemed so different to him now. Maybe it was because he had to face a harsh reality. Everyone on the sidewalks had no idea what was really happening in the world. Thinking back he used to be one of those people.

The coach pulled up to the old gypsies' wagon and came to a stop. The coachman jumped down from his perch on top the coach and opened the passenger door for them. Nicholas of course stepped out first and then turned and assisted Elizabeth down. They could see all the gypsy children gathering around them. It was very unusual for a coach from London to enter their encampment.

The old gypsy woman heard them pull up and came out of her wagon to greet them. She had been expecting them at any time. Right behind her was Nadia who squealed for joy when she saw her friend Elizabeth. She ran up to her and wrapped her arms around her and gave her a tight squeeze. "Oh Elizabeth! I have missed you so much! I'm so glad you came. Let me look at you." She said as she stepped back from her friend. Yep, you're pregnant as well?"

"Yes, indeed I am! But look at you, you're the size of a house," she said before bursting out laughing.

"Well, you're not too far behind me!" She laughed. "When are you due?"

"In about two more months give or take a few days."

"I can't believe we are both going to be mothers! Mine and Damien's wagon is just over here", she said pointing to what looked like a brand new wagon as they all walked over to it together. Damien had yet to say one word. He just followed along with the others in dead silence. Finally Elizabeth stepped over to him and gave him a huge bear hug. He didn't know exactly how to respond to her but he did see Nadia give her a hug back. So he did almost squeezing her to death. Nicholas now somewhat concerned about his wife stepped over and shook Damien's hand. "I'm glad to see you again, Damien." He said. "It looks like married life agrees with you."