He wondered if she would be there. As he stepped from his carriage, a small boy with oiled curls slipped to his side. Bending from the waist and sweeping the ground with his cap, he declared, “SASTIPE,” the ancient Gypsy greeting meaning "Good Luck and Good Health. " The lad scrubbed thoughtfully at his nose with a grubby fist. "I would guide you to the delights of the fair Good Sir. And, should you feel so kindly disposed as to deposit a farthing for my trouble..." He proffered his upturned cap and regarded the finely turned out Gentleman with a mischievous gleam in his dark eyes and a bright smile. The Gentleman dismissed the urchin with a sharp gesture and the lad shrugged indifferently. It had been worth a try and there would be others this fine day, who would need his services. There always were. He watched the tall, elegant gent through narrowed lids. Foolish Gajo! Another one with her blood in his veins. Verushka was like poison to some of them. Pity he was too late. Her wedding vows would be done by now.
Colin Pembrooke, Earl of Glouster, was not a patient man, and at the moment, his temper was very short indeed. His need for a matched foursome of Grays was all that led him here. At least, that was his excuse this time.
It has been said, every horseman in the world can be found at Appleby Fair. During the two weeks of the fair, Gallows Hill is thronged with Gypsies and horses are everywhere... in the river, on its banks, along the green, on roadsides and lanes, or even tethered outside shops and public houses. The ownership of a horse could, by wheeling and dealing, change several times throughout the course of the Fair and sales were usually clinched with a slap on the hand, after a one-to-one bartering. Though the harness races drew the high wagering ton, Colin ignored the gestures of his cronies.
He was distracted by the memory of flashing golden brown eyes and pomegranate lips. He seemed to be surrounded by the lilting strains of many violins and the faraway strumming of a flamenco guitar and boot heels tapping rhythmically, all accompanied by the sharp clicking of lively castanets. These sounds mingled with the echo of voices urging, "Cross my palm with silver, kind sir," or "Luverly sprig o' fresh heather for luck, my fine lady?"
And then to further plague him, the familiar song...

I took to the road on my good chestnut mare
On my way from the lakes down to Appleby Fair
My world and my wealth on my back as I rode
And a song for the pony to lighten her load;
On horseback through Kendal from bright Windermere
To meet with my kind as I do every year
For a drink and a wager and a song heard but once
And a warm whispered promise in the heat of the dance:

"Come to my wagon late when the fires are low,
I'll tell you what this gypsy knows--
Your horse and mine both tethered near:
Come to me, come to me, my dear,
Come to me, my dear."

The horse I rode then was a sturdy old bay
And I set him to graze by her young dappled grey;
Oh, it wasn't her eyes, though I'm sure they were fair
And it wasn't her face, and it wasn't her hair
But her way with the horses was subtle and fine
And she rode like a centaur, and she had to be mine
I made conversation and compliments paid,
And I was well content with the answer she made:

"Come to my wagon late when the fires are low,
I'll tell you what this gypsy knows--
Your horse and mine both tethered near:
Come to me, come to me, my dear,
Come to me, my dear."

My bay saw his last summer two years ago
My chestnut's a braveheart who won't be told 'no;'
I've not missed a season at Appleby Fair
But I've looked every year, and you are never there,
Oh, I've drunk and I've wagered as good horsemen do
I've watched each painted wagon, and never found you;
I'd walk barefoot from here down to Glastonbury Tor
For a whisper of you and a promise of more;

"Come to my wagon late when the fires are low,
I'll tell you what this gypsy knows--
Your horse and mine both tethered near:
Come to me, come to me, my dear,
Come to me, my dear."

The final strains of the guitar faded away and, as if drawn by magic, the tall, bewitched man stared across the fires and caught a glimpse of the glorious, raven haired creature as she stood just for a moment in the decorated doorway of a wedding vardo. Intense blue eyes caught flashing gold just as a dark male arm pulled her close and her smile was the last thing he saw as the curtain fell.

The Costume - is a combination of fabrics, chosen to lend a Persian flair to the costume and is a blend of reds, to signify Verushka's wedding day. The four tiered skirt is constructed of a paisley pattern, artist enhanced with gold, an enhanced striped cotton, a red velvet tier and the lower tier of red which has been hand painted in a delicate gold tracery in a design to compliment the paisley pattern of the top tier. The lower two tiers are lined in black. The black velvety corset has been trimmed with an artist created twisted cord and gold foil trim, red glass beads and artist created tiny gold sequins. It is laced, front and back over a full sleeved ivory vintage silk chiffon blouse. The neck is drawn over a tiny cord. Her little pouch is of soft camel faux suede, with gold bead trim and is attached to her corset at the waist. She wears knee high black tights, black ankle boots and a full lace and gauze petticoat.

The Accessories - she wears a golden heart with red cabochon ruby on a thin black cord and a coin and red glitter drop filled golden chain. Gold hoop earrings and beaded velvet headband twinkle as she dances in the firelight. Her tambourine was hand crafted and contains five tiny pairs of cymbals inserted into the frame and is trimmed with red, black and ivory silk ribbons. Her paisley chiffon scarf has been edged in gold and tiny golden sequins and may be arranged over her head or carried as desired. Her favorite tarot cards and her book of "debts" are always close at hand.

Tyler as Verushka - has been completely repainted. She has golden brown eyes, shadowed in soft charcoal, feathered dark brows, beautifully shaded deep rose lips, natural manicure and applied lashes. Her black hair has been gently permed into loose waves and partially braided.

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