Come on, my little solution

Henry

We couldn't get anything else out of Emma, she remained silent throughout the journey to Preston. We attracted a bit of attention when we arrived at the small inn where we would be spending the night.

Emma seemed out of place as I guided her to a private room where we could talk in private. 

" Are you hungry? " I asked without getting an answer. 

Emma remained standing in the same spot, observing the place with a certain discomfort.

" We're going to spend the night here, Ms. Ferguson " I insisted " Why don't you sit down?

She took a few uncertain steps, sitting down in a chair that was further away than I wanted. I went over to where she was, taking the seat next to her.

" I hope your quarters are to your liking," I said, trying to make conversation.

" I've never been in a room before " she looked into my eyes.

" Where did you sleep? " I took advantage of the little space she had given me.

" In my vardo " she smiled.

" What's a Vardo? " I was interested.

" A kind of carriage, I guess " she replied thoughtfully " it was our home, it had a bed, everything we needed.

" It sounds fascinating " I prodded.

" "My mother was there when they burnt it down -" Her gaze became sombre " "She couldn't get out.

" "I'm sorry for what happened, Ms. Ferguson." I watched all that pain in her eyes. 

How could you break in while they were sleeping and kill them all?

" I thank you for your help, Mr. Dashwood " she stood up, wiping away a few tears " But perhaps it's best that I leave. 

" You intend to leave? " Mrs. Ferguson, that's a very bad idea.

" "I'm used to living aimlessly, sir." She interrupted me. "That, in fact, is the only life I've known so far.

" But now you're alone " I insisted " You're no longer with everyone else, you have no means of transportation and...

What would they do to her if others like Reverend Gillies found her wandering alone? No, that's unacceptable.

" Forgive me, but you talk as if I had some kind of choice " she exclaimed " This is the only life I know, what do you expect? 

" It doesn't have to be like this. You could stay.

" Of course, because I'm easily accepted in your society " she scoffed " How would I do that, Mr. Dashwood?

" Would you be willing to try? " I asked, surprising her. "I can help you with that, get you a place to settle down and...

" And then what? " She replied " What would my life be like? Would I leave everything I am behind?

" What's left of your life now? " I interrupted her " I'm sorry, but you seem to have run out of options, and I'm giving you one right now.

Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked away for a few seconds.

" Why don't you think for a moment before you answer me? " I proposed.

" If I accept... I'm not saying I accept, but if I do, how can I adapt? I don't know how to act, I don't have the right clothes, or the money, I don't know your customs.

" There's no need to think about any of that at the moment " I assured her " I'll ask them to prepare a bath for you and I'll see you at dinner. 

" Thank you " she sighed as I stood up.

" It's a pleasure to be able to help you," I assured her before leaving the room.

 I went after a maid and asked her to guide Emma to her quarters and take care of all her needs. I remembered the dress I'd bought for Kitty, my younger sister. They both seem to be the same size, so it should fit for now. But I'll need to buy Emma more clothes. She can't live with just one dress.

After handing the dress to the maid and instructing her to help Emma with whatever she needed, I joined George in the restaurant.

" And then Dashwood... What have you discovered? " He asked as soon as I sat down.

" Not much, she has nowhere to go, no one to go with and nothing to do.

" Why do I get the impression that our part in this story isn't over yet? " He took a deep breath.

" We can't leave her here " I stared at him. He's not really considering leaving her, is he?

" "She's a gypsy, Henry," he whispered. "You saw the way they looked at her when we got here!

" She has nowhere to live " I returned his tone.

" "That's the definition of a gypsy." He rolled his eyes. "You're letting yourself be affected by the young woman's beauty.

" Do you expect us to leave her here? Would you keep your conscience clear knowing that she could be the next to be burned alive, like her mother was?

" They burned her mother alive? " Shock rippled across his face.

" What do you think they'll do to her if they find her alone?

" "She's coming with us," he sighed, "but no one must know she's a gypsy.

" I think we'll have problems with that " I noticed Emma entering the place. 

Her beauty, as at other times, captured me immediately, Kitty's green flowered dress fitting her perfectly. She kept her black hair loose in waves that reached halfway down her back, making me want to run my fingers through it. Long gold earrings dangled from her ears and several gold bracelets adorned her wrists. Her eyes, however, were unpainted, probably unable to save more than the jewelry. 

" How are we going to do this? " George groaned.

" Good evening, gentlemen," Emma curtsied as we rose to greet her.

" "Miss Ferguson, the dress fits perfectly," George smiled, as I pulled out the chair for her to sit down, this gesture seemed to surprise her, but she just smiled.

" "Thank you, Sir." She alternated her gaze between George and me, and it was only then that I realized that we hadn't introduced ourselves to her.

" Forgive us " I asked " This is George Thorpe and I'm Henry Dashwood.

" "Thank you, Mr. Thorpe," she added, before looking at me, still smiling, while I got her something to eat, "I've never dressed like this, I look like a... Lady?

" You could fix your hair," George suggested nonchalantly.

" Pin it up? " She looked at us confused " Why?

" Maybe wear a little less jewelry " I suggested that too.

" But there are only five bracelets, earrings and a ring " she frowned.

" "What do you say we take these off? " I held her hand, taking the bracelets off one by one and putting them on the table " You know, so as not to attract so much attention.

" The earrings too? " She asked uncertainly.

" That would be great " George agreed as she took them off, looking annoyed.

" So I won't be able to wear jewelry? " She sighed in disappointment.

" You can wear jewelry, you just need to find something more suitable " I explained " something less flashy.

" My father said it was good to attract attention, he gave me jewelry whenever he could " she commented in a sad tone " I couldn't save them all, just these and some nose rings.

" Nose rings? " George's eyes widened.

" "Yes, I used to wear them on special occasions " she ran her finger along the side of her nose " they're little rings. But I think the hole will close up now.

" Yes, no nose rings " I took a deep breath " We'll teach you how to dress up without needing so much jewelry.

" She needs a good hat and a pair of gloves " George watched as the food arrived on the table " Some hair ribbons, young ladies love those.

" How am I going to get all this? " She groaned before starting to eat " And what will I do with my clothes?

" We'll help you " George interrupted her " we have a long trip tomorrow, and we can teach you some simple things.

" Thank you " she mumbled after swallowing " I hope this works out.

We watched the young woman eat in silence. She looked very hungry and wasn't willing to waste any time.

" What's wrong? " She asked, looking puzzled.

" You have a good appetite," George replied, making me want to kick him for it.

" Sorry " she looked away embarrassed " I haven't eaten since yesterday.

" Ohh! " George exclaimed.

Of course she hasn't eaten since yesterday! The camp was attacked while they were sleeping, so she didn't have time for breakfast. I should have been aware of that, she must be starving.

" I'll take care of the details of our trip tomorrow " I stood up.

I felt Emma's gaze follow me as I walked to my room. It wouldn't do for her to stay at my house, my mother and younger sister were visiting Aunt Margareth in Bath, and it wouldn't do for her reputation if she stayed with me living there alone. 

Perhaps the Crawfords could take her in, Georgiana and Juliet would certainly be good company for her. Emma could learn a lot from both of them.

I retired to my chambers to write an urgent letter to the Crawfords, hopefully it will arrive before we do.