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“Merripen, what does it mean when a man wears a thumb ring? Is it a Gypsy custom?” Seeming uncomfortable with the question, Merripen looked through the window into the damp night. A group of young men passed the vehicle, wearing fine coats and tall hats, laughing among themselves. A pair of them stopped to speak with a gaudily dressed woman. Still frowning, Merripen replied to Amelia’s question. “It signifies independence and freedom of thought. Also a certain separateness. In wearing it, he reminds himself he doesn’t belong where he is.” “Why would Mr. Rohan want to remind himself of something like that?” “Because the ways of your kind are seductive,” Merripen said darkly. “It’s difficult to resist them.” “Why must you resist them? I fail to see what is so terrible about living in a proper house and securing a steady income, and enjoying things like nice dishes and upholstered chairs.” “Gadji,” he murmured in resignation, making Amelia grin briefly. It was the word for a non-Gypsy woman.” — Lisa Kleypas