Page 16 of Love Set Apart
“We’re so happy you could come,” Barbieri said. “Where is your husband? I enjoyed meeting him today and was looking forward to seeing you both tonight.”
“He saw a tartan across the room and couldnae resist visiting with a fellow Highlander. I’m sure he’ll be along soon.” Edna pointed to Angus on the other side of the room.
“No matter, I will speak with him when he is free.” Matteo glanced at his betrothed. “The greetings have gone on too long. Shall we?” He offered his arm to Emilie who walked away with him.
“They make a lovely couple, don’t they,” the Queen Mother said as she joined Edna.
“She is so young and he is such a mature man,” Edna replied. She purposely didn’t say he was an old man even though in her mind he was forty years older than Emilie.
Marie tipped her head seeming surprised that Edna might disagree with her.
Edna, not wishing to alienate Marie, quickly added, “But aye, they do. They are both verra handsome.”
Marie smiled. “I am pleased you think so. I am never mistaken when it comes to matters of love.”
Neither am I.Edna kept that thought to herself.
“Tell me, Madame Campbell. Are you enjoying your stay in Paris?”
“I am. Verra much. Angus and I have long wanted to visit and when the opportunity arose, we were ecstatic.” Understanding that the way to Marie’s heart was with compliments, Edna continued. “Yer palace is the most beautiful I have seen and yer gardens are exquisite. Angus and I were just saying how much we’ve been enjoying our stay.”
“Have I introduced you to Concino?” Marie asked, beckoning him to join them. “He is a good friend of Matteo’s.”
Concino gave a slight bow in Edna’s direction.
“Concino Concini, this is Madame Edna Campbell from Scotland.”
“It is lovely to meet you,” he said. “Where in Scotland are you from?”
“Edinburgh,” Edna said, smiling warmly. “Have ye been?”
“No. Although I hope to visit someday.” He glanced at Marie.
“Why would you wish to? Madame Campbell has just told me that this is the most beautiful palace she has ever seen.”
Concini raised an eyebrow at Marie. “If you’ll excuse me.” He left them and wandered off towards a group of gentlemen who had gathered together and seemed to be having a very animated conversation. Unfortunately they were just far enough away that it was not possible to hear what they were discussing.
Marie walked off in the other direction with a shake of her head and without another word, leaving Edna alone and wondering what that was all about.
* * *
“She’s quite beautiful,do ye no’ think?” Angus said, referring to Emilie.
“Aye.” Robert MacMillan seemed quite the lovestruck lad. Although he was surrounded by other Highlanders, it was as if he were on an island alone and adrift in a sea of people. It seemed his sole focus was on the young lady who stood only across the room, and yet seemed a million miles away.
Angus observed Robert carefully as he appeared to reluctantly look away from Emilie and Matteo.
“If I were a young, unmarried man like yerself, I might be tempted to pursue her.” Getting to know Robert and his feelings for Emilie was his task. Robert wasn’t giving him much more than wistful glances her way. Despite this, Angus thought there was love in those looks.
“That would no’ be possible,” Robert said, putting an end to the conversation. “She’s a Comte’s daughter. I am a soldier.”
Angus wouldn’t push him into more conversation about Emilie. That would come, but this wasn’t the time or place. “Robert, I understand that ye are one of the young king’s guards.”
“I am.” He reluctantly turned to Angus.
It was hard to tell whether Robert wished to continue speaking with him. His attention darted back and forth between Emilie and Angus, but Angus knew he needed to get Robert to confide in him and so he pressed on. “What does that entail?”
“He’s a young lad, so much of me time is spent making sure he doesnae get himself into trouble.”
