Page 18 of Love Set Apart
Angus knew there was always something that could be done and that Edna would do whatever it took to make it happen, but he would keep that information to himself for the moment.
As Matteo and Emilie continued greeting guests at the reception, they were getting closer and closer to Robert and Angus.
“I must leave,” Robert said. “Meet me at the stable tomorrow morning. I look forward to riding with ye.” He hurried off before Angus could answer him.
Angus turned to look for Edna and was immediately met by Matteo and Emilie.
“There you are,” Matteo said. A warm smile greeted Angus as though they were old friends. “Who was that you were speaking with?”
“Robert MacMillan. He is a guard to King Louis,” Angus explained.
“You spoke with him for quite a long time,” Matteo said.
Angus was amused and confused that Matteo had been watching him and calculating the length of time he spoke with Robert. “When with a fellow Scot, there are always stories to tell. Do ye ken him?”
“No. We’ve not met. Emilie, do you know him?” Matteo asked.
Emilie seemed startled out of her malaise on hearing this question. “No. Why would I know him?”
“He is here at the palace, as are you.” Matteo’s gaze fell on Emilie and lingered there.
Angus thought he heard a hint of suspicion in the older man’s question.
Emilie felt it too. “I spend most of my time with the Queen Mother. I rarely have time to meet with others at the palace.”
“Have ye seen Edna?” Angus decided it would be a good idea to change the focus of their conversation.
“She was just over there a moment ago,” Emilie said, peering over her shoulder.
“I see her. Will ye excuse me?” Angus asked.
“Of course,” Matteo said.
“Enjoy the rest of yer celebration.” Angus nodded to them both and headed straight for Edna.
“How did yer chat with Robert go?” Edna asked when he reached her.
“Good. ’Tis obvious he is a man in love. I believe they’ve been meeting secretly up until this point. He claims he will no’ see her again now that she is betrothed.”
“Hmmm… Do ye believe him?” Edna asked.
“I cannae say that I do, although it would be best if they dinna see each other until this was all sorted out. I think Matteo may be suspicious of them.”
“Really? Why would ye think that?” Edna asked.
“Nae reason in particular. It’s just a feeling that I have.”
“Matteo seems to have taken a liking to ye. It could come in handy for our purposes.”
“He seems out of place here in the palace. I ken he is a friend to the Medici family and Concini, but I doona believe there is a real friendship there. I will say, though, I like the man. He is honest and straightforward in his conversation. I feel for him.”
“That’s one of the things I love about ye, Angus. Ye’ve a kind heart.”
“The man needs a friend and while we are in this time, I will do me best to be his friend.” He wrinkled his brow before speaking again. “I cannae help but wonder why he has agreed to this marriage though. It is clear he would rather remain unencumbered by a wife.”
“Unencumbered?” Edna gave him a sideways look that said she disapproved of the word.
“I’m speaking of Matteo, me love. I have never felt encumbered by ye, me lovely wife.”
