Page 22 of Love Set Apart
“I do. There are so many different varieties, but I’ve no’ tried something like this.”
They walked on, each enjoying their small loaf of bread. When they came to the river and walked along its banks, Edna noticed that Emilie drew closer and in almost a whisper said, “Tell me about the future.”
“What would ye like to ken? There’s a lot to tell.” Edna was happy that their earlier conversation was now in the past and Emilie seemed more animated in her words and actions.
“Everything. I wish to know everything.”
“It is filled with wonderful things that ye would be amazed by. There is a box you can hold in your hand that contains thousands, no millions of books. Speaking to people who are far away is possible with something called a telephone. So many things. It would take me hours to explain all them to ye.”
“And are the people still the same?” Emilie wondered.
“I believe that ye would think so.” Edna had cared for many people across the last few hundred years and though much had changed, there were certain things that held true no matter the year on the calendar. “They dress differently and speak differently, but fundamentally they are the same. They laugh, they cry, they love.”
“I would like to see your time.”
This surprised Edna, but she realized it could be the solution to their problem. “I could arrange that if ye really mean it.”
“I don’t know. I cannot leave my father behind. He is alone. I am his only child,” Emilie explained.
“I see. Family is important. Ye must stay for him.” Separating someone from their family was never something Edna wanted to do. At times it was necessary, but in her mind only as a last resort.
“Someday?” Emilie asked.
“When I go back to me own time, it may no’ be possible any longer for ye.”
Emilie seemed disappointed, but asked. “Have you ever sent someone to the future from this time.”
“No’ from this year, but I have sent men and women through time on more than one occasion.”
“Were they afraid?” Emilie’s eyes went wide with curiosity.
“Perhaps at first, but they always traveled for love and that made their journey easier.”
Emilie made small noises of acknowledgment, seeming satisfied with Edna’s answers.
“Shall we get ye back to the palace?” Edna asked.
A resigned sigh escaped Emilie’s lips. “I imagine so.”
It was difficult for Edna to see Emilie’s sadness at having to live the life she’d been thrust into. As with all the young ladies she’d helped, Edna’s maternal instincts were strong. She had always felt protective of those she took under her wing and it was to Emilie’s benefit to have Edna in her camp.
The walk back to the palace was a quiet one. Emilie would occasionally glance Edna’s way and a fleeting smile would appear. This only hardened Edna’s resolve. She had to make this work, not just for Emilie and Robert, but for her own standing with the council. What would they think if she came back a failure?
* * *
“Lady Edna,come walk with me in the garden.” Marie de Medici rose from her throne as Emilie and Edna entered the room. Her ladies were quick to take command of the elaborate skirt of her gown, making sure it was laid out behind her. Two of them followed along behind with the sole purpose of keeping Marie’s skirt under control.
“Of course.” Edna joined her as they left Emilie behind and ventured out into the beautiful garden. There was no help for Edna as her heavy skirt dragged along the ground leaving a trail in the gravel-covered walk. Her outing with Emilie had been taxing enough with the layers of clothing she was unaccustomed to wearing. She was hot and more walking was the last thing she wanted to do.
“How was your walk with Emilie?” Marie asked.
“Verra nice. I enjoyed speaking with her. She is a lovely young lass.”
“I agree and so does Comte Barbieri.” Marie stopped to smell a beautiful white rose along the path.
“How old is he?” Edna asked.
“Do you think he is too old for Emilie?” Marie’s tone indicated disapproval of Edna’s question.
