Page 23 of Love Set Apart
Edna was unfamiliar with the rules of speaking with a royal, but she knew that Marie had a reputation for being mercurial and understood that going too far might get her banned from court. She couldn’t afford that and so she proceeded with caution. “No’ at all. It’s just that Emilie is so young. Ye ken how young women are about love and romance. I’m sure she will be sad to lose a chance at real love.”
“True love only leads to heartache. Emilie has told me of her love for Robert MacMillan. He is a soldier. A marriage between them simply would not do. I would send him away from court to save her from her longings for him, but my son is quite attached to him.”
“Wouldnae it be wonderful if we were allowed to marry for love?” Edna asked, curious to hear Marie’s thoughts on the subject.
“Marriage is a business arrangement. It isn’t about love.” Marie looked pointedly at Edna. “Emilie is the daughter of a Comte, so Barbieri is the ideal match for her.”
Edna had no reply that would not anger Marie. It seemed the topic was no longer open for discussion… if it ever had been. “Yer garden is glorious today.”
This topic seemed to please Marie. “The sunshine and warmth bring it happiness.”
“It does the same for me.” Edna chuckled and was pleased when Marie joined her.
“I hear it is often cold in Scotland,” Marie said.
“I’m accustomed to it, but it is nice to be here enjoying the pleasant weather.” The warm days and cooler evenings were perfect in Edna’s mind.
“You are from Edinburgh?”
“Aye. We wished to be close to the king when he is at the castle,” Edna lied.
“What is he like?” Marie asked.
Edna hadn’t been expecting that question. She was going to have to come up with an answer that would appease Marie. “He is the king, what more can I say.”
Marie wasn’t listening anymore. She’d spied Concino Concini across the garden and beckoned him to join them.
“Madame Campbell,” he said in greeting.
“Sir.” Edna wasn’t sure she wanted to continue walking with them, but Marie made that easy for her.
“It was enlightening speaking with you, Lady Edna.” And she was off with Concini, leaving Edna where she stood. Once they were out of earshot, Edna couldn’t help but chuckle. She had no idea why Marie had wanted to walk with her and realized perhaps there had been a different reason all along. She thought she’d wanted to talk about Emilie, but that conversation ended as quickly as it began, and Edna realized she had just been a pawn in Marie’s plan to meet with Concini privately in the garden.
Edna sat on a stone bench. Her feet ached from the less-than comfortable shoes she was being forced to wear, and the corset Angus had expertly tightened was leaving little room for her to take in a deep breath. She couldn’t wait to get back to her room at the inn, but for a moment she would sit and attempt to refresh herself. She relished the soft breeze rustling through the nearby trees and bushes. Birds roused from their rest among the branches and leaves complained loudly as they burst from their hiding places to take flight. A pair of doves landed on the path in front of her and ignoring Edna, pecked the ground here and there. They never wandered far from each other and their presence here on the path was symbolic to Edna. It was a representation of everlasting love. It was the love she wished for Emilie and Robert.
6
In his search for Edna, Angus spied Robert rushing out of the palace with purpose. He thought he should follow him and see where he was going in such a hurry. Angus was about to round the bend that would lead him out of the courtyard, through the gates and out to the road, but was stopped in his tracks by the sight of Robert and Emilie, locked in a passionate kiss and barely hidden behind some leafy trees. Young love would not be denied, but it could be brought to a sudden halt if they were not careful.
“Lord Campbell,” Matteo Barbieri approached him from behind.
“Matteo,” Angus said, turning quickly and blocking his path forward. “How are ye this fine day?”
“I saw you hurrying this way. Is something wrong?” Barbieri asked.
“Nae. No’ at all. I was trying to find me wife. Have ye seen her?” Angus asked, hoping to keep Barbieri from heading any further toward Emilie and Robert.
“She was in the garden with Marie not long ago.”
“I thought she may have gone back to the inn without telling me,” Angus chuckled.
“Is this what I have to look forward to when I wed?” Matteo asked.
“Emilie seems to be a verra sweet young lass. I doubt she will cause ye any worry at all.”As long as you don’t peek around the corner.“Where were ye going when ye saw me?”
"I had no destination in mind. I thought perhaps I’d join you.”
“I’m no’ going anywhere either now that I ken where Edna is.” He had to keep Barbieri from going through that gate. “Should we join them in the garden?” Turning him by the elbow, he searched for a subject to talk about. “Are ye feeling any better about yer upcoming marriage?”
