Page 27 of Love Set Apart
“I see.” Edna was going to tell her the same thing, but Robert had beaten her to it. “Ye were almost caught. Angus stopped Matteo before he stumbled upon the two of ye.”
“I wish he had caught us. Then maybe he wouldn’t wish to marry me.”
“It wouldnae be good for yer reputation and he would still wish to marry ye because he is interested in yer dowry, which I’m sure he has discussed with Marie and yer father.”
Emilie stopped and faced Edna. “Matteo has not spoken to my father. Marie was the one who arranged things with him.”
“Truly?” Edna asked as they began walking again.
“My father has been ill and not taking visitors. When he is well again they will meet.”
“When was the last time ye saw yer father?” Edna asked.
“He came to the palace a month ago to speak with the Queen Mother about the betrothal. I had no idea. I thought he was just here to visit with me as he has in the past. Her Highness does not like me to leave the court and so it has been years since I’ve been home. When he told me he had approved the marriage I became upset and left before he could say another thing. I haven’t seen him since.”
“Well, we must remedy that. It is nae good for ye to go without seeing him. He may be the only one other than me who can help.”
Emilie stopped once again and turned toward Edna. “If you have witch powers to help me, why haven’t you?” There was a note of accusation in her voice.
“Me planisto help ye, but I would like to assess the situation fully before I use me powers. It could be quite dangerous for me, just as it was for Madame DuBois to give ye the stone ye used to wish on the moon. Ye understand that, doona ye?”
Emilie nodded, her eyes cast downward.
Edna gave her hand a squeeze of encouragement. She understood that this was difficult and wanted her to know that she was on her side.
“I’m sorry. I’m impatient and afraid that it won’t work and I’ll be married to Matteo and on my way to Italy before anything can be done to stop it. I’ll never see Robert again.”
“Me dear, I understand yer fear and impatience so I ask ye to stay away from Robert for the time being. If ye see him across the room, look away. Nae one can ken that ye are still in love with him.” Edna took her arm. “Ye will be together soon enough. Ye must trust me.”
“What if he stops loving me?” Emilie asked. Her voice shook. It was obvious she was on the verge of tears.
Edna turned to her and lifted Emilie’s chin with her hand. “Havenae ye heard the saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder?” It was completely possible that the saying hadn’t been used in this time period and that Emilie hadn’t heard it before based on the blank look on her face. “Robert loves ye now and he will always love ye. I promise.” It was a promise she intended to keep. She was Edna Campbell and she knew love when she saw it. “Now, put a smile on that pretty face of yers and never let them see ye looking sad like this again.”
Emilie’s smile was half-hearted, but Edna thought it was good enough to fool anyone who didn’t really care enough to know her feelings. Unfortunately, that included Marie and Matteo.
* * *
Angus happenedto be nearby as Louis approached his mother. He was close enough to hear their conversation without them noticing and didn’t feel the least bit guilty about eavesdropping. They nodded as they walked past him and down the center aisle of the garden. Angus followed behind them, examining flowers and hedges as though he had a keen interest in botany.
“Mother, I am concerned about my guard Robert. He is so obviously in love with Emilie Toussaint and she with him. You must not force her to marry Barbieri.”
“It’s of no concern to you,” Marie answered.
“Why wouldn’t it be? If you were no longer regent, I would be making these decisions.”
“That is true, but you are not and so it is up to me to choose a husband for Emilie.” Marie looked away from Louis for a moment, seeming to examine the garden.
“It is not necessary that you do so,” Louis said.
“No. However it is something I wish to do and as you will soon find when you are king, we can do whatever we want without disagreement from anyone. Besides, I have my reasons. Emilie needs a husband and Concini suggested Barbieri.”
“I do not care for Concini. Why does he care who Emilie Toussaint marries?”
“He merely made a suggestion and I agreed it would be a good match. Emilie’s father wished for her to marry. He is ill and it was important for him to see her wed to a man who would take care of her. Robert MacMillan is not that man.”
“She does not love Barbieri.”
“Of course not. You are young, my son, and unaware of the sacrifices women must make in this world.”
