Page 30 of Love Set Apart
“She wasn’t feeling well, so she has stayed in her room. I imagine she did not relish this event any more than I do.”
“Do ye ken the visitors?” Angus asked.
Matteo looked toward the visitors. “No. They are friends of Concini.”
“I thought ye were friends with Concini. Is that no’ the case?” Edna couldn’t be sure, but it seemed Barbieri wasn’t happy with his friend for some reason.
“Concini brought me here under false pretenses. Once I arrived, I found that it was the Queen Mother’s wish that I marry Emilie.”
“And ye agreed?” Edna wanted to get to the bottom of this.
“The Medici’s are a powerful family. It is best not to cross them. I have business in Rome and without their blessing I would find it difficult to continue my business there.”
The energy of the room changed as the music came to an abrupt ending and the large doors on the far end of the room opened. The young king entered the room with his entourage, which included Robert. Everyone turned towards him, bowing as he passed them on his way to his mother’s side. Once there, he waved his hand and the music started up once again. The lad knew how to make a grand entrance.
Edna admired those who were dancing. Pretty and colorful gowns swirled around the room in shades of pink, green, orange and blue.
“You do not dance?” Barbieri said, noticing her interest in those who were.
“Oh, nae. Unfortunately, I have turned me ankle and should no’.” She couldn’t say she didn’t know these dances. Every woman of this time worth her salt knew them.
Looking down towards her feet, Matteo didn’t seem as though he believed her. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure you would enjoy being out there with everyone. The music makes us all happy.”
“I believe it does,” she replied.
“What of you Angus?” Matteo asked.
“What about me?” Angus asked.
“Do you enjoy the music?”
“Verra much. I must admit I doona care to dance though.”
“If Emilie were here, I would have a dance partner. Instead I will be satisfied to watch.”
“Emilie tells me ye havenae met her father yet.” Edna was curious to know how he felt about that.
“He has been ill. If I do not meet him, so be it. It is not necessary, though it would be proper.”
“I imagine so.” Edna elbowed Angus. It didn’t seem that Barbieri was all that interested in speaking with her and Angus was being too quiet for her liking.
“How long has he been ill?” Angus asked, apparently getting the hint.
“I don’t know. He has been ill since I’ve been here at court.” Matteo watched the couples dancing past them with an apparent wish to join them, despite his age.
“I pray he’s better soon then,” Angus said. “I’m sure Emilie will want him at her wedding.”
The music paused momentarily and an awkward silence ensued among the three of them. It was obvious Barbieri didn’t care one way or the other. The betrothal was nothing more than a means to an end. He no more wanted to marry Emilie than she wanted to marry him, but he had more reason to go through with it than she did.
“Where in Italy are ye from, Matteo?” Angus asked.
“Rome, of course.” His chest puffed out with pride as he spoke.
“It is a beautiful city,” Edna said.
“You’ve been?” Matteo sounded hopeful.
“Nae. I’ve heard,” she replied.
