Page 37 of Love Set Apart
"Why did ye wish to see her?” Robert asked.
“I had a feeling that things were no’ well here. My main thought was to check on Madame DuBois, but I also thought I would get some herbs that may help to ease Emilie’s grieving. She is acting so irrationally. I must speak with her again. I must let her ken that her fate was no’ predetermined by what her father wanted for her.”
“She needs time to grieve, but instead is running away from her grief.” Robert seemed perplexed by this behavior.
“We’ll need to help her.” Edna would do her best to help Emilie, but her focus was now on Madame DuBois, whose life was literally in grave danger.
* * *
Once back at the Palace,Robert hurried off to the stables where he hoped to find Louis.
“Robert. I’ve been looking for you,” Louis said, from atop his steed. “Where have you been?”
Robert stood beside Louis’ horse, his hand gently stroking the steed’s neck. “I was on an errand with a friend.”
Louis seemed in good spirits. “I’ve had your horse prepared. Come ride with me.”
The liveryman handed Robert the reins to his perfectly groomed and saddled gelding. That Louis was happy would make Robert’s request all that much easier. He vaulted into the saddle and joined Louis who was warming his horse up by riding the outer edges of the arena. Once beside him he noted that Louis had that mischievous glint in his eye that usually meant trouble.
“I spied you earlier with your lady love here by the stables,” Louis said, his voice a teasing lilt.
Robert couldn’t deny it. “Emilie was telling me that her father had died and she began to cry. I only wished to comfort her.”
“She hurried away. I imagine it did not work.”
“Nae. It dinna.”
“I’m sorry. It is difficult to lose one’s father.” There was a sadness in his tone that could not be denied. Louis had lost his own father and in his own way he wanted Robert to know that he understood and sympathized. “She didn’t wish you to comfort her?”
“She doesnae ken what she wants. She’s confused.”
“It will take time. Do not give up hope.” Louis could be difficult and childish, but in this moment he was giving Robert exactly what he needed, kindness and compassion.
They rode in silence for a while as Robert thought about Emilie and about the reason he’d sought out Louis in the first place. He wasn’t sure how to bring up the topic of Madame DuBois. Should he just come right out with it? “Louis, I need yer help with something.”
“Something to do with Emilie?” This seemed to pique Louis’ interest.
“Nae. I doona think there is anything ye can do to help with Emilie. There is a woman here in Paris.” Robert began his explanation and paused, unsure how to explain about the witch that wasn’t a witch and needed to be released.
“Another? You are a busy man, Robert.” Louis chuckled, back to his usual demeanor.
Keeping young Louis focused could be difficult. “I am being serious, Louis.”
Louis raised an eyebrow at his friend. “Continue, please.”
“She was arrested this morning. She is being accused of witchcraft.”
Robert had Louis’ attention now. “If she is a witch, I do not know what I can do to help.”
"She is no’ a witch.” Robert knew that he was lying, but it was all he could think to do. “Her neighbor contacted the authorities. There was an argument about stray cats. The neighbor just wants her gone because of the cats.” He glanced at Louis to see if he was truly listening.
“The poor are not above turning on each other,” Louis said.
Robert knew the rich were just as likely to do the same but this didn’t seem to be the time to mention it.
“So this is all about cats?” Louis was a bit suspicious about the direction this conversation had gone and Robert could certainly understand why. He had never asked the king for help with Emilie, the woman he loved, and yet here he was asking for the king to save a woman he didn’t know.
“Is there anything ye can do to help her?” Robert prayed there was.
