Page 49 of Love Set Apart
Emilie placed her hands on his chest, pushing back a bit to see his face. “Robert, we must stop before we cannot.”
He reluctantly loosened his hold and taking her head in his hands gave her one final kiss. A kiss that melted her heart and made her knees weak. “Soon.” he said.
“Soon,” she repeated.
Robert leaned back against one of the trees that had been shielding them from view. “I’m happy Louis sent me back from our hunting trip, although his reasons were more for his satisfaction than he thought they would be mine.”
“How so?” Emilie asked, curious as to why Louis would want to help them.
“He enjoys getting under his mother’s skin. He thought if I came to get ye it would anger her.” Robert shook his head and chuckled.
“She doesn’t have to know,” Emilie said, her lips curving into a sweet smile.
“Do ye believe there really is nae dowry?” He asked. His voice was filled with hope.
“I’m not sure. All I know is that my father wanted me to marry Matteo so that I would be taken care of. It was his dying wish.” Her voice cracked and suddenly her throat felt tight.
Robert took her in his arms once again. This time it was to comfort her. “He loved ye and wanted what was best for ye. I understand his concern. He was a good father to ye.”
Emilie fought back the tears that threatened to open wounds that were still healing. He wiped a tear from her cheek and whispered, “All will be well. I am sure of it.”
Emilie melted into his embrace. This is what she wanted more than anything – to love and be loved. Whatever the outcome, she was a woman who knew what she wanted. The question was, would she get it?
12
The following morning Edna and Angus returned to the palace hoping for news about Emilie’s nuptials. The walk there took them along the path that had become quite familiar to them. It was a busy morning in Paris. They passed numerous people on their way. Some were heading to the palace as they were, some were heading towards the Seine to walk, others stood in small groups chatting happily with each other. Edna steered Angus towards the small bakery where she’d bought bread with Emilie the day they’d walked together. They purchased some brioche and candied chestnuts and ate them as they walked. All-in-all it seemed like the perfect morning. Edna had her fingers crossed that it would continue to be and that there was no dowry so then Matteo would refuse the marriage.
Once at the palace, they made their way through the courtyard where they came upon Robert, who seemed quite happy to see them.
“Good morn,” Robert said. “’Tis a beautiful day do ye no’ think?” He spread his arms out to indicate the clear blue skies above them.
“Yer in good spirits this morning, Robert,” Angus said, slapping him on the back.
“I’ve good reason,” Robert said. Wearing a wide grin that spread to his bright, happy eyes.
“What have ye heard?” Edna latched onto his arm, steering him away from those who might eavesdrop on their conversation.
“Naething yet, but there is every possibility that there is nae dowry.” Edna loved seeing him this happy. Since their arrival in Paris, there had always been an air of solemnity about him that rarely changed.
Angus cleared his throat as he glanced at Edna and then back to Robert. “The only trouble is that yesterday, Marie seemed inclined to force Matteo to marry Emilie, dowry or nae dowry.”
Robert scowled on hearing this. “She will run away with me if that is the case. We spoke yesterday.”
“That is wonderful. I’ve been on pins and needles since we saw ye last. I hope we ken soon.” Edna’s mind was racing regardless of the hopeful news. Things could go either way and they needed to be prepared for that.
“Aye. I’ve made plans to meet her in the garden this morning. We will discuss our departure at that time.”
“All is going well then. Ye hardly needed me,” Edna said.
Robert glanced around for anyone who may be eavesdropping before he spoke. “We may need ye yet.”
“How so?” Edna asked. She was determined to help in any way possible.
“We may need a diversion so we can be far from here before anyone thinks to look for us.” Robert said. “Emilie wants to wait to hear about the dowry before we go.”
“Whatever for? Why no’ go now?” Edna asked. If she had her druthers, that would be her choice for them.
“She doesnae wish to run away unless it is necessary. The Queen Mother may decide to drag her back,” Robert explained. “If there is nae dowry, the Queen Mother willnae want her here at court. She will nae longer concern herself with Emilie marrying a soldier. Why should she? The only problem would be if she decided Emilie must go through with the marriage.”
