Page 51 of Love Set Apart
Angus didn’t like the sounds of that. It seemed no matter what happened with the dowry, there would be a wedding.
“So Marie plans to punish ye. I might be able to fix this, but it may no’ be easy.”
“I would be most grateful, Madame Campbell,” Matteo said.
“There are nae guarantees it will work, but I will give it a try for yer sake as well as Emilie’s.”
“What will you do?” Matteo asked.
“That will be me little secret.” She held a finger up to her lips. “Doona mention me involvement to anyone.”
“As you wish,” Matteo said.
“If I ken me Edna, everything will work out as it should,” Angus assured Matteo.
Matteo clasped his hands in front of his chest. “Let us hope.”
* * *
Marie de Mediciand her ladies arrived in the throne room where she took a moment to greet some visitors who’d been patiently waiting along with everyone else. Once she settled onto her throne, she motioned for Matteo to come to her.
Edna and Angus stayed where they were, knowing they would still able to listen in on the conversation.
If the smug look on Marie’s face was an omen of what was to come, then things might be about to get worse for Emilie and Robert. “Well, Barbieri, we have searched and searched and there does not seem to be a dowry.”
Matteo stiffened his spine and through barely gritted teeth said, “Then we shall not marry.”
“You will marry!” Marie commanded. “I have told you that we have information that would place you in a poor light among your peers. It will be sent to Rome where it will be spread far and wide. The church may even choose to excommunicate you.” Marie seemed very pleased with herself. The scowl on her face as she waited for a response from Matteo would scare anyone who saw it.
Matteo smartly remained silent. While Edna couldn’t see his face, his posture was rigid and his fists were clenched at his sides. She imagined that if he had been able to get a hold of Marie at that moment, he might forget who she was and strangle her.
Marie continued, “The marriage will take place tomorrow. Do not even think of leaving. My guards will be watching you. If you attempt to leave, they will lock you up until it is time for the wedding.”
Matteo turned and stormed out of the room followed by the guards as Marie had promised.
“Now what?” Angus asked.
“I have some thoughts, but I will need time to work out a plan.” Edna had only one thought in mind that might work. She had to somehow get Concini to recant what he’d told Marie about Matteo. Even then she couldn’t be sure Marie would change her mind, especially if she felt it made her look foolish or wrong. It was going to be a challenge, but Edna was determined to see it through.
* * *
Emilie waitedfor Robert in the trees where they always met. She could see him as he strode her way. His dark tresses moved with him as a breeze hit him while he walked. She could hardly wait to be in his arms once again. Before he could reach her, he was stopped by Concino Concini. Emilie didn’t care for the man. She was, of course, grateful that he’d agreed to pay off her father’s debts, but she didn’t trust him. He was always at the center of some trouble happening in the palace, especially where it concerned Marie. He had her ear and the ability to convince her of whatever scandal he had created for his own amusement. Robert spoke with him for some time and then continued to walk her way, breaking into a jog as he approached her.
“What was that all about?” Emilie asked as Robert took her into his arms.
“Concini wondered when Louis would be back from hunting. I’m no’ sure why it’s any concern of his, but I told him it might be another day or two, especially if the hunt was successful.”
“I’m sure the Queen Mother was looking for him,” Emilie said.
“Ye’re probably right.” Robert tucked his nose into her neck. “Ye smell delicious.”
His breath tickled her as he kissed his way up her neck to her earlobe. She couldn’t help the tiny giggle that escaped her lips. “Robert, perhaps we should walk somewhere outside of the palace. I’m worried someone might see us.”
“They’ve never seen us before, why would today be any different?” he asked, before gently kissing her lips.
Emilie reluctantly pulled away. “You’re right. I’m so happy, Robert. Soon we’ll be married and have our whole lives before us. Won’t that be wonderful?”
Robert caressed her face with his hand before tucking a loose curl behind her ear. “It will be what I have wanted for so long. We’ll find a place to live here in Paris. Would ye like that?”
