Page 52 of Love Set Apart
“I would love it. If we’re together, I don’t care where we live.”
“Shall we sit here beneath the trees and enjoy being together?”
Emilie knew exactly what he meant. She lifted her head to look into his beautiful hazel eyes. The mix of green and brown mesmerized her every time she saw him. “Kiss me, please.”
It was an order Robert obeyed without hesitation. He captured her lips with his own, kissing her until she was breathless. Letting her go, Emilie watched as he placed an extra plaid he carried with him, on the ground under the trees before coming back to her. He lifted her easily in his arms, placing her atop the plaid. She held her arms out to him as he joined her. Their lips met again and again as Emilie allowed herself to close her eyes and enjoy the feel of his lips on her neck and down to her décolletage. One hand caressed her breast as the other lifted her skirt before moving softly and smoothly to the vee between her legs. Her breathing quickened as his fingers gently caressed her, causing feelings she wanted more of. Emilie was enjoying the pleasure he was bringing her, her hips moving with his hand causing a loud moan to escape her lips. Robert quickly covered her mouth with his, kissing her. Her body was tingling from head to toe. “Robert we mustn’t go any further. Someone will hear us.”
Robert understood and immediately removed his hands. “We should go now before I can no’ stop meself from taking more of ye than I should. We’ll be married soon enough and then I’ll finish what was started today.”
Emilie caught her breath, straightening her gown and then taking his arm. He helped her up, packed up his plaid and with one more quick peck on the lips, they left the palace grounds through a back gate in the garden and headed for the Seine.
* * *
“When we have children,will we want to stay in Paris, or should we go somewhere else?” Emilie asked Robert as they strolled along the river path. Her face was hidden by the hood of her cloak, which she held in position with her hands. It wouldn’t do for anyone to spy on them as they walked.
“We can go wherever ye wish,” Robert said.
“I’ve never given it much thought before now. I always thought I’d spend my life here in Paris or at my family home.” Her life had been very sheltered. At home she was never allowed to wander very far. When she was finally allowed to join Marie as one of her ladies at the palace, Emilie felt it was a turning point in her life. No longer at home under her father’s roof there was a feeling of freedom, but still she had someone to answer to. Marie made it clear what her expectations were of her ladies and Emilie, always eager to please, did exactly what was desired by her Queen Mother. It wasn’t until she met Robert that she began to sneak away from her duties at the palace.
“We may no’ be able to stay in Paris,” Robert said. “We could go to Scotland, although we would be dependent on the good graces of me brothers and I’m no’ so sure they would be verra happy to see me.”
Robert had spoken to her at length about his family and so she understood that it might not be the best situation for them. “Then somewhere else,” Emilie said. “Edna will help us.”
“They are kind people, but I doona ken how they can help us find a place to live.”
Emilie glanced at him in amazement. “They are from the future! Edna said she could take us there. What do you think?” Emilie thought it an exciting prospect.
“It is a thought that intrigues and worries me at the same time. It would no’ be familiar to us. It may be the answer or it may be a terrible mistake.”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” Emilie said. “Still, I believe that if Edna and Angus, two very good people who want to help us, come from this place, how can it be bad?”
Robert looked back over his shoulder, even going so far as to turn around completely. “I feel as though someone is following us, but I see nae one.”
Emilie looked back, being careful to keep her face hidden. “There is no one there.”
“It is just a feeling that I have. As Louis’ guard, I am always on alert for danger.”
“Perhaps we should go back to the palace,” Emilie suggested.
“I feel that we have no’ settled anything,” Robert said.
“If there is no dowry, then we will have time.” She peeked at Robert from her hooded cape. “I don’t wish to worry about such things. I choose to believe all will be well for us.”
“How can ye be so sure?” Robert asked.
Emilie laughed. “I cannot, but I have faith that you and I were meant to be together. That is why the moon heard me and sent Edna to help us.”
“Verra well. I will choose to believe as ye do.” His eyes danced with amusement as he teased, “All will be well for us because the moon wishes it to be so.”
“Do you make fun of me?” Emilie asked, feigning insult. She knew he was teasing her and played along.
“I doona make fun. I love ye, Emilie. I want ye to be me wife more than I’ve ever wanted anything, and if the moon can make it so, then I am a believer.” He brought her hand to his lips, kissing it. It was the happiest Emilie thought that she had ever seen him.
They turned back to the palace focused only on one another, and nothing else.
13
“Iwonder if anyone has told Emilie that the wedding will still take place?” Edna asked.
