Page 78 of Love Set Apart
“Emilie, ye are going to be a good mother someday,” Edna said.
“Do you really believe so?” Emilie asked.
“I do. Ye really have a way with Maura and Declan.”
Edna was impressed with Emilie’s maternal instincts and her willingness to do anything that Maggie needed, especially since she’d wondered if Emilie would be up to the task. Her entire life had been spent being cared for and catered to by servants, and she’d never really had a chance to do this kind of thing. Edna felt good that when she and Angus left for Edinburgh, Maggie and Dylan would have all the help they needed, especially since Maggie’s mother and father had arrived the day before.
Robert spent a good deal of time following Dylan around and learning the ropes of being a chef and running an inn. He was worried at first that he wouldn’t be able to do it, but Dylan assured him that he wasn’t going anywhere and he’d be right there if Robert needed any help with anything. Although, like Emilie, he was fitting in well and was a fast learner. Edna had no worries at all that they would succeed and thrive in their new lives.
“We’ve been so lucky to have had ye and Uncle Angus here with us. I cannae thank ye enough for bringing Emilie and Robert to us. They’ve been a great help. Once they get the hang of everything around here, we’ll have a lot more free time on our hands.
“As much as I hate to leave ye, yer Uncle Angus and I must get back to Edinburgh. William will be peeved we’ve been away so long and I must report in to the council.” Edna wiped away a tear that was followed by another and another. “Oh…”
Maggie’s voice broke as she spoke “We understand. It’s been so nice having ye here with us. When will ye come for another visit?” She handed Edna a tissue and grabbed one to blot at her own teary eyes.
“It will be hard to keep us away. Those sweet little bairns will be growing so fast. We’ll want to spend as much time with them as we can.”
“Good. That’s what I was hoping ye’d say.”
“I’m going to go find yer uncle. We’ll be back to see ye before we leave.”
* * *
Edna foundAngus in his favorite spot reading his newspaper. “Me love, I believe it’s time we headed back to Edinburgh.”
“I was thinking the same,” Angus answered. He folded the newspaper and set it on the side table next to the chair.
“Dylan will drive us to the train station,” Edna said. “Ye’re sure ye’re ready?”
“I am, but are ye?” Angus tipped his head, eyeing her with a cocked brow.
“Of course I am. I must report in at the council. I called to tell them I’d be back in the office tomorrow, so they’ll be expecting me.” She glanced around the lobby of the inn experiencing an unmistakable tug on her heartstrings. “We’ll be back for a visit before ye ken it,” she said as much for herself as for Angus.
“Let’s say our goodbyes to Emilie and Robert,” Angus said.
“Where are they?” Edna asked.
“Robert’s in the kitchen,” Angus said, heading in that direction.
They found him busy chopping vegetables and tossing them into a pot. Dylan was doing the same.
“We’re going to be on our way,” Edna said on seeing them. “We wanted to come say goodbye to Robert and Emilie.”
“I’ll go get the car.” Dylan washed his hands and then headed outside.
“Emilie’s out in the garden,” Robert said. He put down his knife and wiped his hands on his apron. Edna and Angus followed him as he led the way out the back door.
Out in the garden, Emilie was picking some fresh herbs. “Emilie, Edna and Angus will be going home,” Robert said.
She put the herbs in her basket. “We’ll be sorry to see you go.”
“Come here, me dear.” Edna held out her arms and Emilie rushed into them for a hug. “Ye are going to be the best thing that has happened to Glendaloch in a long time. I’m going to miss ye, but I ken ye will be just fine without me.”
Robert and Angus shook hands and hugged, before Robert joined Emilie and hugged Edna. “Robert, ye give the best hugs.”
Edna gazed at Angus. “Doona worry, yers are even better.”
Angus chuckled as did Robert and Emilie.
