Page 11 of Love Set Apart
Edna and Angus walked around the room nodding to those in attendance that morning. No one seemed particularly interested in speaking with them. They were all there for one purpose and that was to see the Queen Mother, Marie de Medici.
They made their way over to the kilted group.
“Good morn to ye,” Angus said. “I be Angus Campbell and this is me wife, Edna.”
“Good morn,” the men replied.
"We’re looking for Robert MacMillan. Would ye ken where we might find him?”
The tallest of the men spoke. “He’s with the young king.”
“I see. Where might that be?” Angus asked.
“It’s hard to say.” He glanced around to the other men in the group, who shrugged their shoulders.
“Then they would no’ be joining the Queen Mother this morning?”
“’Tis no’ likely. My guess is they are outdoors, possibly riding along the banks of the river.”
“Thank ye. We’ll see him later then.”
If the men were curious about Angus and Edna, they didn’t show it as they went back to their conversation.
Edna was about to say something when the room came alive with excited voices. The Queen Mother entered the room with her entourage and made her way to the throne. Those present created an aisle for her, bowing and curtsying as she passed. Marie was dressed in an elaborate gown in a shade of deep burgundy. Creamy, ivory-colored pearls encircled her throat and, also dropped from her ears. A pleated white lace collar attached to her gown and stood firmly behind her head, framing her hair which was worn up and studded with jewels.
Marie begrudgingly acknowledged a few of those waiting as she passed. Once she was seated, a semi-circle was formed by those who’d been waiting and one-by-one they presented themselves to her. Some she knew well and she spoke to them in lowered tones, keeping their conversations private. Others were new to her, as evidenced by their nervous fidgeting as they stood before her.
When it was time for Edna and Angus to approach, they made their way up the steps of the dais. Edna curtsied and Angus bowed.
“Good morning, Yer Highness. I am Lady Edna Campbell and this is me husband, Lord Angus Campbell.”
“You speak for your husband,” Marie noted.
Edna hadn’t thought about the protocols of the time and whether or not it was acceptable for her to be the one speaking to the Queen Mother. “Me apologies, I…”
Marie held up a hand to Edna. “Do not worry, my dear. It pleases me when a woman shows her worth.”
Edna breathed a silent sigh of relief, tipping her head to the Queen Mother and smiling.
“You are here from Scotland.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Aye. We are.”
“Why did you wish to see me?” Marie tipped her head slightly, her curiosity showing.
Edna hadn’t given that much thought either and was going to be flying by the seat of her pants here. “When in Paris, it is incumbent upon us to pay our respects and those of King James, to let ye ken that Scotland looks fondly on all of France, but especially the royal family.”
Marie seemed pleased with this answer. “Where are you staying?”
“At a lovely inn no’ far from here. Le Rosier.”
The Queen Mother sniffed at this. “Ah, yes, Monsieur Rose.” Marie said the man’s name with disdain and a wrinkling of her nose, which quickly came and went. “You are welcome to explore the gardens and to join us later this evening. We will be announcing the betrothal of one of my ladies.”
“We would be pleased to offer our congratulations. Is she here now?” Edna held herself in check. She had to stop herself from asking if the young lady was Emilie Toussaint. Tipping her hand at this point would cause more problems than necessary.
“She is in the gardens with her betrothed, the Comte Matteo Barbieri.” Marie looked pleased with herself as she said. “I arranged the marriage agreement.”
Edna couldn’t help but look towards the windows for a moment to search for Emilie. Luckily, Marie interpreted her distraction as interest in the grounds.
