Page 14 of Love Set Apart
“The woman who helped Emilie with her wish. I thought ye’d ken that.”
“I dinna ken her name.” Angus explained. “Why do ye need to see her?”
Edna lowered her voice to just above a whisper. She glanced around before speaking, making sure no one could hear her. “I wanted to let her ken we are here and to thank her for helping Emilie. It’s good for her to ken she’s no’ alone. And, ye never ken, I may need her help. It’s always good to check in with the local witch or witches as the case may be. We are, after all, in a time when witches are no’ appreciated for the good they can do.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Is it really a good idea to see her? If something goes wrong it could go wrong for both of ye.”
Edna loved that he was so concerned for her, but she felt it was necessary and so they would find her. “She’ll be able to tell me where I need to be careful and what to watch out for.”
“I hadnae thought about that. Ye could be putting yourself in more danger than I originally thought.”
“That’s why I’ve got ye with me.” Edna leaned into Angus giving him a playful bump.
“I doona like it but if ye insist, I ken I cannae change yer mind. Ye’d do well to no’ be out of me sight.”
“I promise to steer clear of precarious situations, me love.”
Angus harrumphed.
“What? Do ye no’ believe me?”
“’Tis no’ whether or no’ I believe ye. Danger seems to find ye nae matter which direction ye steer yerself.”
Edna chuckled. “Oh, Angus darlin’. I do love ye so.” She touched her head to his arm as they walked. He was her rock, her steadiness and, if she were being honest with herself, she couldn’t do this without him. “I think it’s this way.” Edna had honed in on Madame DuBois and set a path through the streets of Paris by following her instincts.
“How do ye ken where she is?” Angus wondered.
Edna tapped her temple with one finger. “I just ken.”
Angus picked up his pace as Edna moved decisively down a street here and an alley there before stopping in front of a small home that was in great need of repair.
“This is it,” Edna said, approaching the door. She knocked lightly and hearing shuffling coming from inside, knocked again.
“Yes,” a voice called from inside.
“Madame DuBois?” Edna answered.
The door opened and Madame DuBois gazed first at Edna and then Angus. “Who are you?” Her voice was tinged with suspicion.
“I’m Edna Campbell and this is me husband Angus. We are here from the future. From the Council of Witches in Edinburgh.”
Madame DuBois stepped back, narrowing her eyes as she examined them further. “What do you want with me?”
“Doona worry. We’re only here to introduce ourselves and to let ye ken that we are working on Emilie Toussaint’s behalf. And, by the way, thank ye for helping her.” She smiled warmly at the woman, waiting for an indication that she felt they could be trusted.
“Come in.” Madame DuBois swept her arm out, indicating that they were welcome inside.
Edna moved through the door, followed by Angus who had to duck his head to avoid hitting it on the door frame.
“Please sit,” Madame DuBois motioned to two wooden chairs set beside a table.
“I’ll stand,” Angus said, eyeing the tiny chairs.
“I told the young lady not to tell anyone about me.” Madame DuBois scowled and shook her head.
“Doona be angry with her. She did no’ give ye away and we willnae endanger ye.”
Madame DuBois seemed a bit skeptical as she rolled her eyes heavenward.
