Page 15 of Love Set Apart
“I promise,” Edna said. “I understand yer vulnerability during these times. I will protect ye.”
The woman relaxed, releasing a breath. “I need one of these,” she teased, indicating Angus. “What is it you want?”
“I just wanted to introduce meself, let ye ken yer magic worked and ask for yer help if I need it while I’m here.” Edna did her best to keep her voice light and friendly. Madame DuBois obviously needed reassurance that they meant no harm.
“You’re a witch. Why would you need my help?” Madame DuBois said.
“’Tis true. I am. I doona have anything in mind at the moment, but I couldnae bring a lot of me things with me.” Edna looked around the room at the neat row of bottles, some with liquid, some with herbs and some with powdery substances. “If I need to concoct a potion or need herbs for a spell it would be good to ken that I can come to ye.”
Madame DuBois wasn’t being resistant, but she wasn’t exactly being receptive either.
“I’ll only ask ye if it’s absolutely necessary,” Edna assured her.
She blew out a resigned breath. “All right. I will help if I can.”
“Thank ye.” Edna was relieved she’d broken through the barrier Madame DuBois had erected to protect herself.
Her tone became more friendly as she sat down across from Edna. “You say you are from the future.” A genuine curiosity could be heard in the sound of her voice.
“Aye, the twenty-first century. Can ye believe it?” It was even surprising to Edna who had time traveled often enough to know it could be done, but was still amazed that it was possible.
“I am having some difficulty with it, but the Council of Witches is powerful, are they not?” Madame DuBois straightened her spine and gave her full attention to Edna.
“Ye could say that. We have members in every place and time.”
“There is a council house nearby. I have never been.”
“Do ye ken where it is?” Edna asked, surprised to hear this.
“It is in the countryside outside of the city. I have never felt the need to visit, but if necessary I will find it.”
Edna was relieved to hear this. She’d been worried about Madame DuBois. Witches were not treated kindly and were often killed in this time period. At times without any evidence against them at all. “Do ye ken if the council house ye speak of is the headquarters in this time?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know. I am a witch who knows little about those things.” Madame DuBois seemed more relaxed in their company now that she’d had some time to get to know them. “I will make us tea.”
“We would love that, but we must return to our inn. We are attending a reception tonight at the palace.”
“Oh, what is happening there?” Madame DuBois asked.
“A celebration of the betrothal of Emilie Toussaint and Matteo Barbieri.”
Madame DuBois scowled on hearing this. “You will fix this, no?”
“I will fix this, aye. And now we must be on our way.”
“Goodbye and good luck.” She kissed Edna on both cheeks. Angus had to bend down so she could reach him. She gave his arms an extra squeeze. “Strong,” she said with appreciation.
Edna giggled under her breath. She was very aware that other women found her husband handsome, but he was hers and always would be.
* * *
The receptionat the palace that evening was attended by many important figures from what Edna could see. Emilie stood beside Comte Barbieri, the Queen Mother and her favorite, Concino Concini. They greeted their guests, who waited in line to offer their congratulations to the betrothed.
Edna noted that Emilie seemed very far away as she nodded and thanked those who spoke with her. Her focus was on something or someone on the other side of the room. Following her gaze, Edna saw what her distraction was. The man who was the focus of Emilie’s gaze was over six feet tall, wore his long, dark hair loose, had a strong jawline and aquiline nose. He was quite handsome in Edna’s estimation. “Angus, I believe that must be our Robert. Ye should go speak with him.”
Angus took a moment to locate the man she was speaking of and then left her side, making his way across the crowded room to Robert MacMillan. Edna noted that Emilie and Robert stared longingly at each other and then abruptly looked away as another well-wisher greeted her and the Comte.
When it was Edna’s turn, she greeted Barbieri and Emilie with her congratulations.
