Page 1 of Love Set Apart
PROLOGUE
Paris, France 1614
Emilie Toussaint held the rose-colored stone close to her heart as she gazed at the now full moon. She sat on the banks of the river Seine with little care for the beautiful gown she wore. What did it matter if it was soiled by the mud or water? Her life was about to change in ways that caused her much sadness and had led her to this place. It was her last and only hope.
A week ago, she had been told of a woman who could possibly help her with a potion or some other token that would change her fate. So she made her way from the palace she called home toward a place she’d never been allowed to venture in the past. She was apprehensive, but her heartache urged her forward through the darkened streets of Paris to the ramshackle home of Madame DuBois. She knocked and in only a moment was told to enter.
Despite its outward appearance, the interior of the small cottage was neat and clean. Pots and vials were neatly arranged on shelves, and fresh flowers and herbs were displayed in so many cups and vases that Emilie assumed there were none left for any other use.
“Good evening, Mademoiselle.” Madame Dubois emerged from behind a particularly large floral bouquet. She was short and stout, with a soft round face that seemed kind.
“Good evening.” A hesitant smile appeared on Emilie’s lips.
“Do not be afraid, my dear. I will not harm you. My intention is only to do good.” She eyed Emilie with a soft twinkle in her eyes. “Especially for those who seek me out. How can I be of service?”
“I was told you could help me with a problem.” Emilie nervously glanced around the room.
“Here. Sit.” Madame Dubois motioned to a chair placed by a small round table then sat across from Emilie. “Now, I cannot help you if you don’t tell me everything.”
Emilie drew in a deep breath, blowing it out and doing her best to relax before she began to speak. “There is a man I am to marry. His name is Comte Matteo Barbieri.” She hesitated, wondering if she was making a mistake. Was it even possible that this woman would be able to help her? Emilie had never believed in witches or magic, but it seemed this was the only choice left to her.
“And you do not wish to marry him?”
Emilie cleared her throat and straightened in her chair. A warm glow from a fire in the hearth filled the room. “No. My father has arranged the marriage. And the man is much older than I.”
Madame Dubois nodded her head in understanding.
“I am in love with another. Robert MacMillan has declared his love for me, but we both know that a marriage is impossible for us because he is a soldier without a title. He is… not suitable for me.” The words were bitter in her mouth. Robert was the best man she had ever met. She folded her hands in front of her on the tabletop and did her best not to fidget. “I don’t know what to do. That is why I am here.”
“Nothing is impossible.” Madame DuBois’ voice was loud and strong, causing Emilie to flinch. Seeming to realize she might be frightening Emilie, she took on a softer tone. “How long have you known this Robert?” Madame DuBois arose, retrieved two cups and placed one in front of Emilie before pouring them both something unrecognizable from a ceramic ewer.
“What is this?” Emilie asked looking into the murky liquid in front of her.
“A delicious drink that I make,” Madame Dubois proudly stated. “It will help you relax.” She held up her cup. “I will drink first so you know it will not harm you.” The cup was drained and placed on the table. “Now you.” Madame DuBois motioned with her hand for Emilie to lift her cup.
Emilie did as directed, lifting the cup to her lips all the while expecting something bitter and undrinkable. Pleasantly surprised at the sweet lemony liquid she tasted, Emilie also drained her cup. “Thank you. It was quite good.”
“Yes. I know. Now where were we?” She tapped her chin, then tipped her head as she gazed at Emilie. “We were speaking of Robert.”
Emilie was hesitant. She wasn’t used to speaking to strangers, but in order to get the help she needed, she would have to trust Madame DuBois. She closed her eyes, blowing out the breath she’d been holding. “I’ve known him for a year now. He came to Paris to guard the young king.”
“You met him at the palace?”
“I am a member of the court. A lady-in-waiting to Marie de Medici.”
“I see.” If Madame DuBois was surprised by this information, she kept it hidden. “Does she know how you feel about Robert?”
“She does, but she agrees with my father that I should not marry below my station. In fact, she helped arrange the marriage. The Comte is from Italy and a family friend of the Queen Mother’s.”
Madame DuBois’ eyes opened wide with surprise. “That certainly complicates matters, doesn’t it?”
The effects of the drink were becoming apparent to Emilie. She was no longer nervous and felt quite comfortable speaking with Madame DuBois. “I cannot marry him.”
A sympathetic nod of her head was followed by a sad smile. “We can do anything, if we must.”
Emilie’s heart sank. She wasn’t going to get her help here.
“Do not look so forlorn. Just because you can does not mean you will.” She chuckled softly as she patted Emilie’s hand. “Now, first I must be sure you truly love Robert.”
