Page 3 of Love Set Apart
“Edna yer delicious morning treats are a delight. They’re like sunshine on a cloudy day,” Melusina said.
Mardella and Daire groaned at the overused saying.
Melusina didn’t seem to take offense though. “These scones really are delicious.”
“Thank ye, Melusina. They are me signature bake,” Edna said. “When I ran the inn in Glendaloch, I sold out of them every morning. I had to start making extra so nae one would be disappointed.”
“We’re certainly no’ disappointed,” Mardella said. “I could eat another if ye’ve brought more.”
Edna reached into her tote, pulled out a container and placed it on her desk. “There are plenty here.”
“Ye dinna happen to bring some butter and honey this morning, did ye?”
Edna chuckled and pointed to the container. “I couldnae forget them.”
Mardella stood and helped herself to another scone, slathering it with butter and honey.
“Edna, I’ve news for ye,” Daire said. The tallest of the three witches, she towered over the others giving her an air authority.
“Oh?” Edna put her scone down and dusted the crumbs from her fingers.
Mardella and Melusina stopped eating and turned in their seats to hear what Daire had to say.
“I ken ye’ve been wanting some excitement and I’m sure all the redecorating has been fun for ye, but the real reason we needed ye here was for yer gift.” She circled around behind her desk.
“Of course,” Edna said. “We’ve all got the gift.”
“Right. However, yer gift is one of matchmaking.” Daire reminded her. She picked up a paper from a pile stacked by her computer.
“I do love matching couples,” Edna replied. She turned in her seat to fully face Daire. “I do have other talents though.”
“I’m no’ saying ye doona.” Daire cleared her throat. “What I’m trying to say is that there’s a situation that needs yer special skills.” She eyed Edna before continuing. “Yer matchmaking skills.”
Edna tipped her head, waiting for her to get to the point.
“There is a young lass in need of yer help,” Melusina interrupted. She tossed her fiery red hair back over her shoulders.
“Really? Where are they?” Edna looked from one witch to the other wishing one of them would get to the point. Patience was a skill Edna was finding she had to work on, especially when dealing with her co-workers.
“She lives in the past. It will require ye traveling through time to help her,” Mardella said before taking another bite out of her scone.
“Tell me more.” Edna’s curiosity was piqued.
“Well, it seems that she has had an issue that has set her apart from the man she loves. It is a situation that must be resolved. We received an urgent message from the lass. She’s made a wish on the full moon, guided by one of our members who lives in Paris.”
“If we’ve a member there, why do ye need me help?” Edna asked.
“She’s no’ as capable as ye.” Melusina said, seeming frustrated at the interruption.
Edna knew she was good at what she did, but it was nice to hear a witch she admired acknowledge it. “I see. When would ye like me to leave?”
“Today. The sooner the better. Ye may bring Angus with ye. Ye may need his protection.” Daire looked over the paper in her hand.
Edna was surprised and excited. Finally, a job outside of the office. She didn’t think she’d need protection, but it would be nice to have Angus there with her. She hated to be separated from him. “Where and when exactly am I going?”
“Ye will be off to Paris. The year is 1614. The lad is Robert MacMillan. He is a Scottish guard to the young King Louis XIII. Louis’ mother, Marie de Medici, is his regent until he comes of age.” She looked up at Edna, who nodded to show she was listening. “The lass, Emilie Toussaint, is French. She is a lady-in-waiting to Marie. She is from a noble family. Her father is Comte Toussaint.” Melusina stopped and turned the paper over as if looking for something else, but finding nothing she placed it back down on her desk. “Ye will learn the details once ye arrive. The goal is to make her wish of a life with Robert MacMillan come true.”
“The only thing that matters to me as I work, is love. We ken she loves him, but does he love her?”
