“I want to explain why I agreed to your betrothal.” He took in a breath that seemed shallow and weak before he could continue. “I have not been good with my finances. I have made poor business decisions and trusted those who were not trustworthy.” He stopped, struggling for his breath.
“I don’t understand,” Emilie said, touching his face with her hand.
“I have nothing left. This house and the furniture in it are no longer mine. I have only been allowed to stay because I will be gone soon. They have given me at least that one kindness.”
“Who arethey?” Emilie asked. She was frightened for her father, but did her best to remain calm so as not to upset him.
“Concino Concini has arranged to pay off my debts. I do not have the strength to explain it all. You are what is important to me. I want you to be taken care of. Comte Barbieri will do that and it is the reason I agreed to the marriage.”
She could tell him once again that she didn’t love the man and that she would spend her life being miserable because she was losing Robert, but she didn’t want these final words between them to be filled with disagreement. “Father, did mother love you when you wed?”
“No. We were barely acquainted, but with time we grew to love each other very much. I have missed her all these years that she has been gone. I know she is waiting for me. She told me in my dreams last night.”
Emilie couldn’t help herself. The tears flowed like a waterfall from her eyes.
“Come here, my darling daughter.” Florimond held one arm up.
Emilie nestled in beside him, resting her head on his frail shoulder. “Am I hurting you?” She worried she was.
“No. I am happy you are here with me. Will you stay?”
“I will not leave you, I promise.”
* * *
Edna paced backand forth across the threadbare carpet of the salon. Emilie had been gone quite some time and Edna was worried about what might be happening upstairs. The sound of footsteps told her she’d have her answer soon enough.
"He’s gone.” Emilie entered the room. Her eyes, puffy from crying, told the story.
“I’m so sorry, me dear.” Edna went to her and wrapped her in a warm hug. Angus joined them, folding both women in his embrace.
“I’m glad I was here. I would not want him to have died alone.” Emilie sniffled and wiped her nose with her hankie.
“Did ye make amends?” Edna asked.
“Yes. All was well between us when he took his final breath.”
Edna could feel the weight of Emilie’s body as she sagged into their arms and cried.
“I would like to stay a day or two,” Emilie said through her sobs. “I must send the Queen Mother a note to explain my delay in returning to court.
“Of course. Is there anything else we can do?” Edna asked.
“I’d like to bury him beside my mother, but as I’ve come to find out we are quite broke. All of the servants are gone.”
“I’ll take care of it, lass. Perhaps Claude could join me,” Angus suggested.
“I will ask.”
Edna didn’t wish to bring up Matteo. This wasn’t the right time, but things may have just taken a turn in Emilie’s favor. She would speak of it when they were making their return trip to the palace. Right now poor Emilie was in shock. She’d just lost her father and was obviously feeling the weight of being alone.
“Angus, I can help as well,” Edna offered.
“Edna, would you help me prepare him for burial?” Emilie asked.
“Of course I will. Do ye need some time to rest first?” Edna was concerned that Emilie would collapse at any moment, but it was clear she was doing her best to be brave in the face of this great loss. Edna herself felt tears welling in her own eyes as she felt Emilie’s pain.
“I’d like to take care of it right away. Keeping busy is best." A small sob escaped her lips.
