That was fine with Angus. He liked Matteo and knew how he felt about marrying, so if it was the case that Emilie had no dowry, everyone would be happy. Or so he hoped.
“When is this meeting?” Angus asked.
“Tomorrow morning.” Matteo’s attention seemed to be fluctuating between Angus and his own thoughts.
“Arenae ye getting married tomorrow?” Angus cocked a brow in query.
“Yes, but not until late afternoon. The Queen Mother has everything planned.” Matteo began pacing back and forth in front of Angus.
“She willnae be happy if it’s no’ going to work out,” Angus said.
“I cannot help that.” His voice was filled with indignation. “If I’ve been lied to, then I have every right to decline the marriage.”
“I’ll be here bright and early tomorrow for the meeting then,” Angus assured him.
“Thank you, my friend. I have been blessed to meet you here in this place where I feel very much the stranger.”
Angus was touched by Matteo’s words. He had grown fond of him since their first meeting. He was a knowledgeable man, who spoke with authority on many subjects. He had mentioned to Angus more than once that he felt out of place here at Tuileries and that he would be happy when it was time to go back to his home.
Angus knew how he felt. While he was enjoying his time here in the court of Louis XIII, he couldn’t wait to get back home to his big comfy chair, cozy fire and his newspapers. He was very much a creature of habit and wondered what he might have missed out on while he was here in France.
“I wonder if ye’d like to join me for a walk. I find I need some fresh air on this beautiful day.” Angus understood Matteo must be feeling nervous about tomorrow and he wished to be as supportive as possible. After all, he may soon be responsible for a wife.
“I would like that very much,” Matteo said, patting Angus on the back.
They walked along the banks of the Seine, enjoying the sights and sounds of the river and its flora and fauna.
“Matteo, I ken the idea of a wife is no’ one ye’ve had before this, but what of children? Would ye like to have a son to carry on yer bloodline?”
“I have barely accepted that I will have a wife. I am not interested in children.”
Angus thought his words interesting. “No’ even to have an heir?”
Matteo stopped and faced the water, scanning the surface as an otter playfully appeared and disappeared. “My will has been prepared. When I die, my money will go to the church as I’ve always intended.”
“What about Emilie?” Angus wondered. If they went through with this marriage she would be left alone in a foreign country.
“She will receive a small stipend that should last her the rest of her days. If she marries, the money would then go to the church.” The otter appeared again, bringing a small smile to his face.
“Ye’ve really given this a lot of thought,” Angus said.
“Of course. I do not wish my money wasted on frivolities and so it was important to me to have a plan.”
Angus had to admire Matteo’s attention to his financial details even if he didn’t agree with him. He and Edna weren’t rich, but they’d always had enough. There were so many more things in life that were important. Things that money couldn’t buy, love and happiness among them. He wondered if Matteo had ever been in love and asked him.
“Once, a very long time ago,” Matteo said.
“What happened, if ye doona mind me asking?”
“It is too complicated to explain. Our love was not meant to be.” A bit of melancholy sounded in his voice.
“And ye’ve never been in love since?” Angus was surprised by this.
“Never. I would not allow myself such a luxury. It is too painful when things end.”
Angus might have said that love doesn’t have to end, but he realized there was more here than he was being told and left it at that. He felt sad for Matteo. Sad that he’d never had someone in his life the way that Angus had Edna. Someone who would be there no matter what life presented. Sad that he looked on marriage as a financial burden and children as another drain on his wealth. Angus and Edna considered themselves lucky to have their daughter. She had chosen to live in another century and they missed her terribly, but there were others in their lives who helped to fill the void left by her absence. He thought about Maggie and Dylan and hoped that they were well and that they’d wait for them to return home before those wee twins were born. He placed a hand on Matteo’s shoulder.
“Yer a good man, Matteo. I wish ye naething but happiness from this day forth.”
