“I am Lady Edna Campbell and this is me husband, Lord Angus Campbell. We have just arrived from Scotland.
“Welcome!” Nicholas said. He didn’t seem to think it odd that he’d encountered them on the road in the middle of nowhere.
Edna couldn’t help but believe that if he wasn’t under her spell he would not have been quite so happy to help them. He closed the carriage door and climbed back up to his seat. Edna released the horses from her spell and they moved off smoothly. The driver kept them at a trot and not at the breakneck pace he’d been using when they stopped him. Edna relaxed back into the seat and took in the royal carriage. It was quite ornate, with gold and red accents. They were seated on soft velvet cushions hidden from the view of the outside world, with matching curtains that hung from the windows.
Edna took Angus’ hand. “All will be well.”
“Are ye saying that for me benefit or yers, me love?” Angus asked, a slight tinge of humor in his voice.
She couldn’t help but laugh. Angus knew her so well. “For both of us,” she assured him.
Peeking through the curtains of the carriage window, Edna noted that they’d stopped in front of a large three-story stone building. Tall, six-paned windows covered each floor. “Is this the inn?” she called to the driver.
He opened the carriage door. “The finest in all of Paris.”
Edna took Angus’ hand as she stepped out into the waning daylight, covering the city of Paris in a golden glow. “I’d like to see the Queen Mother,” she said to the driver, who was still under her spell. She handed him a note quickly jotted down on their ride.
“Of course, Madame. I will request an audience for you and Lord Campbell.”
“Good. Thank ye so much for delivering us safely.”
He tipped his cap before climbing atop the carriage and heading off towards the palace.
3
“That went well,” Angus said as they entered their room.
“Ye sound surprised,” Edna said. She ran her hand over the brocade bed covering on the large, wooden canopied bed.
“No’ surprised. Impressed. It was quite a journey and ye managed to get us here in one piece.”
Edna turned slowly, taking in the flowered wallpaper, carpeted floor and ornate wood furnishings. Finishing her visual exploration, she faced Angus with a victorious smile. “This is quite fun. I had me doubts when we found ourselves in the alley, but no’ now.”
“If this is an inn room, I can only imagine how elaborate the palace must be.” Angus went to the window and peered out onto the courtyard they’d entered upon their arrival. “I’m hungry, Edna. Where will we find food?”
“I imagine there must be a dining room downstairs. Shall we go see?” She removed her cloak, laying it across the bed and then took the arm Angus offered. “Have I told ye how handsome ye look today?”
Angus puffed out his chest a bit more. A pleased smile appeared as he spoke. “Nae ye have no’.”
“Well then, consider yerself told.”
Angus placed a sweet kiss on Edna’s lips. “Shall we?”
Despite its size, the dining room was cozy and warm. They were seated at a small round table near the fireplace. The table was set with fine silver utensils and pretty plates all set atop a lacy tablecloth. They seemed to be the only people eating.
“Where is everyone?” Edna asked the gentleman who came to their table.
“You are quite early Madame. The guests usually eat later.”
“We’ve had a long journey and no’ a thing to eat all day,” Edna explained.
“Of course. I will bring you food and drink right away.”
Dishes of game hens were placed in front of them along with bread, vegetables and a wonderful sauce. Wine was poured into goblets and set by their plates.
“Thank ye,” Angus said.
The man bowed to them. “Enjoy your meal,” he said as he walked away.
