Twin Flames (Twin Flames #1)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

L ondon, 1536

‘What are you thinking, my lady? You’ve got that look on your face. I can see you’re cooking something up,’ said Edward.

‘I’m running through some possible ways of breaking George out of the Tower.’

‘Oh, I see. Just another of the everyday little challenges we’ve been up against lately then!’

‘Yes, that’s about it.’ Cara smiled.

‘So, what are the options?’

‘Well, no one has ever broken out of the Tower as far as I’m aware. But we won’t let that stop us.’

‘No, quite—go on, although it would appear to be an impossible task.’

‘There’s always a first time. And the first time is going to be George.’ Cara’s face was set. Not much could deter her when her mind was made up.

‘I do admire your fearlessness. But aren’t you at all afraid, my lady?’

‘Afraid? Of course I am. I’m petrified. But I’m more afraid of losing George forever. That makes it simple. We can’t not rescue him. There’s no alternative.’

Edward nodded. ‘You can count on me to do anything I can to help. I feel wholly responsible for this mess.’

‘It’s not your fault, and there’s no point thinking that way even if it was. Although I was rather hoping you’d say you would help. Thank you. I can’t do this without you.’

‘What do we know so far?’ he asked.

‘Swifty brought me word that George is being held in Cradle Tower. If my memory serves me correctly, that tower is close to the outside wall, overlooking the moat. That’s probably the best possible place he could be for an escape.’

‘Is it? However will we get him out of there?’ Edward asked.

‘There’s a wharf below. If George uses a rope to climb across the moat, he can get down to the wharf. We will be waiting for him in a boat ready for a quick getaway.’

Edward’s eyes widened. ‘Where are we getting-away to if I dare ask?’

‘I don’t know yet. Let’s figure out if this is a workable plan first and then we will decide.’

‘It could work, but how will we give him instructions if we can’t see him?’

‘He’s been allowed to keep Swifty as his servant. Swifty is permitted to come and go so we could get him to deliver a message to George. But that might be too risky.’

‘What other way is there?’

‘Do you remember when you told me you’d considered the priesthood, Edward?’

‘Um, yes. I don’t care for that glint in your eye though. What on earth has my failed vocation got to do with anything?’

‘Perhaps there is a way for us to see him. I have an idea. You probably won’t like it, but it might work. It may be our only hope of preparing George adequately, so we have a real chance of rescuing him.’

‘Tell me more. What do you propose?’

Cara beckoned Edward closer. They sat at a table in a tavern on the Great North Road, pretending they were making their way to Willow Manor in case they were still under surveillance. They awaited word from George’s father to whom Cara had sent a letter and requested that he organise an escort home for the children.

Cara and Edward must remain in London. Cara couldn’t break George out alone. She needed Edward and Swifty on the team. She whispered in Edward’s ear as she outlined her plan.

Several minutes later, Edward took a long draught of his small ale and leaned back against the wooden bench as he contemplated what his mistress had asked of him.

‘It could be the noose for us all. There’s no guarantee we’ll succeed. It’s the most foolhardy, dangerous thing we’ve ever done.’

‘Yes, I know all that. But more importantly, will you do it?’

Edward nodded, ‘ How can I not do it? I can no more leave the earl to rot in the Tower than I could leave you. You are like family to me. The only family I’ve ever had that’s worth saving.’

Cara’s eyes glistened. She hadn’t known Edward had a troubled upbringing. She’d presumed he had a loving family waiting for his return. On reflection, he’d never mentioned anyone special or requested leave to visit family or friends. He was a man of secrets, but he was a good man. Of that, she was certain.

She squeezed his hand. ‘You’re like a member of the family for us too. The children adore you, and George is always singing your praises. Thank you, Edward. I can’t thank you enough for the trust you place in me. This is our only chance to save George from disappearing; both now, and in the future.’

They continued to discuss the details late into the night as the children slept upstairs, exhausted from their ordeal. They would spend the night in the tavern, waiting for George’s father and then begin to execute the great escape.

Cara struggled to sleep. Gloomy thoughts of George alone in Cradle Tower plagued her. It was after three in the morning when she finally fell into a heavy slumber. A couple of hours later, she was awakened by a tap at the door.

‘Scuse me, my lady. Sorry to wake you. There’s an urgent letter arrived for your attention.’

She leapt out of bed and ran to open the door; her loose wavy hair tumbled down over her shoulders. A young servant girl waited, letter in hand. Cara was relieved to see her father-in-law’s seal.

My dearest Cara.

I’m shocked to hear the news of George in the Tower of London. I shall hasten to make contact with the northern lords and enlist their support in petitioning for clemency for George from the king. In the meantime, in accordance with your wishes, expect to see my steward, Hancock. He is about to set out in a carriage to bring the children home to us. He should have covered a considerable distance by the time you read this letter. You and our beloved son are in our thoughts, and we pray for your safe return. Do whatever you may for George, and never fear; the children will be in good hands. Godspeed. Your father, George.

Cara held the letter for longer than necessary; she took comfort in the familiar scent of the thick notepaper. Her thoughts drifted back to idyllic days at Willow Manor when she would sit at her writing desk, without a care in the world.

She dismissed the servant girl and dressed quickly. There was no time to waste. As soon as the children were on their way to Willow Manor, she and Edward would leave for the Tower. The rescue operation must begin.

York, present day

Cara tried to lose herself in her work, taking on more projects than she could handle in an attempt to fill every waking hour. Not that she was sleeping much. But she didn’t want any time to think. All she wanted was to see George again; to know he was safe. But she had to learn to live without him now. She was trying to come to terms with the new world order, but her soul rebelled against the stark reality which faced her each morning as she dragged herself out of bed.

She yearned to be back in Tudorville to see whether they had rescued George from the Tower. She longed for the cold vortex to transport her back in time. The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed her. Trying to summon the vortex was futile. Thinking about Tudorville had no effect other than to exacerbate her loneliness. Cara had fallen into a bottomless pit of despondence and couldn’t find a way out.

She consoled herself that at least things with Daniel had worked out better in this version of the timeline. Their relationship had ended surprisingly. The disruption had not only wiped George out of existence but had changed the course of Daniel’s life. There had been no heart attack. Once she’d had a chance to digest the latest events, Cara had dropped by his house. Everything was a bit of a haze, and she wanted to ascertain precisely what the current situation was.

Always used to a warm reception she was in a rush and didn’t bother to message first. Later she regretted it. A blonde, dishevelled looking woman had answered the door. When Cara introduced herself, the woman smiled shyly, shook her hand and then asked her to come in while she called Daniel.

The woman bustled off into the other room, and Daniel gave Cara a warm squeeze when he saw her. ‘Cara, my dear. What brings you by? I didn’t expect to see you after how things ended between us. . .’ His words trailed away.

‘How things ended?’

‘Yes, you know. I was angry. I said some things I regret. I have been meaning to get in touch to apologise but the weeks have sped by. I realise now it was inevitable. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. There was no excuse for such surly behaviour on my part.’

His words were measured as if he’d been practising a script.

‘Oh, yes, right. Thank you. I’m sorry too.’ She looked around the room, taking in the intimate scene.

‘You’re in good health?’

‘Yes, never better.’

‘All right, brilliant. Well, I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re okay. It looks like you’re enjoying some company.’

‘Ah, yes.’ Daniel shifted from one foot to the other, looking at the floor, before he raised his eyes to meet hers.

‘It’s been a while since you and I—I was so angry. I went on a dating site and, well. . .it was amazing really. We connected and hit it off so fast. I was reeling when you ended our engagement; it was such a shock. At first, it was a rebound reaction. I decided life’s too short to sit around moping. But then we clicked. I’m relocating to the office in Manchester, and Sarah has agreed to accompany me.’

Cara stared at him as the revelations crossed his lips.

‘You know I’m not one for being alone. I hate it.’ His tone was apologetic, and she could see he was nervous.

‘How wonderful. I’m happy for you. Truly. Now you’ll be near your kids again. That’s what you always wanted. So, it’s all turned out for the best.’

Cara felt not even a smidgeon of jealousy. Not for the first time since they split up, she marvelled that she’d ever agreed to marry him.

‘Thank you for understanding. It means a lot. I want us to part on good terms.’

He leaned over to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek and then walked her to the door; his hand rested gently on her arm.

‘Daniel? Will you do something for me?’

‘Yes, of course. Anything.’

‘Please take care. Would you go and have a physical examination to be sure you’re in tiptop shape?’

Daniel looked startled, ‘Any particular reason?’

‘It sounds silly, and I’m probably just fussing over nothing, but I had a dream you were unwell. It would make me feel better if you go and have a check-up. Promise?’

‘You always fussed over my health. Okay. You know I’d do anything for you. Take care, my love. Be happy.’

Cara noticed his eyes shone. She felt a profound sense of gratitude that he was okay, and immense relief that they were no longer together. Even in this new formation of time, they were finished. She’d been prepared to call off their engagement all over again, if necessary. With or without George, she was now certain she wasn’t supposed to marry Daniel. Thank goodness, they didn’t have to go through all of that again. He was doing great without her.

In finding the courage to free herself, she’d freed him too. She had hoped, but not really believed, that breaking it off would work out for the best for him also. She shook her head. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d overestimated her own importance.

The heavy feelings of guilt she’d carried with her since their break up, evaporated. She was filled with optimism for the first time in weeks.

As she climbed into her car, she realised Daniel hadn’t even asked how she was doing.

London, 1840

George was shown in for an audience with Queen Victoria. The daily red box lay open on the table for her urgent attention, and she studiously sat writing as he entered.

‘Good morning, Your Majesty.’ George bowed as the queen beckoned him to sit.

‘Thank you for coming so quickly, Lord Cavendish.’ She rang for tea and then got straight to the point.

‘As we feared, Maria Christina has been superseded as Regent by General Espartero. It’s a dangerous time in Spain, and we need somebody behind the scenes to report back to us. May we count on you, my lord?’ The queen sought Prince Albert’s eyes across the exquisitely decorated drawing-room. He bestowed a warm smile on his beloved wife. A smile that said all she needed to know.

‘Yes, Your Majesty. I will leave as soon as I can make travel plans if that is your wish.’

‘Am I to be based in Madrid or where would you like me to reside?’

‘We’ve received word that there may be a counter-revolution brewing in Seville. It makes sense for you to go first to Madrid to see what you can learn of the new regent’s intentions. We had good relations with Maria Christina, which means we won’t be held in high esteem by the general. Conditions permitting, we’d like you to then continue to Seville and settle there for a while to see what you can glean of the situation.’

‘I will travel under cover of being commissioned to locate an important manuscript.’

‘Yes, that’s a splendid idea. We British will be under suspicion after we’ve supported Maria Christina through the Carlist wars. We don’t want to wave any more red flags. It will be perfectly normal for you to be there working; in search of a rare manuscript.’

‘I have one request Your Majesty if I may be so bold.’

‘Of course, whatever I can do to assist you on your mission is yours. No question. What do you require?’

‘It would strengthen my cover if I were to have my wife accompany me on the trip. As you know, we’ve only recently married and I believe it would appear strange to outsiders for me to leave her to her own devices so soon after our nuptials.’

‘Yes, indeed, my lord. Strange, and also no doubt extremely unappealing for you newly wedded lovebirds.’ She laughed, and her eyes twinkled. ‘I am altogether sympathetic. Goodness knows it’s rare to witness a couple marry for love and not social advancement. You have my blessing. I too couldn’t bear to be parted from my dear husband so soon after our marriage. I hope never to be parted from him.’ She looked at the prince with a flirtatious glint in her eye.

George excused himself. The queen raised her gown above her ankles, to reveal dainty feet encased in silk slippers. She glided across the room to sit beside the prince who perused a leather-bound book. The royal couple were beautifully matched both in wit and countenance. But most of all, they complemented one another with their natural affinity. It was evident to all who entered their realm that theirs was no marriage of convenience, despite being a favourable blending of blue blood.

George hurried home to find Cara and tell her the exciting news. They would make their first trip abroad as husband and wife. He was lightheaded such was his relief that they were not to be separated. The thought of living without her in Spain for weeks, or even months, had filled him with a sense of foreboding. Sensing she would feel the same, he had been reluctant to mention a word to her about the impending trip. Now he’d grown accustomed to having her always by his side; he couldn’t bear to contemplate not being in her company every day. He’d been blessed to be united with the love of his life, and he had no intention of wasting precious time. A day without her was a tedious affair. He wasn’t a devout man, but he frequently thanked God for his good fortune.

‘Cara, Cara,’ he called, as he placed his hat on the stand in the entrance hall. ‘Where are you? I have tremendous news.’

He ran up the stairs, two at a time, and burst into the bedroom. Cara sat on a velvet stool at the dressing table, wearing only a creme silk undergarment as she arranged her gleaming chestnut hair into a loose bun.

‘What’s going on? Whatever is all of the excitement so early in the morning, my darling? You were quite sober when you left for your meeting. I presumed it was to be a dull gathering.’

‘We are going to Spain! To be more precise, we’re going first to Madrid and then to Seville. Remember we talked about how wonderful it would be to visit Seville together?’

‘Oh, yes. The delights of a Mediterranean climate and streets strewn with juicy oranges.’

She dropped her hairbrush onto the table, moved quickly across the room and threw herself into George’s arms. He lifted her off her feet, and she kissed the tip of his nose and then his forehead.

‘How delightful. Are we to travel on business or what is the reason for this most fortuitous trip?’

He sat down, pulled her onto his knee and proceeded to recount the details of his audience with the queen.

‘Why didn’t you tell me this was brewing? You usually tell me your plans for the day.’

‘Because I didn’t want you to worry. I thought the queen would ask me to undertake the trip to Spain, but I was concerned she wouldn’t permit you to accompany me. I suspected she might come up with some nonsense about you remaining here as one of her ladies. She’s taken quite a shine to you, and you know how she likes to have her favourites nearby.’

‘But she gave us her blessing so readily?’

‘Absolutely. She was most understanding. Being a new bride agrees with her and has worked in our favour. As you know, she adores the prince. She seems to be in love with the very idea of love. In truth, it matters to me not why she said yes, but simply that she did. I couldn’t contemplate making the trip without you. I planned to make up a plausible excuse to extricate myself if you weren’t to accompany me.’

‘And what would that have been may I ask?’

‘I’ve no idea. I was hoping something would occur to me as and when the need arose.’

‘Well knowing you, I’ve no doubt you’d have come up with something genius, but it’s so much better that we’re to make the trip together. I won’t have you falling into the bad graces of Her Majesty on my account. That would be an awful blemish on the Cavendish family name.’

‘True. Aside from when my ancestor, George, was accused of treason by Henry VIII and thrown into the Tower, our family has served the monarchy with honours as far back as we can find records.’

‘That’s fascinating. What happened to him?’

‘What happened to who?’

‘To your ancestor.’

There was a loud knock on the door. ‘I’ll see what they want,’ said George. ‘You finish getting dressed and let’s meet downstairs. Be quick, my darling. We must make plans to depart for Madrid as soon as possible. Let us leave before the queen has pause for thought.’