Page 39 of The Uprising
‘I am awaiting word from the kidnappers as to where and when I must take the money.’
The queen crossed the room and stared out of the window in silence. Then she turned, and said, ‘I must forbid you to risk your life. Let us involve the police and have them deal with it.’
George withdrew the note from his pocket and passed it to the queen, and the prince read it over her shoulder.
The queen sighed and sat down. ‘There is never a dull moment. Thank goodness I already gave birth.’
‘Indeed, ma’am. And how is the princess, Louise? Lady Cavendish sends her blessings and intends to visit you, soon.’
‘The little princess is well, thank you. And how is my dear, Lady Cara? I trust she is restored to good spirits. Please tell her she is welcome to return as soon as she feels well enough. She is missed, and her absence is keenly felt.’
‘You are most generous, ma’am. She is considerably better. I shall relay your kind words.’
‘May you be blessed with a child soon, my lord.’
George inclined his head.
‘And in the meantime, what are we to do about these damned kidnappers?’ the prince asked.
‘We must involve the police without delay,’ said the queen, and the three of them continued their discussion.
Hampton Court Palace, London, 1536 - Tudorville
One thought lingered in Cara’s mind as she realised she was back in Tudorville.
Would their past always be their future?
She was tense and tired but knew she must find out what was going on with George. Had the rebels proceeded to march on London, and if so, was he imprisoned at Pontefract Castle or had he been embroiled in the rebellion? She prayed the rebels hadn’t turned against him because he was the king’s envoy. Cara had no way of knowing whether things were unfolding for George as they did the first time.
Cromwell hurried into the king’s privy chamber and bid him good morning before the king proceeded to grill him on the latest news about the Pilgrimage of Grace.
‘Your Majesty, Lord Darcy is an old friend of the Cavendish family and George Cavendish and Aske are childhood friends. If I’d realised it when we dispatched him to join Norfolk in negotiations, I would have recommended another take his place. It doesn’t bode well when there is a long-standing personal affiliation.’
The king gestured for Cromwell to take a seat.
‘I’m not certain I agree with you, Thomas. I’m inclined to think Cavendish’s influence could go a long way with Darcy and Aske and remind them of their loyalty to their king. I had thought that was precisely why we sent him, and you know I would trust him with my life, despite your doubts,’ said the king running his hand through his fading red hair.
Cromwell shuffled his papers and addressed the king, his eyes solemn. ‘Perhaps ordinarily that would have been the case, but I regret to inform Your Majesty, I have confirmed that Darcy is for the rebels and has presumed to take their treasonous oath. I did not wish to share such sorry news without confirming it first. No doubt, Darcy thinks we won’t learn of his two-faced ruse, and he can play both sides as it suits him.’
The king rose and limped across the room to stare out of the window. He eased himself down onto a seat next to the window, causing the upholstery to sag under the heavy weight of his girth. He sighed and said, ‘I am tired, Thomas. I am tired of the constant infighting and uprisings. By Christ’s bones, is a king never to enjoy a quiet moment in his kingdom even when he is newly wed to a sweet bride chosen and blessed by God himself?’
Cromwell composed his features into a suitably sympathetic expression. ‘I am sorry for your discomfort, Sire, and wish to resolve these unpleasant matters. Do not worry yourself any further; I will handle these so-calledpilgrimsand show them who is in charge.’ He spat the word out as though it would infect his mouth. ‘Now I urge you to rest, Your Majesty.’
‘Lady Cara, I beg you to accompany me on a turn around the gardens. Forgive me, but you and Lord Cavendish are the Earl and Countess of Gloucester, are you not? I confess I am not yet familiar with all the grand titles of my ladies.’
‘It is of no consequence, Your Majesty. Cara will suffice if it pleases you. I confess, I am not as impressed by my title as others.’
‘And that’s why I am so fond of you, dear Cara. You’re not like the others,’ she confided in a low voice as they walked down the large wooden staircase on their way out to the gardens. ‘You have a certain wisdom beyond your years, which I find extremely reassuring as I tread this fresh path.’
‘Thank you, Your Grace. I sometimes feel as though I have lived for hundreds of years.’
You have no idea.
‘The sun shines today, and that is, I hope, a good omen,’ said Cara.
‘Do you have a need of good omens, my dear? I have heard the situation up north has only been aggravated by Norfolk’s attempt to negotiate with the offer of a pardon from the king.’
‘Then you are much better informed than I, Your Grace. The last I heard was that my husband has arrived and is being accommodated at Pontefract Castle, by Lord Darcy. I fear he may be caught up in this dreadful uprising and may even have been taken hostage by the rebels at the castle.’
