Page 4 of The Uprising
Cara’s tender heart stirred as she looked at her daughter. ‘I know, my love. But that’s all behind us now. Our title wasn’t removed, remember? We are still the Earl and Countess of Gloucester; that was all a terrible mistake.’
‘When will you join Father?’
‘I’ll need to await word from court. I don’t know yet when Queen Jane will require me to attend, but your father thinks it may be soon.’
‘I wish you didn’t ever have to leave,’ said May, her pink bottom lip overlapped her top one, forming a sulky pout.
Cara turned to hug May, as much to fortify her own resolve as for her daughter’s sake. Thomas stood ramrod straight, his small shoulders stiff, as he attempted to control his emotions and be the strong young man they had raised him to be. ‘I will miss father a great deal,’ he said, his youthful voice serious but thick with tears.
‘We’ll all be together again soon, my boy. In the meantime, we’ll be depending on you to keep an eye on things here. Grandfather isn’t getting any younger, and he needs your support. And yours too, May.’
‘Yes, Mother, of course. May I return to the schoolroom, now? Tutor Edward awaits us,’ said Thomas.
Cara touched his head to give him her blessing. She knew he didn’t like her to see him near tears. They were all still haunted by George’s not-too-long-since date with the hangman, when even Cara and the children had been thrown into the Tower for a brief spell.
Cara spent the morning in the library, attending to her correspondence and feeling wistful. She wondered what was happening in present-day York, and also what awaited George in London. Would he be welcomed as the long-lost devoted friend of the king, or would the bad blood linger? He would need to watch his back with Thomas Cromwell serving the king as Chief Minister and recently risen to even greater heights of formidable power.
George promised to write. Cara steeled herself for a long wait. Now she was time travelling again, she must slow down and adjust to the natural pace of life at Willow Manor, or she would go mad with impatience. The thought of being anywhere for long without George, filled her with a dark dread that gripped her soul. She prayed they would be reunited soon.
After allowing her melancholic mood to grip her for a few minutes, Cara resolved to make the most of the tranquil period at Willow Manor, with the children, but despite her misgivings about royal life, as the days passed she longed for the new queen to summon her. She was acquainted with Jane Seymour from when they both served Anne Boleyn. Cara had been Anne’s favourite lady-in-waiting but knew little about Jane; only that the sentiment in the country was she was a sweet girl and the king was thoroughly besotted. That was nothing new; Cara had witnessed a similar scenario before, when he had pledged eternal love to Anne.
Any plans could be dashed in a second if she lost her awareness of what was happening in Tudorville. She reminded herself to stay alert. She had learned that too much planning was pointless. Living-in-the-moment had been one of the guiding principles that had helped her stay sane when her life turned upside down in the present day and she began time travelling.
A week passed, and all Cara received was a hurried note from George saying he had arrived, and all was well.
Cara, impatient and on edge, became restless. She was anxious about what life at court would be like after Anne’s death, but she would rather be there, than sit waiting at Willow Manor. At least that way, she would be with George, and they could face it together. Cara yearned for their simple life to return. She awoke one day with a premonition that those peaceful days were over.
The Twin Flame mission was back on in full force, and she must step up to the challenge. Gradually, she was becoming used to being at Willow Manor again, but sometimes it was odd, as though one day she had stumbled in off the street and assumed someone else’s life. She missed her own.
Finally, two months later, the letter she was waiting for, arrived.
My dearest darling Cara,
I can’t tell you how lost I am without you. The days are long and dull without your laughter and smiling face ever at my side. It’s strange to be back at court, but the king is in high spirits like the old days and is happy to have my company. He asks that I bid you join me in the next week, so you may serve our new queen. She wants you as one of her ladies-in-waiting. Fear not. I think you will have a pleasant time of it. Come as soon as you are able, my darling. Give my love and blessings to Thomas and May, and pray tell my parents that I am well and hope to return home for a visit shortly.
Your loving and devoted husband,
George.
Cara immediately went to look for Edward, whom she found in the schoolroom, sorting through papers.
‘Edward, I’m afraid I must once again leave the children in your capable hands. I’ve received word from Lord Cavendish that it’s time for me to join him at court.’
‘My dear Lady Cara, you may trust them with me, as you know. I will guard them with my life.’
‘I am certain of it, thank you, Edward. It’s an enormous burden off my mind that you are here, and we can count on you to keep things in order.’
‘Does his lordship mention anything about court?’
‘Not much. He says the king is in high spirits, nothing more. I’ve only had the occasional letter since he left, which isn’t like him at all, so the king must be keeping him engaged. I do hope we’ll lead a quiet life at Hampton Court and George won’t be called away. That’s probably too much to hope for, but it will be wonderful to be reunited with him, even if it must be at court.’
'And how are present-day Cara and George?' said Edward, lowering his voice, and glancing over to check the children were out of earshot.
Thomas and May were immersed in playing a board game on the far said of the room, overlooking the garden.
‘Since I was whisked back here unexpectedly, I’ve no memory of travelling to the future, so you likely know more than I.’
‘No, unfortunately not. Last time I remember seeing you together was at your wedding.’
