Page 51 of The Uprising
‘It’s sort of her bank anyway, isn’t it?’ Cara tilted her head and smiled at him.
‘Yes, I suppose it is. Although, I’ll need to handle any questions about the painting. Remember, Turner was already a renowned painter and I’ve got an as yet unknown painting in my possession.’
‘But you purchased it legally?’
‘Yes. I gave him more than his asking price, and I did as you suggested and asked for a receipt, and a signed note to state the paintings are his originals.’
‘There’s our strategy, then. When can you ask the queen for help?’
‘I don’t know. The last thing I remember, we were tearing over to Buckingham Palace to foil a plot to erase the monarchy by blowing them all up. Hardly the perfect time to be asking for favours.’
Eddie wandered out to the garden. ‘Did I hear correctly? You’re foiling a plot against the queen?’
‘That’s right,’ said George. ‘Well, in the middle of trying to, anyway.’
‘Oh dear,’ said Eddie, raising his eyes skywards, and shaking his head.
‘What?’ said Cara and George, both staring at him as he walked across the lawn.
‘What’s the matter? You’re scaring me,’ said Cara.
‘By the sounds of it, you are creating quantum time loops, right, left, and centre in Victoriana.’
Cara shook her head. ‘But wait a minute—someone had to have foiled the plot—there was no mention of an explosion at the palace when I researched it.’
Eddie and George waited for her to continue.
‘All hell broke loose following the rejection of the third petition of the Charter by the House of Commons. There were riots throughout the summer and the Chartists tried to organise an armed uprising which became known as the Orange Tree Conspiracy. They met at the now infamous Orange Tree Public House to cook up their plan, but they were arrested in the August of 1848.’
Cara had hit her stride and her face was animated with a historian’s zeal.
‘Many of them were later deported to Australia for life, which finally disbanded the Chartist movement. Think about it: working-class men only got the vote at the same time as women—shortly after World War I.’
‘Yes, we knew all that, didn’t we, Eddie?’ said George.
Eddie chuckled. ‘I don’t know how you remember all those details.’
‘That’s rich coming from a quantum physics professor,’ Cara quipped.
‘Seriously though, what the hell do you think is going on, Eddie?’ asked George. ‘Am I creating new problems by being back in Victoriana?’
‘I’m not sure, but if you’re acting differently than how you would have done the first time around, then anything could happen. There could be an unpredictable outcome, and the more you risk changing things, the greater the chances the timeline will shift.’
‘It really is the most infuriating thing. I understand the dangers and implications, but what else can I do?’ asked George.
Windsor Castle, 1536 - Tudorville
My dearest, darling husband,
I miss you so much and you are always in my thoughts. I wish I could be there with you. It’s hellish not knowing what is going on and whether you are safe. I pray this letter reaches you and that you will be on your way home to me soon.
The king insisted that the queen and I accompany him by river to Windsor Castle where he says we are safer if the rebels march on London. He says we are preparing for war and my blood runs cold at the thought of you in the midst of it. I pray the pilgrims will see sense and realise they are endangering everyone’s life by rebelling against the king. They must accept his offer, or the future will be bleak.
I beg you heed the conversation we had before you left. The rebels must not underestimate Cromwell. The army is on standby and food supplies and war essentials are made ready in haste. The atmosphere is tense, and we are all anxious. I must go now, as the queen has summoned me.
Take care, my love. I await word from you as soon as you are able, and I am desperate to see your face again and be in your loving arms. Above all things, please stay safe and I beg you remember the importance of treading carefully with your friends.
All my love, your wife, Cara.
