Page 63 of The Uprising
‘Of course, my lady, It’s no trouble at all. I’ll get my man to organise it, ready for you to leave at first light, if you wish?’
‘Yes, that’s perfect.’
‘I heard Lord Darcy had gone over to the side of the pilgrims,’ said Madame Alicia in an equally low tone.
‘I heard that too, which is what worries me. George’s father is good friends with Lord Darcy, but I think the rebels may have overruled him and are holding George prisoner.’
That night Cara fell into an exhausted sleep and felt closer to George than she had since he left on his mission. She dreamt of the last time they slept together in this room—it was as though his presence watched over her and kept her safe through the still, quiet hours.
After a rushed breakfast, courtesy of Madame Alicia’s maid, Cara set out for Willow Manor. A while later she rode up the familiar driveway, hoping for a glimpse of her children. She hadn’t sent word that she was on her way and hoped to surprise them. In the back of her mind had been the fearful thought that it was better they didn’t expect her, just in case she didn’t make it.
At the stables, Swifty’s brother, Bertie, greeted her and took the horse’s reins, helped her down and then led the mare to water before removing the saddle from her sweaty back.
‘Last time I saw Swifty, he was in good health,’ said Cara.
‘Is he with Lord Cavendish in London, ma’am?’
‘No, the last I heard, they were both at Pontefract Castle which is why I have come.’
Bertiepaled. ‘With the rebels, my lady?’ he whispered.
‘Yes. Lord Cavendish is under the protection of the king and charged with negotiating terms of a peace agreement. Swifty accompanied him, but don’t fret, I will go there shortly and no doubt we’ll find all is well.’
‘May I be of service and accompany you, my lady?’ he asked.
‘That’s unnecessary, but kind of you to offer. I must talk with Tutor Edward, and then we shall decide what’s best. Do you know of his whereabouts?’
‘I believe he is in the schoolroom at this hour.’ He ducked his head as a sign of respect and then led the weary mare to join the other horses in the nearby field.
Cara skipped up the back-door step and entered the house via the kitchens, still wearing her page boy’s outfit, her cloak over her arm.
‘Good morning, Mrs Talbot,’ she said.
Cook’s mouth flapped open as she turned mid-pummel of the dough on the counter in front of her. ‘By God’s grace! Lady Cavendish is it really you?’ she said.
‘I’ve no time to explain, but I must see Tutor Edward and the children. Are they in the schoolroom?’
‘Yes, they are—last I heard of them, they had gone up for their lessons,’ she replied with a stunned expression. She’d never seen her mistress, or any woman, dressed like a man. She was used to seeing Cara in fine silks, satins and brocades and the vision of her disguised as a boy knocked her off balance.
Cara fled up the backstairs as quickly as she had erupted into the kitchen and for a moment Cook wondered whether she had imagined the episode. Later that morning, she said to her husband, ‘She was like a phantom possessed, I tell you.’
Her husband nodded. ‘It’ll be something to do with the rebels that brings her home in such a flurry. Mark my words. They’re about to march,’ he replied as his wife’s mouth dropped open for the second time that day.
Grosvenor Square, London, 1848 - Tudorville
George raced upstairs in search of Cara and found her pottering about their bedchamber, still wearing her nightgown.
‘There you are. I was wondering whether you would like to accompany me into town,’ said George, kissing her.
‘Ooh yes, please. What a splendid suggestion,’ she said, excited at the prospect of an outing. There was nowhere she’d rather be than mooching about on her handsome husband’s arm.
‘Perfect. Make haste and dress, my love—I’ve arranged to meet Cuthbert at the palace and we’ll go from there in his carriage.’
Cara raised a dark eyebrow. ‘We really are getting the royal treatment.’
‘Indeed. Well, it’s not every day a crazed assassin tries to take the queen’s life, and that of her family, is it? She does like to show her gratitude and given the atmosphere and tight security in the city, I must say I’m pleased to have her support.’
Cara kissed George and then crossed the room towards her wardrobe. The shock of almost losing him had jolted her back to herself and made her realise life was too short for regrets. ‘I’ll be ready shortly,’ she called as she surveyed her gowns and decided what to wear.
