Page 24 of The Uprising
Cara smiled, and replied, ‘All is resolved. George has returned, and we have spoken about the matter. I am reassured that it wasn’t what we thought. I was a fool to believe it when I know his heart is true.’
‘That’s wonderful news. I am happy to hear that the most well-suited couple at court, are reunited. If I spoke false, I am sorry indeed. Please forgive me.’
Cara squeezed her friend’s hands in return.
‘I know you only said what you’d heard in good faith. Gossip spreads like wildfire—it’s difficult to quell the flames once they gather momentum.’
‘May I help in any way, my dear Cara?’
‘Perhaps you would be so kind as to let it be known that the rumour was false, and Marianne is not George’s mistress, as her sister would have the court believe.’
Margaret and Cara passed several uneventful but contented hours sewing in the queen’s rooms. Cara’s heart was light, and she was at peace for the first time during her recent visits to Tudorville. Adept with a needle, she still had no memory of where or when she had learned to sew other than a few bundled attempts at school in present-day York. She was once again grateful and not a little in awe that she was somehow naturally accomplished in the ways of Tudor aristocracy.
Later that afternoon she entered her rooms and was pleasantly surprised to find George already there. She was excited to find out more about what he remembered of their other lives.
‘I didn’t expect to see you at this hour. How did it go with the king?’
‘Come sit and let’s enjoy the time together before I must leave tomorrow,’ he said.
‘Oh no...must you really leave so soon?’
‘I’m afraid so. We are to offer terms to appease the rebels.The king; well, in truth, Cromwell, bade us to leave at first light as he is eager to crush the rebellion.’
Cara poured them both a glass of wine and they settled down next to the glowing fire.
‘And did you think of a way to divert Robert from playing such a prominent role?’
George looked at her curiously. ‘Why would I endeavour to divert him? It’ll all be over when we deliver the king’s offer, and God willing the rebels will lay down their arms and call off the Pilgrimage.’
‘Oh lord, you’ve forgotten,’ said Cara.
‘Forgotten what, my love?’
‘Never mind. I don’t suppose you’ve seen Cornelius?’ she said, staring into George’s confused eyes, already knowing his answer.
‘Cornelius? But he’s at Willow Manor. Isn’t he?’
Buckingham Palace, London, 1848 - Victoriana
George stepped onto the lower floor which was the engine room of Buckingham Palace. Without the servants following the carefully planned operations and procedures from below stairs, nothing would move in the old building.
‘May I help you, Sir?’ A figure who for a fleeting moment reminded George of Carson from the popular TV show, Downton Abbey, loomed before him.
‘Ah, yes, sorry to appear unannounced like this but I’m on a rather urgent errand on behalf of the queen.’
‘Lord Cavendish, how may I be of assistance?’
Nothing escaped Smithson, the long-serving butler, and he knew who George was with no introduction. He had admitted him into the queen’s presence many times over the years.
‘I wonder if we may have a brief word, in private.’
‘Yes, of course, my lord, come into my office; it’s just over the other side of the parlour. May I call for some tea, perhaps?’
‘No, no, thank you—there’s no need for any fuss.’
Smithson invited George to take a seat, while he remained standing.
‘Please be seated, Smithson.’ George pointed to the chair and the butler perched on the arm.
