Page 34 of The Uprising
‘Will there be a revolution in London like in Paris, do you think?’ asked Cara. The thought of the poor young boy kidnapped by the Chartist extremists, and George having to rescue him with a ransom made the danger feel suddenly all too real.
‘No, I don’t think so, but we need to avoid any more riots. The political unrest could spark an all-out uprising if the Chartists’ demands are not handled with prudence and sensitivity. Lord Palmerston understands the people, but the prime minister is like a bull in a china shop.’
George rose abruptly. ‘Excuse me, my love. I must speak with the queen immediately. Perhaps Prince Albert’s hunch is right, and the royal family should leave for the Isle of Wight without delay.’
‘Who delivered the note?’ asked Cara, looking up at him.
‘Now that is a good question. I shall endeavour to find out and then leave for Buckingham Palace forthwith.’
‘George...’
‘Yes?’
George saw fear reflected in Cara’s eyes.
‘Take care.’ She squeezed his hand in return as he reached for her.
‘You too,’ he said. ‘These are dangerous times, my love. Please don’t leave the house unless it is absolutely necessary; in fact, please forgive me for limiting your freedoms, but I beg you not to venture out today. Who knows where these kidnappers may be lurking. Double lock the door after me, and I will return just as soon as permits. Pray tell the servants to be cautious.’
Cara stared after her husband’s back as he exited the room and closed the door quietly behind him, her heart fluttering wildly.
She clasped her hands together in prayer and offered a muttered promise that if God would only deliver George home safely, she would stop lamenting her miscarriage, and make the most of their marriage, even if they weren’t to be blessed with a child.
Never before had she appreciated how precious their life together was, and she vowed to be grateful for all of their blessings.
Please God, bring him home to me and let the boy be safe too.
Chapter 11
Pontefract Castle, Yorkshire, 1536 - Tudorville
George and Swifty arrived in the valley which surrounded the base of Pontefract Castle after an uneventful but gruelling journey and just a few snatched hours of rest along the way. They stopped to catch their breath a while and to drink some ale.
‘I can see why the castle has such a fearsome reputation for being impenetrable. It’s even more impressive than I’d heard,’ said George.
The vast ominous fort loomed before them, topped by majestic towers that gave the illusion that the castle hovered amidst the fluffy clouds high up in the sky. The sandy stone glinted in the pale winter sunlight and the emerald green fields stretched for miles, as far as they could see.
They trudged up the hill and finally arrived at the castle entrance and a pair of patrolling guards came to enquire about their business.
Lord Darcy, the master of Pontefract Castle waited anxiously for George’s arrival and spotted him from the tower window.
‘George Cavendish is here, Robert,’ he said. ‘Let us hurry down to greet him.’
Robert nodded. ‘Keep in mind, we are both fond of him and could be overly susceptible to his influence.’
‘You make a fair point. George’s father has been a dear friend to me over the years, as George has been to you. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact we are on opposite sides in this unfortunate situation, even though I have witnessed him to be every bit as trustworthy as his father.’
Robert removed his spectacles and closed the heavy tome of law he had been studying with a loud snap. He stood, stretched his legs, and followed Lord Darcy out of his tower room.
They descended the ancient steep stone staircase; Darcy led the way and continued with his observations. ‘That devil, Norfolk would sell his soul for his own ends and if my sources are correct, advances with his army as we speak.’
Lord Darcy gave the guards the nod to raise the portcullis and the iron grid grated against the well-worn grooves, to reveal George and Swifty waiting on the other side, escorted by the guards.
Darcy beckoned them to enter and waved to one of his stable boys to relieve the visitors of their sweaty horses. A weary but enthusiastic George embraced first Darcy and then Robert before his two friends ushered him inside to take refreshment.
Doncaster, Yorkshire, 1536 - Tudorville
The following afternoon, George rode alongside Robert and Lord Darcy on the muddy track, with Swifty following closely behind, as they headed to the arranged spot to meet with the Duke of Norfolk, who had travelled from London with his hastily recruited army.
