Page 36 of The Uprising
The duke nodded, and Robert beckoned to Darcy to follow him as he rose and left the table.
George looked at the duke and said under his breath, ‘How reliable is this pardon?’
‘Don’t concern yourself with the details, Cavendish. We must have these men dispersed; they are a danger, and they make the king look foolish. He must offer whatever it takes to make them stand down, or we look weaker than we already do, and it endangers the whole country.’
‘But will the leaders be pardoned?’ pressed George.
‘In truth, I do not know. You know as well as I, it depends what side of the bed the king gets out as well as on Cromwell’s machinations on the day the decision falls. For now, let us move forward on the king’s orders.’
There was a tight knot in George’s gut as he contemplated the earnest face of his dear friend Robert.
He will hang if what Cara says is true, but is there a way for me to save him without putting us all in danger?
George’s head ached, and he was overcome with a sense of powerlessness and despair.
The men returned to the table, and discussions resumed. George avoided looking at Robert, suspecting the offer was merely a ploy to trick him into having the men leave the region and return home until the king could move more troops up north to prevent any future threat of the rebels marching on London.
‘Let’s take a short break; I am ravenous,’ said the duke.
They ordered food and a fresh round of refreshments. As they tore at the bread and hungrily demolished the selection of cold meats laid before them, Robert moved closer to George and spoke quietly in his ear while the duke was pre-occupied exchanging loud pleasantries, in between mouthfuls, with the innkeeper who was anxious to make sure his affluent guests were content.
‘May I trust his word, my friend? I hope you know I trust you implicitly. Unfortunately, I don’t feel the same about the duke, and I am hesitant to put the pilgrims’ hopes and dreams in his hands after we have come so far and arrived at this point where we at least have some leverage with the king.’
George considered his response carefully, aware that the future of Christendom and the Crown could depend on his words.
‘You must follow your conscience, Robert. I wish I could do more, but I fear I may only tell you what I’ve heard. In all honesty, I do not know the king’s true motives. I do however, beg you to cease this uprising. The king is adamant it will end.’
Dusk drew in, and Robert, Darcy, and George stood and shook hands with the duke. They had reached an impasse—there was no more to be said until Robert laid the king’s offer before the rebel-pilgrims.
‘We will stay in the vicinity until we hear from you,’ said the duke before he bid them farewell.
George nodded and headed back to Pontefract with the others. How he wished he were at Willow Manor with Cara and the children, not brokering a deal for what if her visions proved true, would end in a murderous and bloody rebellion.
Pontefract Castle, Yorkshire, 1536 - Tudorville
That night George slept poorly, despite his comfortable quarters, and rose before dawn to write a note to Cara. He couldn’t give much away without endangering her, but he knew she would be waiting to hear he was safe.
My darling, Cara,
We arrived in Yorkshire, and I am invited by Lord Darcy to stay at Pontefract Castle until matters are resolved. The castle is quite as splendid as its legendary reputation.
We have already been in negotiations with the duke. You will no doubt hear that the rebels have captured the castle, but do not fear for me. They are reasonable men, and I am safe, thanks to Darcy’s gracious hospitality. Please pray for a peaceful resolution and I will return to you as soon as we have word that the rebels pledge to the duke they will not march on London.
I have not as yet found a way to address our particular dilemma, but I aim to think of something before I leave, or I will find it hard to live with myself. Truly, I know not what to do, and wish you were at my side, for it is always easier to think clearly when we are as one.
I long for nothing more than for us to be passing our days at Willow Manor with Cornelius at our heels as we wander around the grounds, with May on her precious Nutmeg,and dear Thomas reciting his poems.
Take care, my beloved. Your loving heart sustains me through these difficult days and long nights.
Your devoted husband,
George.
George signed off with a bold inky flourish and went in search of Swifty to ask him to find an errand boy to dispatch the note to Cara.
Darcy invited George to join him to break their fast in his private rooms in the magnificent King’s Tower at the top of the fortress-castle. George looked out of the turret window and let out a low whistle at the sight of the rolling fields surrounding the stone fort. ‘It’s a remarkable view from up here.’
‘Aye, it is. I believe it to be the most awe-inspiring castle in all of England. I am indeed blessed,’ replied Darcy.
