Page 12 of The Runner
Eddie wanted to know the latest on the centre developments, so they filled him in on the details. Then Cara, unable to wait any longer, said, ‘Something weird has happened, Eddie. We want your take on it.’
‘That’s good news. I was thinking it was a little dull now we’re all living such normal lives.’
‘Be careful what you wish for,’ said Cara. ‘You know it’s never dull for long.’
She told him about her discovery of the priest hole and how she suspected she was time travelling again.
‘Well, I imagine I’ll be seeing you in Tudorville any minute, Lady Cara,’ he laughed, looking thrilled.
‘It always astounds me how you just take it in your stride,’ she replied, shaking her head.
‘The truth is, it’s a dream scenario for a quantum physics professor. I get to see quantum physics play out in real time. Pardon the pun.’
‘Well, I have a feeling this is going to excite you even more,’ said George. ‘Cara thinks she’s travelling to a new timeline.’
‘Which timeline?’ Eddie’s eyes widened.
‘I believe I’m travelling back to 1729, to the timeline where my name was Caroline. If you recall, Ralph Knight kidnapped and hypnotised me to rewrite the Georgiana timeline so I would marry him, not George.’
‘I remember!’ said Eddie. ‘That would have wiped out your future lives. And we nearly lost Willow Manor...’
‘That’s right. But that’s not all. I think we may have found a way to time travel on demand,’ Cara said.
George looked at her as the significance of her words dawned on him.
‘Is there any chance of you coming to York?’ Cara continued. ‘We could do with your professional opinion.’
‘Try and stop me!’ Eddie said, his eyes gleaming. ‘I’ll be on the first train.’
CHAPTER6
Willow Manor, York - Georgiana
Caroline triedon the new gown that Olivia insisted she accept as a gift. They passed several afternoons, talking and giggling as they altered the garment to fit Caroline. Although they were of a similar build, Caroline was taller than Olivia and the elaborate mantua gown would show her ankles, which wouldn’t do. Caroline had hesitated to accept the gift, but Olivia had been so determined that she eventually gave in. She could certainly do with a new gown, even if she was a little overwhelmed by the extravagant style.
Caroline was discovering that Olivia had a very persuasive nature. ‘Caroline, I have so many gowns and this particular one doesn’t complement my colouring half as well as it would yours.’
Olivia held the pastel lemon brocade against Caroline’s cheek to emphasise her point. ‘I insist you have it. And besides, we will make the necessary alterations together, and you know Mother wishes me to become more accomplished in my needlework.’
‘You are too good to me, Mistress Olivia,’ replied Caroline. The girl touched her heart with her generous nature and kind spirit, and not for the first time, she thanked God for her good fortune in having such a wonderful position.
‘Really, I do wish you wouldn’t address me so formally. We are like sisters, and as such you must call me Olivia.’
A few days after the gown incident, and several weeks after she moved into the grand house, the countess requested she come to her in the drawing room. Caroline was nervous, and as she climbed the staircase, she thought her heartbeat must be as loud as the ticking grandfather clock in the hallway. Was this all too good to be true? Perhaps the countess wasn’t satisfied with her performance as governess. As she walked behind Harriet, who led the way as usual, her heart thumped ever harder, and she grew unpleasantly hot and flustered.
Harriet ushered her into the room and then left with a quick reassuring wink at Caroline, for which she was grateful.
‘Sit, my dear,’ said the countess, beckoning to a chair opposite her own. ‘You look well, if somewhat alarmed. Let me assure you there is no need to be.’
Caroline said, ‘Thank you, my lady. I do hope I have succeeded in meeting your expectations.’
‘You have more than exceeded my expectations. Olivia is positively blooming under your tutorage. I am overjoyed at her progress in your company.’
A wave of relief flooded through Caroline, and she allowed herself to relax in the stiff-backed chair. She wasn’t to be banished home to the village, as she had feared when she heard the summons. At nineteen years of age, although confident, she lacked experience in the ways of the world and was easily knocked off balance. She hadn’t yet learned to trust her instincts fully and although she thought the position was working out well, for a moment she wondered if she had overstepped her boundaries by becoming too friendly with Olivia and accepting the formal gown which was such a lavish and expensive display of the girl’s affection.
‘Olivia has requested I invite you to join us for dinner today, which I am more than happy to do. George is keen to hear more about Olivia’s studies and your plans, as am I. He also thought it an especially splendid idea that we get to know you better as you’re almost one of the family now.’
Caroline cleared her throat—the brief relaxing respite was over. The thought of dinner with George sent her into an immediate spin. What would they talk about? What plans was she supposed to have to discuss with them? She would surely make a fool of herself in such prestigious company.
