Page 39 of Twin Flames
He took her hand. ‘Just relax. Think about 1536; think about Thomas and May.’
A few seconds later, Edward’s office on the Royal Holloway campus, grew cold and a whooshing sound enveloped them both. Cara looked at Eddie in alarm. She’d wanted to go, but this was sudden. She was nervous about what awaited her in Tudorville. But then they were gone.
If anyone had entered the room, they’d have seen Dr Cara Bailey and Professor Eddie Makepeace, chatting like old friends.
CHAPTER 12
Willow Manor, York, 1536
Edward Makepeace’s schoolroom at Willow Manor faced south and the afternoon sun cast a luminous sheen over Thomas and May’s bowed heads. Thomas was a studious child who applied himself to each lesson, while his younger sister, May, received frequent reminders from their tutor, to pay attention. She spent much of her time daydreaming about her beloved mare. There was nothing in the world more thrilling to May, than Nutmeg related activity. At six years old, she was already a skilled horse rider and jumped higher fences than her brother. Thomas, aged nine was more the scholar, and Edward Makepeace declared him advanced in mathematics for his years.
There was a sharp rap at the door. Edward thanked the kitchen maid for delivering the letter and unfolded a thick yellow sheet of paper under the curious gaze of two sets of brown eyes. It wasn’t often mail was delivered directly to the schoolroom, especially during lesson time.
‘Something must be up,’ whispered Thomas, poking May in the ribs.
‘Ouch,’ she cried, giving Thomas a hard shove in his side.
‘Now, now, children, settle down please,’ said Edward in a kind, firm tone, peering at them over the paper. He pushed his spectacles up his large nose and resumed reading.
‘Is it from Mother and Father, Sir?’ asked May. ‘Are they coming home soon? I miss them so much.’
‘No, I’m afraid they’re not coming home just yet.’
May’s tiny frame slumped, and tears welled in her dark eyes. Thomas, sensitive to his sister’s volatile nature, reached out to pat her arm. ‘Don’t cry, May. If they’re not able to come home, it’s because they are on important business for the Crown. Mother has explained this to us, remember?’
‘May’s bottom lip trembled as she stared up at him, but she visibly held herself together. The children had grown used to not having their parents at home, but occasionally May became melancholy.
‘I have good news. Can I trust you both to keep a secret?’ asked Edward.
May perked up immediately at the promise of intrigue. ‘Yes, of course,’ the children chimed in unison.
‘What do our parents say, Sir?’ asked Thomas. ‘Are they well?’
‘They wish you to come to them, but it must remain an absolute secret. No one but us must know. Your father says our lives depend upon it, so children, I’m deadly serious when I say we must keep this between us. Do you understand?’
They nodded, the solemnity of his words hitting them both simultaneously.
This must be serious, indeed, thought Edward.
Edward’s hand shook slightly as he contemplated the bold black instructions on the letter. ‘You know how your father goes on secret missions for the king to locate important manuscripts? He didn’t pause for a response but continued, ‘Well, we shall beembarking on a mission of equal importance, so I’m going to need you both to have your wits about you and to be on your best behaviour.’
They nodded again. May couldn’t sit still.
‘Are we to go to them today, Sir?’ she enquired. ‘May I ride Nutmeg? She will help us on our secret mission.’
‘I want you both to go and get changed into the warmest, old clothing you can find. May, borrow some of Thomas’s clothes. You are finally going to get your wish to dress like a boy. For this mission, you shall be as if you are Thomas’s little brother. And blacken your faces too. You need to look grubby; like stable boys or kitchen hands.’
May gulped and sped out of the room as fast as her wiry little legs could move.
Thomas tidied up his equipment, looked intently at his tutor, and said, ‘Sir, are my parents in very grave danger?’
Edward tousled the boy’s hair; he was fond of Thomas. ‘I won’t lie to you, dear boy. We are in dangerous times, and it sounds as though your parents have had to go into hiding. Best to keep it between us men for now. No need to alarm May any further. Do I have your word?’
‘Yes, Sir, you can count on me.’ Thomas hurried from the classroom and went in pursuit of his sister and some suitable clothes to prepare for their secret mission.
Thomas was steady and mature for his age. Children of noble birth were in many ways privileged, but George and Cara had schooled Thomas in the realities of courtly life. He was aware of the perils of their position. Edward, who was named after Edward of York, King Edward IV, had taught the children the history of the Wars of the Roses. They knew courtiers could fall from favour in a blink of the king’s eye. Since their parents were summoned to court, the children had led a quiet life at WillowManor, under the guardianship of their Cavendish grandparents and tutor.
Edward looked at the letter once more.
