Page 76 of Twin Flames
Edward’s eyes widened. ‘Where are we getting-away to if I dare ask?’
‘I don’t know yet. Let’s figure out if this is a workable plan first and then we will decide.’
‘It could work, but how will we give him instructions if we can’t see him?’
‘He’s been allowed to keep Swifty as his servant. Swifty is permitted to come and go so we could get him to deliver a message to George. But that might be too risky.’
‘What other way is there?’
‘Do you remember when you told me you’d considered the priesthood, Edward?’
‘Um, yes. I don’t care for that glint in your eye though. What on earth has my failed vocation got to do with anything?’
‘Perhaps there is a way for us to see him. I have an idea. You probably won’t like it, but it might work. It may be our onlyhope of preparing George adequately, so we have a real chance of rescuing him.’
‘Tell me more. What do you propose?’
Cara beckoned Edward closer. They sat at a table in a tavern on the Great North Road, pretending they were making their way to Willow Manor in case they were still under surveillance. They awaited word from George’s father to whom Cara had sent a letter and requested that he organise an escort home for the children.
Cara and Edward must remain in London. Cara couldn’t break George out alone. She needed Edward and Swifty on the team. She whispered in Edward’s ear as she outlined her plan.
Several minutes later, Edward took a long draught of his small ale and leaned back against the wooden bench as he contemplated what his mistress had asked of him.
‘It could be the noose for us all. There’s no guarantee we’ll succeed. It’s the most foolhardy, dangerous thing we’ve ever done.’
‘Yes, I know all that. But more importantly, will you do it?’
Edward nodded,‘How can I not do it? I can no more leave the earl to rot in the Tower than I could leave you. You are like family to me. The only family I’ve ever had that’s worth saving.’
Cara’s eyes glistened. She hadn’t known Edward had a troubled upbringing. She’d presumed he had a loving family waiting for his return. On reflection, he’d never mentioned anyone special or requested leave to visit family or friends. He was a man of secrets, but he was a good man. Of that, she was certain.
She squeezed his hand. ‘You’re like a member of the family for us too. The children adore you, and George is always singing your praises. Thank you, Edward. I can’t thank you enough for the trust you place in me. This is our only chance to save George from disappearing; both now, and in the future.’
They continued to discuss the details late into the night as the children slept upstairs, exhausted from their ordeal. They would spend the night in the tavern, waiting for George’s father and then begin to execute the great escape.
Cara struggled to sleep. Gloomy thoughts of George alone in Cradle Tower plagued her. It was after three in the morning when she finally fell into a heavy slumber. A couple of hours later, she was awakened by a tap at the door.
‘Scuse me, my lady. Sorry to wake you. There’s an urgent letter arrived for your attention.’
She leapt out of bed and ran to open the door; her loose wavy hair tumbled down over her shoulders. A young servant girl waited, letter in hand. Cara was relieved to see her father-in-law’s seal.
My dearest Cara.
I’m shocked to hear the news of George in the Tower of London. I shall hasten to make contact with the northern lords and enlist their support in petitioning for clemency for George from the king. In the meantime, in accordance with your wishes, expect to see my steward, Hancock. He is about to set out in a carriage to bring the children home to us. He should have covered a considerable distance by the time you read this letter. You and our beloved son are in our thoughts, and we pray for your safe return. Do whatever you may for George, and never fear; the children will be in good hands. Godspeed. Your father, George.
Cara held the letter for longer than necessary; she took comfort in the familiar scent of the thick notepaper. Her thoughts drifted back to idyllic days at Willow Manor when she would sit at her writing desk, without a care in the world.
She dismissed the servant girl and dressed quickly. There was no time to waste. As soon as the children were on their way to Willow Manor, she and Edward would leave for the Tower. The rescue operation must begin.
York, present day
Cara tried to lose herself in her work, taking on more projects than she could handle in an attempt to fill every waking hour. Not that she was sleeping much. But she didn’t want any time to think. All she wanted was to see George again; to know he was safe. But she had to learn to live without him now. She was trying to come to terms with the new world order, but her soul rebelled against the stark reality which faced her each morning as she dragged herself out of bed.
She yearned to be back in Tudorville to see whether they had rescued George from the Tower. She longed for the cold vortex to transport her back in time. The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed her. Trying to summon the vortex was futile. Thinking about Tudorville had no effect other than to exacerbate her loneliness. Cara had fallen into a bottomless pit of despondence and couldn’t find a way out.
She consoled herself that at least things with Daniel had worked out better in this version of the timeline. Their relationship had ended surprisingly. The disruption had not only wiped George out of existence but had changed the course of Daniel’s life. There had been no heart attack. Once she’d had a chance to digest the latest events, Cara had dropped by his house. Everything was a bit of a haze, and she wanted to ascertain precisely what the current situation was.
Always used to a warm reception she was in a rush and didn’t bother to message first. Later she regretted it. A blonde,dishevelled looking woman had answered the door. When Cara introduced herself, the woman smiled shyly, shook her hand and then asked her to come in while she called Daniel.
