Page 82 of Twin Flames
‘But surely they must allow George to be heard by the privy council to sentence him before they take such action?’
‘Well, you know how quickly that can happen. It was merely a formality for the queen. They’d decided on the verdict before she had a chance to speak up in her own defence.’
‘Yes, I see,’ said Edward. His brow was furrowed and he looked as though he’d had a long night. ‘What do we need to do to execute the plan?’
‘We must get word to George, so he’s ready to escape. Is it possible for Swifty to pass on a secret message?’
‘It’s possible to give him a message but whether it will remain secret depends on how closely George is watched. The boy is downstairs in the kitchen being fattened up like a yuletide goose, by the cook, who’s taken a shine to him. She says the waif looks like he hasn’t eaten a good meal in weeks. He’s filling his face as fast as she fills his bowl.’
‘Oh, thank goodness. That is fortunate. We must catch him before he leaves.’
She talked Edward through precisely what they would need to do, and he rushed to the kitchen to give Swifty instructions.
Cara dressed and pondered over how she and Edward used modern expressions. She would guess that ‘filling his face’ wasn’t an expression used in 1536. They would have to watch their tongues or people would become suspicious.
She hurried down to the parlour to meet Edward and the children. Who knew when she’d see them again?
‘Are we all set?’ she asked Edward.
He nodded and gave her a thumbs up. The children laughed and mimicked the movement with their small thumbs.
When they were alone, she would need to remind him to keep his language and behaviour appropriate for the times.
She glanced out of the window, not tasting a morsel of her breakfast. Her stomach was tight with nerves. First light pushed through the dark, rain-filled sky and she wondered what this new day would bring.
‘One of your grandfather’s men will arrive shortly, and he’ll escort you both home in the carriage. Please do your best to stay out of mischief and do what he tells you. It’s for your own safety.’
Cara’s business-like manner was met by May’s teary eyes. Cara softened, unable to steel herself against her daughter’s anguish. She relented, pulled her onto her lap and stroked the little girl’s hair, which seemed to have the desired calming effect.
‘Can’t we stay here with you, Mother? Please? We don’t want to go home alone. We’ll be as quiet as mice if you let us stay here in our room. We promise, don’t we Thomas?’ She looked up at Cara, her face appealing.
A small smile played over Thomas’s mouth as he shrugged his shoulders in a helpless gesture. He’d long since stopped trying to tell May what to do. His sister had been strong-willed since birth. He knew she was more likely to comply with his mother’s wishes when he didn’t interfere. Thomas didn’t know exactly what was at stake, but he sensed his parents were in terrible danger. He feared for his father’s life and didn’t wish to make things worse.
‘No, I’m afraid not, May. All I can say is that it’s critical that you return to Willow Manor with as little fuss as possible, please,’ added Cara.
‘What about Father? When will you both come home to Willow Manor?’ asked May. Her deep brown eyes were so reminiscent of George’s, they plucked at Cara’s heartstrings.
‘You need to trust that I know best and not ask any more questions. I promise I’ll explain everything when we return home. In the meantime, please be on your best behaviour for your grandparents. And stay close to your brother.’
‘Will Nutmegbe therewhen we get home?’ May brightened at the mention of her beloved pony.
‘Yes, of course. I will miss my little girl terribly, but Nutmeg will be overjoyed at your return.’
May nodded. Cara breathed a sigh of relief. For everyone’s safety, she didn’t want to tell the children more than they needed to know.
She’d made a habit of talking to them freely about the realities of life. But this was one of those occasions when the less said, the better.
Cara longed to return to York with her family and to live a peaceful life in the country. She’d had enough drama to last her a lifetime and wouldn’t mind if she never saw London again. But the drama wasn’t over yet. She must be strong.
They heard noises in the courtyard as they finished eating, and Cara dashed outside.
‘How wonderful that you made it. I can’t thank you enough,’ said Cara.
‘My lady,’ Hancock, the steward from Willow Manor, bowed his head. ‘I’m under orders to escort the children home, and I’d like for us to be on our way without delay.’
Ten minutes later, Cara stopped waving as the carriage disappeared from view, and she could no longer glimpse her children’s faces.
‘Right, let’s make haste,’ she said, turning to Edward.
