Page 65 of The Runner
‘I think Eddie’s still haunted by the error we made in the time travel experiment when we almost lost you at the Tower, so he’s a lot more cautious these days,’ remarked Cara. ‘But I’m worried that if we delay, we will miss our opportunity to reset the timeline, and you—I mean—he, will already be betrothed, and then it will be too late to change the course of our fate. George won’t tarnish his reputation as it is, so imagine how much more difficult it will be to change his mind if he’s already promised to Charlotte.
‘I wish there was something I could do to help,’ said George. ‘I feel impotent when this kind of thing happens.’
She squeezed his hand. ‘You’re here with me now, so we have made progress, or we wouldn’t be together in this timeline. Besides, it’s not your fault. We just need to let it play out and see if there’s an opportunity to tilt the odds in the direction that we want without causing damage in other areas.’
‘What’s Charlotte like, by the way?’
‘Oh, she’s lovely. If we weren’t Twin Flames, she might even be a superb choice. That makes it all the harder in Georgiana. When I was there, I could feel Caroline’s sense of inadequacy about her lower-class status weighing me down and pulling me away from you. I didn’t have the strength to fight for us like I have done in the past because I felt like there was no chance of winning. We are unequal in a way we haven’t been before, and it presents a whole new set of challenges.’
They trod carefully over the tufts of grass and dry mounds of mud which had hardened in the recent hot weather on the footpath. The water sparkled in the sunshine and the willow trees cast deep shadows across its peaceful surface.
‘This is a magical place,’ said Cara. ‘We’re lucky to have spent so many lifetimes together in such a beautiful part of the country. When it all gets a bit much, I remind myself how fortunate we are. I imagine few couples can say they’ve lived and loved each other for hundreds of years like us.’
‘True. I wouldn’t have it any other way, no matter how difficult you have been through the years…’
She raised an eyebrow, and he laughed as he pulled her close and they walked back to the house.
The one constant through the centuries was the invisible chord which bound them to each other and transcended logic, class and time.
Willow Manor,York - Georgiana
Olivia wasin tears and the countess attempted to console her daughter, to no avail, as Caroline looked on helplessly, wringing her hands and feeling like her heart couldn’t take any more pain.
‘Is there not some other way, my dear? As you can see, you are very much appreciated here,’ said the countess, passing Olivia a silk handkerchief to wipe her wet face.
‘I shall be most sad to leave you and wish there was another way, but I’m afraid my dear aunt is alone and much in need of my assistance due to sudden illness.’ Caroline bowed her head.
‘I received her letter when I visited my father several days ago, and I must now go to her,’ said Caroline. ‘I have delayed more than I should already for I do not wish to leave you, but unfortunately leave you I must.’
The tears bubbled in Caroline’s eyes, and she fought to compose herself.
Olivia was distressed and Caroline’s heart twisted and turned as she saw how upset was the poor young girl by her unexpected announcement.
Caroline had lain awake for much of the night battling with her inner conflict of whether to remain at Willow Manor as she wished or to leave and go far away to put space between her and George; as her conscience informed her, she must. She had decided and told them after breakfast, and it was quite as terrible as she feared.
‘George will be most displeased,’ said Olivia, her chest heaving as she gathered her strength and appealed to Caroline. ‘He values you greatly and I feel certain he would wish you to notify him before leaving.’
‘It pains me to leave without more notice, but I am equally certain that Lord Cavendish will understand my situation and that I must go to my aunt. He is such a kind-hearted master,’ she added.
‘When will you go?’ said Olivia, her voice shaky.
‘As soon as I can arrange a coach,’ she replied.
‘Nonsense, you must have one of our lads accompany you as far as the horses will last and then help you find a coach to take you the rest of the way,’ said the countess.
‘You are too good to me,’ said Caroline, her eyes filling again as she weakened but clung to her resolve.
The following morning the countess and Olivia walked her to the carriage to bid her farewell, and they talked until the horses grew restless and swished their shiny tails and stomped their hooves.
‘We had best let you be on your way—you have miles ahead of you, my dear,’ said the countess, her affection for Caroline reflected in her eyes so reminiscent of George’s.
Caroline held herself together carefully because if she were to let herself go, she would fall apart and not have the strength to leave.
‘Please do not cry,’ she said to Olivia, after the countess said farewell and returned to the house.
Olivia clung to Caroline’s hands.
‘I will miss you, my dear Olivia. You have been like a sister to me, and I shall never forget the way you welcomed me into your family, and your generosity of spirit.’
