Page 34 of Twin Flames
Hampton Court Palace, 1536
Cara and George’s fortunes plummeted on the night the soldiers burst into their apartment at Hampton Court and dragged him from their bed. Cara hadn’t slept all night, terrified of George’s fate, but she had made sure to arrive, as usual, to assist the queen in dressing. She knew what George would advise her to do. He would tell her to continue in this unfortunate masquerade as if he wasn’t in disgrace.
‘Do you have any word of George?’ asked the queen, dropping the usual formalities.
‘I’m afraid not, Your Grace. I’ve heard nothing since they arrested him in the middle of the night.’ Despite Cara’s efforts at stoicism, she couldn’t hide the tremor in her voice, and tears clouded her eyes.
I mustn’t crack. I must stay strong.
The queen touched her shoulder. ‘Try to be calm, my dear, I pray the king will awaken from this madness soon, and restore us all to the peace and tranquillity of bygone days. Earlier this morning I prayed for the good health of the earl and your family as well as a full pardon so he may be restored to you forthwith. I will do my best to influence my husband, the king, in my next audience with him. My influence is greatly diminished as we both know, but perhaps I can reason with him by reminding him of the loyalty your husband has shown us. It’s little more than a year since he created him an earl, in recognition of his esteemed service to the Crown. His work on theTudor Kings’ Manuscriptwas outstanding. The king was delighted with the commission, but I fear it has temporarily slipped his mind.’
‘I am grateful, Your Grace. Your words bring me hope in these dark days, although I must confess to feeling quite despondent, thinking of my husband locked up, I know not where.’
‘It’s dreadful. I will make enquiries as to where he is being held and see to it that he receives additional supplies at the first opportunity. I still have loyal servants throughout the city.’
‘Thank you, Your Grace. You are very kind.’
‘I can’t imagine what the king is thinking by accusing him of treason when he has been such a loyal advisor and trusted confidant. No doubt Cromwell has a hand in it. He is a master at planting false evidence to embroil those who rival him. Your husband has risen too high, too fast. Cromwell’s ambition will be the death of us all if we underestimate him.’
Cara didn’t attend the May Day Tournament at Greenwich Palace; she made her excuses to the queen, saying she felt unwell. She wished to remain quietly in her apartment at Hampton Court. George’s arrest had taken its toll; she could not bear to face the king. Queen Anne was sensitive to Cara’s precarious situation and thought it wise that she not draw attention to herself.
‘Through my network of spies, I’ve learned that George is in Newgate Prison,’ said the queen. ‘I don’t have any details at this point but will endeavour to ascertain more.’
Cara’s skin was pallid, and she feared she might throw up upon hearing the queen’s words. She had yearned for news but receiving it was a bitter blow. ‘I’d hoped there had been some mistake. I prayed our worst fears wouldn’t be confirmed,’ she said.
‘I know. I’m sorry, my dear. I was on my knees in the chapel at dawn, but it would seem that God has not answered myprayers. I will do my best to have someone get word to him. Newgate is shocking by all accounts. Why the king hasn’t put him under house arrest or in a solitary cell in the Tower, I can’t imagine.’
Cara bid her beloved mistress farewell, not suspecting the next time she would see her would be to witness the queen’s execution. Several days later she received a letter from one of George’s men, which read:
‘The queen has been arrested. She is being transported by barge to the Tower of London to await trial. Leave the palace immediately. Go into hiding for your safety. I am doing my best for G.’
Cara burned the note, gathered some of her belongings and prepared to leave, under cover of night. There were several people in the palace she could trust, and they would figure out a plan for a quick getaway.
‘Please open up my lady.’ There was a banging on the door before the handle turned. Her maid tumbled into the room and fell at her feet; such was her distress. ‘I’m sorry,’ Mary gasped for breath. ‘I ran as quickly as I could,’ she clutched her side.
Cara helped her maid to her feet and gripped her shoulders to steady her, ‘What is it? Make haste, please tell me now. Do you have news of the earl, my lord Cavendish?’ She felt like shaking the maid; such was her impatience.
‘No, my lady.’ She lowered her eyes and whispered, ‘They are coming for you. I heard the soldiers talking. They’re coming to arrest you next. I ran as fast as I could to tell you.’
Cara’s blood rushed from her head, and she thought she would faint. She sat on the bed for a few seconds, trying to calm and organise her thoughts.
What can I do? How must I get away to rescue the children?
She tried to form a plan but couldn’t think what to do if the soldiers were already on their way to her rooms. There wasnowhere to hide. She grabbed more of her jewellery and hastily adorned herself with as much as she could. Her hands shook as she slid gold rings set with precious stones onto her fingers. She thrust a hefty purse of coins into her bodice and dashed for the door.
‘Say as little as possible, Mary. If they question you, don’t say you’ve seen me. Say you came to serve me, but I was nowhere to be found.’
‘I will, my lady.’ Mary began to sob.
‘Please calm down. You must stay calm for your own safety. Say nothing, and you will be safe.’
Three soldiers burst through the door and grabbed Cara roughly by the arm. ‘You’re under arrest for treason and witchcraft, by order of King Henry VIII.’ One of them held up a notice as he read the charges.
York, present day
Cara tried to settle back into her old life. She went to the office each day and attempted to immerse herself in her work. Where once she would light up at the idea of a new project, her work had now lost its appeal. Reasonably, she knew it was crazy to think about a man so much, even one with whom she shared such an affinity. But reason played no role in her feelings for George.
I’m like a lovesick girl who can’t think about anything or anyone else. Ugh.
