Page 51 of Twin Flames
But Joanna knew something had changed recently. It was sudden. They’d been distant with each other before, but now he was distracted and especially impatient. He was always popping out. It wasn’t just the long business trips anymore. She’d also observed he’d begun guarding his phone as if he would be court marshalled if anyone got their hands on it.
Was he having an affair?
She didn’t feel anything. She’d stopped feeling years ago. It was time to stop acting out this charade. She’d come to the conclusion she’d rather be alone than feel lonely in this sham of a marriage.
‘Jo? Jo? A penny for your thoughts. Where have you gone?’ Alex waved one hand in front of her face, laughing, as he drove.
‘Oh sorry, I was thinking about my meetings tomorrow.’ She touched his arm and tried to pay attention.
The hire car rolled along the winding roads, and she peered around the bends over the steep cliff edge at the choppy blue waves below. It reminded her of her life; she was liable to crash at any moment.
Alex steered the car into the circular drive of a sumptuous chateau-style hotel, typical of the French Riviera. Palm trees rustled in the light sea breeze as if to welcome them.
‘Here we are. Like it?’
‘Oh, I love it!’ And she did. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. She was determined to make the most of her brief window of freedom. She was grateful for Alex.
‘Let’s get changed and order cocktails by the pool. The weather’s perfect for it,’ said Joanna.
They entered the hotel and went to check-in.
‘Mr and Mrs Andrews?’
‘Yes, thank you, that’s us,’ said Alex.
He took the key card, and they stepped into the elevator. Outside their room, he picked her up effortlessly and swept her inside, over the threshold. The door closed with a loud thud behind them.
York, 1536
Cara heard the beat of hooves outside the window and a loud rap at the front door. She shivered with a mixture of cold and fear.
‘Let’s hope that’s good news from George. It seems like weeks with no word.’
‘It’s only been a few days, my lady,try not to fret. The journey is a long one; I’m sure we’ll hear something soon even if not today,’ Edward said.
There was a tap at the door.
‘Yes?’ she called. ‘Please enter.’
Sir John Locke burst into the room, holding out a folded paper to Cara. ‘This is for you, my dear. I think it must be word from George although there’s no marking. Pray open it and let us know the news. He’s been in my prayers.’
‘Thank you, Sir John. I can’t express how grateful we are to you for your hospitality.’
Cara broke the seal; her heart hammered at an alarming pace. She scanned the note. Edward and Sir John saw her shoulders relax. She released a sigh, appeared to read the note again and then looked up. Her expression was joyful.
‘Thank God. He’s arrived safely. He is under the protection of James V’s special envoy while they await word from the king as to whether he will grant us full asylum.’
Cara read George’s words again when she was alone, in an attempt to bring him closer.
My beloved wife
I am arrived and very pleased about it. I’ve been given safe harbour whilst we await word. Give my love to our little ones and know you have been in my thoughts every minute of everyday. I will get word to you as soon as I have news. Please stay where you are until then. Take care, my darling.
Your devoted husband (IAS).
IAS was one of their secret codes. It meant, ‘I am safe.’ He and Cara exchanged hundreds of private notes when he was away on missions for King Henry. Over the years they had gradually developed a lexicon of codes so they could exchange vital information in their love letters. They were counterparts—a fearless team in all things.
Cara pressed the note to her lips, and then with regret, she cast it into the roaring flames in the fireplace.She would have liked to keep the note under her pillow on the hard floor of the basement.It would have helped her to feel close to George as she tried to sleep. But sentimentality had no place in dangerous times. She knew she must follow their standard protocol which was to burn all notes and not be tempted to keep them as tokens of love.
