Page 92 of Twin Flames
‘When will we meet this brilliant friend?’
‘I’m not sure. The Spanish clock is notoriously unreliable, so we need to go with the flow and see what happens. It can be quite frustrating—the Spaniards are in no rush.’
‘What about the villa? Shall we go and see it before we move in?’
‘No, Carlos accepted it on our behalf. He said it’s a splendid place and if he hadn’t taken it immediately, someone else would have snapped it up. I do hope you like it, though.’
‘I’m certain it will be perfect. How could it possibly not be? You and me, together in a villa in the Sevillian sunshine, doing just as we please, whenever we please, however, we please. It sounds splendid, indeed.’
‘Yes, it’s a rare treat for us to be able to spend all of our time together. It’s a relief to be away from the routine and the rain of London for a while.’ George squeezed Cara’s hand.
‘I’m looking forward to having a break from the dreary ladies’ society functions. You have no idea how dull it is listening to them droning on and on about the latest fashions and gossip.’
‘I can only imagine. Although the men’s conversation over brandy and cigars isn’t particularly scintillating.’
‘I suppose so, but I find it immensely irritating that we women must always be excluded. You’re privileged as a man, so you don’t understand what it’s like. It would be nice to be given the option to join you gentlemen once in a while. Society’s rules make me feel quite rebellious.’
George laughed. ‘The old-fashioned rules are stifling. It is a wonder that women put up with them for so long.’
Cara studied George’s face, curious to learn more. ‘Whatever do you mean, old fashioned?’
‘Oh, you know. Things change. Anyway, we’ll be back in London soon enough so let’s make hay while the sun shines— it’s certainly shining here.’
‘When will we move into the villa? I can’t wait to see it. It will be fun to be at your side for your business affairs too.’ Cara bubbled at the possibilities of her newfound freedom.
‘I do love it when you bob up and down with excitement. It’s most adorable.’ George kissed the top of her head.
‘Well, women should be allowed more freedom. It’s positively dreadful how we’re cast aside while you men have all of the adventures.’
‘I couldn’t agree more, my love. You’re ahead of your time. I have a feeling women will have their day too.’
‘Do you really think so, or are you just trying to make me feel better?’ Her eyes met his, searching, wanting to believe what he predicted would come to pass.
‘Well, you know I always like to try to make you feel better, but I’m also sure it won’t always be this way. Women will be able to go out unchaperoned and even do business independently in the future.’
‘I’d like to see that! You’re such a visionary,’ said Cara, in awe of her husband’s foresight.
‘Us visionaries pay a high price, my darling,’ he said in a self-deprecating tone as if he was the most carefree man in Seville. Inwardly he rued the high price he paid for the dangerous gift of seeing into the future.
He hadn’t travelled to the present day in a while, and he liked it best that way because he was with Cara all of the time here. It was difficult when he kept going back and forth. He didn’t want to think about what was happening with Joanna; last time he was there, the atmosphere was awful.
He did his best to enjoy every precious moment in Victoriana. Still, he noticed he often slipped into a state of anxiety at the prospect of being pulled into the vortex without warning. He had no control over it. The feeling of helplessness winded him.
After a couple of hours of admiring the Cathedral and exploring the neighbouring streets, they set out in the direction of Carlos’s house.
A young woman sobbed on a low stone wall near the Cathedral, as they passed by. Cara smiled, attempting to offersome small solace, grateful for her own bliss. The woman looked away, unable to meet her eyes. She was envious of the carefree lovers.
Carlos said, ‘Edward, these are my very good friends, Cara and George Cavendish. They’re on business from London and will be staying locally for a while.’
‘Cara and George, please meet Edward, my dear friend who managed to pick up the trail of the manuscript you’re so interested in.’
They greeted one another and became better acquainted over drinks. The conversation soon turned to the manuscript, and it was agreed that the next day, Edward would introduce them to the dealer who had more information of its whereabouts.
‘It’s lovely to meet you, Cara. I’ve heard so much about you that I feel as though I’ve met you before.’
Cara looked at Edward and wondered if he was flirting with her. Always an astute judge of character she concluded that he wasn’t.
‘What do you make of that Edward fellow?’ she whispered to George, later, when they were alone. ‘He acted as though he knew me. It was rather odd.’
