Page 78 of Twin Flames
‘As we feared, Maria Christina has been superseded as Regent by General Espartero. It’s a dangerous time in Spain, and we need somebody behind the scenes to report back to us. May we count on you, my lord?’ The queen sought Prince Albert’s eyes across the exquisitely decorated drawing-room. He bestowed a warm smile on his beloved wife. A smile that said all she needed to know.
‘Yes, Your Majesty. I will leave as soon as I can make travel plans if that is your wish.’
‘Am I to be based in Madrid or where would you like me to reside?’
‘We’ve received word that there may be a counter-revolution brewing in Seville. It makes sense for you to go first to Madrid to see what you can learn of the new regent’s intentions. We had good relations with Maria Christina, which means we won’t be held in high esteem by the general. Conditions permitting, we’dlike you to then continue to Seville and settle there for a while to see what you can glean of the situation.’
‘I will travel under cover of being commissioned to locate an important manuscript.’
‘Yes, that’s a splendid idea. We British will be under suspicion after we’ve supported Maria Christina through the Carlist wars. We don’t want to wave any more red flags. It will be perfectly normal for you to be there working; in search of a rare manuscript.’
‘I have one request Your Majesty if I may be so bold.’
‘Of course, whatever I can do to assist you on your mission is yours. No question. What do you require?’
‘It would strengthen my cover if I were to have my wife accompany me on the trip. As you know, we’ve only recently married and I believe it would appear strange to outsiders for me to leave her to her own devices so soon after our nuptials.’
‘Yes, indeed, my lord. Strange, and also no doubt extremely unappealing for you newly wedded lovebirds.’ She laughed, and her eyes twinkled. ‘I am altogether sympathetic. Goodness knows it’s rare to witness a couple marry for love and not social advancement. You have my blessing. I too couldn’t bear to be parted from my dear husband so soon after our marriage. I hope never to be parted from him.’ She looked at the prince with a flirtatious glint in her eye.
George excused himself. The queen raised her gown above her ankles, to reveal dainty feet encased in silk slippers. She glided across the room to sit beside the prince who perused a leather-bound book. The royal couple were beautifully matched both in wit and countenance. But most of all, they complemented one another with their natural affinity. It was evident to all who entered their realm that theirs was no marriage of convenience, despite being a favourable blending of blue blood.
George hurried home to find Cara and tell her the exciting news. They would make their first trip abroad as husband and wife. He was lightheaded such was his relief that they were not to be separated. The thought of living without her in Spain for weeks, or even months, had filled him with a sense of foreboding. Sensing she would feel the same, he had been reluctant to mention a word to her about the impending trip. Now he’d grown accustomed to having her always by his side; he couldn’t bear to contemplate not being in her company every day. He’d been blessed to be united with the love of his life, and he had no intention of wasting precious time. A day without her was a tedious affair. He wasn’t a devout man, but he frequently thanked God for his good fortune.
‘Cara, Cara,’ he called, as he placed his hat on the stand in the entrance hall. ‘Where are you? I have tremendous news.’
He ran up the stairs, two at a time, and burst into the bedroom. Cara sat on a velvet stool at the dressing table, wearing only a creme silk undergarment as she arranged her gleaming chestnut hair into a loose bun.
‘What’s going on? Whatever is all of the excitement so early in the morning, my darling? You were quite sober when you left for your meeting. I presumed it was to be a dull gathering.’
‘We are going to Spain! To be more precise, we’re going first to Madrid and then to Seville. Remember we talked about how wonderful it would be to visit Seville together?’
‘Oh, yes. The delights of a Mediterranean climate and streets strewn with juicy oranges.’
She dropped her hairbrush onto the table, moved quickly across the room and threw herself into George’s arms. He lifted her off her feet, and she kissed the tip of his nose and then his forehead.
‘How delightful. Are we to travel on business or what is the reason for this most fortuitous trip?’
He sat down, pulled her onto his knee and proceeded to recount the details of his audience with the queen.
‘Why didn’t you tell me this was brewing? You usually tell me your plans for the day.’
‘Because I didn’t want you to worry. I thought the queen would ask me to undertake the trip to Spain, but I was concerned she wouldn’t permit you to accompany me. I suspected she might come up with some nonsense about you remaining here as one of her ladies. She’s taken quite a shine to you, and you know how she likes to have her favourites nearby.’
‘But she gave us her blessing so readily?’
‘Absolutely. She was most understanding. Being a new bride agrees with her and has worked in our favour. As you know, she adores the prince. She seems to be in love with the very idea of love. In truth, it matters to me not why she said yes, but simply that she did. I couldn’t contemplate making the trip without you. I planned to make up a plausible excuse to extricate myself if you weren’t to accompany me.’
‘And what would that have been may I ask?’
‘I’ve no idea. I was hoping something would occur to me as and when the need arose.’
‘Well knowing you, I’ve no doubt you’d have come up with something genius, but it’s so much better that we’re to make the trip together. I won’t have you falling into the bad graces of Her Majesty on my account. That would be an awful blemish on the Cavendish family name.’
‘True. Aside from when my ancestor, George, was accused of treason by Henry VIII and thrown into the Tower, our family has served the monarchy with honours as far back as we can find records.’
‘That’s fascinating. What happened to him?’
‘What happened to who?’
