Page 86 of Twin Flames
Later that evening when Cara and George were finally alone together in their rooms, Cara said, ‘When may we leave for Seville, George? How long must we stay in this feverish city? I do like Sebastian, and it is kind of him to accommodate us, but I’d rather be on our way soon.’
‘I like it here no more than you, my love, but I’m keen to gather information for the queen, and I am cautious to not draw attention to us with such a swift departure. Visitors tend to stay a while when they travel as far as this. We must bide our time and act like the dullards we are not. We’re supposed to be here on business, so I must at least pretend to be conducting some.’
‘I understand. Yes, I confess I’d forgotten about the business cover. I do hope we can leave shortly, though. You should see how the women stare at me. I don’t think we’ll ever blend in here, were we to stay two hundred years. There’s something about this city, no matter its magnificence, that makes me nervous. They don’t trust the English.’
‘They don’t trust anyone; least of all each other. The country has been ripped apart by the bloodshed of civil wars for too many years. Aside from that, my darling, please don’t let standing out concern you. Let me assure you now; you’re never going to blend in anywhere. Personally, I’ll be keeping a watchfuleye on the Spanish rogues, not their stout, envious wives who must surely look at you and weep! I can’t say I blame them.’
Cara smiled as she brushed her hair and met her husband’s dancing eyes in the mirror.
‘You really do say the most ridiculous things. I must be cautious not to take your lavish compliments too seriously, or I shall become quite insufferable.’
‘Nonsense, my darling. Every word I utter is God’s own truth.’
She rose from the stool, reached up to drape her arms around George’s neck, and leaned into him.
‘You are the most marvellous man, and I adore you.’ She kissed his lips, and then his hands.
Cara dimmed the lights and climbed into bed. George was about to join her when there was a sharp knock at the door.
‘Whoever can it be at this late hour?’ asked Cara.
‘I’ve no idea.’
‘Yes?’ called George. ‘Coming.’
He opened the door, and Cara heard a muttered exchange as George exited the room.
Several minutes later, he returned, waving a letter, and said, ‘You won’t believe it.’
‘Try me; I wager I will.’
George laughed as he rearranged a stray lock of glossy hair across her shoulder.
‘All right then, if you’re so bold, let’s see if you can guess.’
‘Let me see. Hmm, it’s a letter from Queen Victoria ordering us to leave for Seville at first light.’
‘Um, no. That’s not it although it’s a fair try. It would, however, be physically impossible for a letter to have made it here so quickly unless it had travelled in our luggage!’
‘Oh,’ said Cara. ‘Good point.’
‘In that case, let’s try something more local. It’s an invitation from the child queen, Isabella, appointing you as her English ambassador. In fact, no, I’ve got something better. She wishes you to be the new regent until she’s of age to reign.’
‘Er, no. That’s not it either. I have to say; you do look incredibly pleased with yourself for someone so wrong! I’ll take it that you have run out of sensible answers,’ George laughed.
Cara loved nothing more in the world than to hear her husband laugh.
‘Oh well, come on then, I’m weary at this late hour. Pray, tell me and let’s end the Spanish suspense. I’ve run out of patience not answers if the truth be known. You know I’m very poor at waiting.’
‘Yes, you’re probably the most impatient woman in Spain.’
He climbed into bed, turned her face towards his and kissed her, before relinquishing the letter into her eager hand.
‘Oh, my goodness,’ said Cara, a few seconds later. ‘I wasn’t all that far off, after all! Will we leave for Seville tomorrow?’
Seville, present day
Cara wandered around the nave of the cathedral, unseeing. Panic rose within her and crushed her chest like an iron fist. She had trouble breathing. The all too familiar dreadful feelings threatened to engulf her. Again. It was happening again.
