Page 93 of Twin Flames
‘I thought he seemed like a fine fellow. It looks as though we may not have very far to go to find this manuscript, after all.’
‘That’s good news. I can’t wait to hear more about it. I’m fascinated by history. Did you say it was a Tudor manuscript?’
‘Yes, that’s right. It used to belong to my family. My ancestor, George Cavendish, commissioned it in honour of Henry VIII and before the birth of his long-anticipated firstborn son. It’s called theTudor Kings’ Manuscript.Unfortunately, Henry’s only legitimate son, Edward, died young and was the end of the male line.
The manuscript was tossed aside, but Queen Victoria recently read about it in the Tudor archives, and it piqued her interest. She wants us to locate it while we’re here on our mission, and bring it home.’
‘How very romantic. You’re so lucky to have such an impressive family tree. It must give you a wonderful sense of pride to know you carry the name of your ancestors, and you’ve served the royal family for hundreds of years. I wish I had such a claim to fame.’
‘Funny you should say that, but by some strange coincidence, my ancestor George’s wife was also named Cara. Cara Cavendish, so you see, you also have an impressive lineage.’
‘That is rather lovely, although she’s not my blood, so it’s not really the same, but thank you.’ Cara kissed George’s cheek.
‘What’s mine is yours. Anyway, I told you about her before.’
‘No, you didn’t,’ said Cara.
‘I’m certain I did.’
‘I’m sure I’d remember if you had.’
‘All right, you win. I won’t argue with your freakish memory! I’ve lost before I begin.’
George had a vivid recollection of telling her. It must have been in the present day. It was easy to get confused; he must be more careful. Just as well she was accustomed to his unreliable memory, or she’d be interrogating him at every turn. He had no answers for the bizarre circumstances he found himself in, so it was better he continue to keep his secret for now.
Edward bid Cara and George goodnight and began to meander home, his spirits high on one too many glasses of sherry. He pondered on what was surely about to happen now that his long time travel buddies had joined him in Victoriana. How exciting.
Neither of them seemed to recognise him, which was a bit of a disappointment. For a minute he’d thought Cara showeda glimmer of recognition, but it quickly faded. It was lonely without a confidant. Carlos was his lover, but Edward didn’t share any of the strangeness of time travel with him.
CHAPTER 28
Seville, present day
George reversed his soft top jeep into a visitors’ spot in the car park. It was a glorious, sunny Seville morning, and there was a bounce to his step as he dashed through the hotel’s revolving doors.
He was excited; it wasn’t his usual style to ask a woman out immediately, but this was Cara! He’d been uncharacteristically pushy with his impromptu invitation to drive her to the airport. When she had declined his offer of a drink, he panicked. There was little chance they would meet again if he didn’t pursue her in this new Seville life.
Since the moment she’d stumbled into his villa, he’d felt the spark, and the memories had come flooding in.
He didn’t understand exactly what was happening, but he knew he must see her again.
‘How may I help you, Sir?’ The receptionist flashed him a bright smile.
‘Thank you. I’m here to collect one of your guests: Cara Bailey. We arranged to meet in the lobby, but I can’t see her.’
‘Please take a seat, and I’ll check.’
George sat down in an opulent leather armchair and drummed his fingers on his thigh. Cara had a flight to catch. He calculated it would be at least another fifteen minutes before they got on the road, and then they would most likely be caught in the thick morning traffic.
The receptionist glanced in his direction, and he sensed something was wrong. He rose and approached the reception desk.
‘I’m sorry, Sir. . . I only just realised that Ms Bailey already checked out.’ A light blush stole across her neck, and she shifted her weight from one leg to the other, not able to meet his eyes. ‘I’m not sure how I missed her,’ she mumbled.
‘Oh, I see. No problem. You can’t know what everyone’s up to.’ He smiled to reassure the nervous young woman.
‘We probably crossed wires about where to meet. I’ll give her a quick call. No harm done. Thank you.’
‘Well, that’s the thing, Sir.’ Her blush deepened.
