Page 77 of Twin Flames

The woman bustled off into the other room, and Daniel gave Cara a warm squeeze when he saw her. ‘Cara, my dear. What brings you by? I didn’t expect to see you after how things ended between us. . .’ His words trailed away.

‘How things ended?’

‘Yes, you know. I was angry. I said some things I regret. I have been meaning to get in touch to apologise but the weeks have sped by. I realise now it was inevitable. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. There was no excuse for such surly behaviour on my part.’

His words were measured as if he’d been practising a script.

‘Oh, yes, right. Thank you. I’m sorry too.’ She looked around the room, taking in the intimate scene.

‘You’re in good health?’

‘Yes, never better.’

‘All right, brilliant. Well, I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re okay. It looks like you’re enjoying some company.’

‘Ah, yes.’ Daniel shifted from one foot to the other, looking at the floor, before he raised his eyes to meet hers.

‘It’s been a while since you and I—I was so angry. I went on a dating site and, well. . .it was amazing really. We connected and hit it off so fast. I was reeling when you ended our engagement; it was such a shock. At first, it was a rebound reaction. I decided life’s too short to sit around moping. But then we clicked. I’m relocating to the office in Manchester, and Sarah has agreed to accompany me.’

Cara stared at him as the revelations crossed his lips.

‘You know I’m not one for being alone. I hate it.’ His tone was apologetic, and she could see he was nervous.

‘How wonderful. I’m happy for you. Truly. Now you’ll be near your kids again. That’s what you always wanted. So, it’s all turned out for the best.’

Cara felt not even a smidgeon of jealousy. Not for the first time since they split up, she marvelled that she’d ever agreed to marry him.

‘Thank you for understanding. It means a lot. I want us to part on good terms.’

He leaned over to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek and then walked her to the door; his hand rested gently on her arm.

‘Daniel? Will you do something for me?’

‘Yes, of course. Anything.’

‘Please take care. Would you go and have a physical examination to be sure you’re in tiptop shape?’

Daniel looked startled, ‘Any particular reason?’

‘It sounds silly, and I’m probably just fussing over nothing, but I had a dream you were unwell. It would make me feel better if you go and have a check-up. Promise?’

‘You always fussed over my health. Okay. You know I’d do anything for you. Take care, my love. Be happy.’

Cara noticed his eyes shone. She felt a profound sense of gratitude that he was okay, and immense relief that they were no longer together. Even in this new formation of time, they were finished. She’d been prepared to call off their engagement all over again, if necessary. With or without George, she was now certain she wasn’t supposed to marry Daniel. Thank goodness, they didn’t have to go through all of that again. He was doing great without her.

In finding the courage to free herself, she’d freed him too. She had hoped, but not really believed, that breaking it off would work out for the best for him also. She shook her head. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d overestimated her own importance.

The heavy feelings of guilt she’d carried with her since their break up, evaporated. She was filled with optimism for the first time in weeks.

As she climbed into her car, she realised Daniel hadn’t even asked how she was doing.

London, 1840

George was shown in for an audience with Queen Victoria. The daily red boxlay open on the tablefor her urgent attention, and she studiously sat writing as he entered.

‘Good morning, Your Majesty.’ George bowed as the queen beckoned him to sit.

‘Thank you for coming so quickly, Lord Cavendish.’ She rang for tea and then got straight to the point.