Chapter 4: Ron and Mary’s Weekend

Sunday morning, Ron’s alarm went off and woke them both. They cuddled close and kissed, then Mary went and had a shower on the boat as she had brought fresh working clothes with her. Ron got up and made them some breakfast, he would shower later.

They sat at the table eating the bacon and eggs and toast that Ron had made. Whilst they chatted, Ron told Mary that after their two days together on Monday and Tuesday, he would have to leave and sail to Birmingham as he had an annual booking at a boat yard there for the boat to be serviced. “But once that’s sorted,” he told her, “I’ll be heading back here.”

Mary had assumed that Tuesday would be the last time she would see Ron but hearing him say that he was going saddened her just the same. Then when he said he was coming back again her heart leapt with joy.

“It’ll take me seven to ten days to get there,” Ron told her, “The boat will be in for at least two days, depending on whether or not anything extra needs doing, then another seven to ten days to get back.” Then he had a sudden brainwave, “Have you any holidays due?” he asked. “Yes, I’ve still got two weeks I haven’t used,” Mary said. “So how about I ring you as soon as I know when the boat is going to be ready,” Ron said, “Then you can get the train to Birmingham and spend two weeks sailing with me. We’ll time it so we end up back here in time for you to go back to work.”

Mary leaned over the table and kissed him. “That would be wonderful,” she told him, “I’d love to.” They finished breakfast so Ron walked her back to the shop. Lorraine told him that it would take her half an hour to pack a few things for the next two days, so to meet her at quarter past six. Ron said he’d meet her at half past and that he was taking her out somewhere nice for a meal. He wouldn’t be drawn as to where they were going. Mary was puzzled because the café where she worked was the only eating in place in the village. Still, it was exciting, and she would enjoy the suspense.

They hugged, kissed and parted. Mary went into the shop to start her days work. Ron returned to the boat, had his shower, did a bit of general cleaning then untied the boat, pulled out his mooring pegs and sailed away.

Ron sailed for just over two hours, mooring up again just before the next larger village. He had gone through one lock, so he was now about six miles from Mary’s village. He had a wander around the new village, then about four o’clock he set off to walk along the canal bank. Arriving back at the shop just after six, he wandered around to pass the time. Just before six thirty, Mary appeared carrying a haversack.

They hugged and kissed, then Ron told Mary how nice she looked. With him telling her they were eating out she had put a dress on and a nice top. Ron’s heart pounded as he looked at her. Taking her haversack off her to carry, they linked arms and walked off in the opposite direction to the boat. Mary was puzzled but said nothing.

Ron led her to the village square, where they sat on the seat by the war memorial. Mary was dying to ask but restrained herself. They chatted about the next few days, then a few moments later a taxi came along. It pulled up to Ron’s wave. “Your carriage awaits, Madam,” Ron said as he held the door open. They got in and the cab drove away.

Mary was expecting to hear Ron tell the driver where to go, but he had said nothing. They sat together holding hands on the back seat. Ron had explained when he booked the cab that it was a surprise for his girlfriend and had already given them the destination.

It wasn’t until they turned into the car park of the Restaurant that Mary knew where they were going. She knew it was what she would consider a ‘posh’ restaurant. Her previous eating out had been chippy’s and cafes. Ron paid the cabbie and thanked him. “Enjoy your meal,” he called out as he drove off. They walked inside to be greeted at reception. Neither of them had coats so just Mary’s haversack was put in the cloakroom. She was given a ticket in exchange.

A waiter had appeared by now and took them to their table. The dining room was very imposing, an ornate ceiling, a big fireplace and about fifteen tables, all with tablecloths and silver cutlery. Once they were seated, the waiter gave them each a menu and asked if they would like a drink.

Mary ordered a glass of white wine whilst Ron ordered a lager. They studied the menu, Mary having a fit when she saw the prices. Ron smiled at her, “This is a special occasion and it’s my treat,” he told her,” So forget the prices, choose the things you would like. “Seeing Mary was still having problems with it, he said, “Would you like me to order for you?” “Oh yes please,” she told him, “There are things on there that I’ve never heard of.”

Ron thought about the things he had seen Mary eat so far as he read the menu right through. When the waiter returned with their drinks, he asked if they were ready to order.

“Yes, please,” Ron told him. “We’ll have egg benedict for starters, Steak Dianne for mains, with chips,” he added, “Plus a bottle of Chateau-neuf-du-Pape.”

The waiter took their menu’s and left them to their drinks. Mary said, “I’ve never eaten at a place this posh before,” “I don’t do it very often,” Ron told her, “But my parents used to love eating out and it reminds me of them.” The waiter returned and added some extra pieces of cutlery at the sides of their plates. When he had left, Mary said, “What do I do with all these?”

Ron smiled at her, “Stop worrying, no one’s going to be watching you” he told her, “You’ll be fine, just start at the outside and work your way in,” Soon the waiter returned with their starters, it was a half bap, with slices of ham on, covered with hollandaise sauce and topped with the yolk of an egg. Mary watched Ron pick up has knife and fork, then copied him. She cut a small piece and tried it. “That’s lovely,” she exclaimed, “I’ve never tasted anything like it before.” “Good,” Ron told her, “That will make it more memorable for you.” Before they could take a second bite, the waiter returned with their bottle of red wine. He poured a drop for Ron to taste, then when he approved, he poured Mary a glass before turning to fill Ron’s glass.

The waiter put the bottle on a table at the side of the room, then left them to enjoy their starters. As they ate, Ron asked, “Did you ask about your holidays?” “Yes,” Mary said, “Aunty Silvia was surprised but said it wouldn’t be a problem, Jayne in the village usually stands in when needed.” “Perhaps I should call in to the café for breakfast on Wednesday and meet her before I set off,” Ron said. “That would be good,” Mary told him, “I’m sure it would put her mind at rest, and I’d like you to meet her anyway.”

By now they had finished their starters. The waiter cleared their plates away, then brought two empty dinner plates. Mary looked puzzled so Ron told her, “Just watch what happens.”

A trolley was wheeled over alongside their table with dishes of various things on, as well as a gas burner and a frying pan. A chef dressed all in white appeared, smiled at them then put some butter in the pan and fried two pieces of thinly beaten out fillet steak in front of them. He added some finely chopped mushrooms and onion, then when they were nearly done, he poured some brandy over them and with a flick of his wrist, turned the pan so the flame ignited the brandy with a woosh. Then he poured a jug of cream into the pan, stirring it all together.

Their waiter brought some dishes of chips and vegetables on another trolley. Once the chef had served them with a steak each, then poured all the mushroom, onion and sauce over them, the waiter served them with chips and veg. As the chef wheeled his trolley away, the waiter beamed at them saying, “Enjoy,” then he wheeled his trolley away.

There was silence for a while as they both tucked in, then Mary said, “This is so nice, it’s another first.” “One you’d like to repeat, I hope?” Ron said with a smile. “There haven’t been any firsts this weekend that I wouldn’t be happy to repeat,” Mary told him smiling back. The waiter returned at that moment and topped up their wine glasses. In response to his question, they assured him that their meal was lovely.