Two days were enjoyed learning not only the depth of history involved with Rouen and everything else the town had to offer, but about themselves. Harry in particular, was in his element as they entered the cathedral on a bright, breezy, October morning. His love and apparent enthusiasm for all things medieval, began to rub off on Tony - partly - as his friend had other fish to fry. He had become interested in art during the twilight of his years, but it would never take over his life. Fine wines, a variety of beers and ales were more to his liking, amongst other things.
Tony was interested though, in learning about this particular cathedral, how it had experienced its fair share of disasters, the various burials and its basic structure. Several times in its history it was struck by lightning, items had come crashing down and so much intense rebuilding occurred during the centuries. In fact the English bombed it during World War II, severely damaging its structure, hence various parts were rebuilt - expertly so to his eye.
As he strolled through the doors of the cathedral admiring the ornate façade on the exterior, Tony's thoughts remained on the night before. He found that while his mind said one thing, his heart said another. It was warming for a certain lady.
'Oh dear,' he uttered softly, not knowing what to make of it.
'What did you say old friend?' Harry had been studying the stone stairway and some of the main pillars.
'Nothing really. My thoughts were elsewhere for a while. On last night so it appears.'
Harry turned to face his friend. 'Ah ha! Not une affaire de coeur by any chance?'
'I hope not,' replied Tony frowning slightly, looking down at his feet.
Harry was clearly puzzled. 'Why do you say that?'
Tony cocked his head to one side as he thought about it. 'Can you teach an old dog new tricks, I wonder?'
'Of course you can, silly. I'm thinking you rather fancy this Kathleen, judging by your behaviour last night. Let's face it Tony, you are a romantic at heart and have an eye for the ladies.'
'Only one it seems. And what about my behaviour, huh?' He frowned even more.
Harry looked up at some stained glass. 'It was obvious by the end of the night you liked Kathleen a lot. You two were, err... shall we say, very friendly after that wine.'
'That goes for us both,' Tony retorted.
'Alright, alright, I admit it.' Harry threw up his hands. 'Maudy is a lovely lady. Perhaps we are both smitten.'
'Good grief! And at our age!' Tony grimaced, then wondered at his own outburst.
'We are still human Tony and not as ancient as you may think - whatever that means. Make of it what you will, but I don't think we are too old to manifest these feelings.'
Harry wandered on briefly until his friend caught up with him.
'Do you really believe that Harry?'
'Of course I do. Wouldn't have said it otherwise. Why shouldn't we have feelings for the opposite sex? After all, we are still alive and kicking. Well for the time being anyway,' he added with a cynical chuckle.
Tony noticed a painting hanging not far away and walked over to view its contents, engrossed in his own thoughts for the moment. He needed to think some more.
Harry stood alone transfixed, fascinated with the fact that Richard I of England's heart was buried here in the cathedral. He paused and studied the tomb with its relative simple surroundings, Richard's name inscribed in Latin on the side. He remembered visiting Fontevraud Abbey near Chinon, Anjou, for that was where Richard and his father were buried. Also his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Isabella of Angouleme, second wife of King John. It was a moving experience and haunted him for some time after. That period in history was often uppermost in his mind, having read several books about the Plantagenets. But he procrastinated far too much and felt he would abandon the book about Richard III he was writing - much to his despair. It presented a completely different period of history, but one that left its mark, throwing up several mysteries that may never be completely addressed or solved. 'Oh well...' he thought to himself. 'C'est la vie!'
After spending a good hour in the cathedral, Tony in particular started thinking about lunch. There was a very fine place further on from the clock tower, in the main part of town. It looked like a once-in-a-lifetime sort of restaurant, a stone's throw from where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. La Couronne sat in Old Market Square, considered the oldest auberge in France, founded in 1345.
He began musing over an idea. This restaurant was special, too special for a mere lunch. Perhaps they could invite the ladies for a meal in the evening. Both men knew the name of their hotel, so he put the idea to Harry.
'A wonderful idea Tony! The best yet. Let's invite Kathleen and Maudy for supper. Of course it will be horribly expensive... and we don't know they'll accept. They might have other plans.'
'I think it's worth it - they are worth it, don't you agree Harry?' But Harry immediately began having second thoughts and the consequences of the invitation. His mind drifted on in a hazy fuddle. He shook himself inwardly.
'I hope we aren't going too far. I mean, this is a bold move for us both.'
'There is only one way to find out you know? We aren't entering into a marriage contract - it's only supper with a little wine...'
Harry smiled. 'A little wine you say? Come now Tony. That's not like you. Alright, we'll share the bill,' he said, giving in easily. 'Probably lose an arm and a leg, but never mind,' he muttered, thinking about the expense. 'How on earth do we contact them and shouldn't we book soon? The restaurant is popular and we might not be able to secure a table for four.'
'We can go and try now, then cancel if it doesn't turn out the way we hope,' suggested Tony hopefully.
'Good thinking,' agreed Harry.
They set off in the general direction of the several story high restaurant, with its timbered windows, steep gable and hanging plants adorning what looked like small balconies on each floor, before Tony stopped dead in his tracks.
'I do believe I can spot them across the road. Look Harry... over there,' he pointed.
'Oh, the ladies you mean?' Harry was momentarily lost in his thoughts, gazing into a book shop.
Tony tut-tutted. 'Of course the ladies. Who else would I be referring to? He shook his head briefly a few times. 'Honestly Harry, sometimes I wonder about you.'
His friend's face contorted before answering to the insinuation. 'You and me both!' he answered lightheartedly.
They crossed the road when soon Kathleen and Maudy noticed them, both smiling pleasantly in acknowledgement, giving a little wave.
Tony spoke first, edging a little closer to Kathleen, who was looking very fetching in a pink dress and navy top.
'Bonjour ladies, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?' he asked in his best French.
'Perhaps it's "tu" Tony,' whispered Harry. 'We know them as friends now,' he commented, gently correcting Tony.
Maudy shook hands with both the men, followed by Kathleen. 'Nous sommes dans un bon jour - et vous?'
That caught the men by surprise. 'Oh bother this French!' replied Harry, a little pink in the face. 'We'd like to invite you both for supper at that lovely old restaurant they call La Couronne tonight, if you weren't doing anything else.'
'Certainly not!' said Kathleen, before smiling at them.
'Certainly not?' both men uttered together, momentarily taken aback.
Maudy laughed gently. 'No, we weren't doing anything else, were we Kathleen?' she prompted, with a glint in her eye catching her friend's attention.
Kathleen giggled, then they all laughed together, the men taking it squarely on the chin. 'Certainly not!'
The men heaved a silent relief. 'Shall we come by your hotel and meet you in the foyer at around 7pm?' Harry dared ask.
'That's perfect,' replied Maudy, eyeing Kathleen for approval.
Tony beamed with confidence.
The restaurant was duly booked and the afternoon was spent quietly wandering around the old part of town through cobbled streets, after a simple lunch. Harry made a bee line towards the book shop he noticed earlier.
'I hope we are doing the right thing,' he thought aloud, as they inspected some half timbered houses. 'It's as well we are returning home soon as we don't know where this is leading, do we Tony?'
'For goodness sake relax Harry. It's not the end of the world if it doesn't work out - just a pleasant supper 'tis all. Now chill out!'
Harry breathed in deeply, then exhaled through his lips. 'If you say so old friend.'
'I do say so and I'm not old, yet. Not by a long way. You are old in your eighties,' Tony remarked pointedly. 'As old as you feel.'
Around 7pm, dressed for the occasion, the men entered the foyer of a hotel they hadn't seen before.
'Phew! This looks swish for teachers to be staying in,' said Harry looking around, noticing the enormity of the ladies' hotel. 'How on earth do they afford it I wonder?'
Tony put a finger to his lips. 'Hush Harry - someone might hear you. It's not for us to know that. It's their business entirely.'
'But...' Harry began. 'I'd still like to know.' He was undaunted, puzzled by the five star elegance, then noticed the two ladies walking graciously down a beautiful winding staircase. His mouth started to drop before he took control of himself.
'Good evening ladies. You do look nice,' he said, before fidgeting with his jacket.
Tony joined him and clasped Kathleen's hand. 'Bonsoir mesdames!' He gave a slight bow with all the charm possible, not taking his eyes from her, noticing how beautiful she looked. In that brief moment he noted everything about her, the smile being no exception.
Harry escorted Maudy to the main door, opening it for her to precede him, the others following. 'A lovely evening I see.' He was quietly relieved it wasn't raining, or cold for that matter.
'It is indeed,' replied Maudy, happily agreeing. She never liked venturing out in the rain.
Upon entering the restaurant, they were shown to their table, positioned to one side of the room. The lighting was soft, atmosphere glowing with hushed tones of red and yellow, exuding a history within the walls, that to Harry, spoke of many years now lost forever; hidden within the old restaurant walls with many a tale to tell. As he looked around briefly taking in the ambience, he wondered how many people had eaten here over the years. No doubt there were happy times, sad ones too, with many a story and secrets shared between friends. Evidently the menu hadn't altered much in a very long time either.
The ladies were consulted about their choice of pre supper drinks before the meal was ordered, the men forgoing any beer or dark ale for a change.
'It's certainly a treat coming here,' Kathleen remarked, drawing her chair closer to the table, sitting next to Tony. He could almost feel the closeness of her leg next to his under the pink tablecloth, his body warming with the thought, before the first course was duly delivered. Six plump oysters arrived each for the men, the ladies indulging in a soup, the likes of which they never tasted before. It was superb.
Evening shadows from the soft table lighting fell upon the four faces, working its magic, combined with the excellent food, wine and conversation. None were disappointed with a single thing. The restaurant slowly filled, walls echoing with muted voices and gentle laughter. Many a famous person had eaten here, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Sophia Loren, Salvador Dali and other stars over the decades.
Halfway through the evening, Tony glanced over at Harry, wondering if he was enjoying this special supper before it became obvious that all was well. He relaxed even more, pouring Kathleen another glass of wine, pre-empting the waiter. Everyone remarked how good the food was, the wine complementing each course to perfection. Tony was an expert with his choices, always taking their individual tastes into consideration prior to ordering another bottle.
Kathleen's face was glowing with pink mellowed radiance, skin smooth and as yet unwrinkled. Tony sat momentarily studying it with careful subtlety. Dark hair streaked gently with grey, fell around the contours of her face. Around her neck she wore a pendant of small pearls lightly dipping into her shapely cleavage. A simple black dress with its relatively low neckline, enhanced the classiness of the woman. He sighed to himself then drained his wine glass slowly, replacing the glass onto the pink tablecloth. Sitting still, he briefly contemplated another bottle, beginning to wonder if this relationship would lead to anything more serious.
The last course was ordered, the ladies choosing apple tart with vanilla cream, while Harry thought he'd try the crème brulee with pistachio. No sooner had he eaten the first mouthful, when a nut stuck firmly in his throat. He coughed gently into his pink napkin, then more violently as the nut appeared to block his airway. He immediately rose finding it difficult to breathe and started off towards the gent's room.
'Oh dear!' Maudy's face clouded over. 'Oh dear!' she said a second time. 'That doesn't sound good at all! Poor Harry. I do hope all will be well. His face was turning a strange colour. a moment ago.'
Tony half sprang from his chair, excused himself and followed Harry into the gent's room.
'Are you alright Harry?' His expression was one of concern for his dearest friend. Tony patted Harry on the back as his friend was bent double over a basin, trying desperately to breathe. But Harry was far too busy to answer, his breathing coming in gasping short breaths. Tony became very worried indeed, thumping Harry a few times on the back - to no avail.
'I'm going to get help old man. Hold on and keep coughing while I inform the staff that you need an ambulance or at least someone to shift that nut. Be back soon.'
Tony moved swiftly, feeling a deep sense of anxiety for Harry, not wasting any time seeking help. Within a short time a vehicle drove up outside and two men entered the restaurant discretely, heading straight for the gent's room. By now several people guessed all was not as it should be and began talking in low voices.
Meanwhile, Tony returned to the two ladies who noticed the different atmosphere in the room, becoming worried themselves.
'Will he be alright?' Kathleen asked, her face clouding over. Tony explained the situation and excused himself once more to return to his spluttering friend.
Already Harry appeared to be coping a lot better, with normal colour returning to his face. The two paramedics had done wonders, the offensive nut having shifted to his stomach. With a huge sense of relief, Harry was slowly recovering, a few staff members standing by to give any further assistance. But none was needed. Harry took another long sip of water and thanked the men who helped him. They shook hands and made sure Harry was completely out of danger before leaving the restaurant.
Soon, the two friends returned to the awaiting ladies, who asked Harry how he was feeling.
'Much better, thank goodness. What a thing to happen and here of all places! I'm so sorry for all the upheaval ladies, really I am.'
Harry looked a little sheepish and hoped it hadn't spoiled their evening and meal.
'Not at all,' Maudy responded, with a deep sense of emotion, still obviously concerned for Harry. Kathleen frowned with equal concern.
'You poor man, choking like that on a silly nut of all things. You look a lot better now,' she added with a smile.
'Thank you.' Harry hung his head for a moment before taking a slow sip of his wine. He wished the whole episode had never happened, disrupting the meal like that. 'Perhaps we should be returning you two ladies to your hotel. If you are almost ready, we'll escort you back.'
'Yes, perhaps it's time to return now. It's been a most delicious meal,' Kathleen remarked, rising from the table. 'Thank you gentlemen kindly.' She turned and faced Tony. 'Thanks for such good company Tony. It really has been a wonderful evening.'
'Vous, I mean "tu", as he glanced at Harry before continuing. 'Hmm...Vous etes les bienvenus chere dame,' he spoke charmingly, bending over and gently clasping Kathleen's hand, kissing it.
Kathleen couldn't help smiling at the gesture, giving a gentle nod of the head, tilted sideways in response.
Harry placed Maudy's arm through his, ushering them from the restaurant a few moments after paying the bill. Apart from the fact he almost had a heart attack when he saw it, considered the evening well worth while.
The men said their goodbyes, not knowing if they would ever see the ladies again. No one had made any commitments, but it had been a most enjoyable night. Perhaps one they might remember in the future.
Tony turned to his friend as they set off for their hotel, a stone's throw from the cathedral. 'Hope I can find my way out of this town with all these narrow medieval streets to negotiate. They're all very well in which to stroll, but...'
Harry laughed. 'Let's think about that later. Care for a nightcap old man?'
'Old man huh? Yeah, why not.'
Tony glanced over at Harry. 'How's that nut doing?'
'What nut?'
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