The journey home was relatively uneventful, each man lost in his own thoughts about how the future would unfold. It was a good feeling to be back in England at last. Each sighed with a sense of personal satisfaction, grateful they still remained intact after so many mishaps along the way. There had been moments when circumstances threatened their very existence, but somehow they escaped alive.
Harry returned home feeling justified in driving the last leg of the long journey himself, remaining in good health for many years to come. He sought a complete checkup and was relieved to be given a clean bill of health.
Tony in particular, was keen to renew his relationship with Kathleen, as by now he'd completely lost his heart to her; although deep down he was not convinced her feelings matched his. Certain doubts troubled him. He realized it may take time - he possessed plenty of that, but for now he needed to be patient - not always his forte.
He looked in the mirror again, tugged at his jacket and straightened his tie for the third time. They were to have supper together at a well known, very old restaurant - renown for its excellent food, good wines, log fires in the winter and an ambience envied by other top restaurants.
Although they lived at least a half hour's drive apart, Tony barely noticed the distance, as he drove to Kathleen's place through the evening countryside with much on his mind.
Upon arrival, she was obviously pleased to see him again, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. He coloured immediately, delighting in the pleasure it gave him, before dropping his gaze briefly to look at his feet.
Arriving at the restaurant, they welcomed a crackling log fire, the grate deeply set into a stone wall with a huge oak beam above. They were ushered to a quiet table close by, adorned with a crisp, long white tablecloth and deep pink napkins folded elegantly. Various glasses were set out for their choice of drinks, a candle burning in a container, producing soft flickering glows across the table.
Tony pulled Kathleen's chair out, making sure she was comfortably seated before he settled opposite.
By now the November nights were closing in, darkness descending more rapidly with a quiet subtlety, creeping stealthily across the English countryside as a fox slinks silently at dusk to its lair. Shadows were lengthening, with nightly dewdrops lacing spider webs along the hedgerows, barn owls hooting across fields in a determined search for their prey. The English countryside was slipping into its annual slumber for the long winter ahead.
After consulting Kathleen about her pre supper drink, Tony lifted his glass.
'Chin chin.'
'To us,' she replied softly, her lips parting in a gentle smile. Tony's heart lifted and after tasting the very special wine, his eyes met hers in a warm embrace.
'Do you really mean that, my dear?'
She hesitated for several moments, lowering her eyes before meeting his again. There was genuine emotion in them. Tony noticed their depth as he patiently awaited her reply. Deep within him, there was a certain amount of anxiety. He reached over, placing his hand upon hers.
Kathleen took a deep breath before answering.
'I simply don't know for sure Tony. Only time will tell. Upon reflection, we share the best of both worlds and have much in common.'
'Do I detect a "but" coming?' he asked quietly.
Her eyes were riveting in the warm glow of firelight. Logs crackled and shifted in the grate, but he barely heard them. All he heard and felt at that moment was the strong beating of his heart.
'Perhaps you do,' she answered, before sipping her wine, savouring its delicious aftertaste.
She had withdrawn her hand in order to read the menu again. There was a lengthy pause.
The impulse to touch her in some small way was overwhelming. After she replaced the menu on the table she sat back for a moment, then caught his gaze upon her again. She smiled and Tony thought his heart would melt. He reached out again, hesitantly placing his hand on her forearm and she responded by covering his hand with hers. This was far more than he expected as he searched her face for answers to this predicament.
'We both know this may not work out,' she continued, her eyes softly reflecting quiet emotion, 'but at least we could give it a chance.'
Tony was beside himself with happiness, willing to accept her suggestion. He felt himself relax totally from the pent up tension he'd been experiencing.
He sighed to himself before gazing into her eyes again.
'We have never spoken of this before,' he began saying, 'as I felt it was never the right moment, but you have made me a very happy man my dear and I thank you deeply for your honesty. I will always treasure what we have. I have kept my feelings for you secret until now, and in so doing, denied myself the luxury of your intentions. Nothing would make me more fulfilled than to love you and be loved... but...'
His hand moved over hers, feeling an intensity deep within, heart full until it was overflowing, like a waterfall after a spring rainstorm.
'You are an exceptional lady Kathleen,' he continued. 'No one would ever doubt me. What you suggest is all I could ever wish for and more, much more,' he said, almost in a whisper for the emotion he was feeling. He tried to mask it by dabbing at his mouth with the table napkin.
'I am content to leave things how they now stand... willing to accept your wishes with respect for all that you mean to me, my dear,'
The smell of rich food hung heavily in the air as did her perfume. It was intoxicating, sending his senses reeling. Logs glowed and crackled continually in the huge old fireplace, adding to the ambience of the evening.
'This is a lovely meal Tony... enjoyed with an equally lovely person,' she observed, smiling over the table at him. 'Thank you.'
'You are more than welcome. The pleasure of sharing it with you is all mine.'
They had finished the main course, plates pushed to one side momentarily before the waiter cleared them from the table. Tony held her hands tenderly in his, pausing to note the effect the flickering candle had on her face. It sent soft shades of pale pink into her cheeks, the likes of which made him almost gasp.
'No one could have enjoyed this evening more than me. It's been wonderful knowing you for this relative short time. No doubt I'll always have fond memories of the adventurous trip with my best friend Harry, but meeting you has been a milestone in my long life so far.'
Tony paused, sitting back in his chair feeling contented, happy that he was able to express himself in such a way.
'What about we indulge ourselves in a rich dessert - and a perfect wine to compliment it?'
'Thank you,' she uttered again, her face expressing quiet relief at what had been decided. 'I'd like that. An excellent idea indeed!' she smiled.
'But just this once, though!' He laughed with a twinkle in his eye.
'Of course! I have to keep on eye on my figure, you know.'
Tony grinned to himself. 'That's just what I've been doing,' he muttered.
Kathleen looked up suddenly. 'Did you say something Tony?'
'Umm... I don't think so...what have you decided on then?' he asked, trying to hide his mirth, changing the subject instead.
After the meal, Tony drove back to her home. He was aware he wasn't the world's best driver, but he'd been careful not to drink too much wine just the same. It was imperative to keep a clear head, returning them both safely. He'd always been conscious of the consequences, watching his speed and the road with caution. So far over his long life, he'd managed to remain in one piece, being extra careful each time he ventured out. This evening was no exception. He slowed the car to a halt when they reached her place, the front garden bathed in pale shades of yellow moonbeams, sending them shimmering across dewy grass.
Tony turned to Kathleen. 'Could we do this again some time do you think?' he asked, a little anxiety creeping into his tone, still not sure of their relationship in the future.
Kathleen gave a little laugh. 'Of course! But as long as I pay next time,' she responded emphatically.
Tony raised his hands as if in gracious surrender. 'If you insist.'
'I most certainly do!' she laughed again.
'Very well. It's a done deal, but...'
'No "buts!" Okay?'
All Tony could do was nod his approval. He gave in without any further friendly banter, realizing there was no point trying.
She turned at the front door of her house and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. 'I won't invite you in this time, but when next we...'
Kathleen didn't get a chance to continue. Tony turned, and briefly kissed her tenderly on the mouth, surprising not only her but himself as well, before retreating to shake her hand a little more formerly. Much to his relief she never appeared to mind in the slightest.
He bit on his bottom lip, wondering if he'd done the right thing, trying to read what might be going through her mind.
'Yes,' he said quietly, almost in a whisper. 'I do hope it will be soon. For now, I'll bid you goodnight my dear.'
Her expression was one of warmth, head tilted in acceptance and, he hoped, agreement.
He bowed briefly, in a gracious gesture, before turning and walking back to his car.
She didn't see the smile on his face, aware of what he was feeling - or did she, he wondered?
They continued their relationship over the years, sharing several interests. Tony became more than interested in art and together they visited several galleries - among other places.
After Kathleen retired from her teaching post, they saw even more of each other, enjoying eating good food, drinking excellent wines, travelling to several gardens but never discussing marriage. It would always remain a hidden subject, neither caring to bring it to the fore. Tony was content with what they possessed, always delighting in the woman he secretly loved. He was reluctant to question her again, continuing to respect her wishes.
Harry decided to put an end to his procrastinating once and for all. He made a huge effort until his book was finally written, finishing it a lot sooner than he expected.
His apparent talent for self expression in his knowledge and hunger for English and European history, although fictitious based on fact, his writing was accepted into the literary world without question. No one was more surprised than he when his book was eventually published. Even more so when it was much acclaimed by other historic fiction authors and critics. It astonished many after its publication, himself included.
Harry's friendship with Maudy grew throughout the years, but never reaching the pinnacle in comparison as Tony's well matched relationship with Kathleen.
The two men never got around to traveling together again, but harboured wonderful memories of their last trip, often spending time laughing and reminiscing over a pint of beer or dark ale, discussing life and the peaks and troughs that went with it. Their friends at the golf club were good listeners, but didn't quite believe the stories Harry and Tony related.
Their last, somewhat event-filled journey through Europe, at times landed them in life threatening predicaments and could be described as certainly adventurous for two such mature gentlemen. They'd faced adversity many times, often landing them in situations from which neither would have dared think possible. Nevertheless it was a miracle they'd survived, but survive they did.
Harry was content to live alone, and with Maudy, his friends and family, didn't feel lonely. He began another book, but it was never finished. He sadly died of a massive heart attack when well into his eighties.
Tony remained his best friend indefinitely, visiting his grave on a regular basis. Although missing him beyond belief, knew Harry was peacefully at rest now. He sighed contently as he looked down, in the knowledge the old rascal's book was eventually a triumph.
He was about to return to his car, but before doing so, rested a hand on the gravestone bearing a personal message. He looked down - not with sadness, but rather with thoughts of the lives they'd enjoyed, memories of the fun and mishaps shared, beer consumed often accompanied with laughter, fine wines and delicious meals eaten over the years. His would never be quite the same without Harry.
'Goodbye old man,' he whispered quietly.
The lump in his throat prevented more words of similar sentiment.
'Old man huh?' he thought he heard in return. 'We'll see about that!'
Tony smiled and toddled back to his car, tears rolling freely down each cheek - still driving and still very much alive.
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