The last day in France - Chapter 18

It was still early. Tony stretched out in his large bed, pressing a hand against his forehead remembering the night before, then peered through the gap between the curtains as rain beat furiously against the window. Bleary-eyed, he contemplated advancing to the bathroom to shower, but rather luxuriated in the comfort a while longer.

     He groaned, before placing his feet onto the carpeted floor while he became fully conscious. 'Argh...where is the sun when we need it,' he moaned again, realising he needed to find his way out of the medieval maze of Rouen, with its cobbled one way streets - narrow and confusing. He tottered over to the table and office-like chair near the rain-splattered window, picked up the map and began to study it. 'Hmm...' he murmured. 'Perhaps it's not that difficult after all,' although he wasn't that confident in Harry's map reading skills either, a sinking feeling manifesting itself in the pit of his stomach.

     He thought this being the last day he would drive Harry's car in France, it was necessary to exit the town without any major mishaps.
     In his own room next door, Harry was also having similar thoughts of severe apprehension. 'There's always Miss Madam in dire circumstances,' he wondered out aloud. 'Perhaps this is one of them. I'll program the sat/nav to get us out of here, that's what I'll do.' He smiled to himself, feeling more confident. 'After all, it won't be the end of the world if we make a mistake - will it?' He remonstrated briefly about the wily Miss Madam before admitting aloud again, that they really had no choice in the matter, unless as the only other alternative was to entirely trust his map reading skills. 'Hmm... perhaps not,' he corrected.
     Both men discussed the situation at the breakfast table. They would make their way towards Caen, close to where the ferry would return them to England. It was agreed to use Miss Madam in the hope she was trustworthy. She hadn't always been helpful. So thoughts of the night before were momentarily pushed to one side, as other events took precedence for now.
     After a leisurely breakfast of cereal, warm croissants and coffee, the black Mercedes emerged cautiously from the underground carpark, easing its way up the narrow ramp to pass through the barrier. With the minimum of fuss it thankfully lifted, so they entered the first narrow street with a certain amount of trepidation.
     Tony gripped the steering wheel as the rain eased, eyeing the small screen to his left for directions.
     'Follow the highlighted route for 100 yards then turn right,' the voice from the dashboard announced, clearly, concisely.
     'Right then! Not a problem.  So far, so good,' muttered Tony, keeping to a slow enough speed so as not to make any major mistakes. There was no going back.
     Harry felt tense. Until they were safely out of Rouen he could not relax.
     'Think you need to swing to the left soon,' he suggested, watching the screen.
     'Don't confuse me Harry. We said we'd leave it up to Miss Madam today.'
     'Well, if you say so, but...'
     Miss Madam continued, 'after 200 yards, turn left.' Soon after she repeated the command, 'turn left at the next intersection.'
     Harry waited for the lights to turn green and edged the car slowly around the corner, his hesitancy annoying the French drivers behind him. So much so, one sped past giving him an unpleasant and very worried look.
     The road was exceptionally wide and unfortunately Tony hadn't realized it was one way. Suddenly many cars, seemingly spread out across the road, were heading straight for them, advancing at an alarming pace.
     He drove about 20 meters until Harry pressed both feet to the floor, shouting, 'Tony! Look out!' his face reflecting impending doom, beginning to sweat with icy fear.
     Immediately his friend realized his mistake. There was no choice. He slammed the car into reverse and backed hurriedly from where he had come, a panicked look on his reddening face, beads of sweat breaking out above his top lip and forehead.
     'Oh hell...Tony! Be careful entering that lane of traffic for goodness sake,' Harry stressed, eyeing the oncoming traffic in utter disbelief. He was beside himself as he glanced behind them again, his car dangerously close to others around them.
      Miss Madam simply uttered in a calm, unhurried voice, 'Recalculating...'
     'You can say that again!' cried Tony. 'Phew, that was close!' he heaved, slowing until it was safe to proceed again into the correct lane of traffic, clearly shaken.
     By this time Harry reconsidered their situation, deciding to take over the driving from now on, no matter what. He too, was badly shaken. Tony didn't hesitate to agree, having no cause to argue after what they had just experienced.
     'We are past the worse of it I think,' Harry suggested a little later, before asking his friend to stop the car at the first opportunity. 'Maybe it was partly my fault that I confused you Tony. We did agree to trust Miss Madam and I think she was right.'
     'All is well now, but that predicament sure shook me,' he sighed deeply. 'I never want to go through that again. I guess we were lucky to escape the way we did. Sorry Harry, but I had no choice. It seemed the only thing to do,' he offered, regretting the predicament deeply. 
     'It's over. We'll have to try and put the matter behind us. I only hope the gearbox is still intact though. Perhaps you can stop where we can grab a serious cup of coffee,' Harry suggested, wiping his sweaty palms on his trousers. 'I'm in need of one - or even something much stronger after that. Phew! That was a nasty moment seeing those oncoming cars. One not to be repeated. Good God, hope the French drivers saw our English plates so we can be forgiven. They didn't even slow down - just kept coming at such a frightening pace...'

Harry climbed into the driver's seat, feeling somewhat relieved he was at last in charge of his own destiny. Whether his heart problems were over with, he didn't care at this moment, but if anything would give him a heart attack, that experience would. Tony's driving, as far as he was concerned, was not up to expectations when it came to staying alive. He heaved a huge sigh of relief to himself, before carefully pulling out onto the busy road towards Caen.
     'I wonder where the ladies are now?' Tony asked, gazing out of the window some time later. 'Do you think we'll ever see them again Harry?'
     'Hmm... it's difficult to know. Didn't they mention they were returning home soon?'
     Tony glanced at the sat/nav before answering. 'She's gone quiet. I get suspicious at these times. Yes, I think you're right. It would be funny if they were on the same boat as us.'
     'Unless they were driving on to leave from Cherbourg. Anything said about that?'
     'Not that I know of,' replied Tony. 'I think I'm quite fond of Kathleen. She's a classy lady and not like a school teacher at all.'
     Harry was momentarily taken aback. 'What are teachers supposed to look like?'
     His friend coloured slightly, fidgeting with the map. 'Alright then, perhaps I'm being old-fashioned, but in the past they were sometimes considered as err...'
     'Go on...what?'
     Tony hesitated again, preferring not to commit himself, changing the subject rapidly.
     'I think you have to turn soon,' he suggested.
     Harry scowled, knowing Tony had wriggled out this time, but he was determined not to let his friend entirely off the hook. He was determined to tackle him later. 'Not yet,' he said. 'About five more kilometers.'
     Miss Madam was in agreement. Soon she gave further orders. 'At the next intersection, take the second exit.'
     'That means straight ahead, judging by that indication,' Tony sneered, looking at the sat/nav picture. But Harry wasn't so sure. He drove on and took the first exit, before realizing his mistake.
     'Damn and blast! Wrong exit. Now what?'
     A voice, far from sounding conciliatory, remarked. 'Recalculating... after 100 yards, turn left.'
     'I'll give her recalculating', grumbled Harry, but drove on regardless, his hands gripping the wheel more tightly, his expression meaningful. 
     Tony sat back in his seat saying nothing, but felt slightly smug. 

The day wore on as the weather brightened, autumn leaves littering the road, scattering to and fro, skittish when cars drove over them. Nearby parks were adorned in autumn's mantle. Rooftops were sprinkled with coloured leaves, the gutters full as they entered the outskirts of Caen.
     'Now to find our hotel,' Harry said with a sigh. 'It's not in the center it seems, but near the port of Ouistreham. Look Tony?  See that stretch of land near the water?' he said, indicating to his left.  'That's where we need to be.' He quickly glanced at the sat/nav from time to time, noting the direction to which he was driving.
     Miss Madam suddenly announced. 'In 200 yards, turn right.'
     Tony frowned instantly, his head snapping around to check the sat/nav. 'Right? Surely not! That would take us into the sea.' He poured scorn upon the decision, but Harry drove on regardless.
     Soon it became obvious Miss Madam had been right all along. A small road took them across a narrow bridge, crossing a wide inlet.
     'I told you so!' she mocked.
     'Alright, alright,' Harry sneered. 'Right again Miss Fancy Pants! But why didn't we head straight for the hotel? We appear to have gone round in a circle,' he retorted with annoyance.
     Silence.

       He could almost hear a sigh of satisfaction coming from the dashboard and shook his head in dismay.
    
After finding their hotel with considerable ease, they stopped at the entrance to view a noticeboard. It stated there was a restaurant attached to the hotel possessing Michelin stars.
     'We could give that a try,' suggested Tony hopefully. 'Looks rather err... refined. What do you think Harry?'
     'Absolutely old man, but first I need a rest, followed by a cold beer before supper. A Kilkenny would go down well. It's been a trying day at times.'
     When they checked in, it was suggested they book a table for the evening meal, as the restaurant was popular with returning guests, many of the locals also.
     They sat drinking large cold beers, in huge white leather chairs near the reception desk, sighing with relief their long journey through France, Italy, Switzerland and back through France was nearly at an end.
     'Home tomorrow and dear old England again,' sighed Harry with a grin. 'Driving on the left side of the road, our own beds, old country pubs to visit - kings, castles and cathedrals. England, our England.'
     His friend laughed. 'You are beginning to wax lyrical old man. Not kings I feel. Queen maybe.
     Harry chuckled. 'She'll do nicely. Lyrical or not, it'll be good to be home again. It's been a fantastic journey - though not always as expected...' He coughed slightly behind a hand, then beamed at the person sitting opposite him.
     'We've certainly had our fair share of problems,' Tony suggested, taking a long draught of his beer, watching the condensation run down the glass. 'But we are still alive after all that.'
     'Only just...' Harry noted. 'It's a miracle we are here at all to reflect on what we've been through. Yes, not all plain sailing, but...' He became serious for a moment. 'Honestly Tony, we really have been in some tight scrapes. Thank goodness we will return to tell the tales.
     'To our golf-playing chums? I doubt they'll be interested in the nitty-gritty - finding dead bodies, falling down cliff tops, saving a child from drowning - that sort of thing. Who'd be interested? If it's our round of drinks...'
     Harry reflected for a moment. 'Yeah, I know what you mean old chum.' For a moment he was lost in the depths of his memory. He drained his glass and rose to head for the dining room, Tony not far behind him.
     The aptly named La Mare O Poissons restaurant was filling up steadily. The tables looked impressive and well laid out.
     'This looks promising,' Tony whispered quietly as they entered. 'For a Michelin star restaurant, I'm expecting great things.' He pulled his chair out and sat down after they were ushered to their table. 
     The entrees were superb. Harry said he wasn't a big fan of foie gras, but when he tried his Le foie gras de canard - chutney de fruits secs, tuile aux pavots, crouton a l'huile de noisette, he was more than impressed. It was beautifully presented, as was what Tony ordered - Les langoustines, cuite dans sa coquille, gaspacho de tomate au basilic, nems de legumes. Each mouthful was savoured appreciably.
     'It's the last proper French meal we'll have this side of the Channel. So why not?' Harry commented, trying to justify indulging in another top class meal. 'Besides, I might die tomorrow and then I'd be annoyed I hadn't eaten here.' He chuckled again at what he'd said, with a slight cynicism in his tone Tony neglected to notice. 
     'At least wait until we cross the Channel old boy. It would be most inconvenient for you to croak it now.'
     Harry couldn't help but laugh, although his brows knitted together as he thought about it. 'Alright. If you say so.'
     'I do and you must. Is that clear?' Tony had a wicked gleam in his eye.
     Harry shook his head slowly and grinned. 'You can be an old bugger at times, if you'll excuse the term, but it's been a marvelous trip. Honest it has.'
     'Yes, I agree. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.'
     The waiter cleared their dishes before Tony began requesting how he wanted his steak cooked. The waiter stood tall and serious, straightening his back, then simply waggled a finger at Tony, shaking his head slowly, informing him that the chef does it his way.
     Tony looked a little sheepish after the young man had disappeared into the kitchen. 'I guess if you are that good a chef, you prefer not to be told. Ah well... for once I stand corrected. Should have known better I guess.'
     Harry pulled one of his faces, shrugging. 'It seems we are never too old to learn new lessons.' 
     There was a low mutter opposite.
     The remainder of their meal was beautifully presented, every delicious morsel on their plates enjoyed.
     They had chosen excellent wines, both agreeing it was one of the best meals they'd ever eaten, still savouring the moment.
     'Oh my goodness that was spectacular!' Tony sighed, sitting back in his chair, dabbing his mouth with the crisp white napkin. 'The waiter was quite correct, the steak was cooked to perfection.' Then he grimaced. 'Wonder what tomorrow night's supper will be? At this moment I don't really care - after that.'
     'You are always thinking about the next meal, but me neither. We'll be back in England by then.'
     They discussed the intricacies of fine dining, then began reminiscing about the last few weeks, particularly about the two ladies they'd fortunately met.
     Harry looked across at the other tables, then at the ceiling. 'I wonder where they are now?'
     'They never did commit themselves in any way...' Tony was thoughtful, almost morose. 'But I'd sure like to see Kathleen again.'
     'We didn't either, for that matter,' Harry replied. 'We all got on so well too.'
     'Didn't what?' Tony's mind was elsewhere.
     Harry frowned while finishing the last of his wine, replacing the glass firmly on the table. 'Are you in love or something?' he enquired, looking serious. 'You haven't been listening to me again, have you? 'We didn't commit ourselves either, if you remember...'
     'Perhaps we should have.,' Tony said gently, without waiting for Harry to finish.
     'No... I think it's best. We all remain free this way. If we ever see them again...'
     His friend interrupted. 'Well I hope we do. They were such fun and we did appear very well suited.
     Harry sighed. 'Maybe so, but it's great to maintain our freedom too,' he emphasized. 'The best of both worlds, you might say. Anyway, they might be on their way home by now.' He glanced quickly across the table.
     'Do you think that's possible?' Tony looked a little downcast, which Harry noticed instantly.
     'Ah ha! Looks like love is in the air. You really are such a romantic Tony,' he teased.
     Harry continued gently teasing his best friend, until it was time to return to their  respective rooms. The ferry was leaving early the next day and they needed to be up and ready, on the pier in good time.
     'Goodnight Tony. I think we'll really enjoy the passage home tomorrow.' Harry bit his bottom lip, trying not to smile outwardly, glancing again at the man beside him, who looked somewhat puzzled.
     'Why do you say that?' he enquired, still  obviously puzzled.
     The door to Harry's room closed quietly behind him. Tony shrugged and entered his own room, sleepy, but thoughtful.
    
    
    









   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
      

A meal to remember? - Chapter 17

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?'

    
    
    

    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    

Finding Rouen and some friends - Chapter 16

Their advance across France continued smoothly, considering Tony was almost the world's worst driver, much to Harry's dismay and nerve-racking anguish. There was no sense of rush, but knowing it was wise to enter a new city before the day grew late, they didn't pause too often beforehand, but rather pushed on towards Rouen. Several times Harry found himself gripping the door handle of the car in the passenger seat. Although he now felt entirely well as far as his heart was concerned, he also realized it was for the best that Tony drive them the remainder of the journey home. Then he would have a complete check-up with his health to be thoroughly sure it was safe to drive again and pursue his everyday tasks. He sighed, gazing outwards at the scenery passing at an alarming rate, as they drew nearer to the historic city of Rouen.
     'I wonder if we'll bump into the ladies after we arrive,' he said, somewhat thoughtfully.
     'What ladies?' asked Tony, a little too occupied with keeping to the right side of the road, he was concentrating so hard. He felt a huge sense of responsibility driving Harry's car.
     'The ones we met at Monet's house, silly. You know, Kathleen and Maudy.'
     'Oh...yes, I remember.'
     Harry looked across at Tony and frowned, wondering if he'd lost his memory or was suffering from some malady more sinister. 'It wasn't as if it was a month or so ago, Tony, but today!'
     'Yes yes! Of course I remember. I was concentrating on my driving and what that chap  behind us is doing so close on my tail, that's all.'
     Harry glanced into the side mirror. 'Hmm... he is rather close. I wish he'd drop back, or at least pass us. Oh dear! Now he's flashing his lights at us. What on earth for, I wonder? Perhaps you'd better slow down, or pull over.'
     Tony eyed the rear vision mirror again. 'I think you're right. I'm going to stop in a moment. He seems rather insistent.'
     He slowed the car and pulled the Mercedes into a layby on the side of the road. 'He's pulled in behind me,' Tony added. 'I hope there isn't a problem with our car?'
     Harry shrugged briefly. 'We're about to find out I think.'
     A large blue French car came to a halt behind them and a young-looking man strided towards them. Harry and Tony opened their doors and went to meet him.
     'Is anything wrong?' asked Tony, approaching the man hesitantly, his expression contorted with concern.
     'Not wrong exactly,' replied the young man, pleasantly. He appeared to speak good English, but with a heavy French accent. 'I wanted to give you this.' He held out something small and black in one hand as he approached Tony. 'I was standing next to you at Monet's place when you paid for something from your wallet. You left it on the counter and I only realized it was yours as you were leaving. So I had to catch up as quickly as possible in order to return it.'
     The young man smiled briefly handing over Tony's wallet, still looking as if it was stuffed with Euros he'd extracted from a cash machine in the last town they'd visited.
     'That is really kind of you,' said Tony, his cheeks becoming warm and flushed with the realization of how he would have managed without it. His expression softened. 'Thank you. Much appreciated indeed! But I must reward you for your efforts.' He began delving into his wallet to search for a suitable note or two to offer.
     'Oh no, please don't!' the young man urged. 'I'm only too happy to help.' His face clouded over and he grimaced slightly before backing away. Tony could only thank him again and stepped forward to grasp the man's hand to shake.
     'It was very good of you to go out of your way to return my wallet.' He smiled with gratitude at the man before he began walking back to his car. He felt he needed to do more - a lot more, being eternally thankful his wallet was now back in his pocket. He kept tapping the area, feeling if it was still there and shook his head slowly, climbing into the driver's seat.
     'What a relief! Fancy losing my wallet with all those euros in it and not even realizing where and when I'd left it! Phew! Glad it wasn't when we'd reached the hotel in Rouen,' he said, much relieved. 'That would have been very inconvenient and extremely annoying.'
     'Good grief Tony! You'll have to be more careful in the future.' Harry buckled up his seat belt. 'You were very fortunate to have it returned this time and in such a way as we just experienced. That young man certainly went out of his way to return it and I for one, think that's admirable. Not many people, young or old, would do what that chap did today.'

    'I absolutely agree, old thing. I'll say it again. What a relief!' He pulled out of the parking place before steering the car carefully through a roundabout, always trying to remember to keep to the right and drive anti-clockwise. There had been a few mishaps he'd almost gone in the wrong direction, remembering in the nick of time. He settled back into the driver's seat, arms outstretched, peering through the front window, as rain began to fall.
     'You know, that wallet has been with me for a very long time and made of such a soft leather. It would be difficult to replace, being of sentimental value also. My kids gave it to me for my 60th birthday, needing to dig deep at the time. Both were strapped for cash as I remember.'
     Harry reflected on what Tony said and commented. 'You don't talk about them very much. Is everything alright between you all?'
     'I guess so,' replied his friend nonchalantly. 'Things can go pear-shaped sometimes though. It's all very well when they need something from me, but at other times, keep their distance.' His face took on a wistfulness Harry didn't see often. 'I wish our relationship was a lot better,' Tony continued, his mood reflecting on the past for several moments. 'But you can't force the issue, just need to be there for them and hope things improve as time goes by. I think as they grow older, they become more and more independent of you...but hopefully more thoughtful too...'
     'Think I know what you mean, old friend. but don't despair, I'm always around. At least for the time being anyway,' Harry concluded, with a slight cynical laugh. 'Hey ho, we have to accept things as they stand I suppose - then get on with our own lives.'
     Tony kept up to speed on the main road, glancing briefly to look at Harry. 'I do appreciate having you as my best friend Harry - really I do. My life would be rather boring if it wasn't for you. Oh how time is running out fast!'
     'That's nice to know,' replied Harry with a smile, before becoming more serious. 'But don't be like that. We have to make the most of the time we have left. Going back to the wallet situation for a moment. You know what we always say before we leave a hotel or other places... "spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch!" 'Now, don't forget, okay? Keep reminding yourself.' Then he frowned deeply. 'Crumbs! I'd hate to leave anything crucial behind, I really would!'
     Tony chuckled. 'And those things are crucial. You are quite right!'
     His friend sitting opposite, breathed deeply, then squinted through the front windscreen. 'Cobblers! The rain is getting heavier. Hope it eases before we hit Rouen. Don't fancy you negotiating all those narrow medieval streets in this weather!'
     Tony agreed with a brief grunt, coming from somewhere deep within his chest. 'Me too. When we checked the street map this morning, I noticed there were many one-way streets.'
     'Oh dear, yes, that will make things even more difficult.' Then Harry suddenly changed the subject. 'I wonder if we will meet up with the ladies while there. Kathleen and Maudy, I mean.'
     'Well, you wouldn't mean any others, would you?' laughed Tony.
     'I suppose not,' suggested Harry, looking slightly mournful at the thought. 'But they were fun don't you think? Added some spice to the evening - and there's nothing like a little female company - err - some of the time. As long as the ladies don't keep chattering like birds. I'd find that very tedious.'
     Tony screwed up his face. 'I would too.' Then he suddenly changed his tone, head snapping around quickly. 'Ah! Was that a sign to Rouen I just spotted?'
     'It was,' Harry agreed. 'Now, we must concentrate. Perhaps we should ask Miss Madam for some help. What do you think Tony? Should we trust her?'
     'Mmm...well alright. Perhaps it might be a good idea. I'll stop soon in order to programme her.
     'No need, I can do it while you drive,' replied Harry, beginning to fiddle with the knobs.
     He sat forward in his seat muttering aloud to himself. 'Err...what's the address of the hotel? We need to go up there, then down there and around the corner... not far from the cathedral,' he continued, while studying the map. He then looked at all their paperwork in a file for the hotel address, thumbing through it. 'Could be awkward!' he mumbled. He played with the knobs a little longer, then leant back.
     'Right then!' he eventually announced. 'That seems to have done it. Let's hope she's got the message.'
     'I have!' came the stern voice from the dashboard. 'Calculating...please follow the highlighted route for 3 miles.'
     Harry gave Tony a brief flick of his hand on the nearest leg, cocking his head to one side, eyebrows lifting. 'Aye aye! Let's see what happens this time,' he whispered.
     Tony rolled his eyes giving a brief chuckle in answer.
     Soon, as they approached Rouen, another command was given by Miss Madam. 'Turn right at the next intersection and proceed for 300 yards, then take the second street on the left.
     'Crumbs! I hope she knows what she's doing.' Tony squinted, peering through the front windscreen, the rain becoming heavier. 'Just what we didn't need,' he moaned.
     Miss Madam soon confirmed the fact. 'I do! and the rain won't help either!'
     Tony frowned again. 'Thank you for that. Very helpful I don't think!'
     Harry continually glanced at the sat/nav picture, while looking left and right at each intersection for any street signs. The road was narrowing down as Tony slowed in order to turn where instructed to do so. He switched the wipers on faster in order to see through the oncoming squall.
     'Take the second street on the left now!'
     'Damn and blast!' Tony grumbled. I've missed it!'
     'Calculating...take the first street on the left.  Proceed for 100 yards, then turn left.'
     Harry suddenly realized the problem. 'But that's one-way. Now what? Does she realize that?'
     'Calculating...continue for 200 yards, then turn right.'
     'What?' Tony was becoming flustered. 'What on earth does she mean?'
     'Trust me,' came the dictatorial voice.
     'If you say so dear,' retorted Harry, before the next command came from Miss Madam.
     'I do! Take the second street on the left and turn immediately right.'
     'Oh...' Tony complained. 'It's very narrow here. This can't be right!' He slowed to a crawl, glancing over to the highest part of the cathedral coming into view, much to the annoyance of other drivers behind.
     'You have reached your destination!' announced Miss Madam with a condescending tone to her voice.
     Harry cheered up and pointed down the narrow road to the end. 'Look! That's the cathedral and there is the hotel entrance. It's very close, so the hotel carpark must be around the corner. Let's hope so.'
     Suddenly as they turned, the carpark entrance was facing them. Tony steered towards the barrier. 'Perhaps we need to check in first...' he wondered, hesitantly. Then the barrier suddenly lifted and he eased the Mercedes down into the underground carpark, being careful not to scrape the sides on the walls. He slowed the car, negotiating into the last available park.
     'It's very narrow in here,' Harry uttered, before they noticed a sign on the wall for smaller cars to continue to the right - larger cars could park to the left. Both men heaved a sigh of relief as Tony drew the car to a standstill.
     'Phew! We're here! Let's go and check in before we unload our bags.' Then I'm ready for a cold beer. Harry agreed without difficulty.

Later that evening after a stroll around the cathedral and main streets to get their bearings, they managed to find a pleasant-looking restaurant specializing in French cuisine.
     'This will do nicely, don't you think Harry?'
     'Definitely! Don't fancy wandering any further to find another, specially after the driving today. It was a little stressful, particularly entering Rouen. Hope we can find a way out in a couple of days.'

     'We will - or I should say, you will - with my map-reading skills!' Harry thought for a moment. 'You did well considering.'
     'Considering what?' asked Tony looking puzzled.
     'It wasn't exactly easy finding our hotel, was it? Miss Madam sort of helped, but I have my doubts about her, really I do.' Harry shook his head slowly and continued. 'It's all these narrow medieval streets. The horses didn't need as much room in those days to negotiate I guess. But imagine what it will be like here in another 50 or 100 year's time? Or anywhere for that matter. Don't think I want to be around then to find out either. Some cities are already very overcrowded.' Harry headed for a table for two, not waiting to be seated by the restaurant staff.
     Tony followed, pulling his chair out to sit opposite his friend. 'We are very close to the cathedral. You could throw a stone from the front of the hotel and it would land in the grounds of the cathedral down the lane,' he chuckled.
     'Now don't go doing that, will you old boy?' Harry actually became quite serious.
     'Good grief Harry, of course I wouldn't! But it would be fun to try, laughed Tony, picking up the menu while remembering throwing flat stones across a lake when young. His friend frowned into his and muttered something Tony didn't catch.
     'I say! How is your book coming along Harry? You haven't mentioned it lately.'
     'It isn't!' muttered the voice opposite.
     'Oh well, c'est la vie!'
     Harry rested his menu on the table for a moment. 'Your French is improving Tony.'
     'Is it?' asked Tony, taking the remark on the chin momentarily. 'Oh! You were being a little sarcastic me thinks.'
     'Sorry old boy. Not really. I wouldn't want to rub you up the wrong way. Honest.' Harry quickly changed the subject. 'What will you have this evening? The menu looks very tempting I must say. Phew! It's good to be here at last! Not long and we'll be home.'
     'Coq au vin for me and the soupe du jour to start with. Yes, and you can drive your own car again. Perhaps you'd prefer to drive once we are back in dear old England again? I'm sure you are free from those silly heart problems for now!'
     'That sounds good, but I feel like some beef,' Harry half muttered as he continued peering into the menu. 'Right then! But what about a good wine ?' he asked, thinking Tony may prefer a red with his chicken. He looked around for the waiter before considering what Tony had just suggested. 'Could I? That's very good of you old friend. I'll take you up on that. Indeed I will!' Harry beamed, apparently delighted at the thought.
     Within minutes the table next to them became occupied and Tony smiled then flushed as Kathleen and Maudy sat down.
     'How nice to see you ladies again! What a small world. Of all the restaurants in all the towns, you have to walk into ours!' he said, borrowing similar words from a Humphrey Bogart movie, before chuckling at his own wit.
     'Hello you two,' said Kathleen. 'I hope you don't mind us sitting here. The other tables for four are filling up quickly.'
     'Not at all!' grinned Harry, clearly delighted. 'With so many people arriving, perhaps the food is pretty good here. Some of them look to be locals too. You know what they say. "Where the locals eat is probably worth investigating." We found that applied in Paris, didn't we Tony?'
     His friend shuffled his chair a little closer to the ladies. 'Absolutely! It works every time. How was your journey today?' he asked the ladies, changing the subject.
     'Alright until we hit Rouen,' Maudy replied. 'The medieval streets can be difficult to negotiate, particularly if one way. We managed to park for a while in order to walk to where we thought the hotel might be located.'
     Harry nodded in agreement. 'We understand what you mean. Luckily our sat/nav helped, this time. Though not always.'
     The ladies ordered their meal and settled back to enjoy a conversation with the two men from time to time. 'Did you enjoy visiting Monet's house and garden?' enquired Kathleen.
     Harry spoke first and admitted on behalf of Tony, who wasn't all that interested in Impressionist art at first.
     'That's right,' Tony intervened. 'Until I saw a special Impressionism exhibition in Martigny, Switzerland.  That changed everything. I quickly became a fan. It was a natural progression to visit Giverny and see Monet's house and garden, which was a great opportunity while we were in the area. Did you notice how cottagey the house was, the walls simply covered in his art? Very enjoyable I must admit.'
     'We relished every moment,' said Maudy. 'Thank goodness the weather was decent. It made a great difference walking around the lake in the warm sunshine. We even spotted a few waterlilies!'
     Tony, in his usual charming way, ordered a special bottle of wine to share with the ladies. They all lifted their glasses to a "chin chin" and drank heartily, before the conversation became more interesting. He couldn't help noticing the delightful curve of Kathleen's nose and attractive mouth when she talked and laughed. He smoothed his jacket briefly, adjusting the collar of his shirt, feeling the warmth of the restaurant. The meal was as good as they expected and all four were relaxed in each other's company.
     Harry and Maudy seemed engrossed in a private conversation for a while and Tony managed to keep Kathleen occupied, filling her wine glass for the third time.
     'Will you stay in Rouen for a while?' he enquired, lifting his eyebrows slightly.
     Kathleen replaced her glass on the table before answering. 'Yes,' she answered smiling at him. 'We plan to be here for three nights. The history of Rouen is vast and there is much to absorb. We might even be able to gather more information to teach the kids, allowing for the fact that it has to be included in the syllabus.
     'Oh, that must be awkward at times,' Tony remarked, noticing even more pleasant features about this lady.
     'Not really, as long as we stick to the guidelines. But it's the feeling you take back, the ambience.'
     Kathleen explained what she and Maudy had gleaned from their trip, while Tony listened with genuine interest.
     'Hmm... I know what you mean. There's plenty of history around here, specially as Rouen is the capital of the French region of Upper Normandy.  The Normans have a lot to answer to,' Tony said, taking another long sip of his wine, before pondering on what he had just said. He gazed over at Kathleen, then  grinned. 'Harry has been informing me about a lot of things. He has a particular interest in medieval history. I'm afraid a lot of it has rubbed off and I'm looking forward to exploring Rouen tomorrow, particularly the cathedral. Apart from driving, the narrow streets will seem rather appealing.'
     He and Kathleen continued with their own conversation for a while, engrossed in each other's company.
     The night grew late, the meal at an end and all four finally rose to return to their hotels, both men feeling rather mellow.
     'It has been a successful evening,' Tony remarked, as they walked under the 14th century astronomical clock, known as Gros Horloge.
     'It has,' agreed Harry, glancing up at the clock. 'Indeed it has,' he smiled to himself.