Table for Two?

Early in 1997, my younger daughter and I travelled around the UK looking at Universities that she might consider for the next year. On our way home, we were passing near to Salisbury and as she had never visited Stonehenge, she asked if we might make a detour. I remember it was a cold, frosty day and somehow because of this, the stones stood sharply to attention against the eerily bleak landscape. There were not too many tourists by the time we arrived, so we were able to take in their magnificence without too much distraction.

As it was getting late and the roads were becoming icy, we decided to stay overnight in Salisbury and managed to find a room near to the Cathedral, quite a bonus. When we checked into the hotel, we were asked if we wanted to dine in the hotel as they were rather busy that evening. We had a table booked for 7:30 pm and having an hour or so to spare, decided to look around the Cathedral. By chance, it was Evensong and the cloisters rang out to the sound of the choir's uplifting voices as we approached. We were spell-bound.


Back at the hotel, we went down for dinner and as we approached the dining room we saw that the lights were dimmed, everything looked very pink, and there was soft music playing. About twenty sets of eyes swivelled round to stare at us in the candlelight. The room was full of lovey, dovey couples. As we had been travelling around, we had completely lost track of the date: it was Valentine's Day! We made a hasty retreat and, convulsed with laughter, had room service bring up our supper. Remembering how we were very nearly the 'Odd Couple' still brings a smile to our faces.


This story has been brought to you via Sian's Storytelling Sunday. If you love a good story, may I suggest you head on over here for some jolly good reads.


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