Tripping On Love

by Carrie Stone

  'Right, I think we had better set off, Lizzie' Edward said looking at the clock.

  'I'm ready to go.' I was happy to get away from Mel and Hugo. I couldn’t wait to have Edward to myself. I picked up my bag and walked towards the door.

  Edward said his goodbyes and followed me out of the house. His convertible roof was down and the sunshine had warmed the cream leather interior of the car. He unlocked the door and I slid into the passenger seat.

  'So where are we going?' I couldn’t think of anything better that spending the next few hours together in a quaint country pub beer garden, or a waterside restaurant, sipping on chilled wine.

  Edward started the engine and checked his mirrors, reversing off the driveway.

  'Well, firstly we need to stop off at Richardson's Delicatessen and pick up the hamper.'

  My ears pricked up. Hamper? What did we need a hamper for? The last hamper I’d seen was three winters previous after purchasing a book of unwanted raffle tickets. I would have preferred to donate the money than been entered into the draw but the charity worker had insisted.

  Nonetheless, I'd been excited when I received the call announcing I’d won first prize; a hamper was on its way to me. Deciding that I would give the caviar to Mel, the foie gras for myself and put the vouchers towards gifts, it was a great disappointment when it finally arrived. No such luxuries had been present; simply a tin of spam, various homemade jams and a jar of gherkins. I had seen more appeal in dog food. Despite my dashed expectations, it had solved the problem of what to give Will's mother for a Christmas gift. The old bat had probably never tasted spam so good.

  'Is the hamper for us?' I asked confused.

  Edward laughed. 'Of course it's for us. I’m taking you for a picnic.'

  A picnic? That was in no way comparable to the champagne lunch for two overlooking the Thames, that I had secretly hoped for. My heart sank.

  'Great' I said over enthusiastically, as I turned to look out of the window trying to hide my disappointment.

  Did he honestly think that I would enjoy being taken to a field, sitting on a thin blanket and eating cheese sandwiches? Looking down at my white jeans, I squashed a feeling of resentment. Neither mud nor grass would be an ideal outfit companion. Not to mention my dislike for anything crawlie.

  'I used to go to a particular place when I was younger and I thought it would be nice to share it with you' Edward said fondly, reaching across to stroke my fingers, oblivious to my dashed hopes.

  We approached Richardson's and Edward pulled up the car on double yellow lines directly outside.

  'You had better hurry up if you're parking here, you'll be ticketed within minutes' I said anxiously. Edward hopped out of the car.

  'Won't be a moment' he chucked the keys towards me as he rushed into the Deli 'If you see a traffic warden, move the car for me.'

  I looked down at the heavy set of keys in my hands. The car was worth at least double my annual salary. I was wearing pumps that would barely enable me to reach the foot pedals and my sunglasses were purely for fashion purposes, offering zero resistance to UV rays despite the dark lenses. There was no chance I was going to even attempt sitting in the driver's seat, let alone physically drive the car. I'd end up driving straight into a shop window.

  Not minutes later, Edward came out of the entrance carrying a small blue box and a heavy duty carrier bag.

  'Press the boot button for me Lizzie' he called out walking around to the back of the car.

  Studying the polished walnut dashboard with its many interesting buttons, I wondered which one related to the boot. A small button with a white symbol reminiscent of a circle caught my attention. I pressed it gently; hoping to hear an unlocking click.

  Immediately, sirens began sounding loudly around me as an American voice repeatedly boomed from the car speakers.

  'Step away from the vehicle; this is a warning. Step away from the vehicle; this is a warning.'

  Automatically my hands flew up to my ears, trying to drown out the piercing noise. Urgent tugging at the keys in my hands ensued, as Edward reached across for them. The pitch of the sirens was rising and passers-by were beginning to slow and watch the spectacle.

  'Step away from the vehicle; this is a....’

  The sirens suddenly stopped. Tranquillity resumed, I removed my hands from my ears sheepishly, looking at Edward in embarrassment.

  Straight faced he leaned across me, pressing a large button with a car rear symbol clearly displayed. I heard the boot click open behind me.

  'I think you meant to have pressed this one, not the warning alarm' he said smirking at me.

  Clearly he thought I was an idiot. Undoubtedly mentally likening me to 'all women drivers' that have no clue of road awareness or vehicle control. I wasn't going to confirm his assumption.

  'Actually, I only pressed it because of the shifty looking man across the road' I lied, narrowing my eyes suspiciously, in the direction of an elderly man dressed in dark clothing sitting nearby.

  Edward followed my gaze just as the elderly man reached behind himself and grabbed a walking stick. We watched together intently as the man struggled on wobbly footing to stand and steady himself.

  Shit. Why did I have to choose the only person nearby that was an invalid? Edward looked back towards me and laughed.

  'Yes I can see why you might have thought he was dangerous' and began loading the boot with the box and bags.

  Ignoring him, I waited in silence until we set off again. My jeans were already starting to feel uncomfortable and we hadn’t even arrived at the picnic ground yet. I stared out of the window hoping by the time we got to our destination, wherever it was, it would be threatening rain and we'd be forced to retreat to a country pub instead.

  No such luck. Not thirty minutes later we arrived at a local forest area swamped in brilliant sunshine.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  'Here we are.' Edward said excitedly turning off the car engine and rubbing his hands together.

  I wasn’t sharing his enthusiasm. He'd brought me to a place that was known for its open field area. A place where children played football and families walked their dog. Had I wanted to spend my afternoon dodging balls or being chased by Jack Russell’s, I would have ventured to my own local play area. Less than five minutes from my home.

  My eyes glanced around the car park at the other vehicles. I wasn't surprised to note that the majority were of the 4x4 variety. The owners without doubt had large mortgages and families. Their Saturdays naturally had to be spent enjoying budget, creative days at local parks.

  I, on the other hand, was single, mortgage free and expecting to be spending my weekend experiencing finer things than grass and sparrows.

  Removing my sunglasses for a clearer view, I slowly stepped out of the car and turned to Edward.

  'Are we having the picnic here then?' I asked, hoping my face didn’t portray my distaste. I didn’t want him thinking I was spoilt but I had been so looking forward to doing something romantic together. Especially after our meal at Le Garçon. Edward walked towards the boot and unloaded the box and bags.

  'Well, there's a special spot I want to take you to' he said looking at my bemused face.

  'Follow me.' He picked up the box under one strong arm and began walking left towards a dense area of larger trees.

  I looked towards the huge welcome sign and public footpath directly to the right of us. It led straight into the main field.

  'Why are we going the wrong way? There's a perfectly good footpath there waiting to be used' I said sarcastically, looking down at my pumps as they scratched against twigs and rubble underfoot. Edward spun around and took my hand in his.

  'Just follow me' he repeated. I did as I was told and followed hesitantly alongside him.

  The eerie silence in the shaded forest irked me as we walked deeper amongst the trees. I looked around hoping to see another couple strolling but instead was met with stillness and echoing sounds of twigs snapping underfoot. Edw
ard broke the silence, making me jump.

  'Nearly there. Can you see that clearing up ahead?'

  In front of us a small opening amongst the trees, gave way to bright sunshine and a limited view of green grass. I let out a happy sigh of relief.

  'Yes I can see it!' Never had I been so relieved to see grass. Thoughts of Edward and I sharing a thin blanket and a cheese sandwich took on a new appeal and appreciation. For a moment I had begun to wonder if we would be dining in a tree.

  Edward was the first to step through the clearing into the sunlight. I squinted and reached for my sunglasses as my eyes readjusted to the brightness. We were in a very large area of grassy field. Turning to where Edward was facing, I stood transfixed and gasped. Ahead of us, a huge yellow and red striped balloon was being fired up by a team of men in black outfits.

  'There's our ride' Edward said smiling widely, pointing towards the balloon.

  Edward had arranged a hot air balloon ride for us? I felt myself go giddy with the excitement and romanticism. How could I have doubted this wonderful man. Taking an air balloon ride had always been a distant dream. I couldn’t think of a more perfect day or person to share it with. It was far better than any blanket or cheese sandwich I could possibly imagine.

  'Edward, this is amazing. Beyond belief' I said excitedly, sidling up closer to him. I could feel my heart pounding in my head as Edward smiled and put his spare arm around me. Together we walked towards the magnificent site.

  'I've arranged for it to transport us to a secluded spot within the grounds of a friend’s estate. It's a truly stunning setting and I know you'll love it.’

  Suppressing an overwhelming urge to jump up and down with joy, I thought of Mel. We'd often daydreamed about having acquaintances in high places with whom to attend polo days and high tea. Now I was about to live the dream. Maybe if they were home, I could introduce myself. That's all that was needed. A simple introduction could lead to various masquerade parties and royal functions. It wouldn’t hurt to introduce myself as Lady Elizabeth Saunders, would it? It certainly had a distinct ring to it.

  'Looks like the balloon is just about ready to set off. Let me speak to the pilot and see' Edward said, interrupting my thoughts.

  I looked on, as he walked across to the group of men untying the large ropes, responsible for keeping the balloon grounded. The heater roared loudly as it fired up hot air into the balloon. It was going to be a magical experience. Edward came jogging back towards me.

  'The pilot's ready, we need to go now whilst the wind is behind us.’

  I followed Edward towards the carriage of the balloon and felt my stomach flip. I didn’t have a problem with heights but surely being ten thousand feet above ground in a wicker basket couldn’t be safe, could it? I pushed my fears aside.

  Edward unhooked the basket door and I stepped inside the surprisingly spacious box. It was wide enough to lay down. I’d heard of the mile high club, but what about the hot air club? I remembered my off-white thong and quickly put the thought from my mind. The pilot joined us and secured the door.

  'We're off' he shouted before unleashing more fire from the burner to encourage heat into the balloon.

  We gently rose from the ground and I felt the temperature of the air change around me. Edward stepped close to the edge of the basket and pulled me in front of him.

  I watched from within the safety of his embrace as the ground began to slowly appear smaller beneath us. A great peace and calm descended over us; it felt as if we were floating on air. The view of London stunning, basked beneath us in sunlight. I pushed myself back against Edward, feeling his broad chest against my shoulders.

  'You OK babe?' he asked, concerned. I smiled as I turned to look at him.

  'I'm more than OK. I'm so happy right now' I said honestly. Edward squeezed me tightly in his embrace and I wanted to stay there forever.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The balloon set down in the gardens in front of a large stone castle with turrets. Extensive rows of rose bushes and leylandii formed thick hedging and colourful bordering. The property and grounds had looked impressive from the air amongst the surrounding countryside; yet up close it was even more spectacular. An expansion of greenery playing host to a medieval building. I was expecting Robin Hood to appear from the bushes at any moment.

  We stepped out of the balloon basket, into the lush garden and I immediately felt the early afternoon sun rays burning into my skin. I couldn’t wait to explore the main house. Edward had told me that the owners weren't in residence but that wouldn’t stop me from taking a peek through any available windows.

  'That was the best experience I’ve ever had.' I turned to watch as the balloon slowly deflated before us and floated limply to the ground. Edward picked up the blue box and carrier bags.

  'Well I hope you've worked up an appetite' he said, heading towards the left side of the castle.

  Up ahead in the far distance I could just about make out an elaborate gazebo area, moderately covered with honeysuckle and wild ivy. Nearby stood a wrought iron table and chairs. Gently shaded from the sun and surrounded by beds of brightly coloured flowers, it was the perfect location to lunch. Edward was striding confidently towards it.

  Following behind him and enjoying the sunshine, I began to envision myself standing in the gazebo in an exquisite bridal dress, hair curled and an antique platinum band on my finger. It would be an idyllic location for a marriage ceremony. I had always assumed I would marry on a beach in an exotic location but now I’d seen the castle, my mind had been swayed. I didn’t know anybody that had married in a castle. Only Cinderella, but she was hardly a realistic contender. I tried Edward's surname against my Christian name.

  Mrs Elizabeth Wainwright.

  It had a certain 'je ne sais quoi' but it didn’t sound as elaborate as I hoped my married name would be. Called out over the speaker of a doctor's surgery waiting room, it wasn't a name that would make people want to crane their heads and take notice. I wanted something different. Unique. Perhaps I could consider keeping my own surname and having a double barrelled? Mrs Elizabeth Saunders Wainwright. No, that wouldn’t do. It was more suited to a headmistress of an all girls school. There was always the option of changing my surname by deed poll. Mrs Elizabeth Annabella Windsor Wainwright?

  'That sounds better' I said smiling to myself. Edward looked around at me.

  'What sounds better?' he asked questioningly.

  I startled. I hadn’t realised I’d said my thoughts aloud. A bird chirped nearby breaking the silence.

  'The birdsong' I lied. 'It sounds better here than in London. All we get in London are Sparrow or Pigeon.'

  Edward laughed. 'Very true' he said approaching the wrought iron table and dragging it up onto the gazebo.

  I watched helplessly, knowing that the wrought iron need only brush against my jeans to leave rust marks. The sweet smell of the surrounding honeysuckle was making me hungry. I watched eagerly as Edward emptied the contents of the box onto the table. A large piece of cooked black pudding was given pride of place on the table. I grimaced, concentrating on stopping myself from heaving. Richardson's was known for its vast array of blood sausage. It hadn’t occurred to me that Edward might have planned a feast based solely around this one delicacy.

  The honeysuckle was looking more appealing by the moment. Since I’d incorporated a more spiritual approach into my life I’d become more in tune with nature, gaining a deeper appreciation for all things home grown. Recently I’d even bought basil from the supermarket. It was of the dried variety but that didn't matter. At one time it had been freely growing wild. Just as the honeysuckle was now. I reached towards the carrier bag on the floor.

  'Let me help' I said, pulling out a bottle of expensive champagne. Edward had taste. Not only were we picnicking in the grounds of a castle, there wasn't a bottle of bucks fizz in site.

  Setting the champagne on the flat surface, a luxury assortment of food now adorned the table. Smoked salmon, cheeses,
olives, pates. Exotic fruits and breads had been placed down to join the black pudding.

  Edward sat down opposite me and pulled two champagne glasses from the box. I noted the lack of plastic beakers and took great delight in toasting my glass against his, hearing the clink. I was now a Lady that lunched, in the purest sense of the phrase.

  I was enraptured as we ate, listening to Edward talking about his interests, sharing funny stories and further explaining his work. It was obvious that we came from slightly different backgrounds; I didn’t have anyone called Rupert in my social circle and hadn’t known until aged twenty that château briand was in fact beef, not wine. Yet as we chatted and laughed together, I realised we shared lots of the same opinions and views on life.

  I cut myself a generous piece of Brie and picked up a small fig. I had always overlooked figs as an unattractive and medicinal fruit. Clearly, I had been buying them from the wrong store. These figs were juicy and sweet and complemented the cheese perfectly.

  Edward finished what he was saying about helicopter trips and pointed to a large ruby red rose bush at the base of the gazebo.

  'Magnificent colour roses aren’t they' he said getting up and walking towards it.

  I watched as he bent down and carefully broke the largest of the budding roses away from the tree. He turned back to me, rose in hand and called out 'for you my beautiful lady' in a funny voice.

  I laughed, walking over to him to take the rose from his hand. He seemed almost too good to be true; every gesture full of romance and feeling. No other man had ever hand-picked a rose from a tree for me. More or less every rose I’d ever received came wrapped in cellophane with a petrol station label attached to the packaging.

  As I reached out for the rose, he caught my hand and pulled me close, leaning down and, without warning, kissed me passionately. A shock of electricity jolted through my entire being as I lost myself in his kiss. There was no thought behind it, just pure ecstasy.

  Breaking gently away from me, his face was beaming and his eyes sparkling as they looked into my own. I had never felt a kiss so intense and so well matched.