As Tony Hill checked with the desk about their booking, he asked about the journalism team. “They are writing a historical feature on Morpeth and of course this hotel would be included. They are staying the night so that the hotel can gain some promotion. The Chamber of Commerce wants to attract more visitors to the town. They may well take photos in the dining room this evening. That won’t be problem for you, will it sir?” the desk clerk said.
“No, fine,” said Tony Hill.
Just then he heard a voice say, “There they are!” and he turned to see the Waltons walking across to greet them. The two men shook hands and the two ladies gave each other a hug. Andy and Alice stood to one side and watched the reunion with interest. It had obviously been many years since they had met and the enthusiasm of them meeting again showed that there had once been a good friendship. Andy wondered what had caused the break in the friendship — possibly the war and then the need to re-establish themselves after it.
“We’d better head into the dining room,” said Tony Hill and they all followed him in that direction. The head waiter showed them to their table and helped them to get seated. He waved a waitress across to look after them and get the menus. At a nearby table, the journalist and photographer watched with interest.
“I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you,” said John Walton. There was a chorus of agreement, except for the young couple who looked on, slightly bemused by it all.
“We’d better have a bottle of champagne to start with, then,” replied Tony Hill.
“It’s a multiple celebration really,” said Margaret. “We two couples meeting for the first time since 1940, Andy back home again from overseas and he and Alice going out together. I think it’s exciting.”
“I agree,” said Judith, “and we have to thank the Romans for this,” not wanting to be left out of the celebratory comments. The two older couples chatted almost noisily and when the champagne was poured there was the clinking of glasses and toasting to the triple celebration. At the nearby table, the journalist decided they had a story for the social column of the Tuesday paper, as well as added material for their feature and had a discussion with the photographer. He nodded agreement. They had already planned to take photographs when there were more patrons enjoying their meal in the dining room but they would seek to get a special one of this group. The group quietened down as they selected their dishes from the menu and Andy and Alice had a chance to join in the conversation. It was clear that their parents were very happy about their blossoming romance. As the waitress came out of the kitchen with the entrees, the photographer had her pause while he took a photograph. This he did for other courses coming out of the kitchen. He had already taken photographs of the kitchen and dining room before dinner. After the main course was served to the Hills and Waltons, the journalist and photographer approached them and asked permission to take a photograph. He explained that they had overheard some of the conversation and could they use their names and a photograph for the feature.
“What do you think, Tony?” asked John. “You’re the solicitor. I’m only the accountant!”
“Well, it couldn’t do our practices any harm — perhaps draw clients.” With that agreement, the two men gave their names and the names of their practices, thinking of the free advertising. The journalist duly noted the names of all six at the table. The evening passed pleasantly and, by the cheese and biscuits stage, Andy and Alice had learned a lot more about their parents in their younger days, as well as having to put up with stories being told about themselves as children.
The dining room was nearly empty and the staff were clearing tables, obviously wanting to close and prepare for the morrow. Tony Hill suggested that they repair to the lounge to finish their evening. After a word with the head waiter they moved into the lounge. Andy asked his father how long they would likely be and the two men suggested 10.00 p.m. they would leave.
“If it’s okay, Alice and I will go for a walk and be back before then,” Andy said.
“Just be careful,” Judith said. Andy smiled encouragingly as he and Alice left for the walk. Once outside, Alice drew her wrap closer against the cool evening air and they walked towards the old clock tower before turning down towards the river and parkland. Bridge Street was noisy with revellers but they were left behind as the couple walked toward the river. Andy put his arm around Alice’s waist and she did the same with Andy. As they neared the bank of the river they saw ducks roosting, seemingly used to human passers-by. Halfway across the bridge over the river they paused to watch the moonlight glinting off the movement of the water. Downstream, they could hear the water tumbling over the weir. Alice sighed contentedly and turned to face Andy. By now he knew what that meant and he bent down and kissed her. She put her arms around his neck and held his lips to hers. The kiss lasted a long time.
“We’d better move,” said Andy and
