Chapter 12
Still Saturday 28th April 2007, 7.05pm
Harry is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, pacing. He wants tonight to go well; it's the first time he's organised anything for just the two of them since he took her out on their first date. He fingers the small box in his pocket with nerves. They disappear instantly though when Ruth appears on the landing. She's a vision of beauty in a black satin dress with an embroidered bodice and sheer, shimmering lace sleeves. The dress flatters her shape; accentuating her every curve, and the long pendant she has paired with it draws attention to her cleavage. She smiles shyly under his scrutiny and descends the stairs. She stops in front of him and he finally manages lift his eyes to her face. Her hair is swept up in a chignon; a few tendrils falling loosely to frame her face.
"Hells bells Ruth! You look...divine."
She blushes profusely. "Thank you." She fingers his tie; pulling tight to his collar. "You look good too; very handsome."
"Well, I try." He offers her his arm. "Shall we?"
Ruth takes his arm with a smile and they leave for their evening.
They enjoy a lovely Italian meal after which they take a walk along the south bank of the river, passing the National Theatre and the BFI. As they pass the Hungerford Bridge and enter Jubilee Gardens Harry slows his pace. Ruth looks at him inquisitively. "How are you with heights?" he asks.
"Remind me again, how many conversations we've had on the roof of Thames House," she comments glancing in the direction of their workplace.
"I was thinking of something a little higher," he admits.
As she turns back to look at him, her eyes fall on the London Eye and she realises what he has planned. "The Eye?"
He nods. "You've not been on it before have you?"
"No. Even though I live in the city; I rarely take time to appreciate all it has to offer."
"Well now you can. London by night; from one of the best viewpoints there is." He tugs on her hand. "Come on."
"As they approach, she notices the darkened kiosks. "Erm Harry; not that I want to rain on your parade but I think it's closed."
"Nonsense." He strides right up to the ticket office and raps on the window. A door opens and they are greeted by one of the hosts.
"Hello Harry."
"Hello again Gerry. Gerry, this is Ruth Evershed. Ruth this is Gerry; an old acquaintance of mine." She understands now; Harry has pulled some strings; to get his friend to open the eye specifically for them. Typical Harry; not being content with a private pod; because that's available to everyone. He wanted something different; something special.
"Everything okay for our trip," Harry checks with Gerry.
"Aye; all sorted. You've got a lovely night for it. If you'd like to follow me I'll show you to your capsule."
When they enter the capsule Ruth and Harry are greeted with a carpet of rose petals. On the table are a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a box of Hotel Chocolat truffles.
"Oh Harry!" gasps Ruth as she takes in the site before her.
He wraps his arm around her and kisses her. "Happy Birthday."
Gerry clears his throat gently and Harry and Ruth pull apart, slightly embarrassed. "Technically, I'm supposed to accompany all guests on their trips but if I can trust anyone it's you, right Harry?"
"Of course Gerry."
Making a discrete exit, Gerry secures the capsule doors and returns to the controls. A few moments later the wheel begins to move and they begin their ascent. They travel up, enjoying the magnificent views along the river. As they do, they discuss the buildings; Ruth imparting some little known wisdom about their architecture or history while Harry listens intently and adds his own anecdotes about them from his years in the service. The capsule stops at the very top and affords them a panorama of the city like nowhere else. It is then that Harry leads Ruth to sit down on the seat in the middle of the capsule. He sits next to her and reaches into his pocket for the little box he's been guarding all evening. He slides it across the little gap between them. "Happy birthday Ruth," he whispers.
She gazes down at the black velvet box and her eyes widen. "Harry I can't…it's too soon."
Harry is confused. "Ruth, what do you mean it's too soon? It's j…" but he trails off as he realises what she's thinking; that she's misunderstood. He picks up the box and opens it. Ruth closes her eyes, not trusting her reactions if she lays eyes on the contents. "Ruth," he implores. "It's okay." He cups her face, brushing his finger over her cheek. She relaxes at this and allows herself to open her eyes. He shows her the open box.
"Oh," she murmurs, an embarrassed smile appearing on her face. Inside the box, nestled in the cushion, is a pair of diamond stud earrings. "Harry; they're beautiful."
"I'm glad you like them."
"They look expensive," Ruth observes.
"Never you mind about that," he instructs. "You're worth every penny."
"Thank you," she replies with a blush. She closes the gap between them and kisses him lovingly.
When they pull apart, he fixes her with a teasing gaze. "Not too soon for them after all then?"
Her blush deepens and she rises to look out of the capsule. "Did you know that the last MP ever to be imprisoned in the clock tower was Charles Bradlaugh, founder of the National Secular Society, because he refused to take the religious Parliamentary Oath?"
"Yes I did. You're not getting out of it that easily. You thought I was going to propose, yes?"
She nods, but keeps her eyes fixed on the London skyline. "It was just the romantic setting, the black box, your nerves… I just assumed… I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologise. Although I'll admit to being a little disappointed that you are so set against marrying me."
"I didn't say that!" protests Ruth, spinning round to face him.
"So you do want to marry me?"
"I…" she trails off, noticing the smirk he fails to hide. "Oh, you insufferable man!"
"I'm sorry; I just couldn't resist."
"It isn't that I have any particular objection to marrying you," she continues, turning back to look out over the city. "It's just that…"
He approaches her and wraps his arms around her from behind. "Relax Ruth; I'm perfectly aware it's too soon for us."
"Y…you are?"
"Of course; we've only been together a month after all. As much as I can see us getting married in the future; we're not ready yet."
"You see us getting married?" Ruth is surprised by his willingness to admit this.
"Of course, don't you?"
"I…I'll admit to having thought about it."
"I see lots of things for us in the future," Harry continues
"You do? Like what?" She's curious to see if his private thoughts and fantasies are the same as hers.
"Exploring the city, going on holiday…."
"The Grand Tour?"
"One day, yes. Maybe when Grace is older."
"What else?"
"Living together, getting married…having kids," he gives her time in case she needs to digest his words.
She doesn't; they match her own wishes. "I'd like that…eventually."
"And of course…lots of sex," he adds.
She giggles at that. "You do realise that it's virtually impossible to have both kids and a healthy sex life don't you?"
"We don't do too badly," he points out.
"No, I suppose we don't. It would be nice not to have to be…" she searches for the words.
"Quiet? Restrained?" Harry suggests.
"…always on guard in case she bursts in."
"Well we won't have that problem tonight."
"No, we won't," she agrees.
"If anyone busts in I shall be complaining to the hotel management."
"Hotel?"
"Yes. We're staying at The Lanesborough."
"Oh Harry!" she gushes. The Lanesborough is a Regency hotel overlooking Hyde Park and Ruth has dreamt of staying there. She plants a kiss on his lips. "You wonderful, wonderful man."
"A few moments ago, you said I was insufferable," he reminds.
"Yes well, I think you've redeemed yourself. Thank you; you've put so much effort into tonight…and it's not even a special birthday."
"It's your first one since we've been together; that makes it special."
She wraps her arms around him and kisses him. It's a kiss filled with love and commitment; as if they're sealing their future together in that moment. "I love you Harry Pearce."
"I love you too Ruth."
A/N: Probably just an epilogue to go now. Can't promise when it'll be up though - although I break up for half term on Friday so should be within the next 2 weeks.
