The next morning, Makepeace was drinking her cup of tea by her kitchen window still pondering about the surprise ahead and the change in her partner's mood yesterday. What was going on? Did he have a new girlfriend he wanted her opinion on? If that was the case, then her own heart was about to be shattered into million pieces. She was dreading hearing the reason for his current happiness but Chas did mention it himself, he could be in love. She sighed and tried not to dwell upon it for too long. She'd be happy for him if that was the case after all he was her best friend and that's what he would expect from her, right?
As she was rinsing out her cup of tea, Dempsey arrived and parked his car in front of her house. She opened the door before he could ring the bell. He looked really lovely in a crisp white shirt hanging over a pair of jeans. Very fresh and spring-like. Harry really needed to learn to silence her hormones!
"Hello, mister "I have a surprise for you"! You have me all curious now! So, come on, where are we going?"
"Good morning to you too, Harry!", smiled Dempsey with a grin on his face, " Are you ready? You might want to take something warm as it can get chilly in the evenings still."
"Ever the gentleman Dempsey! Okayyyy, jumper and coat at the ready. Now let's go, my patience is wearing thin here », she laughed.
He opened her car door for her, with a grin on his face when she raised her eyebrows in surprise. He was in a particularly good mood today. Over the moon to share his latest adventure with the woman who filled his dreams days and nights.
As they drove towards the M25, Dempsey who kept the mystery till then, finally answered his partner's question « So, Harry, you wanted to know where we were going? We're driving down to Kent. We'll be having lunch in a small village there for surprise number one and then there will be surprise number two later on », he said with laughing eyes to his wide-eyed partner.
« Two surprises?! What have you been up to, Dempsey! I smell mischief! It's legal, right? Nothing I'd rather not know about, right? »
« Lady Harriet Windfield! Who are you taking me for? It's all 100% legit, I can assure you that much! I might just surprise you. Wait and see. Enjoy the ride, princess »
And she did, it was a gorgeous sunny day in the Kent countryside as they drove past villages not dissimilar to those around Windfield Hall. It always soothed her senses and she was able to relax far from the madness of her daily responsibilities in London. She turned towards Dempsey, focused on the road ahead. He definitely looked happy and relaxed too. It was lovely to see him enjoying himself after the tough few months trying to evade Coltrane. But that was the past, let's see what the future holds!
« We're almost there. The village is called Abinger », he smiled at her, « what do you think of the area? »
« The area? It's absolutely lovely, lots of charm with those Tudor houses, the stream meandering in the background and flowers everywhere… it's gorgeous actually. Reminds me a bit of Windfield Hall when I think about it. »
« Yes, I had the same feeling the first time I came here », he sighed happily.
« You come here often? Not exactly next door to your flat, is it? », she stated surprised.
« Yeah. I've come here a few times over the past couple months. Here's the pub, just by the river. »
« Wow the setting is absolutely stunning. How do you know this place? Did you take Simone here when she came over? », she asked hesitantly.
« Simone? Hell no, I did not take her anywhere. To see her drink the day away, no thank you very much. Nope, that place is special enough to only bring special people.»
« And I'm special? », Harry asked stunned
« You certainly are, Harry. Very special indeed. », he smiled placing a hand on her lower back, before turning to the pub's waitress « Hi, I have booked a table for two. My name's James Dempsey. »
« Of course, sir, follow me. Here's your table by the river as requested. Shall I open the bottle of Champagne now, sir? Chilled Crystal Champagne as per your request? »
« Yes, please. That's perfect. Thanks »
« Here you go, sir. Those are the menus, just call us when you're ready to order. Enjoy your Champagne. »
As the waitress walked away, Dempsey turned to his very silent, very stunned partner and raised his glass of Champagne and said « To us! To the beautiful English countryside ». He laughed and smiled at her as she started to laugh and shook her head in disbelief.
« Crystal Champagne? You have exquisite taste, James, I must say. But to what do I owe such a treat? I mean, I'm not complaining, it's absolutely lovely here, but it's a bit extravagant for an ordinary lunch. So what's the special occasion? » she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.
Dempsey took a paper out of his pocket, unfolded it while staring at her with a warm smile.
« Here, Harry, surprise number 1 »