And the honeymoon continues...
Edith and Anthony were nearly late for their flight. They had awakened from their nap in plenty of time to shower and make their way to the airport, but Edith had been distracted by the sight of Anthony in the shower and had joined him there. In turn, Anthony became quite distracted.
They did, however, just manage to make their flight. And things had been so hurried as they made their way first to the airport and then through it, that it was only when they settled into their seats that their destination registered with Edith. Turning to Anthony, she suddenly blurted, "Cape Town?"
Anthony smiled at her. "I thought …. Something different? We could have gone to the Caribbean or Greece or perhaps Italy, but I thought you might enjoy a little adventure, something outside the box, that is…"
Edith looked at him, bemused. He was looking at her with such trepidation and yet boyish hope. She knew he'd change the plans immediately if she objected. But she could also tell he really wanted to do this trip. And she trusted him. So, with a warm smile she nodded, "yes something different. I am assuming this includes wild animals?"
"I shall endeavor to live up to that," replied cheekily, a glint in his now galvanized eyes.
Edith snickered. "I believe you've already shown me that side," she teased back.
"Oh my sweet, we've only just begun," he answered rather huskily.
Edith glanced around at their cabin. There were far too many people present in her estimation. "I wish these planes had private compartments."
"As do I," Anthony replied. "But perhaps we should use this time to rest. There will be so much to occupy us once we arrive."
Edith smiled at his teasing. Then nestling into his shoulder as best she could, so couldn't help responding. "Is that a promise?" Anthony's response was a low, animal-like groan.
The flight was non-stop and long. Other than a few wakeful moments, where they were fed and had something to drink, or took a break to the loo, the couple dozed. Even so, they were never apart; a hand settled here, a sleepy nuzzle there, a quiet, not quite chaste kiss later. They couldn't seem to put any distance between themselves. Somehow, neither felt particularly refreshed when they arrived in Cape Town. Anthony envied Edith's youthful vitality as he shuffled off the plane behind her. He felt like he'd been run over by a lorry. Still, he helped her with her luggage at the baggage claim and shouldered his own bag as they made their way to the auto rental counter. Thankfully these damned cases have wheels on them, he thought as he pulled his with one hand and her heavier one with the other. Wouldn't be much of an impression if she saw her new husband flagging under the weight of the load.
Once they'd secured a car and he'd tossed their bags in the boot, the couple settled into the vehicle. Anthony consulted the maps app on his phone and began to make the journey to their first destination, the village of Franschhoek.
As they drove toward the village, Edith's hand dangerously positioned on his upper thigh, she realized they were in wine country. The valley seemed filled with vineyards and the soft glow of early morning cast a subtle light over everything, reminding Edith of something an artist might paint. In the village, she noticed the architecture first, the obvious Dutch influences with white washed walls, gables, and wooden shutters. However, there seemed to be French names everywhere on the businesses, just as there had been on the signs for the vineyards they'd passed. Finally, Anthony pulled into the drive of a very elegant looking hotel, or at least, Edith thought it must be a hotel of some description. It looked more like a very large private residence than a hotel.
Once Anthony had sorted things at the check in and they were in their room -no suite, Edith corrected herself mentally, for there was not only a very elegant lounge with a bar, there was a bedroom which was also very elegant. The ensuite bathroom was like nothing she'd ever seen. The tub was gigantic, easily large enough for two, even if one was as long as Anthony. She mentally noted that fact for later reference. The shower was equally large, causing another mental note to be jotted in her mind.
But it was the wall of the bedroom that made her gasp. It was all glass and looked out over what appeared to be a small, private pool. There were trees on the other side of the pool and beyond that, a beautiful view of some mountains in the distance. "Oh Anthony," she gasped as she turned to find him watching her, a pleased smile on his face. "You approve?" His question was full of tease as it was obvious that she was entranced.
"I do," she replied dreamily. "But I thought you said there would be wild animals?"
"That comes later. For now, my sweet, you'll just have to content yourself with taming this wild animal," he said cheekily as he took her into his arms.
"Later? But for how long are we here?"
"Just two nights. Then we turn in the car in Cape Town and fly north. That, my darling, is where the real wild animals will be."
"Oh my. I'm not sure I will want to trade this for a tent in the wilderness," Edith replied as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Oh tosh, you know very well you want to see the animals. And I'm reasonably certain there will be no tents involved, unless you want one, of course. I'm sure it could be arranged."
"No, no tents. I wouldn't want you to hurt your back on the hard ground as I ride you 'til we're both senseless," she growled softly.
"Mmmmm," Anthony murmured as he suddenly picked Edith up and carried her to the bed. "Speaking of riding…."
The newlyweds emerged from their suite late in the morning, freshly showered and dressed for a walk about the village after brunch. "We'll be on our own for lunch and dinner, unless we arrange something here in advance," Anthony told Edith as they lingered over their food.
"Oh, I hardly know what to arrange," Edith replied. I imagine we'll do the wine tasting tomorrow? Surely there will be food along the way. And as for dinner…"
"Perhaps we can decide on a few restaurants as we meander around today?" Anthony suggested.
"Yes, that sounds good." Edith said. "Perhaps we'll have them pack us a picnic for tomorrow, if we can decide on our itinerary."
"I don't know what you have in mind," Anthony said softly, "but my plan for tomorrow is to keep you in the bed for as long as possible. Then perhaps we'll visit a winery or two. I can't imagine they would have anything that can compete with your sweet nectar, however." Edith blushed and Anthony enjoyed the sight of her heightened color rising in her face.
