There was no doubting that Adam was going to say yes, but for him to have added for as long as you like even if it takes you beyond the weekend and enjoy what Wes had described as an adventure, meant that a sleep deprived Harry was able to spend the morning in bed allowing a relieved Ruth to take Wes for a walk to burn off some energy and for her to do some last minute shopping before they leave the following morning.
Not just because she liked books, this time her first port of call was to the we sell everything shop which amongst its numerous paperbacks she bought the comprehensive guide to every region of France. That and because Adam had said buy anything that Wes needs and he would sort it out with them later, means that Wes who has spent the past few days wearing trainers and jeans as all kids tended to do, is the proud owner of what had been described by the very nice man in the shoe shop as a pair of shoes that make him look very grown up, a sweater similar to the one he had worn at their leaving party and a pair of trousers like the ones Uncle Harry wears on evenings out. No prizes for guessing which he is happiest with.
As is the man in question who as soon as he had heard the front door close had made himself a second cup of coffee, enjoyed a long hot shower to ease the pain in his back before climbing into bed where he had been asleep within moments, during which he has been visualising in what has been a very pleasant dream the sort of house where he and Ruth will be happy. The combination of which means that when Ruth and Wes get back it is to find him sitting on the sofa and open to suggestions. Not in the sense that he wants to leave immediately or that they need to pack, but now they have a guide book when it comes to finding somewhere that is away from the tourist trail, has the same community spirit as in their current village, is not a million miles away from an airport so that when Malcolm and or Adam and Wes come to visit they can pick them up, plus what is synonymous with them in that there is a river a lake or even a canal so that they will be able to continue with their morning walks without having to drive to get there, they have options.
That it might be a stretch to say that he hopes it has a garden, other than as Ruth has pointed out it will be somewhere to hang the washing and to sit during the warmer months late into the evening, or a veranda which spans the back of the house from which there is a view, doesn't mean he won't be open to persuasion if they find the house of his imagination and her dreams, because why would he when they have decided on April for their wedding?
The following morning sees them leaving Calais with more than a vague idea as to where to commence what they are also treating as a holiday by picking up the motorway and heading south in the direction of Reims. Much smaller than London it is non the less steeped in history, both in its buildings, the most magnificent of which are the Gothic Cathedral and Museum of Fine Arts plus the lesser well-known fact that not only is it blessed with some of the best hotels and restaurants, but within the region not only is some of the finest champagne produced but exported. Which might be seem like an indulgence given their main objective is to find their forever home, but as it is in the direction of the the area they have earmarked, not to mention somewhere that in all probability they will never stay again they book a family room in a hotel close to the city centre.
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Day two they have also pre planned but to be as contrasting in as much as it will be a world apart from day one and is why having had breakfast, Harry pays the bill and guides this newly formed family out through the revolving doors in the direction of the car. Wes with a role to play, is with Ruth's help going to take notes not only of what he sees but of where they stop for a break both at lunch time and in the afternoon, which Harry hopes will not only prevent the inevitable are we there yet that is part and parcel of travelling with young children, but will give him something to add to his notebook that sometime in the future will remind him of this holiday.
Which today emphasises from the moment they leave the outskirts of the city, where the landscape changes to be one primarily made up of small villages and vast open spaces suggesting that farming is the main source of income, changing again to one that is covered by acres of pine forest, beyond which are a series of lakes, the diversity that is both intriguing and completely different from anything that either he or Ruth have seen before within the space of a few hours. Which sees them following the sign to what is predictably named the Hotel dans le Foret which is set in a clearing with wide pathways, between what must be thousands of trees which have been managed in such a way that the sun is streaming through the branches.
With a couple of hours to fill before dinner in a location where the menu is regional and limited rather than requiring half an hour to decide what you are going to eat, they pass by showering, relaxing and chatting, until they get dressed and they walk the short distance along the corridor to the dining room. Smaller and very simply decorated the atmosphere is one that suggests the owners hope you will feel at home and in their case certainly do. The meal of chicken stew with a second portion on offer which the couple on the table alongside theirs opt for, with locally sourced veggies followed by tarte au citron, ice cream or fruit salad and then cheese, brings to an end what has been a very low key evening and for Harry and Ruth the realisation the having Wes with them is an asset in that they haven't spent the time discussing the following day or more importantly if they will find their new home.
That by the time they get back to their room it is pitch dark is one thing, but that they are surrounded by woodland something that they have been wondering in as much as Wes might be scared and is the reason that they used to leave the landing light on at home, they find to be unfounded. Because when Harry pulls back the curtains it is to see that sometime between them going to dinner and coming back, lights at various intervals between the trees have been switched on. Which ensures what they have come to expect from Wes by way of a goodnight cuddle since Ruth explained what Granny meant by better, is loving and free from stress.
As is breakfast the next morning which is in the form of a help yourself buffet with a variety fruit juices and cereals, a large bowl of fruit salad, yogurts and a selection of both croissants and pastries, plus a selection of tea bags, a jar of coffee, jugs of milk and an urn with hot water, which coincides with Adam ringing. Something he does according to what is happening at work, knowing that if there was a problem with Wes that Harry will ring him, this morning is just as Wes is about to demolish a pain au chocolate.
That the answers which follow are, 'yes and we slept in a house in the forest where there were bears,' followed by a giggle, Harry and Ruth deduce are in response to Adam asking him if he is enjoying himself and where they are, before saying, 'goodbye Daddy,' with the assurance that his father will ring him the following day but not necessarily at the same time.
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Changing things up in that Ruth is going to drive at least until lunchtime to give Harry a break, they are aiming on reaching the Auvergne before it gets dark. With mountains, hills, rivers, small villages and described in the guidebook and on the internet as the land which time forgot, makes it their place of choice. Their last secret in that they have kept this information to themselves but if successful in the search for their first proper home together, they will tell Malcolm and Adam not only where it is but that they are invited to a wedding.