Chapter 9 #5
Jessica looked at the other patrons. With the exception of children, almost all of them had a pint of beer in front of them. The waiter approached the table, and without hesitation, Jessica asked for two pints of “whatever they’re having.” She nodded to a middle-aged couple sitting a few feet away.
The waiter grinned. “First time here, is it?”
“Is it that obvious?” Jessica smirked.
“Yer accent for one.” The waiter continued to smile.
Jessica chuckled. “The cat is out of the bag. Tell me, what do you recommend?”
“Being you’re a bit of a novice, I would suggest a pale ale.”
“Then make it two pints of pale ale. And fish and chips for both of us.”
“Absolutely.” He nodded. “I’ll be back in a jiffy with your pints.”
Jessica leaned toward Ashley. “I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun. Exploring a new city. A new country. Darling, I am so happy you decided to take the offer at Oxford.”
“Ha. Ready to get rid of me, are ya?” Ashley teased.
“Not at all, dear. But I am contemplating my next adventure after this.” The waiter placed the pints in front of them. “It occurred to me that my life has been rather ordinary. Routine. Same-old, same-old. I have a new appreciation for your father’s wanderlust now.”
Ashley looked at her with a sideways glance. “I don’t see you in an RV, Mother. You’re a tad too refined for that.”
“Heavens no. I would never consider it. I prefer a hotel firmly planted on the ground, with comfortable beds and room service.” She lifted her glass. “Cheers to you. Cheers to me!”
“I can certainly drink to that.” Ashley raised her mug and clinked her mother’s.
The waiter quickly arrived with their order of England’s best-known dish.
“Smells yummy.” Ashley leaned over her plate.
“May I get you anything else?” the waiter asked.
“Not at the moment,” Jessica answered.
“Then please enjoy your meal.”
Jessica scanned the room again to see if people were licking their fingers. Some were, others were not. She resisted the temptation and decided to maintain proper etiquette.
After they finished their crispy cod and large-cut fries, they polished off their pints, paid the bill, and returned to the marketplace.
The Royal Opera House beckoned with its grand facade.
The entrance was bathed in golden light with soaring marble columns on each side.
Plush red carpets led to sweeping staircases, and glimmering crystal chandeliers glistened from above.
The elegance was without question. The two women followed someone leading a small tour, who proceeded toward the auditorium.
Every gilded tier of velvet seats curved gracefully toward the stage, making the space feel both regal and alive.
Before they felt like interlopers, Ashley and Jessica slipped away from the group and returned to the spectacular marketplace.
Hot chocolate was on their agenda as they made their way toward the festive skaters. An empty bench beckoned them to become part of the audience.
“What would you like to do next?”
“Maybe a little shopping,” Jessica answered. “My goal is to buy an ornament from each town.”
“That’s a brilliant idea, Mother.”
Jessica had already decided to leave her purchases from London with the bell captain and then ship everything she accumulated during the rest of her trip.
For the next hour they perused the shops and stalls, with Jessica purchasing much more than she had anticipated. By the time they were ready to leave Covent Garden, a half dozen shopping bags hung from her arms. “I hope they let me on the bus,” she said sheepishly.
“You may have to take two seats,” Ashley said with a deadpan expression.
They walked toward the stop where the open-top London Christmas Lights tour bus was waiting.
Jessica wrapped her newly purchased cashmere scarf around her neck.
“I knew this would come in handy,” she exclaimed as they stood in the queue.
The bus began to load its holiday-seeking passengers while Jessica was mindful not to knock anyone over with her loot.
The tour began its magical journey through the heart of the city, showcasing dazzling holiday displays and festive decorations along famous streets.
The narrator, dressed like Santa, pointed to the highlights of the area, like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly.
Jessica and Ashley were glad they had bundled up against the winter chill, as they moved through a wonderland of twinkling lights illuminating historic buildings and shopfronts.
Santa began to share stories about the city’s holiday traditions and the history behind some of the most celebrated displays.
There were glittering arches, sparkling trees, and cheerful crowds, all set against the iconic London skyline.
The experience captured the spirit of the season with London’s festive charm.
An hour and a half later the bus ended the dazzling tour and returned the passengers to where they had embarked. Jessica waited for most of the people to get off the bus so she could make her way through without jostling her fellow travelers.
A taxi brought them back to their hotel, where the two women quickly donned their pajamas and climbed into bed. Even though it was only eight o’clock at night, for them it was two in the morning.