‘No, I don’t. It’s between those two.’
‘Oh, come on now, where’s your sense of romance, Ms Edwards?’
‘It left with my ex-husband!’
‘Fair enough, but then if anyone needs some romance in their lives, surely it’s you.’
‘Pfft.’
‘Well, I think you should spread their love and read the letters. You have to admit, this is all so romantic. Especially at this wonderful time of year.’
‘But it wasn’t a happy ending. My aunt chose to be a full-time carer over love, and Marek died, in case you’ve already forgotten.’
‘No, I haven’t forgotten, but they kept each other in their hearts forever. Now that is true love.’
Why does Dewi have to see the world with rose-tinted glasses all the time?
‘Now, I’ve got to rush off because my sleigh is waiting for me outside. I’m off to a kids’ Christmas party to give out presents after I’ve been to the care home.’
‘Since when does a solicitor have a sleigh waiting outside for them?’
‘Well, no. It’s a Dacia estate covered in red velvet, but don’t tell the kids.’
I laugh as I imagine him piling his Santa sack into the boot. He certainly is a character, no matter how annoying he can be at times. I can’t believe a solicitor, who deals with wills, disputes and fights among people, can be so upbeat about everything.
After we bid each other goodbye and say another round of Merry Christmases, I remove the itinerary from my pocket. Dewi didn’t give me the name of a restaurant to go to tonight; he left that decision to me. In fairness, I suppose he doesn’t know what food I like. I quite fancy something traditional though. Thus, I juggle my way through the busy Christmas market and stroll around the side streets until I find something I like the look of. I am tempted by quite a few places but determined to try traditional food whilst I am here. A blue building with lanterns offers a pizzeria, but I feel sure there must be a Czech restaurant here somewhere.
It is bustling in the town, so I walk down the alleyways to find a quieter spot that might not be so geared towards tourists. A little further away, I spot a hidden alley. I eagerly rush down the narrow cobbled street, passing artisan shops with steamed-up windows due to the cold air outside. Then I come across an iron sign hanging from a building with decorative arches over the windows. The menu at the doorway is exactly what I have been looking for.
I am greeted with the loveliest of Czech welcomes, and the waitress sits me down in an alcove with a menu offering local dishes. She recommends the local beers and Moravian wines and I order a wine that she suggests. While I wait for my drink, I scan through the menu. There are so many intriguing dishes, like starters of spicy pickled sausage, or baked brie with cranberry sauce and even cabbage pancakes. Now I’m in trouble. I wasn’t even planning on having a starter.
For my main course, I plump for beef and beer goulash, and when it arrives, I am pleased with my choice. The lovely red Moravian wine washes the goulash down delightfully. I am enjoying myself so much that, as I push my empty plate to one side, I realise I haven’t given much thought to being at home in the mill. It is the first time I have properly relaxed. I do hope the little robin is doing well though. Hopefully, there will still be plenty of food for all the wild birds if the ground freezes over. I trust Ken will keep an eye on them.
I decide to order another glass of wine when I hear my mobile ringing. Surely, it can’t be Dewi? He must be playing Santa by now.
I look at the phone and see that it is the number I saved for Tomas. Oh, what does the family want now? I hesitate before answering it but decide I may as well get whatever it is over with.
‘Hello.’
‘Hi, it’s Tomas.’
‘Oh, hi. How did you get my number?’
‘It came up on my mobile when you called me.’
How silly of me; of course it would. That is why I was never keen on having a new mobile. Now anyone can get hold of me at any inconvenient time. Like when I’m enjoying a lovely smooth glass of red.
‘What’s up?’ I ask.
‘It’s Albert. He’s asked me to call you.’
‘Oh. Is he okay?’
‘Yes, he’s fine, but he’s going on about the letters.’
I take a sip of the red wine.
‘I told him you’re busy sightseeing. But he says he’d love for you to come over and talk about them. He enjoyed meeting you. It’s been exciting for him.’
