Albert looks a little flustered. ‘You know, I just thought it would be nice for the two of you to get to know each other.’
‘Get to know each other?’
‘Yes, for you to see Prague.’
‘Oh right, yes. I learnt a lot. Thanks.’
‘Tomas is a very good guide.’
‘He is indeed.’ I smile.
‘He’s a very good man too,’ says Albert.
I nod my head in agreement but don’t quite know what else I am supposed to say. Thankfully, Tomas tells us that dinner is ready, and we get to move away from the topic of what a wonderful person his uncle thinks he is.
Tomas is clearly used to entertaining and brings out a delicious-looking Czech mushroom soup to start off. I wonder if he made this from scratch. We finish our bowls, and I am already feeling content when Tomas brings out the main course.
‘What’s this?’
‘SvíckováwithHouskové knedlíky.’
My face must give away the fact that I have no idea what he is talking about.
‘It’s like braised beef with bread dumplings.’
‘Sounds delicious. I love a hearty meal.’
‘I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. More wine?’
Tomas tops up my wine glass. He is such a good host.
He has even added cranberries and whipped cream to the dish. It looks terrific.
‘This is my favourite meal. Tomas is such a great cook, you know,’ says Albert. I smile at how Albert is once again drilling into me how wonderful his nephew is.
‘I can see that,’ I agree.
When we finish the main course, Tomas offers us dessert, but I simply couldn’t. I don’t think I could stay in Prague too long or none of my clothes would fit. It is like comfort food heaven here.
I offer to help with the washing up, but Tomas is having none of it. He demands I sit down and enjoy the rest of my wine.
When Tomas finishes in the kitchen, he brings out the box of letters and puts it on the living room table, just like the first time I saw it.
‘Are we ready to start?’ he asks.
I take a sip of my drink and look at the box.
‘I’m ready to hear all about this love story. I just hope this is the right thing to do,’ I say.
Tomas and I pick out an envelope at the same time. It feels like a tug of war with a Christmas cracker as I hold one end and he holds the other.
‘Sorry,’ we both say simultaneously.
Finally, I take it, and my hands shake ever so slightly as I carefully peel at the corner of the floral-embellished envelope.
Chapter Thirteen
I quickly scan the letter before I start, just in case there is anything I shouldn’t see. Imagine if Aunt Grace said something about her beloved Marek’s appendage and I read it out loud in front of Albert! Oh, the shame! I don’t see anything to do with them having hot, steamy sex in there, though, thankfully, so I clear my throat and begin to read the letter out loud.
