Nell grinned. “Oh, I think it hit the mark.”
The words on the tourist leaflet in Mattie’s tremulous hand morphed into a blur of black unreadable shapes.
They left the abbey and dashed to a nearby cafe for a lazy lunch, made longer by their shared desire to stay in the warm and dry. From there, they darted a short way across town to the Roman Baths. The tourist trap was unsurprisingly busy, and they chose to listen to audio guides rather than join an in-person tour led by a guide dressed in Roman costume. They started at the terrace, which overlooked the above-ground part of the site and was lined with Victorian statues of Roman emperors. From there, they wandered past collections of relics discovered at the site, and down to the Sacred Spring where Romans had thrown coins into the water as offerings to the goddess Sulis Minerva, a deity with healing powers.
“It’s difficult to believe that we’re standing in the middle of a modern city and all of this survived,” said Mattie.
“This is when I love ancient history the most,” said Nell. “It’s still so alive you can touch it, centuries later.”
Mattie drank in the wonder in her eyes. It was addictive.
The highlight was the Great Bath where, according to the audio guide, the naturally hot mineral water which rose at the Sacred Spring was forty-six degrees centigrade.
“I don’t know what I expected,” said Nell, “but I didn’t realise the water would look green or be so hot.”
“Not as hot as you,” Mattie whispered.
Nell laughed. “You are incorrigible.”
“I’m horny.”
“You surprise me.” Nell tried and failed to keep a deadpan expression on her face. “And there was me thinking about how the Baths are famous for bestowing healing and calming powers.”
At the end of the tour, they took the opportunity to taste the famous spa water, which contained forty-three minerals. “It tastes like water, but with a strange tang to it,” said Nell.
Mattie’s lips twitched. “Hm, you’re right. I prefer the taste of you.”
“Okay, that’s one suggestive remark too many.” Nell grabbed Mattie’s hand. “We need to go back to the hotel now.”
Mattie’s throat was suddenly parched at the heady combination of her own need and Nell’s-in-charge mode. “Your wish is my command.”
When they got back to their room, many commands were issued and adhered to, and Mattie thought she was sated…until she emerged from the bathroom to discover Nell wearing a midnight-blue dress with a halter neck that should’ve looked conservative but clung tantalisingly. Everywhere. And she was wearing suede heels. “You look exquisite,” she said.
Nell brushed the sleek material over her thighs. “I don’t usually dress up like this. The chance of twisting an ankle is considerable.”
Mattie stepped closer to her. “If it wasn’t for the fact that our dinner venue is such a treat, I’d cancel it in favour of room service.”
“You look pretty dapper yourself. I love the waistcoat and tie ensemble.” Nell’s gaze was warm and a little shy. “We make a good couple.”
“That we do,” said Mattie, and she unravelled all over again.
The restaurant was small and tasteful, with abstract artwork on the walls, wooden floors, pristine white tablecloths, and sparkling cutlery. It paled into insignificance, because Mattie had eyes only for the woman sitting opposite her. “In another life, you were a goddess.” She smiled and shook her head slightly. “I think those Roman Baths cast a spell over me.”
Nell laughed gently. “I could come out with any number of flippant responses to that. Sincerely, Mattie? I never imagined doing something like this again. Dressing up, out on a date, withanyone. And I’m loving it.”
“So am I.” She didn’t have a chance to say anything more, because the waiter arrived with their next course. They’d already savoured a maitake mushroom with seaweed, samphire, and a Yuzu dressing.
The waiter placed their plates on the table in front of them. “Roast noisette of cod with a saffron and bouillabaisse sauce,” he said. “It is paired with a Chateau de Manissy Lirac Blanc.”
“Thank you.” When he was out of earshot, Mattie whispered, “What’s a noisette when it’s at home?”
Nell giggled. “I thought it was a French chocolate made with hazelnuts.”
Mattie cut through the tender white flesh and popped a morsel into her mouth. “No hazelnuts, but it’s divine.”
“I’ve never eaten in a restaurant like this before,” said Nell. “I’m so unsophisticated, I have to keep resisting the urge toGoogle everything I’m eating, and take photos. The dishes are a work of art.”
“Instagram is flooded with that kind of thing.” Mattie forked another small bite, wanting to eek out the dish for as long as possible. “My cooking is so atrocious that anything tastes good, to be fair.”
