‘And lunch,’ he reminded me. ‘And a steam train ride. Exciting, eh?’
‘Brilliant.’ I didn’t know what else I could say. He was behaving so oddly that I felt quite dazed by the whole thing and couldn’t help wondering if I’d pushed him so far he was finally having the nervous breakdown that I’d always assumed had my name on it.
We wrapped up warmly because, despite the clear skies and sunshine, it was still quite cold outside, and headed out across the road from the pub to the church.
‘And the bus stops here, does it? Because there’s no sign,’ I pointed out.
Rory was looking around him as if searching for something.
‘What’s the matter?’ I asked. He didn’t seem to hear me, so I tapped him on the shoulder.
He jumped in fright and I threw up my hands in exasperation. ‘What iswrongwith you today?’
‘Wrong? Nothing’s wrong. I was just looking for the bus, that’s all.’
‘And it does stop here?’
‘What? Oh yes, yes Penny said so. You just stick your hand out, that’s all.’ He looked from left to right again then cast a nervous glance down the path that led to the church.
‘Rory, are you unwell?’ I asked, beginning to feel seriously concerned.
He gave me a bright smile. ‘I’m fine. Looking forward to this, aren’t you? A vintage bus and a steam train. Can’t wait.’
‘No,’ I said, trying to smother the sarcasm. ‘Me neither.’
I had to admit, though, that when our ride finally arrived it was quite sweet. A burgundy and cream little bus that looked like something from a wartime film or something. There was even a cheery bus conductress on board to sell us tickets.
‘Here for the day or on holiday?’ she enquired as she handed Rory his change.
‘We’re here for our wedding anniversary,’ Rory said. ‘We’re staying at the inn.’
‘Ooh, very nice,’ the conductress said. ‘You’ll enjoy the train ride. It’s ever so popular. Going anywhere nice today, are you?’
‘It’s been ten years,’ Rory said, as if he hadn’t heard a word the conductress said. ‘We’ve been married ten years on Saturday.’
‘Er, congratulations.’
‘We’re going to Much Melton,’ I said hastily, feeling that the day had taken a surprisingly surreal turn.
‘Lovely little town.’ She nodded approvingly. ‘My boyfriend’s mum lives there but I don’t hold it against the place.’ She tapped the side of her nose and laughed.
‘We’re going to buy pyjamas,’ Rory said flatly.
Both the conductress and I turned to stare at him. My face burned with embarrassment. The conductress looked thoroughly bemused.
‘Oh well, that’s nice, isn’t it?’ She gave an awkward laugh. ‘That your anniversary present to each other, eh?’
Rory blinked and gave her a meaningful stare. ‘It’s always wise to be fully dressedat all times, don’t you think?’ he asked slowly.
The conductress gave me a look that clearly asked what the heck was up with this weirdo I was married to. I gave her a look back that said,don’t ask me and don’t blame me either because I haven’t the foggiest idea what’s up with him.
Rory turned and stared out of the window in silence, which I supposed I should be grateful for.
The conductress gave me an awkward smile then headed back to the front of the bus where, no doubt, she was telling the only other passengers onboard that they should avoid eye contact with the strange fella at the back, and showing them where the emergency stop bell was, just in case.
The bus trundled along the little streets and out into the countryside. It was a cool April day, but the sun was shining, and daffodils lined the verges, bringing a splash of gold to the already beautiful views. Rory seemed to relax suddenly and leaned back in his seat. I breathed a silent sigh of relief, but it was short-lived.
‘Are we still on the Harling Estate?’ Rory asked suddenly, leaning forward as if he’d just thought of something terrible.
