EIGHT

M y eyes popped wide open, and I bolted out of my bed. Six o’clock, the clock read. Perfect. A perfect hundred and twenty minutes, to take a shower, wash my hair, and get ready for my date... that is my day with Barn.

I stripped out of my pajamas then headed to the shower where I lingered a little longer than usual under the hot water as I tried to calm my nerves. I washed myself with apricot scented soap and washed my hair with kiwi scented shampoo, rinsed thoroughly and turned off the water.

As I reached for my towel, I caught a whiff of myself.

Damn. You smell like a freaking fruit salad.

I turned the water back on and rinsed even more thoroughly. Finally satisfied, I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. I toweled off, combed out my hair and returned to my room.

Dress casually. Barn’s words resonated in my head. How casual is casual? I’d heard plenty of horror stories of people going to a ‘casual get together’ only to find everyone dressed up.

I looked through my closet knowing full well that I would start with basic jeans. No matter how casual the event, jeans would be appropriate.

But which jeans? Skinny? Black? Faded denim? Then I put my hands on my comfy, supple denim baggy jeans. Yes. Perfect. Only slightly frayed at the hem, two small, dime-sized holes had begun to work their way through at the knee... so fully organic and not manufactured.

I paired the jeans with a faded plum colored peasant blouse hemmed with a lacy frill, then looked at myself in the dresser mirror.

Good enough. Feminine casual.

I quickly blow dried my hair, tied it back into a loose ponytail and threw on a bucket hat.

Looking once again at my reflection, I was surprised to see the rosy hue of my cheeks. A healthy glow? No. I suspect my upcoming day with Mr. Darcy was more to blame than my health.

Nonetheless, I smeared some rose-colored gloss over my lips to enhance the look.

I glanced at the clock on my bedside table. Twenty minutes to go. All I needed was a comfortable pair of shoes and an easy to tote bag.

I rummaged through the bottom of my closet and pulled out a pair of flip flops. I was about to slip them on, then wondered if we might hike on a rocky path or go horseback riding... or do any one of a dozen activities that would be rendered difficult with a pair of flip flops.

Tossing them back into my closet, I then pulled out my broken-in blue walking shoes. Perhaps not the most fashionable thing I could have chosen, but I would not end up complaining about sore feet no matter the activity Barn had in store for me.

With fifteen minutes to spare, I grabbed my bag and headed out to the lot where Barn’s car was parked.

In the distance, I saw him, so handsome and cool as he leaned against his gleaming red sports coupe.

My heart pounded.

“Well, well,” he said as I approached him. “A lady who is not only on time, but even several minutes early. I do appreciate that.”

Smiling, I nodded as I quickly looked him over. Clearly, his notion of ‘casual’ was a little more refined than mine. Wearing tan colored pants, belted with braided brown leather, and a crisp white button-down shirt with open collar, he seemed every bit the country gentleman... a very hot and handsome country gentleman... even down to his leather loafers.

“Ready for a day of fun and surprises?” he said as he opened the passenger door for me.

“Eager for everything you have to throw at me, Mr. Darcy.”

We drove off.

“Could you give me a hint as to where you’re taking me?” I asked.

“I did.”

Frowning, I looked at him.

“I told you to dress casually. That’s a hint.”

“It’s a rather vague hint.”

“Perhaps, but a hint all the same.”

Realizing I wouldn’t get any more information out of him, I smiled and simply enjoyed the ride. The sun was bright, the skies clear and the countryside magnificent. Truth was, it didn’t really matter at all where we were going. What mattered was that I was with him... not just to run errands, but to actually spend the day together... at his request.

Oh, my heart.

“We’re almost there,” he said after some time.

He turned here and there, slowed down, then entered a vast parking area.

“What is this?” I said.

“Alton Towers.”

“What’s Alton Towers?” And then I saw a roller coaster zip by. “An amusement park?”

“Surprise!”

I was giddy with joy... such joy. “Oh, Barn! That is a great surprise. I love amusement parks.”

“Good,” he said as he parked the car. “You’re in for a real treat. This place is wild.”

We walked to the entrance, the sounds of happy and excited people all around us. Barn paid the fares, and we entered a child’s wildest imagination.

“Where to begin,” he said. “Do you like roller coasters?”

“I love roller coasters,” I said as I took in the sights and sounds around us. “But I have to warn you, I’ve been to dozens of parks in America, and we have some pretty cool roller coasters. You might find me a little difficult to impress.”

“Hmm. Alrighty then. Challenge accepted. Let’s see. We’ll try a slow build up approach. Let’s start with the Galactica.”

“Whatever you say. Lead the way.”

We walked through the throngs of park goers and when we passed through a particularly dense crowd, Barn took a firm hold of my hand.

“Wouldn’t want to lose you before we even get started,” he said with a wink.

I smiled, far too pleased to have my hand in his. But my pleasure was short-lived as he released it the moment the crowd thinned.

“Here we go,” he finally said. “Galactica. Don’t mind the long queue. It moves rather quickly.”

And indeed it did.

“You’ll see,” Barn promised. “It’s probably the closest thing to flying you’ll ever experience.”

As our turn to board the coaster came, Barn made sure we were seated up front. I was confused as to how we would fly.

“Looks a bit like a sort of typical roller coaster car. I mean, it hangs on the track from the top... I’ve seen that before... but we’re just sitting like in any other coaster.”

We sat down and were strapped in, but what surprised me most was when they strapped in our ankles.

“Why are they doing that?”

“You’ll see,” he said with a grin.

With everyone seated, I let out a yelp as our seats were suddenly pulled up and back, leaving us facing the ground.

“Oh, my God.”

“And this is how we fly.”

The coaster took off and I hung on for dear life.

“Let go,” Barn shouted as he held his hands straight out over his head, enjoying the flight

I was reluctant, and as the ride flung us upside down, I hesitated. But once level to the ground again, I released the holds and let myself enjoy the ride the way it was meant to be.

I was flying.

Breathless and eager to do it again, we got off much too soon.

“How was that?” he said as he guided me to the next ride.

“Good start,” I said, not willing to concede defeat so soon. “There are a few rides similar to this in California... but, yes... very nice. Very smooth.”

Very smooth, indeed.

“What more do you have for me?” I challenged.

“Wicker man roller coaster is interesting.”

We made it to the ride, a large wooden structure surrounded by intricate and interesting designs in... I guess wicker.

After a pre-ride little show, we boarded the coaster and went for a rather bumpy ride.

“Is my head still on?” I said when we stepped away from the ride.

“Some do get a little rattled.”

“A little?”

The shaky and bumpy ride was almost too long for my liking, but I was nonetheless pleased to have tried it.

“Where to next?”

“I think you might like Th13teen.”

“Hmm... sounds ominous.”

But the cars looked like old-school roller-coaster cars. The ride was enjoyable, nothing new, but far, far too brief.

“Is that all?” I said as the car came to a stop in a darkened tunnel.

I barely had time to see the knowing smile on Barn’s face before the tunnel went completely black.

“What’s going on?” I said, suddenly concerned.

I let out a light screech as the car shook and shook some more. The car fell and my heart jumped up to my throat. I screamed as I reached out to grip Barn’s hand. I had no idea what was happening and suddenly the car whipped backwards and pulled out of the dark tunnel and back to daylight.

“Oh, my God,” I whispered. “What was that?”

The curved track we had emerged on switched to a straight one ahead and the car slowly moved forward and returned to its starting position to welcome new riders.

“Impressed yet?”

I couldn’t very well deny that I was. “I don’t even know what to say about it.”

We made our way to our next ride. The Spinball Whizzer.

“Spinball,” I said as we waited in line. What could a Spinball roller coaster do?

“How are you liking your day so far?” Barn said, smiling down on me.

“I think it may very well be one to write home about.”

“Good.”

“And I certainly am glad that I opted for shoes and not the flip flops I initially considered.” Remembering my choice of footwear reminded me of the hat I had also put on and I instantly patted my head to find the hat was gone.

“Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no. I’ve lost my hat. I loved that hat!”

“Worry not,” Barn said with cool calm. “You lost it at Galactica, and I’ve made sure an employee will hold it for you until we collect it later.”

Oh, how sweet of him. He really was such a sweet and kind man... so... Mr. Darcy.

Our turn came up.

The cars of the Spinball Whizzer were peculiar; small individual cars with patrons facing the front and others facing the back. Barn and I got into the side facing the back.

“That’s not fun,” I said with a pout. “I’d rather sit facing the front.”

“It won’t matter. You’ll see.”

And, indeed, it didn’t. Once the ride took off, I realized why it was called the Spinball Whizzer, as the car periodically spun around all while whizzing down the track.

“Who in the world thought of such a thing?” I said as we got off. “I’m not sure I can take anymore.”

“Just one more, and we’ll take a breather.”

“One more?”

“I promise.”

“Where to?”

“Oblivion.”

A roller coaster that ultimately had us chugging our way up and up and up, only to crest and have us facing the black hole below.

“Oh... heck, no.”

“Oh, yes.”

As if in a freefall, the coaster suddenly went down the straight vertical track, falling into a black hole where riders screamed their horror and/or thrill.

“You win, Barn,” I said as we walked away from Oblivion.

“Impressed.”

“Very much so.”

“Then my work is done.” He smiled as he took my hand.

Exhausted by the quick succession of roller coasters, we took our time and strolled through the crowd, enjoying their excitement. We grabbed some caramel corn, shared a candy apple and chomped down on a bit of cotton candy all while enjoying the immensity of the park.

“It really is a lovely park, Barn. Thank you for bringing me here.”

“I thought you might enjoy the change of pace.”

We’d made our way back to Galactica where Barn retrieved my lost hat.

“Here you go, madame,” he said as he set it atop my head.

“Thank you.”

“Other than a bite here and there, I’ve neglected to feed you.”

“Good thing, too. With all those rides, I’m not sure I would have been able to keep anything down.”

“I know a lovely place about a half hour from London. The food is delicious, the wine top-notch and the service impeccable.”

I looked down at my attire.

“Fear not,” he said. “Many of their patrons are tourist who tend to keep a more... shall we say... easy manner of dress. You’ll fit right in, I assure you.”

We arrived at the eatery - a charming little place tucked away in a small but appealing town. Upon entering, the maitre’d seemed to know Barn, but made no obvious show of it.

We were seated at a cozy table for two near a window overlooking the Seine.

“Barnaby? Is that you?”

I looked up to see Naya coming to us.

“Mum?” Barn said as he got to his feet to greet his mother. “Whatever are you doing here?” He kissed her cheek and gave her a warm hug. “This is so unexpected.”

“Dear, you know how your father loves this place.” She turned to me. “He simply can’t get enough of their steaks.”

“Nice to see you, Mrs. Darcy,” I said in greeting as I also got to my feet.

“Oh, and it is so lovely to see you, my dear. So lovely to see you here together.”

“What have we got here?” Mr. Darcy said, as he joined us.

“Look who popped in to have dinner with his date,” Naya said.

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” I said to the older man.

A tall and distinguished gentleman of barely sixty, his dark grey hair was highlighted with streaks of silky white. Wearing summer wool slacks, Burberry and tweeds, he was the epitome of an old-school Brit.

“Miss Ayra,” the older man said. “How lovely it is to run into you so unexpectedly.”

His Scottish accent was thick and charming.

“Tell me, dear,” Naya said to her son. “How are things back in Derbyshire?”

Barnaby suddenly reached for my hand and urged me closer. I stumbled my way around the table to come to his side.

“Splendidly, mum,” he said. “Even better than I could have imagined.”

“Oh, you don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that,” she gushed.

Barnaby leaned in to kiss my cheek. “I do believe I’ve never felt this way before. Never has a girl brought out such... emotion.”

I was stunned. Standing there, smiling like a silly schoolgirl, I tried to understand the sudden shift in mood. One minute I’m about to enjoy a scrumptious dinner with my Mr. Darcy , and the next, I’m being introduced to his parents like a girlfriend.

Then I remembered. Our mothers’ arrangement for us as suitors. Marriage even. At this rate, how I was beginning to fall hard for Barnaby, I am beginning to think our mothers do know what’s best for us, and that Barnaby felt the same way.

Oh, my heart wanted it so. Yes. Our day together had been enough to show him my fun side, my wild side, my easy to get along with side, and he’d appreciated every moment of it. So much so that he now introduced me to his mother as the girl who brought out such emotion.

I floated on a cloud.

Naya reached out, taking my hand from Barn and clasping both my hands lovingly in hers. “I knew in my heart that you two would hit it off. I just knew it!”

I smiled dumbly, unable to find anything to say.

“I’m so happy for you,” Naya said to Barnaby.

“Anything for you, Mum. Anything for you.”