by Linda Gerald
“Elizabeth, this is one of the largest and oldest such places in the world. There are sixty-one covered streets with over three-thousand shops. Without a doubt, it is among the world’s number one most-visited tourist attractions.” They smiled into each other’s eyes, as they awed at the walled treasures of Istanbul.
“This trading-place of textiles was started in 1455/56. That is modern in this ancient of ancients.” The couple talked quietly to each other. They remained very aware of their surroundings but refused not to enjoy the scenes which unfolded before them.
When they first arrived at their gala suite, they felt exhausted. Each claimed one of their many showers to wash the coal dust off their hair and skin. They raced into the twin beds which waited in freezing-cold temperatures. However, sleep refused them. Excitement surrounded them, even in their abyss of beauty and culture of the Ciragan Palaces Hotel.
“Harry, doesn’t this seem a waste? I mean, here we are in one of the most ancient and diverse cultures in this world and we are sleeping.”
Harry groaned. “I was asleep, although not any longer. What would you prefer, my beauty?”
She jumped from her bed. “I’ll race you to the front door. Let’s explore this place. Is it all they claim? I won’t wear make-up if you hurry. I feel overcome with excitement and wonder.”
He did not exactly “jump” from the bed, but he did hurry with a new energy.
In only minutes, they stood at the door where they entered only a little over an hour before. Now, they witnessed one of the wonders of this current age while they walked the crowded streets.
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia. It crosses the Bosphorus Strait. For the next three days, the couple enjoyed the streets of what was once the glorious city of Constantinople located between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The sixth largest city in proper Europe is a sight to behold. For centuries, it held a strategic position on the Silk Road, a network between Europe and Asia.
The young Elizabeth remained wooed by the sights she witnessed each day. From the Hippodrome site of old chariot races and Egyptian obelisks to the iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia featuring a soaring dome and Christian mosaics. What sites they beheld with wonder.
“Elizabeth, I should point out that 12.56 million foreign visitors travel here in the course of just one year.” Her eyes grew into large, black disks of dark amazement. Harry never disappointed with his vast knowledge of facts.
He continued, “This capital of European culture is the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world. Did I tell you, Istanbul’s harbor is natural just like that of Brindisi? This port is called the ‘Golden Horn.’ Istanbul means ‘to the city.’”
Each day presented new facts from Harry and ancient secrets of the Topkapi Palace which housed the sultan’s official residence. Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, as well as Roman, reduced the couple’s egos into smaller, less important ones. The most ancient Greek influences, destroyed at an earlier age, created the desire to learn more of the history. Even Harry purchased a book about the previous history of the area which tugged at their hearts. Their last day, they visited Hagia Sophia, the largest cathedral for over a thousand years. Later in 1453, it converted to a mosque.
These two weary travelers were welcomed each evening by the luxury of their grand surroundings. Although the great city housed restaurants of every culture and nationality, the Grovers felt more comfortable savoring the tempting dishes waiting for their consumption at the Ciragan Palaces. History, of this bastion of the wealthy and stars, attested to the fact that it was once a sultan’s palace. Elizabeth described her walk to the dining room as more exciting than, “Walking the red carpet of Hollywood.” Harry smiled at the innocence of her statement.
Several trips to the spa for Turkish duel back-rubs with scented oils created such arousal as poor Harry watched the towel flipped from the back-side of his love with moans of desire. He remained true to his promise. If only he could marry her before he betrayed his earlier promise.
Their last night, as they enjoyed the tour-de-resistance from the menu which delighted each morning and evening, they pledged “undying love for each other.”
“Harry, I find it almost impossible to continue our living in celibacy. Can we not marry soon? I hate to be so forward, but I’m having a difficult time.” He smiled broadly at her words.
“Elizabeth, you are weak in spirit, my girl.” He sighed loudly. At least, he was not the only one faltering.
THIRTY-ONE: RETURN
During the night, Elizabeth awoke to intense feelings of a Supernatural Being. Once, she kneeled quietly beside her bed. In spite of the loss of her memory, family, and all earthly possessions; God blessed her. Why me? She wondered as she prayed for guidance. She experienced a constant awareness of HIS presence. HE remained by her side. Now, she felt that another painful and terrible predicament waited for her. Most people may have trembled with dread at the thoughts of another trial. This young woman confidently prayed to her Father for strength and boldness. Even through this current struggle, her attempts at doing the right thing, what she felt Jesus would expect, guided her. Overwhelming desires for Harry, she ignored because something inside instructed her that doing so would create a quagmire of pain for them both. Elizabeth may not have much, but she had her God’s direction. A nagging feeling told her to avoid deep entanglements to her handsome love by adding sex to their equation. If only she had been privy to what waited ahead.
Quietly, she watched the darkness turn to a soft, pink glow as light softly filtered into their room by the Bosphorus. She nor Harry barely moved all night. He must be exhausted. Although younger than he, her body ached from the great walks and late nights watching the stars in the sky.
This day, they would return to London. Already excitement, at a different destination, ebbed over her. Softly, she laughed at how fickle she seemed. Unbelievable experiences had unfurled for her enjoyment. Every time, they arrived in a new one, she thought it more perfect than the one before. She always felt excitement at what waited next. Was it true that she always desired what she didn’t have?
Her thoughts again returned to Harry. Did another love wait for her somewhere else in this world? Maybe children who cried for their mother? These thoughts plagued her. They created feelings of panic. Maybe that was the source of her constant emotional distress? Gentle tears dropped from eyes, which previously could not shield their excitement. If she lost Harry, it would be impossible to continue especially not with another husband or family. Elizabeth closed her eyes tightly. Her attempts at solitude soon passed when she felt arms enfold her tenderly.
“Oh, Elizabeth, why the tears? Don’t you know that all is finally well for you? There is no reason to cry anymore, my darling.”
The massive lump in her throat prevented any sounds. She clung to him with the fear that she may lose him soon.
Finally, she quietly stammered, “If I lose you, Harry, I will die.” To her amazement, he broke down with heaves of emotion. For the longest time, they held each other strongly.
“Have you been reading my dreams or nightmares? All during the night, I dreamed of you, Elizabeth. There are unpleasant roads ahead for us. I have a sort of sixth sense about these things. Edwina laughed at me but eventually discovered I was correct about this. We must be strong. Pray here beside me.”
She knelt beside the only person, who seemed to love her in the entire world. Harry prayed that God would give them protection and peace. Her earlier sense of determination and boldness quickly returned. She wiped the tears from her face. Weakness had swept over her. God sent to her strength which even she did not understand. Still, she laughed with Harry as they dressed for the day.
“You know Harry; I love all of this traveling, but my heart longs for home. Thoughts of Dottie and Enchanted create desires for our perfect world.” He sadly nodded.
The earlier emotions did not prevent them from enjoying a proper English breakfast.
“Harry, I thi
nk these are the best tomatoes yet.” She stuffed a large bite of tomato and toast into her mouth. He laughed at her little snub at society. Usually, she was polished and correct.
After breakfast, they strolled around the pristine grounds of the Ciragan Hotel. This 5-star beauty created such a strong bond with hearts of those who enjoyed the ambiance of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The older half of the structure was once the sultan’s home, but during the past twenty-five years, a new addition of ultra-modern chic added to the charm. The effects, of such a splendid enticement on the European shores of the Bosphorus between the districts of Besiktas and Ortakoy, seemed never to leave the souls of those who understood its magnificence.
“Now, Elizabeth, I need to tell you, whatever waits for us, we will handle as a couple. I prayed a great deal last night. It is imperative that we not fall for the weakness that we talked about earlier. It seems to do so would create even more confusion and trials. It is not that I don’t desire you with my very being; it is that you may be married with children. We must commit to our original plan. If there is a way to marry before the seven years, which I believe to be required, then I will find it. Don’t worry anymore. To do so will cause unnecessary pain. For now, we have each other. We must be enough.” He smiled, but the pain in his eyes reflected the mixed feelings he carried.
As they boarded the plane for England, later in the morning, those old feelings of joy and excitement flooded her heart. Harry was correct; they had no other choice. Life remained joyful since they were together.
Once again, they entered the city of London. This time, instead of entrance by Cunard, they came by plane into Heathrow airport. Crowds of other travelers only added to the pulse of this city founded by the Romans. Almost, as if she again read his mind, Elizabeth quietly said, “Did the Romans settle everything? I mean, I don’t seem to remember much about history. Perhaps I’m not an educated person, but it is amazing.”
He smiled, “Elizabeth, that is an intelligent statement and very true. You know, there are more than three hundred languages spoken here in this grand city of London?”
She relaxed, as she waited for her current lesson in “Harry’s History 101 to London.”
“Archeologists discovered, not long ago, a large timber structure by the Thames dated back to 4500 BC. London is the biggest city in the world.” He smiled at her mischievously. This latest information did not seem correct to the woman without memory.
“Harry, are you sure? I mean, I may not be very smart, but I don’t think that is right.” Her perplexed look created laughter from the teacher. Was London the largest city in the world? That could not be correct.
“It would have been true between the years of 1831-1925. See; you are a great deal smarter than you thought. You caught me.”
They hugged, as they tipped the baggage handler. He skillfully flagged a taxi. Once again, they headed toward a familiar destination: The Brown’s Hotel, where illness spoiled her earlier time. Now, it beckoned with excitement to the woman without memory. What memories filled her head since their last visit here.
Skillfully, the taxi driver weaved his way to the Mayfair District amid heavy traffic.
“Elizabeth, this time, we will walk to the West End. You choose a musical in the theater district. So many thrilling sights and smells, not to mention tastes, await our discovery. We must visit the gardens and enjoy lunch in an English pub. What do you say?” Time flew passed, as they laughed in the speeding taxi about various tidbits of their journey so far.
“Harry, remember in Venice as we dined outside? That poor pigeon walked over to me and died on my foot. I felt like St. Francis of Assisi. Remember? Don’t you think that was unordinary? How about that crazy Italian, who professed his love in the parking lot?” Her dark eyes glowed with joy. He was determined to keep her safe and happy, for as long as she remained a part of his life.
The Brown’s Hotel fascinated Elizabeth. Harry excitedly talked about the city. She wanted to walk every hall in the entire hotel. Harry longed to show her the city of London. He grumbled as they strolled the refurbished paths of the hotel. She demanded that Harry describe all of the details, which he knew about their present home. After two hours of walking and talking, they headed to the bar for lunch. Harry knew it well. It was furnished with wooden floors, black leather seating, and dark country checked banquettes. In one corner resided “naughty” adult-oriented photographs.
“Elizabeth, this bar serves over sixty cocktails as well as thirty wines and champagnes. That is quite a record.” She looked around with interest at the establishment filled with a lunch crowd. Laughter quietly rippled from the patrons.
After lunch, Harry finally walked outside. They held hands, as she window-shopped high-end stores. Time seemed to hurry past. Still, they walked. Just as they turned back to the hotel, the heavens opened with a gentle rain. It lasted a short time, but the city seemed rejuvenated and glowed in the bright sun. At one of the shops, Harry purchased a bluebird for her. She clutched it as if it was gold.
Softly remarking, “All of our travels have the same birds in common.” Harry struggled to understand her statement.
“You haven’t talked about birds in a long time. I thought that you had lost interest.”
Her eyes blazed with emotion.
“I will never lose interest in them. You know that I love birds although I don’t understand the attraction. Interestingly enough, I discovered many of the same featured friends in each country on our trip. The bluebird is as constant as the European Shag, Red-breasted Flycatchers, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, various sparrows, warblers, and nightingales.”
Harry studied her with a new respect. How did she know all of this? He thought of himself as a learned man, well-versed on most things. This knowledge included birds, but she vastly possessed more knowledge on that subject.
The lovers didn’t waste a moment of their time in the city. They attended musicals and walked all around the West-End.
Flowers abounded in London. The couple visited the Kensington Gardens, as well as the Royal Botanic, Kew. When the time came to leave, they stood in front of The Brown’s mid-morning on a rainy day.
“It seems that I should be sad. I am not. Enchanted calls to me. I long to return but what memories we carry in our hearts. When we are ‘old and gray,’ we shall talk of our adventures.” She easily crawled into the gleaming taxi.
“Elizabeth, perhaps you haven’t noticed. I am already ‘old and gray.’” He climbed slowly behind her.
“You are only as old as you feel, Harry.”
A pleasant drive to South Hampton transported them to the docks, where they entered London many weeks before. Harry ushered her into a hotel located just across from where the Queen Mary 2 would depart the next day.
“Let’s go home!” He swept her into his arms.
“Our ship departs at 5 pm tomorrow. We can sleep late and have a leisurely breakfast. Of course, it must be a proper British one.”
“Is there any other?” She kissed him gently.
THIRTY-TWO: REPEAT
The trip back, across the pond, proved to be more fun than the original crossing. Not only did the Grovers understand the Queen Mary 2, but they had also established a schedule earlier. The cabin was a different one but looked almost the same. They had been pleased with the first design. It pleased them that this second one was just as appealing.
Quickly, they jumped back into expecting a knock on the door by their personal butler, as he awakened them to a new day. Breakfast remained served on their private balcony each morning just as scrumptious as before. A leisurely meal, followed by their walks on the Boat Deck, served them well.
At one point in the return, the ship stopped at the site where the Titanic now rests. The ship’s bell tolled the remembrance of the souls who perished.
“I’m grateful that they took the time to remember those poor people. I still think of them.” The couple looked at each with expectancy. Another memory poss
essed by the woman with no memory. Both felt mixed feelings at the announcement.
Harry requested that their work-out, in the exercise room, be reduced by one hour. Consequently, instead of that extra time spent on equipment, they rented a lounge chair on the open deck. Here they enjoyed the sun and fresh breeze. Although they had a private balcony located off their room, this time, they tried to appear more social by spending additional time with the other passengers.
It surprised Elizabeth that she didn’t need to persuade Harry to continue dance lessons in the afternoons. Immediately, he dressed and waited for her stiletto shoes to accompany him to classes. They were both surprised that Betsy wasn’t teaching on the return voyage. Instead, they were faced with Marla.
Spanish, with red hair and green eyes, this beauty, was voluptuous and sexy. Her deep voice added to the appeal. Each day, the number of dancers increased. Just like Betsy doubled the number of interested couples, so did Marla. In her case, the number grew so quickly that by the third day, the class had to be cut in half, and a new class added. The woman without memory stood before the instructor with her plunging neckline, feeling a wee silly at her own attempt at being alluring. Harry smiled wickedly at her.
“Shut up Harry. I wanted to be sexy for you. Maybe I could have competed with Betsy, but Marla knocks the word out of the ballpark.”
He kissed her softly. So much to master, they tried to learn the technique for a Cha-Cha. While he stepped on her toes, he whispered, “You are the only woman for me. To me, you are the most perfect female in this world. Never do you need to compete with anyone. I love you.”
A loud groan accompanied his profession of love, as he stepped on her toes for the third time. Still, they enjoyed the class. Many mornings found them in the empty room where they practiced new steps from the day before instead of exercising. Harry preferred it.
Queen Mary 2 thought of every convenience and perfected it. The same dinner table, as the original crossing, welcomed them. They enjoyed their private waiter who remembered them. Evenings truly were magical. The food never disappointed. The new couple, at the table beside of them, also happened to be old friends of Harry and Edwina. Kindly, they welcomed Elizabeth to their fold.