Sally’s Honeymoon
Book 4 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series
By
A. J. Temple
www.ajtemple.com
Published By
DeanburnPublications.com
Books Included In This Series:
Book 1. Sally’s Destiny:
Book 2. Sally’s Return:
Book 3. Sally’s Wedding:
Book 4. Sally’s Honeymoon
.
Book 4a. Sally’s Life – The Story So Far: 4 Book Bundle
Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Copyright Notice:
Copyright 2013, A J Temple
All rights reserved. Copyright protected. Duplicating, reprinting or distributing this material in any way and for any purpose, without the express written consent of the author is prohibited.
All characters, events and places are fictional, and any resemblance to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Chapter 1
Sally had to admit to herself, that she was super-excited. She had never been on a cruise before, and never dreamed that she would be going on one for the first time – with a new husband in tow!
She looked lovingly across at him, as she drove the Jeep down the A9 road from Aviemore. The fact that he had been unable to perform his ‘nuptial duties’ because of drink on their wedding night; did not annoy her in the least “it’s not exactly like I do not know what I’m buying!” She thought wickedly to herself, as she envisioned some of the places where they had made love over the past few months; and considered the opportunities on a cruise ship honeymoon!
Her mind wandered over the possibilities for the future. “Well even at 32 years old I’m still young enough to have a family, and I’m pretty sure Robert is keen enough to play his part!” She reasoned.
With the wedding ceremony in Aviemore all over, they were now traveling down to Roberts good friends in Bourton on-the-water where they would stay overnight, then take the two hour drive down to Southampton to board one of the biggest cruise ships afloat, the ‘Behemoth of the Seas’ for their two week cruise visiting seven different ports around the Mediterranean sea.
She was particularly looking forward to visiting Naples as well as Cannes and Barcelona; places that she had seen in magazines, but which had been far too expensive for her to consider up until recently.
What even Robert did not know yet, was that she was a multi-millionaire; thanks to the wise investments of her father in the gold markets. Gold stocks had taken a huge leap in recent years thanks to the collapse in confidence in just about everything else – on a global scale. Gold, once thought to the ‘boring choice’ amongst investors; was now hugely popular, rising to over $1700 per ounce in 2012.
Sally considered the wisdom of her father who had been maintaining for years that gold was totally undervalued; and that when the going got tough it would rise from its paltry $400 per ounce. “But how high do you think it will go dad?” She remembered asking him one evening, over a cup of hot chocolate. “The sky’s the limit my dear – it just depends on the size of the crises!”
He had been proven right of course, and her father’s portfolio now valued at over $4 million dollars – and showed every sign of going even higher, as the lack of confidence in a financial system built on speculation and fear continued..
The car rolled on through the rolling hills of the Scottish borders, and into the countryside of Northumbria. Sally had been driving for four hours now, and was desperate for a cup of coffee and a toilet break . She decided to give the sleeping figure of Robert a shake, laughing to herself at the sight of his head rolling on his chest, as he slept off his hangover.
“Robert dearest.” She said in her most mellifluous voice. “I think it’s about time for a coffee don’t you”
“What? Oh..yes. I could murder a cup!”
“Well, I don’t think murder will be necessary Robert – but I agree with you totally!” She smiled happily at him.
“Ok…what are you up to Sally?”
“Me?...What on earth would I be up to my dear!”
Robert laughed, as he shook off his headache from earlier. “You have the look of a woman who is planning something, my precious!”
“Ha ha ha, you really have a suspicious mind Robert! I’m just looking forward to our honeymoon, aren’t you?”
Robert conceded. “Yes I must admit I am. I’ve always fancied a cruise – I’m glad you suggested it. Two weeks away from work cruising the Med, with a hot babe to keep me warm at night – life just doesn’t get any better than this!”
Sally laughed aloud at the smug look on his face. “So I’m a hot babe am I? It wasn’t that last night when you fell asleep on me – and after I had especially dressed for the occasion as well, with my sexy lingerie set!”
Robert looked sheepish. “Listen Sally, I’m totally gutted about that; honestly I am – I just hope that you’ve packed the ‘sexy set,’ we might have some use for it yet!”
He grinned wickedly.
“You wish buster! We’ll just have to see how well you behave yourself, shan’t we!” She replied equally wickedly as she drove a short distance off the road, and into a car park next to a welcome-looking roadside café.
They made their way inside, and managed to get a seat by the window, where they could look out at the ducks in the ornamental pond.
“So how long is it do you think, to your Aunt and Uncles house at Bourton-on-the-water?”
Although Robert called them ‘Aunt and Uncle’ they were in fact not relations, but very close friends of his mother Agnes; and Robert had always had called them by this title since he was a child.
“Well, I told uncle Bill that we would take it easy, and probably not get there much before 6pm. That gives us plenty of time to have a light lunch now maybe, then take a casual drive down.”
“So what exactly are they like? I mean, do you think they will be ok with me just dropping in on them like this?”
“Are you kidding me? I don’t know any guy that is not going to fall all over you – especially when you do that ‘flirty thing’ with your eyes!” Robert exclaimed laughing.
“What flirty thing!” She said – doing just what Robert had referred too.
He slapped her lightly about the head. “Yes exactly! Seriously though – you will love uncle Bill, he is a real charmer. As for Samantha; she is an absolute gem and I’m sure will treat you as a long-lost friend; have no fear on that score.”
They chatted while longer, before Robert ordered cheeseburger and chips, and Sally settled for a bowl of French onion soup and a crusty bread roll.
Fed and watered, they nipped into the toilets before heading back down the road on their journey to Gloucestershire. Robert took over with the driving, as Sally got out her maps to check her directions.
“Maybe we should have bought a Sat-Nav for the car Sally; what do you think?” He asked as Sally wrestled to unfold the paper map.
“Well, when you consider that we hardly ever leave Aviemore, except on excursions like this – no I don’t think so – just a waste of money.” She stated firmly.
“Yes, you’re probably right �
�� as usual! I suppose it would be fine for a sales rep, or someone like that; and you hear the wildest stories of people driving over harbours and things – it’s crazy!”
“Anyway, this is fairly easy. Just you keep driving south and I’ll tell you when to turn off or change direction.”
Robert drove on for a further four hours without stopping, while Sally kept him on the right road. Soon they were driving up into the tiny village of Bourton-on-the-water, and were knocking on the door of Bill and Samantha’s quaint country cottage.
A Tall elderly gentleman, not unlike Sally’s friend Sir Malcolm, opened the door for them.
“Robert! It is good to see you arrived safe and sound; do come in.” He opened the door wide for them to enter, as Samantha joined the company and immediately gave Robert a huge hug.
“Robert dear, it is fabulous to see you again; and this will be Sally I presume?”
“Oh, yes of course- Sally meet Aunt Samantha, and Uncle Bill!”
Sally stepped forward and introduced herself; giving Samantha a friendly hug, and planting a light kiss on Bill’s cheek – causing him to beam delightedly.
“I wouldn’t get carried away uncle Bill – she does that with all the guys!” Robert laughed at Derek.
“I’m sure that’s total nonsense Robert – the girl obviously appreciates mature sensible men; goodness knows what attracted her to you!” They all laughed, as Samantha led them through to the front room.
“Now please just make yourselves comfortable, while I make us a pot of tea. Bill, could you take their bags up to the bedroom please?"
Bill dutifully lifted their over-night bags and hefted them up the narrow staircase to the bedroom; returning just a few moments later.
Sally quietly asked Robert where the toilet was. “Oh, sorry Sally. It’s just through the hall and down a couple of steps – you can’t miss it.”
Sally excused herself then headed off to find the ‘little girls room.’
“So then Robert; you have been busy; and now a married man it seems! How on earth did you manage to catch such a gorgeous looking young woman?” Samantha asked him, with a smile playing on her lips.
“Well auntie – it’s a long story. I’ll have you bored senseless by this evening no doubt!” He replied, as he mentally asked himself the exact same question.
******
Chapter 2
As Robert expected, Sally was made to feel very much a part of the family – as indeed she now was – by both Samantha and Bill. Later that evening, they insisted that that they would treat him and Sally to a meal down at a local restaurant.
“Honestly Robert, it’s the least we can do, especially as we could not make it to your wedding. Bill’s cousin really picked the most inconvenient time to pass away!”
“Ha ha, never mind Auntie – I’m sure he had little choice in the matter – the cousin I mean!”
“Yes, well life is like that I suppose – all the more reason to make the most of it Robert!”
Bill came into the room carrying a light jacket for Samantha.
“Ok kids – are we all ready to go then? I for one am getting a little peckish!”
Within ten minutes they were seated at a table in the village restaurant; Robert explaining to Sally that it was in fact a traditional village Public house or ‘Pub,’ called ‘The Ploughman’s Rest’ that had started selling food as a way of supplementing their income, and keeping the customers from moving on. Now it was very well known in the area for its good food; and people travelled from all around the area to eat there.
“So Sally, are you looking forward to your cruise? I must say it sounds fabulous!” Samantha said as they scanned the menu before ordering.
“Definitely! I have often dreamed one day of visiting Europe, but must confess that the furthest I have been is Scotland.” She went on to explain that while an exchange student at Dalkeith House, her ‘Host Parents’ Tom and Elizabeth had shown her around.
“Ah yes; that would be the couple you were visiting when you had the unfortunate accident?”
“That’s right. Though I sometimes wonder about the nature of ‘fate.’ If it weren’t for that car accident, I would never have met this rogue here!” Sally said playfully as she wrapped her arms around Robert.
“Hey hey! Remember there are old folks here – you’ll have to get yourselves a room, if you are going to carry on like that!” Bill laughed at their display of affection.
“Oh Bill, you leave them alone – it is their honeymoon after all; you were once young and romantic yourself, if you can remember that far back!” Samantha looked at him theatrically, from the side of her eye. “Hmm, well maybe not!”
Robert and Sally laughed, as he made a face at Samantha; before Robert piped up.
“You two really, you’re like a couple of kids sometimes! Anyway, here comes the waiter for our orders.”
On Bill’s recommendation they all ordered the ‘Traditional Steak and Ale Pie,’ with a side helping of boiled potatoes, and vegetables in cheese sauce; Helped down with a bottle of Italian Shiraz; and a Cola for Bill as he was the appointed driver. As predicted the food was excellent, the only ‘complaint’ coming from Sally, that it was just too much for her to handle in one sitting!
“So; getting back to the cruise - tell us, what ports are you visiting?”
“Hmm, let me try and Remember, Bill… We leave from Southampton as you know, then sail to the first port of Gibraltar, then Barcelona. From there it’s Cannes, Civitavecchia, Naples, Cagliari, and Cadiz…maybe not in that order…and I’ve probably missed something! Then the sail back to Southampton. Fourteen days of bliss – Shut up!” Sally exclaimed excitedly, much to the amusement of the rest of the party.
“That sounds great – I’m really excited for you both. Cruising is not something we have considered before; but I definitely think we will have to give it a try – Don’t you Samantha?”
“Indeed I do, in fact I will be dropping by the travel agents for brochures at the first opportunity!” She laughed.
“So tell me Sally. How are you enjoying life in Scotland? I imagine it must be very different from Wisconsin?”
“To be honest Samantha I love it here, ever since I first came over as a student some twelve years ago now; I have always felt very much at home here.”
“What about the language? I know we all speak English but sometimes the local dialect can be hard to pick up; and certainly there are some differences with the meanings of words!”
Sally laughed as she answered. “Well I have learned not to talk about my ‘pants,’ and the idea of waiting in a Queue instead of a line is no longer a mystery To me! As for the local dialect, it’s something I’m still working on, but it’s not a problem.”
“Robert tells me that you are a journalist Sally, is that something you hope to pursue?” Bill said; continuing the questions.
“Well actually Bill, I’m not really sure at the moment. Will see what comes along when we get back from the honeymoon, and reality sinks in. Right now I must confess It’s all like an extended holiday!”
Samantha gave Sally a mischievous look.
“Yes I can imagine.. and what about a family - Do you think you will try for one?”
“Samantha really – give them a chance to get married first will you!” Bill said, as Sally flushed to the roots of her hair. Robert just looked on bemused at his Aunt and Uncle. “Trust Samantha to come out with that one!” he thought to himself.
“That’s ok Bill. Well again – we will just have to see what happens. Personally I would like a family; but it would not be the end of the world if it did not happen for us.” She looked across at Robert, who nodded his approval.
Sally went on. “The thing is that we are under no real financial pressure at the moment; so we do not have to make any rash decisions regarding our future. Robert for one, is happy with his work on the Loch An Eilein Estate; and I am more than happy just to be a ‘lady of leisure,’ at least for a little while.�
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“Well that sounds excellent to me! I’ve had to wait till retirement to get that privilege, and even so we have to ‘watch the pennies.’” Said Samantha obviously intrigued.
Sally went on to explain that she had inherited a considerable sum of money from her father, in the form of Gold stocks; so for the foreseeable future, their finances were taken care off.
Robert for the first time, found himself wondering just how much money was involved; as the conversation rolled on. However he was determined that their relationship was not going to be centred around money, and equally determined that he was not going to be a ‘kept man.’ Sally had already offered to give him details of the inheritance, but he had stopped her, declaring. “Sally if you tell me now; I will always fear that you might think I have married you for the money. Let’s just leave it alone for now shall we, and if the need comes then perhaps we can discuss it.”
Sally had already bailed his mother and himself out of ‘financial Armageddon,’ much to his embarrassment, and he was determined that he would not put either of them in that situation again. As it was, Sally had insisted on paying for the upgrade to a Balcony suite on the cruise-ship; and he had been forced to somewhat ungraciously accept the generous offer.
“So Robert; how are things on the Estate now that all the unpleasantness is over – particularly for yourself Sally!” Said Samantha, breaking across Roberts thoughts.
“Oh, they’re fine. I must admit though it’s been a rather frantic summer, especially for Sally as you say. I think we’re just both looking forward to getting away from it all for a while, and chilling out a little!”
“Amen to that!” Sally chipped in. “I wonder though how Agnes is getting on – and if she has made peace with her rogue of a husband! Mind you, it cannot be easy for her; even I am conflicted regarding him.”
“Yes, I know what you mean – if he hadn’t turned up when he did, to save you from that animal….it doesn’t bear thinking about!” Bill echoed the sentiments of them all, as he referred to the incident earlier that year when Sally was abducted by an old work colleague.
Sally’s Honeymoon: Book 4 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series Page 1