1945 The endless war was over. We were all returning to the new normal. That is if anything could ever be normal again.. The train trundled along the british countryside The towns the counties passing slowly by. Rows of houses country farms The edge of Scotland ahhh Scotland. We Passed the cities into the Highland where pristine lochs sparkled in the rare sunshine. She got onto the train at Inverness A change of vehicle descending south. To a London I did not want ever to see again. I was reading my book on the armies of Rome in England.she took a sandwich out of her oversized purse. would you like one she asked softly.? I was famished normal protocol apolite no. But my hunger screamed even louder than my reticence yes that would be lovely. Thank you so much. The food trolley arrived I ordered two cups of watery after war coffee And two custard tarts. I showed her Hadrians wall As we passed it. The city of York which had been the centre of the British civil war Cavaliers and roundness and all that. I guess by now she knew I was a terminal bore. But she did not seem to mind She smiled and laughed dutifully at my jokes. What she did not know By the time we reached Crewe I was in love with her. It was obvious a woman as beautiful as her. Would have no interest in such a stogie old Bachelor schoolmaster like me. I had no skills in alluring the fairer ***. Only Shakespeare Plato descartes. But as the train pulled into Euston dust from the coal fired engines entered a piece of soot into my eye From the open window of the carriage
She came to my aid taking the dust from my eye with the rolled corner of her handkerchief. The pain immediately subsided. And she kissed my lips softly yet firmly. I have never kissed a man unintroduced she whispered. But I do not want to wait for you you are very shy.
2000 The snow fell on Greyfairs school early that winter We had retired into the headmaster's quarters which would be ours for the rest of of our days. I remember the train my love. She whispered her beautiful grey eyes as young as the springtime. You gave me half your ham sandwich my love I answered weakly. Then at Easton you kissed me first. Like this she said her familiar sweet.lips reached mine. That's because I found the man that I wanted for my life partner she purred. The light faded in my eyes She melted into oblivion.
I was on a train alone again like so long ago. The British rail trolley came I bought two weak watery coffees and two custard tarts. Keep riding sir the lady's voice said kindly. she will be with soon at Inverness.