Hearsay 21 Continued

Jean and Dominic were together again around Christmas 1972. Almost the first thing he did when they met was give her an envelope.

"You're not to open it until the 15th September, 1973. See that's what it says. You will see its also sealed. Now don't you dare open it. Put it in a safe place."

"How exciting. Why September the 15th?"

"I am saying no more."

It was a few days later when Harry Wood phoned to wish them both a happy Christmas together. Harry, knowing how close the two had become, asked if he needed to get his best suit cleaned.

"Why Harry?"

"The wedding."

"What wedding?"

"You two. Next year, maybe?"

"You're a bit forward."

"Maybe, but if you do decide to why not use Compton for your reception. The old gal would love that. But you must wear a captain's outfit and that parrot."

"Hey, hang on. Have you chosen the hymns as well? "

"Aye. Eternal Father; for those in peril on the sea!”

"Go away Harry," laughed Dominic.

" OK Dom, but I wanted to tell you one other thing, Compton's on the telly again over the holiday. It's New year's eve , at 7.25 . The Onedin Line."

"Oh we must watch that."

"Good. I'll go now, and God bless you both."

"OK Harry. Er?"

"Er what?"

"If we do what you said could we charter her to steam us to Santorini?"

"Oh that sounds like a good place for a honeymoon, but I doubt the old gal's quite up to that, other than in the films. Sounds to me though Dom your mind is working on this one. Shall I book a date for the reception?"

"Bugger off Harry you're incorrigible. Nice to hear from you though, and both of you be sure to have a really good Christmas.”

Soon after Jean returned .

"Did you get what you wanted?"

"Mostly. A few things left to do."

"Harry phoned and sends his love. He says Compton's on the box again over Christmas."

"When?"

"I think he said New year's Eve."

Jean rummaged through one of her bags and bought out the Christmas edition of the Radio Times.