THE ECCENTRICITIES OF THE ARISTOCRACY
A new home, a new job and a new town, all together? Well, no, not quite, but these events did come together within a rather short space of time, a couple of months at the most. First came the job, a really prestigious and well-paid position within a major organisation, and I was still living with my parents as said employment commenced. But that led to the purchase of my first property, a rather small two-bedroom house admittedly, but it was perfectly adequate for my needs. As was the office to which I now reported to for work, it was in the next conurbation to that where my parent's home was located, roughly ten miles away. Close enough to be able to keep in contact, but far enough away to mean that I had truly 'flown the nest,' as it were.
As if this purchasing this new home of mine wasn't exciting enough, just down the road, within easy walking distance, but not so close as the noise and traffic etc. generated from it would be a problem, was a lovely local pub. Fairly small, but in a beautiful old building and therefore extremely traditional, naturally it's exactly where I ventured to on my first Friday evening living in my new dwelling. To be confronted by a bar, sporting a whole range of proper English real ales, some of which were familiar, but others were present that I'd never heard of beforehand. Now, don't get me wrong here, there's nothing wrong with lager, be it from European countries like Germany, or from 'down under' but seriously you just can't beat a good real ale. Well, according to my taste buds anyway.
Actually, as well as the pub, near to home was an Indian restaurant, which I noticed from on-line reviews appeared to have a good reputation. So, maybe the final pint of the night might just be a 'Cobra' beer, accompanied by my favourite curry, the one I always ordered when trying out a different establishment, giving me a sort of 'marker point,' King Prawn Madras.
Whilst trying to work out just which of the available beers would be the first of the night, with the intention of drinking several different ones, I noticed a couple of girls sitting together at a table. And, believe me, they were a sight for sore eyes, utterly beautiful and sexy, putting a smile right onto my face, and to my delight I received one back from both of them.
Now the clothing that they both wore did absolutely nothing to diminish their appeal at all, they both were adorned in leather, and we were talking about apparel that was clearly very expensive and classy. And, as if the situation couldn't get any more promising from my point of view, as I turned away from them to order the beer that I'd decided upon; I sensed both of them had risen and were approaching me. Naturally wishing to appear the 'perfect' gentleman, I greeted them, "good evening, Ladies," and then enquired, "would you both desire something to drink?"
"Thank you very much, but we're fine in that respect, we've only just ordered ourselves." One of them replied, and I noticed the two large glasses of what appeared to be white wine on the table they'd just vacated. Then the other girl joined in the conversation. "In fact, we were wondering if you'd like to join us for a chat?" And then under her breath, and I'm not sure if I was intended to hear her further speech, "for the moment anyway."
"I'd be delighted." Grabbing my pint of beer that the barman had just served up and I paid for. And accompanying them back to said table. Offering my hand to them I simply stated "I'm Gez, actually short for Gerald, but only my mother calls me that these days, and that's just when I've done something wrong, and she's annoyed with me!"
Looking at them both, I became aware that they were very similar in appearance, and I guessed that they were related, cousins perhaps, or maybe even sisters. The one who looked to be slightly older took my hand first, "nice to meet you, Gez. I'm Lucinda, although everybody just calls me, Lucy."
Having shook my hand, Lucy then released it, where on the other girl took it. "And I'm Lucy's younger sister. Eleanor, known as Ellie." Seems that I was right about the sister status then!
"So," Lucy continued, "are you from around here, Gez? I'm not sure I've ever seen you before in here."
"I am now, but I only moved into my new home three days ago. And this is the first time that I've ever been in this lovely pub."
"That would explain it then! Welcome. By the way, do you live alone? Or do you have a girlfriend in your life?" Right to the point, it seemed!
"No, Lucy. I'm very much single at this moment in time." Receiving another delicious smile from both of them. Could this evening, already superb, get any better?
The next half an hour or so passed very pleasantly, but I sensed there was something about these sisters that I couldn't place, they definitely seemed to be holding something back. For instance, once the conversation turned to work, and our respective employment, I was totally forthcoming, explaining exactly how I earned my living, but both of the girls seemed extremely, I don't know, 'vague,' I guess, not really answering the question at all. And it definitely appeared that they were timing the consumption of their respective glasses of wine, in order to finish it at almost the same moment as I completely downed my pint of beer, a much larger volume of liquid, of course.
For when I offered, "Another drink, Ladies?" They both politely refused.
"Actually," Ellie commented, "we're just about to move on from here onto somewhere else. Hoping that you'll join us?"
"Believe me you'll be very welcome," finished her sister.
Why not, I thought to myself? Assuming they meant another pub naturally. "Yes, I'd be glad to." Getting up, and following them both out of the pub, wondering just where they intended to take me.