The Ring                                                                                                                    HOME
by Nick

I remember the day well. The birds were in the sky, as was the sun, and so were the clouds. And a plane. Yes, there definitely was a plane. That morning I arose without hangover or the usual splash of grumpiness; there was a tangible excitement in the air. My visa card was gleaming brighter than ever. It seemed to say, ‘Use me!'

I was staying at my little sister Katharine's house and we were going to Bath to pick up some gifts for her wedding (she was to be married in a week or so later to a strapping young man called Ben). A very expensive jewelry shop had been targeted for groom/best man's presents -little did I know that I too would be buying a gift.

So we set off in our pony and trap and soon arrived in the beautiful Roman city of Bath. We stabled our transport and set off on foot, checking in occasionally at local taverns for sustenance. Soon we arrived at 'Mallory's' and after being let in by a burly doorman were soon browsing the delights inside. Katharine quickly selected her gifts and we sat and quaffed tea whilst the staff wrapped her purchases. It was after our fourth piece of shortbread that my sister enquired 'Ere, why don't you get an engagement ring? Carmen seems a good un.'

A capital idea, I thought (I had been planning to do it at some point. She was a good catch and I should nab her before some other cove does).  I proceeded to sweep my gaze over their best rings. It wasn't long before my eyes alighted on 'THE ONE' tm.

It was all that I had been looking for, simple yet elegant -a single diamond resting on a band of gleaming platinum. Trembling, I asked the manager if I could take a closer look. After he locked all the doors and windows, he produced the ring. How it gleamed! How the diamond lit the air around it! I was in love, as I knew Carmen would be. I asked the manager how many shillings one would need to procure said object.

I came to on the floor. I felt slightly woozy. 'How long have I been out?' I enquired.

'Ten minutes,' replied my sister. I was gently assisted to my feet and with a trembling hand, unsheathed my Visa card. As the ring was taken away to be packaged, we were asked if we would like some tea. I had seen a bottle of champagne around and enquired, 'Could we have some of that champagne?' Two glasses full of the amber nectar were dutifully produced.

I then told the manager of how I was planning to propose to Carmen and after the story he disappeared. He soon returned with a large box.  'Here’s something to celebrate with when you pop the question.' Inside was a bottle of champagne and some fine chocolates. What a splendid chap.

We bade farewell and soon departed Bath. Next stop the Rocky Mountains. But I had more one job to do before I could give Carmen her band. Permission had to be sought!   

THE ENGAGEMENT   THE REQUEST    HOME