| Nigel knows he could be in serious trouble. Having | | | | time in telling them some of the history of the |
| glanced at the calendar, he's just realised that it's | | | | place. She informs them, proudly, that the writer, |
| Penny's birthday tomorrow ' rather a special one, | | | | Jonathan Swift, took a room here in the early |
| actually, as she'll be thirty. Somehow, it had totally | | | | eighteenth century, during the writing of his |
| slipped his mind. It's almost ten o'clock at night and | | | | famous epic, 'Gulliver's Travels'. She tells them of |
| it's too late to go out and buy anything now. | | | | the secret, hidden staircases dating back to the |
| Fortunately, he bought her a card some weeks | | | | times when priests sought sanctuary in the priest |
| ago, so at least he'll be able to present her with | | | | holes. She even confides that there is a resident |
| that. But what on earth will he do about a gift? | | | | ghost who makes an appearance on very rare |
| There's not even time to order anything online. | | | | occasions. By now, Penny is completely smitten. A |
| Suddenly, Nigel has a flash of inspiration. Of | | | | ghost! How fantastic! |
| course! A gift doesn't necessarily have to be | | | | After checking in, Penny and Nigel are shown |
| something tangible, wrapped in shiny paper and | | | | upstairs to their room with en suite bathroom. |
| topped with a big bow. His fingers get tapping on | | | | Traditionally and tastefully decorated, it's quiet, |
| the computer keyboard. A short while later, his | | | | very comfortable and spacious and overlooks the |
| problem is solved and he heaves a sigh of relief. | | | | well cared-for garden and courtyard. There's a CD |
| First thing in the morning, Nigel greets Penny with | | | | player and even a well-stocked minibar - such |
| a mug of tea, presented on a tray with the card | | | | decadence! |
| and a single daffodil. (Okay, so it's not quite as | | | | After a refreshing pot of tea on a comfy sofa in |
| romantic as a red rose and it did come from their | | | | the hotel lounge, Penny and Nigel take a short |
| own garden, but at least he chose it himself and | | | | drive to the imposing city of Oxford, with its |
| they do say that it's the thought that counts.) | | | | 'dreaming spires', a fascinating blend of ancient and |
| She smiles sleepily as she sips her tea and opens | | | | modern. Penny spends several hours looking round |
| the envelope. "Oh that", explains Nigel, looking | | | | the shops and has no trouble spending Nigel's five |
| somewhat embarrassed as he watches Penny | | | | pounds ' and a bit more besides. |
| extract the grubby, tattered banknote from the | | | | Back at the hotel, they kick off their shoes and |
| card, "that's just a little something for you to, um, | | | | consider what they would like to do later. |
| put towards something nice to wear...". He grins | | | | Browsing through the hotel's extensive and |
| sheepishly, knowing that a fiver would scarcely | | | | impressive menu of fine English cuisine, they |
| cover the cost of a pair of tights, but that was all | | | | decide they could do no better than to eat there |
| he could find when he rummaged through his | | | | this evening. Attired in a gorgeous new dress and |
| wallet and pockets late last night. Seeing the | | | | matching shoes she bought only this afternoon, |
| puzzlement and disappointment in Penny's eyes, | | | | Penny's amazed as she enters the opulent, |
| Nigel knows it's time to tell her about her surprise. | | | | spotlessly clean, oak-panelled dining room with its |
| "We're going to do something really special for | | | | stone fireplace and original wooden beams, large |
| your birthday", he announces, as he sits down on | | | | oak tables and carved chairs, upholstered in plush |
| the edge of the bed. "We're going away for the | | | | velvet. Service is prompt and courteous and the |
| weekend!" | | | | meal is a delight; local beef served with a |
| Nigel thanks his lucky stars that he found that | | | | tantalising selection of fresh vegetables, followed |
| website last night ' one for a company that | | | | by a very punchy sherry trifle! After a few drinks |
| specialises in booking hotel accommodation | | | | in the relaxing bar, the couple decide to call it a |
| throughout the UK ' often at short notice. Within | | | | day. As they settle down to sleep, Penny giggles |
| minutes, he'd found a hotel he just knew that | | | | to Nigel, reminding him about the ghost. |
| Penny would love, steeped in history and set in a | | | | Invigorated after a refreshing sleep, Penny and |
| beautiful part of the country. It took just | | | | Nigel enjoy a full, hearty English breakfast before |
| moments to book and that was it ' job done! | | | | settling down to read the complimentary |
| Penny chats excitedly as they set off towards | | | | newspapers in the hotel lobby. After a leisurely |
| the Oxfordshire countryside, past the many | | | | stroll around the gardens, it's time to make their |
| quaint churches and inns. Spring is her favourite | | | | departure. |
| time of year, with everything looking green and | | | | Penny's sorry that the ghost didn't make a special |
| fresh, flowers and blooming shrubs in profusion. | | | | appearance for her, but is nevertheless ecstatic |
| Finally they reach their destination; an idyllic 17th | | | | about the hotel. "Oh, Nigel, you're so sweet!" |
| century hotel, a perfect base for exploring the | | | | exclaims Penny, as she throws her arms around |
| picturesque Cotswolds, Stratford upon Avon, | | | | Nigel's neck and plants a big kiss on his cheek. |
| Oxford, Woodstock and Warwick. | | | | "This has been the best birthday present ever, |
| On their arrival, Penny and Nigel are immediately | | | | and it was so thoughtful of you. You must have |
| struck by the magnificence of the hotel. It's a | | | | been planning this surprise for ages." |
| former coaching house with original period details | | | | Nigel smiles fondly at his wife. "It was no trouble", |
| and is a treasure trove of traditional atmosphere | | | | he says. "Absolutely no trouble at all". Well, that's |
| and charm. They are given a warm greeting at | | | | the truth, after all... |
| reception by a charming woman who wastes no | | | | |