Of Course I Didn't Forget...

Nigel knows he could be in serious trouble. Having glanced at the calendar, he's just realised that it's Penny's birthday tomorrow ' rather a special one, actually, as she'll be thirty. Somehow, it had totally slipped his mind. It's almost ten o'clock at night and it's too late to go out and buy anything now. Fortunately, he bought her a card some weeks ago, so at least he'll be able to present her with that. But what on earth will he do about a gift? There's not even time to order anything online.

Suddenly, Nigel has a flash of inspiration. Of course! A gift doesn't necessarily have to be something tangible, wrapped in shiny paper and topped with a big bow. His fingers get tapping on the computer keyboard. A short while later, his problem is solved and he heaves a sigh of relief.

First thing in the morning, Nigel greets Penny with a mug of tea, presented on a tray with the card and a single daffodil. (Okay, so it's not quite as romantic as a red rose and it did come from their own garden, but at least he chose it himself and they do say that it's the thought that counts.) She smiles sleepily as she sips her tea and opens the envelope. "Oh that", explains Nigel, looking somewhat embarrassed as he watches Penny extract the grubby, tattered banknote from the card, "that's just a little something for you to, um, put towards something nice to wear...". He grins sheepishly, knowing that a fiver would scarcely cover the cost of a pair of tights, but that was all he could find when he rummaged through his wallet and pockets late last night. Seeing the puzzlement and disappointment in Penny's eyes, Nigel knows it's time to tell her about her surprise. "We're going to do something really special for your birthday", he announces, as he sits down on the edge of the bed. "We're going away for the weekend!"

Nigel thanks his lucky stars that he found that website last night ' one for a company that specialises in booking hotel accommodation throughout the UK ' often at short notice. Within minutes, he'd found a hotel he just knew that Penny would love, steeped in history and set in a beautiful part of the country. It took just moments to book and that was it ' job done!

Penny chats excitedly as they set off towards the Oxfordshire countryside, past the many quaint churches and inns. Spring is her favourite time of year, with everything looking green and fresh, flowers and blooming shrubs in profusion. Finally they reach their destination; an idyllic 17th century hotel, a perfect base for exploring the picturesque Cotswolds, Stratford upon Avon, Oxford, Woodstock and Warwick.

On their arrival, Penny and Nigel are immediately struck by the magnificence of the hotel. It's a former coaching house with original period details and is a treasure trove of traditional atmosphere and charm. They are given a warm greeting at reception by a charming woman who wastes no time in telling them some of the history of the place. She informs them, proudly, that the writer, Jonathan Swift, took a room here in the early eighteenth century, during the writing of his famous epic, 'Gulliver's Travels'. She tells them of the secret, hidden staircases dating back to the times when priests sought sanctuary in the priest holes. She even confides that there is a resident ghost who makes an appearance on very rare occasions. By now, Penny is completely smitten. A ghost! How fantastic!

After checking in, Penny and Nigel are shown upstairs to their room with en suite bathroom. Traditionally and tastefully decorated, it's quiet, very comfortable and spacious and overlooks the well cared-for garden and courtyard. There's a CD player and even a well-stocked minibar - such decadence!

After a refreshing pot of tea on a comfy sofa in the hotel lounge, Penny and Nigel take a short drive to the imposing city of Oxford, with its 'dreaming spires', a fascinating blend of ancient and modern. Penny spends several hours looking round the shops and has no trouble spending Nigel's five pounds ' and a bit more besides.

Back at the hotel, they kick off their shoes and consider what they would like to do later. Browsing through the hotel's extensive and impressive menu of fine English cuisine, they decide they could do no better than to eat there this evening. Attired in a gorgeous new dress and matching shoes she bought only this afternoon, Penny's amazed as she enters the opulent, spotlessly clean, oak-panelled dining room with its stone fireplace and original wooden beams, large oak tables and carved chairs, upholstered in plush velvet. Service is prompt and courteous and the meal is a delight; local beef served with a tantalising selection of fresh vegetables, followed by a very punchy sherry trifle! After a few drinks in the relaxing bar, the couple decide to call it a day. As they settle down to sleep, Penny giggles to Nigel, reminding him about the ghost.

Invigorated after a refreshing sleep, Penny and Nigel enjoy a full, hearty English breakfast before settling down to read the complimentary newspapers in the hotel lobby. After a leisurely stroll around the gardens, it's time to make their departure.

Penny's sorry that the ghost didn't make a special appearance for her, but is nevertheless ecstatic about the hotel. "Oh, Nigel, you're so sweet!" exclaims Penny, as she throws her arms around Nigel's neck and plants a big kiss on his cheek. "This has been the best birthday present ever, and it was so thoughtful of you. You must have been planning this surprise for ages."

Nigel smiles fondly at his wife. "It was no trouble", he says. "Absolutely no trouble at all". Well, that's the truth, after all...