Bristol

Liz lost no time in apologising  for getting off the coach from Coventry. We soon became friends while others watched the romance slowly progressing. I invited her to come on an away day train trip to Bristol. Her Mum made a picnic and she got on at Paddington and I got on at Ealing. It was a lovely day and we saw the bridge and Clifton Zoo. I said let's go to evensong in the cathedral and we will sit in the choir. She seemed surprised but enjoyed the service. Liz said"ive never been to that. I belong to the opposition". Me "Why? Are you a Methodist?" "No I'm a Catholic" "you're not the opposition!" Rcs were positively discouraged from entering other churches even after Vatican 2 although things were changing. I had assumed English girls would be vaguely C of E. In Joburg you had to accompany the girl home. My encounters with women had consisted of polite conversation. One date had not been a success. I had of course met many people on my travels and the library. But Liz was just special. We were meant for each other.