Bartimaeus

The next day we again enjoyed a hearty breakfast from the buffet, then got packed up. The strains of Scottish music drifted from a room downstairs as we were checking out, as Mary Queen of Scots had visited this place a few times., so they had a Scottish themed snack bar with tartan furnishings.

We left our bags in reception and stepped into the park directly opposite. It had rained overnight so I was glad we hadn't been wet when we were in our pale or suede shoes and long dresses. 

There is also an art and craft fair and I had a look there. I was aware it was Paul's birthday. There didn't seem a point in giving him another gift to carry, since he had bags packed for the honeymoon. In stead I sent him some matrimonial advice to set him on his journey that I read in the craft shop. Shane has found this to be true.

I stepped out to find Shane on a bench and Paul approaching. Lorna and Carol Ann were collecting items from the Conservatory and joined us shortly. We had a stroll in the park and then headed to town. The chaps were keen for coffee. They found a  coffee shop while some clothes browsing went on for Lorna, Carol Ann and me. Carol Ann bought a shirt and I got jeans.

When we reunited we walked through a park and Paul told me about the ancient Derbyshire custom of well dressing. In the hill which has been a well, was now a weather station, but the locals still 'dressed' it. Traditionally it was dressed in nature themes. This time it was material shaped like flowers as well as bunting.

I hadn't heard of the tradition. It wasn't the only bit of decorating, there seemed to be a flowerpot trail and some yarn bombing around the town, so much of the town was "dressed".

Paul's floral green shirt for his wedding was very appropriate here, especially in the green house setting. I was aware he was missing out on the celebrating his birthday, but did think that a holiday in France was a fine treat. 

We met up and it wasn't long before the some of us were ready for coffee again. Th drinks came with heart shaped chocolates. 

Even though Paul wasn't having a drink there was one for him, and they didn't even know it was his birthday. He urged me to be quick with the photography so they didn't melt in the sun.

He declined cake at a bakery but was tempted with a sausage roll. It was soon time to set off for our trains and buses. On the way I bought a postcard of the wedding venue which runs alongside the opera house.

At the train station I saw a feature I had missed on arrival. His name is Charlie and he is made of railway paraphernalia.

On the train I had charge of Lorna's bouquet of thistle, lavender and white roses and other greenery to keep for drying. Nye was going to take it back to Edinburgh. Lucky he had come along! Lorna had included some roses and gypsophila I could keep, so the first job back on the boat was to find a suitable container, fo them.