Part 2

Chapter 4

“How long have you been doing this kind of thing”? Jane remarked as they walked down the echoing corridor towards the sub basement. “Oh, since the age of seven. I was digging in the garden, thinking that if I dug deep enough I would come out on the other side of the world. Childs logic you see. My little excavation was only about eighteen inches, but it was hard work with a beach spade. Never the less, at that point I came across Roman Tesserae, you know those little blocks that make up a mosaic, I had actually found the floor of a Roman Villa. I think we must have the only lawn that is protected by English Heritage. I’ve been digging things up ever since”. Jane listened, hanging on to his every word “And what were you saying about the Indians and the DNA”. Not one to loose an opportunity to speak on his favourite subject he said. “Now that’s very interesting, remember I told you of Dr Douglas Wallis, well he has investigated the mitochondrial DNA of the Indian tribes and because this DNA can be traced back through the female line, you can tell what kind of peoples the Indians are descended from. Now the Indian DNA are made up of four groups A B C and D. This is traced back to Asia and Siberia, Now if you remember the Clovis people, who the Indians think they are descended from and who have been traced back to eleven thousand five hundred years ago may not have been the first, because this DNA shows that the Indian ancestors got into America twenty thousand years ago. So now we have doubt place on the fact that the Clovis people were the first to inhabit America. Not only that but when the DNA of the Ojibwa tribe was examined it was found not only to have the A B C and D groups but also another, and that other (which was called X) was found to come from the Solutrians in France. Which of course would mean that the North American Indian do have European blood in them”.
Jane was totally enthralled, she had never thought that a dry old subject like archaeology could be of such interest. Her immediate instinct was to get him to tell her more, but alas time was pressing and it really was time for her to get on with her work. She took her leave of him and hurried back to her office. The day was something of a hum drum affair, apart of course for lunch, witch was held in her office, in the company of Joe. It was now Friday and tomorrow she would be going out with Joe. Most of Friday afternoon was taken up in contemplation of what to wear, and then the thought struck her, what was more to the point what was Joe going to be wearing. What if he turned up in that holey jumper, and the restaurant; it might turn out to be a chip shop. “No put that straight out of your mind you foolish girl”. She thought to herself, and instantly got back to the clothes. Well it wasn’t as if she was stuck for clothes, she had the money as well as dress sense that was part of the problem, with three wardrobes to choose from this may be a little difficult.
The day had drawn to a close and Jane had returned home. “That you dear”? The comforting voice of her mother met her as she opened the door. “Yes mother” For the life of her she was at a loss as to who else it may be, there were times in her younger days when she had actually thought of putting on a gruff voice and saying. “No its Jack the Ripper”. But that was some time ago now. “I’m in the living room dear”. Jane came into the room and was confronted by her mother knitting; she hadn’t done this for at least five years now. “What on earth are you doing mother”. Her mother looked at her somewhat disapprovingly. “Jane don’t ask silly questions, I’m knitting. I’ve not done it for such a long time I thought I would just get the needles out, just to keep my hand in so to speak”. “Knitting what for goodness sake”? Jane was rather nonplussed by the whole thing. “Well dear I thought I’d start with a gentleman’s jumper, and make the elbows extra hard wearing. I’m sure we can find a man who is in need of such a garment”. Jane smiled at her and as she left to make the dinner said. “Mother you’re a devious scoundrel and I’ve a good mind to disown you”. Her mother just smiled and said “That’s right dear”.
Although Jane would have been loathed to admit it, as Saturday wore on she had an impending sense of excitement. The cloths dilemma was getting increasingly frenetic, should it be blouse and skirt, an informal dress, perhaps slacks and a top. Eventually the decision was made, a dark blue two piece suit with white piping round the collar, white blouse, black shoes with medium height heels. This gave a sophisticated yet elegant appearance and would be acceptable in restaurant or chip shop, now all she had to do was wait. Seven o’ clock was the appointed hour and it was now a quarter to. Jane spoke to her mother in a rather anxious tone. “Do you really think he’ll come mother”? Her mother too was more than a little anxious for her daughter, but feared showing it. “Of course he will, don’t be silly”. Her mother knew the disappointment that her daughter would feel if she was to be let down. The time past, seven o’clock came and went, five past now had come and it too was history. Her mother went to the curtains and peeked out. “Jane dear, there’s a huge car at our door and a young man walking up the path”. Jane’s face lit up, one would have thought that all her Christmas’s has come at once. Jane beat her mother to the door and opened it. “Hello Joe, for a moment I thought you weren’t coming”. Joe spoke in a very apologetic tone “Yes I realize that and I did set out early enough, but there was an accident in the centre of town, a car hit a lamp post and brought it down right across the road, Fortunately no one injured”. Jane smiled in relief. “Come on in Joe and say hello to mother”. “Hello Joe it’s nice to meet you. I believe you are looking after my daughter tonight”. Joe held out his hand. “Oh yes I certainly am, and it will be entirely my pleasure”. “In that case”. Her mother said with a slight wave of the hand “You two young people go and enjoy yourselves and leave this old woman to get on with her knitting”. Jane kissed her mother on the cheek and whispered “Your naughty” and with that they left.
They walked to the car and he opened the door for her, it was a big car, expensive. “It’s a nice car Joe”. “Yes, but it’s not mine. Mines an Aston Martin DB8, in for a service at the moment, so the garage loaned me this for the weekend. I have to admit it’s quite a nice car for a Jaguar. At the moment there are two things in my life, my work and my car. I think its sublimation”. He said with a laugh. “Anyway enough of that. Would you like to know where you’re going”? He said with a cheeky smile. She was just enjoying being with him, she didn’t really care. “Go on then tell me”. “Well it’s a short drive out of town, on the edge of a sleepy little hamlet and it’s a French restaurant called La Grenouille (The Frog) but we will not be having escargot, or any potion of an amphibian’s limb. Not unless you really want some”. She looked at him a little quizzically. “Well if it’s a choice between a frog’s leg and a plate of chips, I’ll have the chips thank you very much”. It wasn’t that funny but they both fell about laughing. She had had a real surprise at his appearance, smart dark brown suit and brown shoes and his beard trimmed quite close and his hair much much shorter. Rather than looking like some kind of throwback from the sixties, he looked to be a very handsome modern young man about town, and she was very proud to be with him
They arrived at the restaurant and were met at the door by the person she took to be the manager; He was standing at a glass lectern on which rested the reservation book. As soon as he saw them he made a tick on the book with a golden pen. “Good evening Mr Earl Sir, I trust you have had a pleasant journey”. “Yes François, very pleasant indeed”. They were shown to a table that was in a secluded part of the restaurant. It was on the whole a very romantic table and had what can only be called subdued lighting. Jane took the menu and looked at it, it was all in French and she could not understand a word of it. “Joe I don’t want to appear a fool but”. He immediately cut her off and with a big smile said “Don’t worry, it’s the French isn’t it, If you will trust me, I will order for the both of us”. She looked at him and smiled “I will eat anything as long as its not frog’s legs, snails or sheep’s eyeballs”. The waiter came to the table “Can I take your order sir”. Joe had just put down the menu and replied.

“Ah yes, Foie jeté en l'air de canard avec les abricots et le gingembre, for two, Gâteau de chocolat noir avec les cerises et la sauce amères à vanilla for two, Demi de bouteille 1986 de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Monpertuis and caraff de l'eau pour moi. Thank you”.

“Well I am impressed” said Jane. “Don’t be”. Said Joe its just one of my tools, I need it when I talk to French universities etc. Believe me if I didn’t actually need it I wouldn’t have it”. She smiled a cheeky little smile. “So what am I eating tonight, it wont still be moving will it”. Joe laughed “Only if you tip up the plate”. They laughed and talked all through the meal and once the plates were taken they sat and talked some more. It was almost time for them to leave; Jane leaned forward and whispered to him. “That must have been very expensive and they haven’t brought the bill, should I give you some money”. He took her hand gently in his. “No this is my treat, and I have an account here, this is my regular table but I have no doubt that I will be talked about now because this is the first time I have brought a woman here. You see I always come alone and you have really made my day complete”. She felt an utter closeness to this man that she had not felt before, could it be that she was really falling. No it couldn’t be, she had only just met him, she hardly knew him. “Right lets take you back to mother, I don’t want to keep you out too late otherwise she may not let you come again. They both laughed, and he held her hand as he led her to the door.
It was about three minutes into the ride home when Jane said. “The meal was really very nice, so are you going to tell me what it was? Or is going to remain a deep dark secret”?
“Tossed Duck Liver with Apricots. Ginger Black Chocolate Cake with bitter Cherries and Vanilla Sauce. The wine, half a bottle of 1986 de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Monpertuis, and a Caraff of water for me. It was a beautiful meal for a beautiful lady”. These words had given her a warm glow inside. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had said such a nice thing to her. “Well Joe, thank you for those kind words.” Half joking she said. “And for those kind words you can be my knight in shinning armour, my prince valiant. If you want”. Joe half turned to her and affecting a knightly manner said “Forsooth my lady, you doeth me great honour. I shall smite all dragons and ogres in thy name. I fight in thy name and for thy favour”. Then speaking in a more serious note. “You do know that I have the right name for it, Earl in old English actually means Prince”.
When he walked her to her door she placed the key in the lock and just left it there. She spoke quietly “Well I have really enjoyed myself tonight, thank you for a wonderful time. Do you want to come in for a coffee”? But due to the lateness of the hour Joe declined. “I too have had a night I shall never forget”. And so saying he put his hand beneath her chin and lifting her face towards his he kissed her lips tenderly. It was a contact that had taken her by surprise, but was most welcome. She had wondered about how their parting would go that night but did not think it would end in a kiss. Joe said his goodbyes and left just as she was walking through the door. Once inside she leaned with her back against the door, put her head back and closed her eyes. She was trying to relive the whole night in seconds. Then a voice broke the trance. “Well dear how did it go”? Her mother was standing in front of her with an expectant look on her face. “Mother; it was wonderful, I just can’t tell you”. Her mother took her by the hand and led her into the lounge. “In that case my dear, you just come with me. We seem to have a long night ahead of us. I want to know everything. And don’t you miss anything out, and you can start from when you closed the door”. Sleep was late in coming that night to both the mother and daughter, but when it did it was a happy contented sleep.

Chapter 5



The days past and their bond seemed to grow stronger. They had intimate lunches in Jane’s office, long talks about his work and the Indian project, and on one occasion he had even invited her to meet his father, but no date was fixed for that. It was on the third week of him being at the library when Jane had thought things had gone wrong. All seemed to be the same on the Wednesday when they parted at five o’ clock after work, but on the Thursday there was no sign of him, nor the Friday. She had made enquiries of the staff but no one had heard of him. Jane sat on the sofa feeling a little sorry for herself when her mother came in and picked up her needles. “Why the face dear”? “Mother it’s been three days now, do you think he’s just left”? Her mother looked at her a little reproachfully. “Now Jane you’re just being silly, there could be any number of reasons why you’ve not haven’t heard from him; that don’t have anything to do with you. His father may be ill, he may have had to go somewhere because of his work”. There was a look of concern on Jane’s face. “I suppose so, but I’m not sure he really cares for me. When he brings me home he just gives me a little kiss goodnight”. Her mother looked at her in a rather stern manner and said “And you would prefer him to do what exactly. Foolish girl”. Jane felt as if she had been firmly put in her place.
Sunday came and went, Monday also faded into history and still no sign of Joe. Monday night was not a good night for Jane. She lay in bed curled up as if still a child. Small rivers of tears ran down her face, several wet tissues lay on the floor. “If you didn’t want to see me again Joe why not just tell me”. As she entered her office on that Tuesday morning, and had now made up her mind that Joe had gone and she would just have to make the best of it, it was good while it lasted but now it was over.
Jane stood in her office with her back to the door, the time now was nine fifteen, and still there was no sign of Joe. The thought struck her that life was cruel, if the human race didn’t have love and sex, and after all what was a kiss but a sexual token, and if we were all hermaphrodites we wouldn’t have this problem. Life would be a lot simpler and there wouldn’t be any heart ach and jealously. Wendy came into the room; Jane didn’t turn round but stood with her back to the door, head down shuffling papers. Wendy said “Are you busy Jane”. Smiled and immediately turned and left. Her place was taken in an instant by Joe. He moved silently to within four feet of her and just stood there with his hands behind his back. Jane spoke in a somewhat emotionless voice. “No Wendy what is it”? There was no reply. Wendy’s name died on her lips as she turned round and saw Joe standing there. A huge smile came to her face as she saw Joe produce a bunch of flowers from behind his back.
“Am I forgiven” He said. Jane felt a multitude of emotions as she looked at him, feeling a sense of relief, annoyance, and anger not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “Joe you beast that was cruel, I thought you had gone for good, why didn’t you say something”. “All in good time, first how have you been”? “Utterly miserable, not a single word from you Joe, how could you”. “Wait” He said, “First things first”. And with that he closed the distance between them until they were toe to toe. He put his arms around her, she stood with her hands flat against his chest, she looked up to see his face coming closer to hers. Her eyes closed and she had that melting feeling again, it was that same feeling that she always felt, a warm glowing feeling that took over her very being, a feeling that made her oblivious to all around her. He had left her, for whatever reason, but he had come back, he had come back to her. This was the first time that she had thought to herself that she really loved him.
He slowly pulled away from her, then as if he had realized just why he was there said “I have some news and you need to sit down for this”. Jane sat in her chair behind the desk and Joe sat on the desk beside her. He spoke in a soft tone. “I received a phone call from America, from a professor Maria Davis; this was in connection with a Clovis dig in a New Mexico site. I packed a bag and was on a plane within four hours. I couldn’t tell you because I haven’t got your phone number yet, seeing you every day and knowing where you live: well the subject never came up. Anyway; in ten weeks time I am flying to America to take part in the Clovis dig. These opportunities don’t come up that often and it’s just too good to miss”. Jane looked at him a little disappointedly. “So you will be leaving shortly. Its alright I understand. You have your work to do”. He was now wagging his finger at her and making that tutting sound that all adults do to naughty children. “You’re jumping that proverbial gun. I went to America because I had been invited to go and to meet the team leaders. I also told them that there was someone very special that I wanted to bring with me and did they have any objections”? Then cupping her hand in his and after a short pause, he said. So if you would like it, you and I are off to America, flights and keep courtesy of the American archaeology group.
To say this was a surprise to Jane was something of an understatement. Her mind was racing. She would have to leave her mother alone, was her passport up to date? Did she need a visa? And who was to do her job while she was away? He saw the concern on her face. “You don’t have to worry about a thing, all you need to do is make sure you have a passport and travellers cheques and I’ll sort every thing else. Including a leave of absence from your work. Now I really do have to leave you for a short time. So bye for now”. He had just stopped long enough at the door to blow her a kiss, and then was gone.
She sat there motionless; just gazing at the door, she felt as if something momentous had just happened but wasn’t quite sure what it was. The day seemed as if it were wearing lead boots, just dragging itself ever so slowly to its close. She needed to speak with her mother, to ask questions, clear her mind and make sense of the day. Eventually she turned her back on the library; the bus ride seemed like an eternity. She sat next to her mother. “I know it’s a wonderful opportunity, but I have my work, and then there’s you, I can’t just up and leave you”. Her mother looked at her in what can only be called a reproachful manned. “Now just one moment young lady, it sounds to me as if you are just looking for excuses not to go. You just can’t leave me! What nonsense is this? You speak as if I am in a bath chair. I have looked after myself; and you, for a lot of years now, so don’t use me as an excuse for not going with him. As if I cant take care of myself for a few weeks. You’re talking utter rubbish. Believe me my girl, if some young man were to come along and ask me to go off to America with him I would jump at the chance, and leave you to fend for yourself”. Jane appeared to be a little shame faced now, but her mother continued. “There comes a time in a girl’s life when she has to take a chance, to strike out on her own, so to speak, so get out there, make mistakes even. You can’t live in the security of that library forever”. Her mother was in full spate now and could have gone on, but she saw the first signs of distress on her daughters face and held back. In a much more calm and conciliatory voice she went on. “Now come here dear and give me a big hug. You take a chance on him, and just enjoy whatever life brings. Do it for me. When you come home you can tell me all about it”. Then with what appeared to be a second thought. “Well, perhaps you don’t have to tell me everything”. Jane pulled back with a mock expression of shock. “Mother; behave yourself”. The thought of a trip to America now started to excite her, this was a huge step for her, but she knew that she was in safe hands with Joe, after all he travelled all over the world for his business. The thought struck her that she didn’t know what his business was, she knew it was to do with archaeology but had no idea how he made money from it. Could it be that he was the real life Indiana Jones? Perhaps he was some kind of smuggler? “Jane, just stop it” she thought to herself. With this she got up to get on with more mundane chores.

Chapter 6



The days past and then the weeks, she saw Joe on a regular basis at work and he took her out at the weekend. It was all very nice and gave a new dimension to her life; she found it hard to imagine her life before she had met Joe. Things were certainly different, there was more than the library in her life now and while it lasted she was determined to enjoy it. As the time for their departure grew nearer the excitement that she felt grew in intensity. It had gone from some experience in the distant future, to something that was about to happen, to packing the cases and going in the morning. Joe had been true to his word. Not only had he sorted out all the travel arrangements, but had also arranged the taxi to the airport, all the documentation that was required and even sorted the leave of absence from the library. “Lord knows how he managed that one”. Jane thought to herself. Joe had told her to go to the airport, everything was arranged and that she was to just board the plane and take her seat. He had some business on and may be running a little late.
She sat there waiting for the taxi, a little anxious but never the less very happy. She had decided on a beige skirt and jacket with the collar edged with brown piping. She jumped at the sound of the taxi honking outside. The taxi driver helped her to the taxi with her cases, her mother walked her to the gate, gave her a kiss and said goodbye, as she did so her mother whispered in her ear. “You enjoy yourself. And remember, you only live once, make the most of it”. The ride to the airport was uneventful, as was the checking in. She was still a little concerned that there was no sign of Joe, but she had been told that he may be running late. She found her seat in the first class cabin which wasn’t a great surprise; after all it was being paid for by Americans. She watched the first class passengers boarding. A very smart lady in a mink stole, more than likely some million airs’ wife. Then a portly business man with the inevitable brief case, then something of a gap. Next a handsome young man, clean shaven and very short hair, obviously an up and coming executive. She was rather taken aback when this young man sat down next to her. She was just about to tell him that the seat had been reserved, when he said “Hello Jane; think I wasn’t coming”. “My god Joe; the beard and the hair? I didn’t recognise you”. He looked at her and smiled. “Well the last thing you need in the middle of a desert is a lot of hair”. Just at that moment the stewardess came to them and in that cultured tone that all stewardesses adopt, she said. Professor Earl: there is a call for you, if you wish to go to the cockpit you can take it there”. If she had not been in public Jane’s mouth would have fallen open, “What next”. She thought. When he came back to his seat Jane just sat and looked at him, He saw her looking and said “What? What have I done”? He said it as if he were a small school boy being admonished by an irate teacher. “You never told me you were a professor; you didn’t look like a professor”. He looked at her and smiled a big smile. “And just how many professors do you know? Am I just one of several you have on a string”? She put her arm under his and pulled him to her. “Stop it Joe; you are embarrassing me”. After a short pause she looked at him and said. “How come you can take private calls on board an aircraft”? “No”. He said. “It wasn’t really a private call. This airline lost a valuable piece of luggage the last time I was in America, they just wanted to know if they should send it back to England or did I want to collect it in America. I’m what you might call a valued customer, so they will do whatever it takes to keep me happy”.
The flight had been long and there are only a certain number of things to keep you occupied in an aircraft seat. Eventually and to the relief of the passengers the intercom sparked into life. “This is your captain speaking, please fasten your seat belts, we will shortly be landing in Grant County Airport Silver City, New Mexico. The ground temperature is a warm eighty six point four degrees Fahrenheit”. Then with a detectable laugh in his voice said “And I am assured that there is no snow forecast. I hope you have had a pleasant flight. Thank you”. There was the general hub bub of people looking for belts and the click of buckles being snapped closed. The plane was now on the glide path and they would be on the ground within the hour. And so it was, with a little bump the airliner was again on the ground. Joe was right, the Sun was beating down, and they had arrived in one of the three hottest months it was possible to pick. They had picked up their luggage and had them loaded onto a small hand truck. As they moved through the lobby of the airport there was an announcement. (Will professor Earl please call at the courtesy counter, thank you). He announced himself to the desk attendant; a very pretty and smart young lady greeted him. “Yes professor, there is a gentleman over there to meet you”. Just as Joe was turning round there was someone approaching him. “Howdy professor, my name is Hank and I’m here to take you to the site”. Hank was big with a somewhat ruddy complexion; his appearance was what one might expect from an American, the broad Stetson, tartan lumberjack type shirt, jeans and of course the cowboy boots. Hank escorted them outside to the vehicle. It was a pick up, but this machine looked like it had been fed on steroids. It was a huge machine with six seats, big polished alloy wheels and covered in bits of chrome. Jane thought. “Well it has to be big to accommodate the Driver. He looks like he’s eaten a herd of steaks already”. All aboard and they were off. The road was long and dusty; it was early evening when they eventually arrived. The sun was starting to go down and the sun had turned the distant mountains into a montage of different colours. They ran the full gamut of the spectrum, from the bright orange to dark red to the deep purple of the canyons. The road ran down the valley to the desert floor and in the distance they could see a huddle of caravans and mobile homes. In the centre there seemed to be a large fire, as they drew nearer it could be seen that this was a camp fire and behind it was a long table with people just finishing a meal, to the other side of the fire there was a group of campers sat in a circle listening to two people with guitars and the echo’s of Ghost Riders in the Sky drifting through the air.
The pick up ground to a halt next to a small group of people, a woman in dusty dungarees and floppy hat stepped forward as they got out. She was followed by the remainder of the group; she certainly gave the appearance of being the leader. She came towards Joe and held out her hand. “Joe it’s really nice to see you again, I hope you had a pleasant trip”. Her voice was cultured but never the less distinctly American. “Hello Maria”. Joe said in reply “It’s nice to be here. Maria; I would like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Jane Rushton, the young lady I said I was inviting along. Maria Davis looked at Jane and with a big smile gave her a big hug. “Jane you don’t know how pleased I am to see you, I have been trying to get Joe hog tied by some gal for years. You must have something special if you can brand this one. Don’t pay no mind to me Jane I just say it as I see it. Anyway: you will be staying with me. That’s our place over there”. About twenty five yards away was a big gleaming silver caravan. “Yes she’s been my home since I bought her in the seventies. Twenty seven foot Airstream Inernational Overlander. Twin sinks, Fridge freezer, sleeps four and with the original awning. But there’s only you and I so we will have plenty of room”. Then turning to Joe she said. “For your sins Joe; you can bunk with Hank”. With that she picked up one of Jane’s cases and with one arm around Jane walked her of to the trailer. “Ok then Hank, which is our tent”. Joe said. Hank smiled. “Gee prof’ we aint got no tent, we just got sleeping bags”. Hank must have thought this very funny because he rocked with laughter, loud enough for others to turn and look, not that Hank cared.
The following day everyone went down to the dig site, Maria told Jane just to stay near her for the time being and she would explain what the chaos was all about. There were several different patches where diggers were at work, but the main site was next to a cliff overhang. Beneath the overhang people were excavating what at some time had been a large cave. Joe had gone off with Hank to what seemed like a depression about thirty yards away covered with a criss cross network of strings, Jane had noticed that it was Hank who was in charge on the site, he seemed to be what may be called the supervisor. It struck her that her first impression of Hank just being an odd job man was completely false. She wondered if he too could have been a professor. When her mother told her. “Never judge a book by its cover”. She should have listened.
They were about twenty five feet into the cave mouth. Two people were on the floor in the corner scraping at the floor, the face at one end was perfectly flat and stuck into this face were a huge number of little round tags. “Now Jane you see these tags, well each one is placed where there is a striation that denotes the remains of human existence. The first people thought to have inhabited America were Clovis. This is where the Clovis point comes from. That has been dated to eleven thousand five hundred years ago. On this wall, this point here”. Now she pointed to a large orange peg that was a very prominent feature. “This is that eleven thousand five hundred year marker. As you see, beneath that there are other signs of human habitation. The last one we can date is in the region of twenty eight thousand years”. Maria turned to Jane and said. “Well what does that say to you”? Jane looked at the wall and then at Maria. “Well if there is evidence that humans lived here more than eleven thousand years ago, then there must have been a community here long before Clovis. Maria smiled. “Got it in one, this may put a lot of peoples noses out of joint but you can’t argue with evidence. Now I would like you to excavate this area for me, just use my trowel. What you are looking for are anomalies, and if you find black charcoal type deposits just shout”. With that Maria began to walk away, after a yard or so, turned and said. “By the way, don’t be a martyr, make sure you take plenty of breaks and drink lots of water. Believe me if your not used to this you will need it. The two other girls in the opposite corner turned to Jane and said “Hi my name’s Bella and this is Judy, You from around here”? “No” Jane said in reply. “I’m from England”. The two girls dropped their trowels, got up and brushed themselves down and hurried over to her. “Wow, really. We’ve always wanted to go there. Do you live near the Beatles? Did you ever meet Dianna? Jane really enjoyed being the centre of attention and she was an instant success with at least two Americans. “Listen” Bella said “We are in those two little vans at the far end. You make sure you come and visit us and if there’s anything you want or need to know you come to us”. This turned out to be one of the strongest friendships Jane made while she was there, and it continued long after she returned to England.
The days rolled on. Jane was gradually being tanned by the New Mexico Sun. Joe was given the arduous duty of rubbing sun tan cream onto Jane’s back. Sometimes it took that long that to an outsider it would seem that Joe was actually enjoying it. In the late evenings they would leave the boisterous revelries of the diggers behind and walk a little way out into the desert, to talk, be alone and look at the stars. The stars seemed to be much brighter than in England. The darkness of the desert threw the stars into stark relief against the black of the night sky; there was no light pollution here. They lay on their backs looking at the Milky Way; he held her left hand in his right. There was no need for words; there was an unseen force that held them. She had never felt like this before, it was as if their soul’s were joined and they were of another world, just the two of them. Eventually Jane broke the silence. “Joe promise me something”. Joe looked at her his eyes sparkling. “Just say it. You want me to get you the moon; I’ll do it you know”. Jane squeezed his hand. “No Joe, be serious. Promise you won’t tell me about the other woman in your life. I have no experience in love making so I don’t want to feel as though you are comparing me to others”. He turned and rested his head on his hand and looked at her. “So you don’t want to know about Barbara Hornchurch”. He smiled as he said it. “She was fourteen and I was thirteen and three quarters. We were kissing behind a bus shelter near to where she lived; I touched her breast by accident. I remember she had a hairy jumper on. I don’t know who was more surprised, her or me”. There was a short pause, then. “That my dear is the sum total of my dalliances with woman. Now madam you were saying”? Jane pushed him off his elbow and onto his back and placed her lips squarely onto his. As she pulled away Joe said. “Madam behave yourself, you will ruin my reputation”. She got up giggling and held her hand out for him to walk her home.


Chapter 7


It was almost time to leave for home, Jane had thought the dig a great success, not least because she had found the tip of a spear point that may, at some point in the future end up in a museum show case. It had been a strange feeling holding that piece of flint that someone had shaped almost thirty thousand years ago. That was four hundred life times. They said their goodbyes and Hank took them back to the airport. The announcement came over the speakers (Will all passengers for flight 361 to New York please go to gate 3, this flight is now boarding). “That’s ours come on”. Joe said. Jane said quizzically. “Don’t we want the one for Gatwick”? Joe smiled. “Not today. As a special treat I am taking you to the Big Apple. We will spend the night in a very expensive hotel and fly from New York tomorrow. Jane just shrugged her shoulders as she had now given up being surprised by anything that Joe did.
The plane landed at JFK airport and within the hour they were in front of the reception desk signing in. The Grand Hyatt was not a five star hotel; I was more of a four and a half star hotel. The Grand was quite expensive, two hundred and forty pounds a night per room. But this was a treat; the rooms themselves were not the kind of things one might find at Bognor Regis. These hotel rooms consisted of a bedroom as one might expect, but then there was the shower, bath, bidet, toilet, dressing room, lounge and all to the highest specification. Jane had never been in anything so magnificent; it was a strain on the senses, to move from the sandy desert to the luxury of this room all in one day. Joe had the room next door, he had just showered and changed and so being ready, came calling. Jane let him in, “Have you seen the room Joe? It’s amazing; I’ve never seen anything like it”. Joe smiled and picked up a box from a small table. You think this is good? Watch this”. He pressed a button on the control box and all of the lights slowly dimmed to off. They now stood in the dark. He pressed another button and the curtains that covered one wall began to part. As the curtains drew back there was a breathtaking view of the skyline of New York. This was a sight not to be missed; it was spectacular in the extreme, and it was a sight that Jane never forgot.
They went down to the restaurant on the third floor, after a meal of the all American steak they moved on to the ballroom next door. They bought drinks and placed themselves on a table next to the floor. After a while the live band played a slow number, this is what they had been waiting for, they both knew it but didn’t say it. They held each other in their arms and swayed in time to the music. Joe felt the firmness of her body pressed against his, his hands moved against her back, his face nestled against her hair and the smell of her hair was intoxicating. The dance finished and they went back to their seats. They drank and danced until one in the morning, it had been a wonderful night and so they rode the elevator back to their rooms. Jane put the key in the door just as she did at home and left it hanging there. Just as it was at home Joe gave her a kiss and said goodnight. Jane grabbed him by the arms. “Oh no you don’t, Mr Professor, not tonight. I’m not having this kiss and run business tonight. You just get in here for a night cap. He laughed as he was bundled through the door. She poured two glasses of cheap champagne left in the fridge, courtesy of the management. They laughed and talked for a short time, then Jane got up and said. “Just undo the back of my dress, I have to get changed”. Joe got up and did as he was bidden. She held her hair away from the zip with her left hand and bowed her head slightly. Joe moved the zip down about nine inches and stopped. Then holing the zip open with both hands he gently placed his lips on the base of her neck. Jane tensed slightly while Joe kissed her neck, but she never moved, only closed her eyes. As Joe pulled away she turned round and said. “You find something to do and I’ll be back in a minute”. With that she left for the dressing room. Joe picked up the control box for the room and started playing with the buttons. Lights up, lights down, lights dim lights bright and curtains open and then closed. He then put out the lights one by one, starting with the ones farthest away from the dressing room and gradually moving closer. All the lights had been extinguished except the two nearest to the dressing room door. They were two spot lights, one pointing towards the door and the other pointing a few yards into the room. The door to the dressing room opened and with a click the light to that room went off. Jane came out of the room and stood in the glow of that little spot light. She wore a white nightdress, quite low at the front with delicate silver thread work on the neck line and cuffs. “Do you like it Joe”. She said. “Oh yes”. To Joe she was an angel sent from heaven. She moved from the light of one spot light to the next, but because this light was behind her, it shone through her nightdress and picked out every curve of her body. Although Joe really liked what he saw he turned off that spot knowing that she had no idea what he could see and didn’t want to invade her privacy.
He took her hands and kissed her gently on the lips. “I am not lying when I say; tonight I have seen the most beautiful girl in the world”. She looked at him, eyes sparkling. “Joe, I don’t want you to leave me tonight. I want you to stay here”. No words were spoken as they entered the bedroom. She got into bed and removed her nightdress from beneath the sheets; he was standing on the right of the bed with his back to her. The sheets were pulled up to her nose and she was looking at this man beside her bed, she could see the muscles in his back move as he did and the muscles in his buttocks, firm and rounded. She lay there on her back her head turned towards Joe wondering what the next move was. Joe was lying on his left side and smiling at her. “I’ve never told you this Jane; but I am head over heels in love with you”. Jane replied. “I think I know that, and I feel the same about you”. He moved close to her and kissed her on the lips. His left hand held her right as his right hand moved over her naked breast and down her left side. He kissed her lips, her cheek, her breasts. His hand explored her body, it moved over the flatness of her stomach to her thighs, to the inside of her thighs and then up. This was a new experience for them both, but it was love that bound them not animal instinct. Jane felt the involuntary contractions of her lower abdomen as waves of pleasure began to course through her body. They then joined, physically and spiritually. This is what she had waited for all those years, to make love to the one man in the world that really loved her. No childish lustful crush for her, she revelled in this mature meaningful relationship. They made love twice more that night before the Sun forced its light through the curtains.

Epilogue



Three years had now passed; Jane came up the path to her mother’s home as she had done for years past. “Hello dear is that you”. “Yes mother, it’s me”. She went into the lounge where her mother sat knitting. “Oh you do look peaky” her mother said in a concerned manner. “You sit there and I’ll make you a nice cup of tea”. Just as her mother had got up for the tea, there was a tap on the door. Since she was the closest and already up she opened it. Joe stood there with a small bundle in his arms. “Oh come in Joe” she said. “And just what do we have here may I ask”. Joe handed the bundle over. “One twelve day old grandson here to see his grandmother”, she took the child and held him, it brought back memories of when she held Jane like this, but that was in another lifetime. She cradled the child in her left arm and pulled the white shawl back from his face, a small round smiling pink face met hers and a bond was made. “Jane I think he looks like you, what do you think Joe”? Joe laughed. “Me; I think he looks like Churchill”. “That’s the trouble with babies”. Her mother said. “They grow up to be brutes like your husband here”. Joe just laughed and said. “That’s right mother, and I love you too”. She looked into the child’s face and thought. “We are a real family now. I only wish Harry could have been here to see his grandson”. And with that a single tear gathered in the corner of her eye.






The End