Mary was delighted. The fortune teller had told her that she would get a proposal very soon. How right she was! Of course she accepted and it was a very happy couple that left the fair that evening. Just near the common there was an old eighteen-century pub with a garden outside where they went to sit and talked about their future. What a lot of plans they had to make! Arthur had just taken his two A-level examinations but would not know the results until August. When should they get married? Where would they live?
Arthur was not absolutely sure what he wanted to do? He wanted to study for more qualifications and to leave the library but everything depended upon his examination results. Mary said that whatever he did she would like to get married soon. If Arthur wanted to study she could earn enough to keep both of them if the worst came to the worst. Arthur said that he would like to leave Middleford and that he could probably work and study in London if he passed his examinations. To begin with they could look for a small furnished flat.
But first of all they had to see Mary's parents to tell them the good news and decide on a date for the wedding. Then they had to ring Arthur's parents as well. What a surprise it would be for Jennifer that Arthur was going to marry Mary!
Then there was the honeymoon - it was lucky that Arthur had won the holiday for two on the Costa Brava in the TV contest, especially as Arthur did not have vary much money. He told her that he wpould not be able to buy her such an expensive engagement ring as the one Bruce had given her. Mary said that she would rather do without an engagement ring and spend the money on something more useful.
When they had finished their drink, they got into Arthur's old car and drove towards Mary's home. How nervous Arthur felt as Mary turned the key in the lock and pushed him through the door.
***
- Is that you, Mary? Oh how nice! You've got Arthur with you. Hallo Arthur.
- Dad, Moter, we've got something to …
- Look, love, could it wait for a bit? This match is nearly over. I've been looking forward to it all week.
- Oh, George, really! You and your football. I don't know what you see in it. Anyway, Arthur's here.
- Oh, hallo, Arthur. Sit down.
- Oh, you idiot! Ha-ha! Not you, Arthur. Noble, I mean. He gave it away.
- Oh, it’s the European Cup Winners’ Cup, isn’t it? The semi-final? What’s the score? Are we winning?
- No, there’s no score so far. It will go into extra time if they don’t score pretty soon.
- Arthur!
- Hang on a bit, Mary. It’s nearly over.
- Here, help yourself to a beer, Arthur.
- Oh, thanks.
- Oh, these men. What children they are!
„And Short. Now he passes to Higgins. He’s on his own now. He’s beaten Müller and he’s scored! What a magnificent goal! And it’s all over. The referee’s blown the final whistle. Spurs have one, and they go through the final in Amsterdam next week.”
- Well, that’s it. What a damned good match! What a pity you missed most of it, Arthur. Well, what have you two been doing with yourselves? Being to the fair, have you?
- Er …, yes, we have, haven’t we, Mary? This is a nice glass of beer. What sort is it? Oh, it’s ….
- Oh, Arthur!
- Oh yes, er well ar that is … Well, Mary and I were at the fair this evening and Mary said er that is I said …
- What on earth are you talking about, my boy? Look here, your glass is empty. Have some more. Oh, I’d better get some more from the fridge.
- Well, Mrs Stephens, the long and the short of it is, to put it in a nutshell really …
- Oh, Arthur, you’re hopeless. Mum, this evening Arthur asked me to marry him and I said ‘Yes’.
- Oh, Mary! How wonderful! I am delighted.
- Here you are, Arthur. Here’s your beer. You know I didn’t think we were going to win at one stage. Well, what on earth’s the matter with you all?
