Page 175 of The Vacation Mix-Up
“Apparently, most of them were already removed because the castle was under renovation. That’s how the fire started, you know? An industrial lamp ignited a curtain, causing the blaze.”
“Peanut butter.”
I whack his arm. “Stop it.”
“No. It’s my new favorite saying.”
Ignoring him, I continue along the passageway. “Many staterooms were destroyed as well. Thankfully, the royal library wasuntouched. Oh my God, that would’ve been horrific. All those priceless books.”
“I’m guessing that would be your worst nightmare.”
I wince. “More or less.”
We explore the rest of the castle, including the Crimson Drawing Room, grand staircase, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, before boarding another train to London. And when we pass by Big Ben to visit Westminster Abbey, Riley playfully covers my ears as we walk beneath the clock.
I swat at him.
We then take a double-decker sightseeing bus past Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, where we stop for a late lunch in a flower-covered tavern before reboarding the bus and continuing through Trafalgar Square to the Tower of London.
Standing on the south wall of the ancient fortress, I gaze wistfully at Tower Bridge as it spans the Thames. “It’s so pretty.”
“Pretty? That river looks dirty as shit.”
“Not the river. Tower Bridge.”
“I thought it was called London Bridge?”
“No. London Bridge is boring compared to that beauty. It’s upstream from here. We’ll go beneath it when we catch the river ferry to the London Eye.”
“Let me guess… you know that through lots of reading as well.”
“Uh-huh.” I look down to where a group of people on a walking tour follow their guide along a path. “Don’t worry, I originally thought that was London Bridge too, until I researched my trip. Most non-citizens do.”
“Glad to know I’m not dumb then.”
I smirk. “You know the capital of Norway. You’re not dumb at all.”
He pulls me into his arms, my back pressed to his chest, his head resting on my shoulder. “I only know it because of Roni. She’s the geography nut. She always wanted to travel to Europe.”
“Why doesn’t she? Why didn’t you travel here together?”
“Because she didn’t want to take Poppy out of school, and she couldn’t leave her behind.”
“That’s a shame. I’m guessing you would’ve loved sharing this cruise with your family.”
“I would’ve, but… I’m glad I’m sharing it with you.”
I twist my head back. “Me too. It’s been interesting. Interesting but nice.”
“Only nice?”
“More than nice.”
It’s been phenomenal. Something I’ll always treasure.
“If it weren’t for you, Riles, I wouldn’t have seen half the things during this trip that I’ve seen so far.”
“Really?” I ask, delightfully shocked.
