Tripping on Love by Carrie Stone

and families. Their Saturdays naturally had to be spent enjoying budget, creative days at local parks.
    I, on the other hand, was single, mortgage free and expecting to be spending my weekend experiencing finer things than grass and sparrows.
    Removing my sunglasses for a clearer view, I slowly stepped out of the car and turned to Edward.
    'Are we having the picnic here then?' I asked, hoping my face didn’t portray my distaste. I didn’t want him thinking I was spoilt but I had been so looking forward to doing something romantic together. Especially after our meal at Le Garçon. Edward walked towards the boot and unloaded the box and bags.
      'Well, there's a special spot I want to take you to' he said looking at my bemused face. 
    'Follow me.' He picked up the box under one strong arm and began walking left towards a dense area of larger trees.
    I looked towards the huge welcome sign and public footpath directly to the right of us. It led straight into the main field.
    'Why are we going the wrong way? There's a perfectly good footpath there waiting to be used' I said sarcastically, looking down at my pumps as they scratched against twigs and rubble underfoot. Edward spun around and took my hand in his.
    'Just follow me' he repeated. I did as I was told and followed hesitantly alongside him.
    The eerie silence in the shaded forest irked me as we walked deeper amongst the trees. I looked around hoping to see another couple strolling but instead was met with stillness and echoing sounds of twigs snapping underfoot. Edward broke the silence, making me jump.
    'Nearly there. Can you see that clearing up ahead?'
    In front of us a small opening amongst the trees, gave way to bright sunshine and a limited view of green grass. I let out a happy sigh of relief.
    'Yes I can see it!' Never had I been so relieved to see grass. Thoughts of Edward and I sharing a thin blanket and a cheese sandwich took on a new appeal and appreciation. For a moment I had begun to wonder if we would be dining in a tree.
    Edward was the first to step through the clearing into the sunlight. I squinted and reached for my sunglasses as my eyes readjusted to the brightness. We were in a very large area of grassy field. Turning to where Edward was facing, I stood transfixed and gasped. Ahead of us, a huge yellow and red striped balloon was being fired up by a team of men in black outfits.
    'There's our ride' Edward said smiling widely, pointing towards the balloon. 
    Edward had arranged a hot air balloon ride for us? I felt myself go giddy with the excitement and romanticism. How could I have doubted this wonderful man. Taking an air balloon ride had always been a distant dream. I couldn’t think of a more perfect day or person to share it with. It was far better than any blanket or cheese sandwich I could possibly imagine.
    'Edward, this is amazing. Beyond belief' I said excitedly, sidling up closer to him. I could feel my heart pounding in my head as Edward smiled and put his spare arm around me. Together we walked towards the magnificent site.
    'I've arranged for it to transport us to a secluded spot within the grounds of a friend’s estate. It's a truly stunning setting and I know you'll love it.’
    Suppressing an overwhelming urge to jump up and down with joy, I thought of Mel. We'd often daydreamed about having acquaintances in high places with whom to attend polo days and high tea. Now I was about to live the dream. Maybe if they were home, I could introduce myself. That's all that was needed. A simple introduction could lead to various masquerade parties and royal functions. It wouldn’t hurt to introduce myself as Lady Elizabeth Saunders, would it? It certainly had a distinct ring to it.
    'Looks like the balloon is just about ready to set off. Let me speak to the pilot and see' Edward said, interrupting my thoughts.
    I looked on, as he walked across to the group of men untying the large ropes, responsible for keeping the balloon grounded. The