smallhobbit

“Do come and have some tea with me,” Miss Marple said.  “You look like you could do with some cheering up.  The cakes here are quite delicious, I’m sure something will tempt you.”

“Thank you, Miss Marple,” Amanda replied.  “I’ll just have a cup of tea.  I’m really not in the mood for cake at the moment.”

Miss Marple tutted.  “Why don’t you order a few of their iced fancies?  If you still don’t want to eat anything when they are brought over, you can always ask to take them home; I’m sure your young nephew and niece will be delighted to help out.”

Amanda gave a half smile.  “I’m sure they would.  Very well, I’ll do that.”

She placed her order with the waitress, and then turned back to look at Miss Marple.

“Would you like to tell me what has made you so unhappy?” Miss Marple asked.  “Of course, if it is private then I would not want to pry.”

“Well, it can’t hurt to tell you.  I’m sure the news will be out soon enough.  I told Henry what I thought of his attitude and behaviour regarding Lizzie.  She wasn’t just a housemaid and his comment that the only unfortunate thing about her death being that it delayed luncheon was unacceptable.  She was a human being with hopes and dreams like anyone else, and no-one had the right to take her life, just because, as he said, ‘she must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time’.  I’m afraid I was rather forthright.”

“That was very brave of you, dear, many wouldn’t have said anything.”

“I’m not sure about brave, I was practically shaking when I spoke to him.  The engagement will be off, which will cause ructions at home.  Henry isn’t the sort of man to accept criticism like that from his future wife.”

“No, indeed.  It can be very hard speaking out about one’s beliefs when knowing very clearly what the end result will be.”

A gentleman approached the table.  “Amanda my dear, sorry to hear the engagement is off.  I do admire your pluck in standing up to old Henry like that.  May I join you?”

Amanda looked over the table at Miss Marple, who turned to the man and said, “No, Mr Fortescue, you may not.  I presume you had not expressed the views Miss Jefferson spoke of, perhaps because you hold the same ones yourself.  Please find your own table.”

“Well, really,” Fortescue exclaimed.  He left the tea shop, ignoring the waitress who had come to ask if he’d like a table.

“Clearly,” Miss Marple said, “Mr Fortescue only admires pluck when it is directed towards others, and not himself.”

“Thank you,” Amanda said.  “I feel much better having spoken to you.”  She smiled.  “So much better that I’ve eaten two of the iced fancies.  I’d better not eat any more, as I really do want to take them back for the children’s tea.”

“I’m glad to have been of assistance.  I have great faith in you, my dear.  I am sure you will weather the oncoming storm; the sort of bravery you exhibit comes from a strength within and I do not doubt this will support you.”