smallhobbit

Miss Marple took coffee in the hotel lounge after dinner.  She spotted the couple who had earlier caught her attention chatting to another couple, slightly more elderly and was not surprised when they all stood up and moved over to one of the tables.  Clearly, they were going to enjoy a few games of bridge.

Miss Marple noted how solicitous the younger woman was of the couple, ensuring how keen she was to ensure they were both sitting comfortably and had everything they needed to hand.  It also didn’t escape Miss Marple’s notice that the woman had managed to place them in exactly the position she wanted.

Miss Marple watched as the four began to play.  At first everything seemed to be going well, but after a while it was clear the older couple were losing more often than winning.  Nevertheless, the older man was laughing, and Miss Marple heard him ordering drinks all round.  She sighed, fearing that if they continued in the same vein they would soon be losing quite heavily.

It occurred to her that the younger couple were perhaps luckier in their play than might be expected.  She looked around the table and suddenly realised what was happening. 

She stood up and walked towards the French windows which were near to the table where the bridge players sat.  She smiled at the younger woman, who was currently dummy and said, “I thought I’d have a final look at the view before going to bed.”  The woman smiled back at her.

At that moment, Miss Marple tripped and somehow spilt the remains of the coffee in the cup she had been carrying over a polished silver bowl standing nearby.  “Oh dear me, how clumsy of me,” she said.

The older man instantly stood up and held out an arm for her.  “My dear lady, are you all right?” he asked.

“Yes, yes, thank you.  I tripped slightly.  Oh, but I’ve made a mess as well.”

A waitress had come hurrying over.  “Don’t worry about that, madam.  So long as you’re all right.”

“I’m perfectly okay.  I do hope there’s no permanent damage.”

“None whatsoever.  I’ll take the bowl and we can ensure it’s properly cleaned.  It’ll be back tomorrow looking just as it was before.”

“Oh good.  I’m so pleased.”

Miss Marple assured the older gentleman that she would have no problem going to her room, and turned to leave, but not before she spotted the look shared by the younger couple.  She was very satisfied, knowing she had spoilt their plan of seeing the reflection of the older man’s cards in the bowl.