Miss Marple: Fanfic: A Helping Hand

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Title: A Helping Hand
Fandom: Miss Marple
Rating: G
Length: 420 words
Summary: Miss Marple is all of a-flutter. Or is she?

Miss Marple smiled at the young man who was entering the hotel dining room at the same time she was. She had grown fond of the young couple who were seated at the table next to hers and who included her in their conversation during the meals.

As they walked together to their tables, Miss Marple said, “Do I gather you have something you plan to say to your young lady tonight?”

The man blushed and agreed. “I just hope I don’t make a botch of it. I want it to be an occasion she will remember. You do thing Lesley will say ‘yes’, don’t you?”

Miss Marple laughed. “Oh yes, I’m sure she will.”

They sat down, and then, on looking up, the young man said, “Oh no, I’m not ready.”

“Leave it to me!” Miss Marple bent down to pick up her handbag. Then, just as Lesley reached the table, she looked up and said, “Oh dear me. I’m sure it must be in here somewhere.” She placed the handbag in her lap and began to twitter. “I must have it somewhere.” In her agitation, half the contents were upset onto the floor.

“Allow me,” Lesley said. She knelt down and picked up the various items which had fallen out. “What have you lost, Miss Marple?”

“My room key. I was so sure I put it in my bag. But just now I thought I probably ought to check, and I can’t find it.”

“I’ll go back to your room and see if you’ve dropped it on the way. Would you like me to check your door is locked when I get there?”

“Oh, yes please, dear. And if it isn’t I will have left the key on the dresser, so do go in and get it.”

Lesley left the dining room, and as soon as she was out of sight, the young man, having seen at a glance Miss Marple was no longer fluttering, took the ring box out of his trouser pocket and held it in his palm. Miss Marple gave him a conspiratorial smile.

When Lesley arrived back, Miss Marple said apologetically, “I’m so sorry, my dear. The key was in my handbag all the time.”

Lesley smiled. “I’m glad you found it.”

She sat down and the young man slid the ring box towards her. “Would you…” he began.

“Oh, Richard, I’d be delighted.” She beamed at him and then gave Miss Marple a quick knowing look.

“Congratulations!” Miss Marple said, looking equally happy.