(7/13) Affairs at Thrush Green Read Online Free PDF Page B

hardly seem worth it.'
    Mrs Peters was the present owner of The Fuchsia Bush, and was possessed of an energy which would galvanise any but such obdurate employees as those at the café into action. When she was present, even the lethargic waitresses were stirred into semi-activity. In her absence, they reverted to their usual apathy.
    'I wouldn't trouble,' agreed her colleague. 'Not this weather. Get all smeary, wouldn't they? You take it easy, dear. We'll have the elevenses lot in any minute now, and we'll be fair rushed off our feet.'
    The two sat down at a table at the back of the empty room, and Rosa began to tell Gloria about the disco she had attended the night before when the door bell gave its mighty ping, and in came an elderly man. Rosa sighed.
    'Here we go, then. I'll take him, dear. You do the next.'
    She allowed the stranger to settle at a table near the window where he had a good view of the High Street, and had time to buff her nails on her apron while he studied the menu.
    Slowly she approached.
    'What can I get you?'
    'Some coffee, please. Oh, and one of those iced buns.'
    'White or black?'
    The stranger look temporarily nonplussed.
    'Surely you will bring me a pot of coffee and one of hot milk?'
    it's usually just a cup.'
    'Well, today will you please bring me a pot of each, as I have asked you.'
    His eyes were very blue, Rosa noted, and flashed when he was cross. Proper old martinet, she reckoned. A general or admiral or something awkward like that, and used to having his own way, that was sure.
    'It'll be extra,' she shrugged.
    'I've no doubt I can stand the expense,' he said shortly. 'And I'm in a hurry, so look sharp.'
    Rosa ambled into the kitchen at the rear.
    'Got a right one in there,' she informed the kitchen staff. 'Wants a pot of coffee and one of hot milk. I ask you!'
    She cast her eyes aloft as if seeking divine aid for such recalcitrance.
    Old Mrs Jefferson, chief cook for many years at The Fuchsia Bush, and a staunch upholder of long-forgotten principles of service, gave one of her famous snorts.
    'Then get what he's asked for. It ain't your place to query a customer's order. Do as you're told, and keep a civil tongue in your head.'
    'You don't have to face the customers,' grumbled Rosa.
    'I have in my time,' reminded Mrs Jefferson, 'and given satisfaction too, my girl, which is a lot more than anyone can say about you. Now, get your tray ready, and see if you can manage a smile on that ugly mug of yours. Enough to turn the milk sour looking like that.'
    She whisked back and forth from stove to the central table, nimble as ever despite her impressive bulk.
    Rosa took the tray without a word, but if looks could have killed, Mrs Jefferson would have been a substantial corpse on the kitchen floor.
    ***
    Half an hour or so later, the stranger emerged from The Fuchsia Bush into the muggy air of Lulling High Street.
    The shoppers were in action now, and the tall figure had to circumvent perambulators, dogs on leads, and worst of all, two ladies having a lengthy gossip with their baskets on wheels spread behind them across the width of the pavement.
    'Excuse me!' said the man firmly, pushing aside one of the baskets with a well-polished brogue.
    'Really!' exclaimed one of the ladies. 'What are people coming to? It's a pity if we can't stop to say a civil word to our friends!'
    But she waited until the stranger was out of earshot, before making these protestations.
    Her companion was gazing after the upright figure making his way up the slight incline towards the market place.
    'I believe I've seen him before,' she mused. 'Years ago.'
    'Well, I shouldn't bother to resume the acquaintanceship,' replied her friend. 'A very thrusting sort of individual, I should think.'
    They settled back into their former positions and continued their interrupted discussion.

    Miss Violet Lovelock was in the market place comparing the price of leeks on each of the vegetable stalls.
    It was really outrageous how expensive