Beatrice, a mathematics teacher, was preparing to celebrate the birthday of her dear friend and colleague, with whom she’d walked together arm-in-arm to St Albans School every day for forty years. That morning, Beatrice dressed with care, choosing a smart blouse and an elegant skirt. Despite the recent storm and the puddles dotting the pavement outside, she ventured into the drizzle and made her way to the grocer’s. She selected a sponge cake and a fresh bouquet for her friend.
As Beatrice strolled along the slippery pavement, a cardriven recklessly by a blonde womansped past, flinging cold, muddy water across Beatrice and her neat gifts. The driver leaned out of the window and, with an air of defiance, shouted, Granny, where are you off to dressed like that? It’s far too late for old ladies to be walking about! You ought to be tucked up at home by now.
Irritated by the rude remark and the thoughtlessness, Beatrice replied, I have important things to do! Shame on you! The situation escalated, and the blonde woman began to criticise Beatrice for daring to walk so close to a puddle.
At that moment, a broad-shouldered, well-to-do man emerged from a nearby townhouse. Peering at the gathering tangle of words, he called out, Is there a problem? The blonde woman immediately shifted her tone and said, This old bat’s caused all the bother, and now she’s being a nuisance! But the instant his gaze settled on Beatrice, his face brightened with recognition. Beatrice, how wonderful to see you again! he declared, enfolding his favourite maths teacher from years ago in a heartfelt embrace.
Realising that the blonde woman was actually his own secretary, who had splashed Beatrice in her hurry, the man began to apologise profusely. Taking responsibility for his employees actions, he insisted the secretary apologise as well. Somewhat grudgingly, the blonde woman muttered, Sorry.
Displeased by her behaviour, the man promptly told her that she was dismissed from her position. Afterwards, he helped Beatrice home, waited patiently while she changed, and then popped out to buy a fresh bouquet and an enormous Victoria sponge cake to ensure the birthday celebration of Beatrices colleague would shine all the brighter.
