Chapter 394.
It was a very pretty village, and they spent nearly an hour just wandering around the streets looking at the houses and cottages, and standing on the old bridge watching the river flow sluggishly by. Tim attracted quite a bit of attention, and as is customary in these rural communities, a number of people stopped them to say hello and ask if they needed directions, or if they liked the village, or what they thought of the weather – all a pretext for getting a closer look at Tim.
“Oh, that’s such a pretty outfit,” exclaimed one woman. “So nice to see a young man not dressed in a T-shirt and old jeans! I wish I could get my son to wear something like that. He insists on wearing his most worn-out clothes, he lays about all day and then disappears half the night! He barely talks to me. He’s either looking at his phone, or talking to his girlfriend – his “gf” he calls her. He can’t get a job. Then there’s not much here… I swear he’ll be the death of me…”
She rattled on a bit more, until Connie raised a hand. She pulled out an ESDS card and handed it to the woman.
“Give these people a call. If he’s good-looking enough, he may be qualified to be a male model, or even get some regular employment. Send him for an interview and assessment. If he’s lucky he may get a contract.”
“Oh, really? Thank you so much! I can’t wait to tell Paul – that’s his name. He is good looking… Well, that’s a mother’s opinion, of course. He has lovely curly blond hair.”
“Sounds like the perfect material,” smiled Connie. “Mention my name – Connie Brookshaw - and they’ll fast-track him.”
“Connie Brookshaw… I shall. Thank you so much, Ms Brookshaw. May I take a photo of your, er…”
“My nephew. Certainly. But don’t show it to your son, will you? He may not appreciate the finer points of couture.”
“No, right… By the way, he’s nothing to do with Penny of Penny’s Pantry, is he?”
“Oh, yes. Maria sponsored him. We’re going there later this morning.”
“Oh, really? Maybe I’ll see you. My friend and I usually pop in for a coffee…”
“Maybe later, then…”
“Do you think she will? Persuade her son, I mean…” asked Frieda.
“Oh, I hope so. Maybe ESDS should put up a recruitment poster here. Maybe in Penny’s…”
They strolled on along the main street. A woman had stopped to stare and her daughter was pointing at Tim.
“Mummy – look. That boy’s wearing a dress!”
“Yes, darling… I can see…”
“Oh, look!” cried Bridget. “This is the village museum someone mentioned. Let’s go in.” She peered through the door. “It’s quite busy though…”
“All the better,” said Connie. “Come on, Tim…”
He shook his head and made a protesting grunt. But Connie was in no mood for sulks, and gave him a smart slap on his behind.
The museum was full of old things, Roman glass, Roman coins, old farm implements, and so on. Tim attracted more attention than the exhibits, and generated quite a lot a giggles and suppressed laughter. So by the time thy left, and made their way to Penny’s Pantry, he was in quite a bad mood.
Penny’s was a cheerful little place, and quite busy. There arrival was accompanied by gasps and suppressed squeals. Connie introduced Tim to Maria, a cheerful woman in her thirties, who greeted him so warmly that it was impossible for him to remain grumpy.
“You’re even more handsome than in your picture!” Maria exclaimed, in that embarrassing way women have. “Ladies, why don’t you take a seat while I have a word with Tim.”
They sat at the only free table, while Maria took Tim by the arm and drew him behind the counter.
“Tim, would you do me a favour? I have no waitress today. Could you possibly…? All you have to do is take stuff to whichever table I tell you. They’re all numbered. It’s easy. I’ll pay you, of course.”
As Tim couldn’t reply, every request made of him could be taken as answered in the affirmative.
“Thank you so much. I’ll just do the ladies drinks…”
He delivered the drinks without mishap. He could feel every eye in the place focussed on him. There was a murmur of conversation, punctuated by giggles. Several people passing in the street also stopped to stare. He was soon busy delivering drinks and food. As he brought the ladies a plate of pastries, the woman behind him murmured, “that’s such a cute outfit…”
He placed the plate on the table. “Thank you, Popsi!” grinned Frieda. They were enjoying themselves hugely. It wasn’t fair!