Hattie knew she was early, but she always liked to observe others while she waited.
Looking around the Tea Rooms, she saw a few couples, happily making plans, she assumed.
A few groups of three or four people, happily chatting away, enjoying their tea and scones. She looked at her watch again, ten minutes until she arrived.
She had chosen the centre table, so she could see her arriving, knowing exactly how it would be. As it always was. Sipping her earl grey tea, she bided her time.
In no time she saw the silver mercedes pull up outside the Tea Rooms. Shiny and sleek. You could see your reflection in that, and then some. Several people inside the Tea Rooms also noticed, watching to see who it was.
Moments later, Jefferson, the Chauffeur, opened his door, stepped out and walked to the rear door, opening it. He offered his hand, and in a moment she stepped out.
A most beautiful woman, dressed in the most expensive latest fashion from Europe. Magenta coloured satin suit. Her silver hair, just styled by Jacques of Dior, the most expensive hairdresser in town. The sun shone on the pearls around her neck, giving them an extra sheen. She adjusted her sunglasses, and nodded at her Driver, who then walked to the Tea Rooms and opened the door for her. As she stepped inside, he returned to wait in the car.
Audible gasps could be heard as Diana walked in, making her way towards the centre table, as Hattie stood to greet her.
“Hattie, Darling! How wonderful to see you! You look well.” Air kisses followed.
“Hello, Diana. You look amazing, as always.”
“Let’s sit down, shall we? We don’t want to cause a scene!” Diana smiled, sitting opposite Hattie.
“No,” Hattie said, resuming her seat.
Just then, a waitress came by to take Diana’s order, and left rather quickly.
“There you are,” The waitress said, moments later, returning with Diana’s favourite tea. “Thank you, my dear.” Diana smiled, watching the waitress leave.
“I see Jeffereson is still with you.” Hattie noted, getting Diana’s attention.
“Yes, dear old thing. He’s been with us for years, as you know. Don’t know what we’ll do when he retires.”
“Oh, I’m sure you can afford anyone you like!”
“Yes, but we’ll have to train him again.” Diana sighed. “Oh, not that He’s leaving us just yet. So, tell me, any news?”
“We’re getting by.” Hattie sipped her tea. “We’re not all as well off as some.”
Diana sipped her tea. “Hmm. Must be hard for some.”
Hattie sighed, sipping her tea, before she answered. “Well, not everyone can marry a Millionaire.”
“Oh, but you’ve done alright. Henry is a fine fellow.” Diana smiled.
“Yes. Yes, He is. And we are very happy. Some people can marry for life.” Hattie said.
“Oh, not me. But, good for you. I could never settle like that.” Diana smiled, looking at the array of cakes on the stand at their table. “Oh, I think I’ll choose this one.” And she did.
“No one settle for anything!” Hattie said. “Unlike your latest little fad!”
“Oh Darling, it’s not a fad. Well, maybe it is to some. But I like fixing up old things and reselling them.” Diana smiled,
“I suppose it makes you feel good about giving back, does it?” Hattie wondered, aloud.
“Well, yes. As you know.” Diana sipped her tea. “Marvellous tea, darling.”
“Yes, this is a wonderful place.” Hattie said.
Diana looked around, “I wonder if they’d consider selling.”
Hattie sighed, “Not everyone wants to sell! Some people are happy living their dream, making others happy.”
“Yes, yes. But -” Diana waved her hand, dismissively.
“Not everyone sees things in dollars and cents, Diana!” Hattie lowered her voice. “It’s not all about money!”
“Darling, everything is about money!” Diana quipped.
“You really need to stop hanging around your rich buddies, and see how the other half lives, Diana!”
“Oh, I see. I remember.” Diana said, sipping her tea.
“I don’t think you do. We came from the same place, Diana. But you married well, what? Three rich ex-husbands? You swan around like the Queen of Sheba, and look down on the rest of us because we don’t have your kind of money. Remember where we came from?” Hattie glared at her friend.
Diana looked shocked, then irritated. “I do remember everything, Hattie. All of it. That’s why I try to give back where I can.”
“I’m sure.” Hattie said, disbelievingly.
“Well, I do.” Diana insisted. She looked at her friend. “Why are you always so defensive? I can’t help it if my exes had money and left it to me.”
“It’s what you do with it, and the way you look down on the rest of us that most of us don’t like, Diana.” Hattie stated.
“Well, I never.” Diana threw her napkin on the table and stood up. “If that’s what you really think, then I have nothing
more to say!” She picked up her handbag and looked at Hattie. “Actually, I do have one more thing to say.”
“What’s that?” Hattie asked.
“You’ve turned into a mean, nasty, judgmental snob, Hattie Rose. And I don’t know you anymore!”
With that, Diana threw some cash on the table, and sauntered out of the Tea Rooms, outside to Jefferson, who waited for
her to climb into the car, then took his place, and drove away.
Hattie gestured to the waitress. “I’d like another pot of earl grey tea, please.”
She smiled as the waitress hurried away.
“Job done!” Hattie smiled, and said, to no one at all.
