An Invitation To Tea (A Dark Comedy) Part 2 Poem by David Harris

(It is advisable you read part 1 first)


Charles Latimer broke up the slices of bread he brought and scattered them across the path. “You’ll never guess what Grace Forbes said to me this morning. She said that I would have made some lucky woman a wonderful husband. Of course, she doesn’t really know me. I mean, if she did she wouldn’t have said that, now would she? ”

The pigeons didn’t reply. They just moved about from one piece of bread to another and chasing off any sparrow who tried to snatch up a crumb.

“Of course she is a lovely woman her. I am surprised that she never married. There was talk that she was engaged once. It’s said that the chap ran off with her best friend, but at least she has her sister to keep her company.” His voice lowered to almost a whisper when he noticed someone coming.

Removing another couple of slices of bread from the bag, he broke them up. He scattered the pieces in a semi-circled at his feet. Several more birds landed. Squabbles broke out.

“Its all right fellows I have more bread, “he said and broke up another slice. “ Now where was I? Oh, yes. I was telling you about Grace and her sister. They are so lucky to have each other. Myself I was an only child. It can be lonely at times when your parents are gone. Of course you wouldn’t understand that.”

The pigeons moved about picking at the bread always watchful for a larger another might have. Several sparrows swooped in picked up a pieces and then flew off. Charles watched them scattering more bread until the bag was empty. Slowly the last pieces disappeared and the birds left.

Glancing at his watch Charles noticed it was nearly twelve. He must pick up his shopping and go home. He folded the bag he carried the bread in and slipped it into his pocket. He moved out of the park and towards the corner shop. The tiny doorbell chimed s he entered.

Grace smiled and lifted a brown paper bag onto the counter. “Your groceries Mr Latimer. How were the pigeons today? ”

“Their usual self. They can be bullies at times especially where the sparrows are concerned.” he replied. “How much do owe you? ”

“That will be five pounds and sixteen pence. I am sorry it’s so much, but everything goes up almost daily.”

“I know. It is dreadful.” He said opening his wallet and playing her.

“Mr Latimer, Charlotte and I were wondering.”
“What is that Grace? ”

“If you would do us the honour of coming around for tea one evening. As you live, alone you might like some company. Or dear Mr Potter would love to meet you.”
“Mr Potter? I thought you and Charlotte lived on your own.”
“Mr Potter was a friend of our late Aunt. That is the only reason why we agreed to have him here“
“Oh, I don‘t know.”
Grace put on he most disarming smile. “You know we would dearly love you to come.”
“Well, yes.”
“Good we will see you this evening. Let us say about six o’clock. How is that? ”
Charles forces small smile. “Yes I guess that would be all right..”
“We will see you at six then.”

To Be Concluded