An elderly woman wandered into an upscale bridal boutique in London, where the air smelled of expensive lace and entitlement. Simon, the shops most pretentious salesman, prided himself on spotting the right sort of clientele at a glancethose who dripped wealth like afternoon tea from a porcelain cup.
That day, the shop was quietjust Simon and his colleague, Eleanor, polishing displays. Then in shuffled Gertrude, her cardigan slightly frayed, her grey hair pinned up haphazardly. She looked as though shed stumbled in from a Sunday jumble sale rather than a Mayfair bridal house. Simons lip curled.
Blimey, he muttered to Eleanor. Did someone misplace their nan? Look at that getup. Bet shes after a discount bin.
Eleanor shot him a sharp look. Thats uncalled for, Simon. Help her properly, or Ill fetch the manager.
With a dramatic sigh, Simon ignored her, thumbing through his phone until Gertrude cleared her throat.
Excuse me, young man, she said softly. Might you assist me?
Simon didnt glance up. What dyou want?
Just a wedding dress, please. Im getting married
He cut her off with a scoff. Listen, love, save us both the bother. This isnt Oxfam. Try down the road if youre after something cheap.
Gertrudes smile didnt waver. Oh? Youve decided what I can afford just by looking?
Call it professional instinct, Simon drawled.
Just then, a glamorous woman swept indesigner handbag, heels clicking like a ticking expense account. Simon practically tripped over himself to greet her. Darling! How may I pamper you today?
Eleanor returned from the stockroom, catching Gertrudes resigned expression. She stepped forward. Lets find you something lovely, shall we?
Gertrudes eyes sparkled. Oh, yesI want the full experience.
As Eleanor guided her to the gowns, Simon fawned over the glamorous customer, who proceeded to try on half the shopsnapping selfies in each before declaring, Actually, Im just here for the gram. Ta-ta!
Simon gaped. Youre joking.
She winked. Cheerio, pet!
Fuming, he turnedthen froze. At the till, Gertrude was counting out crisp banknotes, purchasing the most extravagant lace-and-pearl gown in the shop. She pressed a £5,000 tip into Eleanors hand.
Simons voice cracked. Thatsthats quite generous, madam.
Gertrude arched a brow. Madam? A moment ago, I was love in the charity-shop sense.
II didnt realise
Realise what? Gertrude interrupted. That appearances deceive? Silly boy.
Eleanor stifled a laugh. Gertrudes a nurse. Shes marrying a widowed tycoon she tended to after his polo accident. Never once mentioned his fortune till he proposed.
Simons face burned.
Eleanor patted his shoulder. Lesson learned, eh? Judge not, lest ye miss out on lifes little surprises.
That summer, Eleanor sipped champagne at Gertrudes wedding in the Cotswolds, while Simon sulked behind the counter, replaying his blunder.
The moral?
Never assume a books worth by its dust jacket. Simons snobbery cost him dearlywhile kindness, as ever, reaped rewards.
Share this tale. Let it remind you: treat everyone as though they hold invisible fortunes. You never know whose life youll brightenor whose gram-worthy karma will come back to bite you.
