In a bygone era, in the heart of Londons finest bridal boutique, a young man named Edward prided himself on discerning the finest tastes. He was a man of refined, if rather superficial, sensibilities, quick to judge by appearances alone.
One tranquil afternoon, an elderly woman named Agnes stepped into the shop. The day had been quietonly Edward and his colleague, Beatrice, were present. Agnes was not the sort of customer the establishment typically served. Her attire was simple, her hair swept back in a modest style, far from the latest fashion. Yet Agnes had never concerned herself with such things. She believed true elegance lay in kindness, not in outward display. Her work as a midwife had kept her humble, and she seldom frequented such opulent places.
Still, for her impending summer wedding, she had resolved to spare no expense. As she entered, Edward glanced up, his lip curling slightly before he returned to his newspaper.
“Good heavens,” he muttered to Beatrice. “Did someone mistake this for the village jumble sale? Look at that coatpositively ancient.”
“Thats unkind, Edward,” Beatrice chided. “Shes a customer like any other. Do assist herIve stock to fetch from the back.”
Edward sighed, ignoring her. Agnes approached with a gentle smile, but he scarcely raised his eyes.
“Pardon me, young man, might you help me?” she asked politely.
“What is it?” he snapped, still engrossed in his reading.
“Theres no call for rudeness,” Agnes replied. “Im in need of a wedding gown. Im to be married this”
“Listen, madam,” he interrupted with a weary tone. “Lets not waste each others time. By the look of you, youd be better suited to the charity shop round the corner.”
“Is that so? Youve deduced all that from a glance?” Agnes said, her voice tinged with sadness.
“Take no offence, dear,” Edward replied. “Im only being practical.”
“Well,” Agnes said evenly, “if you wont respect me as a patron, at least show courtesy to your elders.”
Edward scoffed and turned away.
Just then, a young woman swept inelegant, polished, every inch the society lady. Edward sprang to his feet, his manner transformed.
“Good afternoon, my dear! How utterly divine you look today! How may I assist you?” he gushed.
Beatrice returned from the storeroom in time to see Agness crestfallen expression. Setting down her parcels, she hurried over.
“Madam, have you been seen to?” Beatrice asked kindly.
“No, your colleague seems to think me beneath his notice. Might you help me?” Agnes said, glancing toward Edward, now laughing with the newcomer.
“Pay him no mind,” Beatrice said. “Now, what are you seeking?”
“Im to be wed this summer,” Agnes replied brightly. “And I wish to indulge myself.”
“Congratulations! A summer wedding is splendid. I believe I have just the gown for you. This way,” Beatrice said, guiding her to the finest collection.
Beatrice selected several exquisite dresses, and to her delight, Agnes adored the most lavish among them. Meanwhile, the fashionable young woman tried on nearly a dozen gowns, snapping photographs in each before discarding them.
“Madam,” Edward said through clenched teeth, “youve tried on half the shop and taken pictures of every one. Which shall you purchase?”
“Oh, none, I should think,” she replied airily, adjusting her hat. “I only needed a few snaps for my column.”
“Youwhat?” Edward spluttered.
“Cheer up, darling,” she said with a wink. “Its all for the papers.”
Edward stood aghast as she sauntered out.
Turning, he froze. At the counter, Agnes was withdrawing a pouch heavy with banknotes. She paid for the most opulent gown in full and left Beatrice a £5,000 gratuity.
“Good graciousthats rather generous, madam,” Edward stammered, his face flushing.
“Madam? A moment ago, I was dear in the most dismissive tone,” Agnes remarked coolly.
“Oh, that was merelyjust a bit of jest. Had I known”
“Known what?” Agnes interrupted. “That I neednt frequent the charity shop? Youve heard the saying about presumption, I trust?”
Edward withered under her gaze. Agnes turned to Beatrice with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Beatrice. Youve been a delight. I shall see you at the wedding, I hope?”
“Without a doubt, Agnes. The pleasure was mine. And thank you for the invitation,” Beatrice replied.
With a wave, Agnes departed, leaving Edward dumbstruck.
“II dont understand,” he muttered.
Beatrice laughed softly. “Agens is a midwife,” she explained. “Shes marrying a widowed industrialist she tended after his carriage accident. She hadnt the slightest notion of his fortune until he recovered.”
Edward was speechlessand thoroughly chastened. Beatrice patted his shoulder.
“Let it be a lesson, Edward,” she said. “Appearances are ever deceiving.”
That summer, Beatrice rejoiced with Agnes and her new husband at their wedding. It was an evening to remember.
What might one take from this tale?
Never judge by outward show. Edwards prejudice blinded him to his own folly. Had he shown kindness, he might have shared in the celebration.
Treat all with equal courtesy, regardless of station. Had Edward served Agnes as he ought, he might have earned both the gratuity and the invitation.
Share this story, that others might take heed.
This account, drawn from the echoes of days gone by, serves as a remindera fleeting glimpse into the follies of presumption.
