‘When did it become fashionable for the French not to serve coffee in a china teacup and saucer?’ Madame Beaumont said, loud enough to ensure the maitre d’ would hear.

‘Mother,’ Alice chided. ‘You shall have to get used to it once I have married Jacques.’

‘Alice, once you have married Jacques we shall no longer have to stay in common resorts like this.’ She gestured to the crowded beach below. ‘I am allowing this marriage precisely because of your fiance’s inheritance. I do not intend to see out my days as a penniless widow.’

‘Well, you shall have to wait. Jacques parents are in extremely good health.’ Alice stood and stormed off.

Madame Beaumont lifted her mug of coffee and took a small sip. ‘We shall see about that, my dear,’ she muttered.

At the table behind her an impeccably dressed short man with brilliantined hair and a waxed moustache perched his egg-shaped head to one side. His green eyes sparkled like a cat’s as he adjusted his cutlery so that it sat symmetrically.

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in around 150 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.

To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.