IAIN KELLY

MORNING TEA

Lady Devonshire was not to be dissuaded, ‘I hear he will be worth a fortune when he inherits.’

‘Mama, don’t be so vulgar,’ Bethany admonished.

Lady Worthington leaned forward and patted Bethany’s knee. ‘There are worse things than to marry for money, such as being a spinster with none.’

Bethany sat in brooding silence. She would be damned if she married the boorish Stapleton, fortune or not.

Across the lawn, she watched Thomas digging the flowerbed. Her mind wandered back to that warm evening two nights ago.

‘Are you feeling alright, dear. You look a little flustered,’ her mother remarked.

fatima-fakier-deria-3
Copyright Fatima Fakier Deria

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

142 responses to “MORNING TEA”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Very DH Lawrence. Iain

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil, a compliment I hope!

      Like

      Reply
      1. neilmacdon Avatar
        neilmacdon

        Most definitely

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Viola Bleu Avatar
    Viola Bleu

    oooh, thats right up my street!!! I want more of that …. don’t leave me wanting. Cheeky Thomas!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      🙂 thank you so much Viola, pleased you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Viola Bleu Avatar
        Viola Bleu

        Loved it!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Viola Bleu Avatar
    Viola Bleu

    Reblogged this on Ideas.Become.Words and commented:
    Shades of Lady Chatterley here … and right up my street!
    Iain Kelly ALWAYS delivers entertaining flash fiction, and I look forward to his pieces scrolling down through my feed.
    This is only 100 words. Treat yourself

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      So kind, thank you for the reblog 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. TanGental Avatar
    TanGental

    Stapleton. Cracking name for a boorish money hee haw. A cock wobbler as someone me planned to me. Perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Haha love that term! Thanks Geoff.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar
    neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS

    DH Lawrence for sure. Hope she isn’t digging her own grave. Superbly crafted , kelly.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Neel

      Like

      Reply
  6. Jane Dougherty Avatar
    Jane Dougherty

    If I were Bethany, I’d take a chance with being a poor spinster and Thomas on the side. After all, everything’s relative, ‘poor’ wouldn’t have been poverty-stricken I don’t suppose.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’m sure they could survive, but I doubt her family would speak to them – which may be a good thing!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jane Dougherty Avatar
        Jane Dougherty

        They wouldn’t speak to her, they’d cut her off without a penny, they’d hound Thomas out of the county…If they found out…

        Liked by 1 person

  7. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    I say!
    That Thomas chappie needs horse-whipped!
    Expertly done, Iain.

    But ‘ss’ in dissuaded, I think.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good spot, thanks CE. Yes, a little disciplining may be required.

      Like

      Reply
  8. talesfromthemindofkristian Avatar
    talesfromthemindofkristian

    I enjoyed this very much. It definitely makes you want to read more.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Kristian

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Decisions decisions. Loads of money or free flowers and vegetables for life! Entertaining as ever Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Keith 🙂 I think her mind might be made up already.

      Like

      Reply
  10. MyStoriesWithMusic Avatar
    MyStoriesWithMusic

    Interesting start 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. jillyfunnell Avatar
    jillyfunnell

    Love it, Iain! And coincidentally I have a handsome gardener called Tomasz in something I am currently writing. I so enjoyed your story. My grandmother used to say if you marry for money bedtime comes around awfully quickly :))

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. pennygadd51 Avatar
      pennygadd51

      I love that comment of your grandmother!

      Like

      Reply
    2. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I wonder if your Tomasz attracts as much attention as mine? Thanks Jilly, and your grandmother for sound wisdom.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    Bethany has secrets! And has to perhaps choose between inheritance and ‘warmth’…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It is a difficult choice for sure. Thanks Anita.

      Like

      Reply
  13. Jan Vanek Avatar
    Jan Vanek

    What would the world be, were it not for daydreams? Good for Bethany! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We all have to escape somehow. Thanks Jan

      Like

      Reply
  14. James Avatar
    James

    As she watched his muscles rippling beneath his thin workman’s shirt, her mind drifted back to…anyway.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s the spirit – Steady James 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    We know who she wants to be with, don’t we? Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think we can read her mind clearly enough! Thanks Rochelle.

      Like

      Reply
  16. The Writer's Village Avatar
    The Writer’s Village

    I feel that way watching my imaginary au pair.
    Randy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Haha, nice comment Randy. Hope you manage to keep calm!

      Like

      Reply
  17. Joe Owens Avatar
    Joe Owens

    Thomas the flusterer! Hey Iain, are you taking part in A to Z this year? I just got word my job will be ending, so my future is cloudy, but I hope to give it another stab.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hope your job situation works out Joe. Yes, I’m signed up again, with a bit of a different theme this year. Hope you can make it and see you there!

      THE A TO Z CHALLENGE 2018 – THEME REVEAL

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Nice bit of dialogue there, Iain. The story infers more than it states. Job well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks, appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Looks like Mum is in for some shocking news. Well done 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Her reaction will be priceless if she ever finds out!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. trentpmcd Avatar
    trentpmcd

    I thinking running off with Thomas would be much better than being a spinster, and much, much better than a life with that boorish, what’s-his-name….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You’re a romantic at heart Trent 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. trentpmcd Avatar
        trentpmcd

        Guilty as charged.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Iain, I really enjoyed this and it gave me much to think about.
    What I’ve found with a lot of people in this situation, is they think they want to escape all the restrictions, social expectations, the money and they might rebel for awhile, fast forward a few years and they’re back in the “the club”. It would be interesting to track down the hippy generation and see what they’re doing now. I don’t think being a battler is a bad thing, and having the silver spoon can stop one from really achieving their best, or becoming their own person. Who they were meant to be.
    xx Rowena

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Interesting thoughts Rowena, especially about later generations. I suspect a lot of the hippy generation are now settled down and perfectly content in a ‘normal’ life. There’s only so long you can survive with a carefree attitude to everything.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Rowena Avatar
        Rowena

        I noticed some of my alternative friends are now working in the money market, which to me seems like the ultimate sell out. However, there’s a lot to be said for being able to afford your own garret by the sea.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    I wonder what she would do next.
    Is she is brave and innocent enough to follow her heart?🙂
    Great dialogue and setting, Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. pennygadd51 Avatar
      pennygadd51

      Shrewd question, Moon!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good question indeed, and is that the right choice in the end? Thanks Moon.

      Like

      Reply
  23. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    I think the answer lies in the soil, as they used to say on Gardeners’ Question Time. Or at least in a more earthy choice of suitor. Nicely done.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      ‘Earthy’ – I like that 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  24. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    Yes, I thought Lady Chatterly as well. Love wins over money in my book.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We’re all romantics at heart. Thanks Janet.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    It must be rotten to be brought up so that your calling is to be married – whether for wealth or for dynastic purposes. Bethany has a tough choice to make. Stapleton is bad – but is a pokey cottage full of children and no money any better, even with Thomas in the deal?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s not much of a choice when put like that. Fortunately in some places the world is slowly moving on.

      Like

      Reply
  26. k rawson Avatar
    k rawson

    This is delightful! Couldn’t help but smile at her warm memories. Hope things turn out in her favor.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Me too. Thanks Karen 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Very historical romance of you, Iain. Of course she goes for the gardener… Money does not buy you happiness – especially with an old boor….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I just hope it ends well for them 😉 Thanks Dale.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Why not? 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Ah, her mind – and much more! – have already strayed elsewhere. I do hope Stapleton wasn’t smitten. Lovely tale Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I wonder if Stapleton might actually be relieved – I’m not sure a strong-willed independent wife would be to his liking! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        Haha! Yes, she sounds like she might be hard work for a man who wans a quiet life

        Liked by 1 person

  29. EagleAye Avatar
    EagleAye

    Love the language of this one. It made me feel like I was there. I feel like there’s two ways to take Thomas digging in the garden. Perhaps there was an evening of delights with Thomas in the garden. Or perhaps she’s really hoping that Thomas doesn’t find the body. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ha, I hadn’t even thought of the second one! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. EagleAye Avatar
        EagleAye

        Hehe. I’ve probably read too many suspense novels. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
        Alicia Jamtaas

        Oh! Neither had I!!!

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Edith M. Field Avatar
    Edith M. Field

    Superb characterisation – the domineering mother, the uninspiring suitor, the irresistible gardener and the young woman who knows her own mind. A great story, Iain. I loved it!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Edith, lovely comment 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. lisarey1990 Avatar
    lisarey1990

    Love it. Very Jane Austen-esque.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Lisa – exactly who I had in mind 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    I knew this would be a lovely tale the minute I read “Lady Davenshire.” I was not disappointed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Alicia 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  33. anotetohuguette Avatar
    anotetohuguette

    You had me at “Morning Tea” and now my mind is wandering down the same path as Bethany’s as I’m left with thoughts of Thomas…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A wonderful comment to receive, thank you so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. anotetohuguette Avatar
        anotetohuguette

        My pleasure!

        Liked by 1 person

  34. Russell Gayer Avatar
    Russell Gayer

    Wow, Iain, that was frickin’ awesome. Leave ’em flustered, that a boy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Russell 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  35. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Sooo good!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jennie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        You’re welcome, Iain. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  36. shivamt25 Avatar
    shivamt25

    Reminded me of the mother from Pride and Prejudice. Always urging her daughters to marry for money. Apt take on the prompt!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, exactly the sort of character I had in mind.

      Like

      Reply
  37. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i think she should marry for money and then keep a lover on the side as it used to. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Everyone wins 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist Avatar
    Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist

    With a title of morning tea and a character called Lady Devonshire I immediately was down a track of scones, cream and jam and a nice cup of tea. Wonderful names you gave your characters in this Victorian style ? romance. The warm evening two nights earlier was the icing on the cake (if they weren’t having those scones). Enjoyed this Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Haha thanks Irene, yes a little bit of Victorian era comedy of manners. Pleased it evoked the right style with you Irene 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  39. anuragbakhshi Avatar
    anuragbakhshi

    I imagine Lady Worthington is in for a big surprise pretty soon. Took me back to the era of Jane Austen and DH Lawrence, very well-written.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, that’s the style I was aiming for 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  40. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    I suspect one way or other spinster hood is not in her future.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It doesn’t seem so.

      Like

      Reply
  41. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Lady Worthington is going to be sorely disappointed, I fear 🙂 Made me smile!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  42. yarnspinnerr Avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    A classic take. Great write.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. athling2001 Avatar
    athling2001

    As, the truth comes out, at least to the reader! Well done. I hope she has the courage to follow her heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Me too, thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  44. Norma Avatar
    Norma

    Bethany has someone else in her mind and her family will never allow her will to happen.
    This could go so many ways. Nicely done, Iain. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Norma 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  45. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    Was it lady Chatterley… maybe marry and keep her lover…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A risky strategy if she gets caught! Thanks for reading Bjorn.

      Like

      Reply
  46. liz young Avatar
    liz young

    I hope she marries the gardener, and sucks to her mother!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz!

      Like

      Reply
  47. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Oooooo I LOVE… intrigue and secret liaisons. The gardener huh? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Always the gardener 😉

      Like

      Reply
      1. Laurie Bell Avatar
        Laurie Bell

        😲😉

        Like

  48. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    Great story, Iain. I was thinking Pride and Prejudice as well, but rather about the conversation Lizzy and Charlotte had with Lizzy’s aunt, where they speak realisticly about marriage, the why and how. Romance isn’t part of it. I’ll be a cynic and say Bethany could have both. She wouldn’t be the first.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Definitely not the first, Thanks for the flattering comparison 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  49. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    If I was the gardener I run away to America with her and make a fortune selling stories. Ps. I also enjoyed the names to gave to the players.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  50. Dan Bohn Avatar
    Dan Bohn

    I think Thomas is planting more than flowers. Well told Iain. Your stories are always so complete.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Dan, much appreciated 🙂

      Like

      Reply

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