1.

It was 1913. A newspaper vendor, whose stall was situated outside a café in Orpington High Street, was loudly advertising his wares.

‘King Leonardo of Ruritania in civil war. Buy your newspaper ‘ere. One ha’penny, or two farthings.’

He chuckled. You got to keep yerself amused, haven’t yer? The day was crisp and cold, and the vendor shivered involuntarily. Maisie should have put out his brown jumper.

He looked into the café, which was warm and inviting. And then back to the street, where cars vied with horses and carts for space. The little town was beginning to wake up.

2.

Inside the café, Jennifer was serving two sombre-looking men in hats and smart coats. They had barely uttered a word. ‘Here you are, gentlemen. Milky tea and carrot cake.’ The men ignored her. Be like that, then!

She glanced outside the window, where a young man was approaching the vendor. He was quite a dish, and she sighed inwardly. She reluctantly returned to the counter.

Jennifer’s beautiful black Persian cat had just demolished a breakfast of baked kippers, and was now sauntering between the chairs and tables. He was searching for a suitable place to sleep. Somewhere cosy and warm.

3.

Jennifer was once more taking in the vista outside the café when one of the gentlemen called out, ‘I say, news chappie’s just fallen over!’

‘Don’t concern yourself, McCourt,’ said the other.

Jennifer could see the vendor sitting on the pavement. She dashed outside, knelt down beside him, and asked whether he was alright.

‘I’m alright, love. Just come over a bit dizzy, and sat down on this ‘ere paving slab, like,’ he said.

‘Why don’t you come inside?’ said Jennifer.

‘What about me newspapers?’ he asked.

‘I’ll pick those up for you in a minute.’

He took Jennifer’s arm.

4.

Jennifer guided the old man into the café. ‘You sit there, and I’ll fetch you some tea.’ she said. ‘Milk and sugar?’

‘You’re very kind,’ he said.

He was clearly shaken. A short while later, Jennifer delivered the refreshments.

‘Thank you, miss,’ he said.

‘Let me hang your coat up for you,’ said Jennifer. She deposited the coat in the alcove. Just then the door opened, and the young man she had noticed before came in. He burst into a dazzling smile, and held up a bag of newspapers.

‘May I give these to the gentleman?’ he asked.

Jennifer nodded.

5.

The young man approached the older man.

‘Your papers, sir. I noticed them scatter. I thought you’d be worried about them.’

‘Yes, yes, I do. I mean…’ said the vendor.

The young man saw the tremor in the old man’s hand. ‘You’ve had quite a shock, sir,’ he said. He put down the bag.

The older man rubbed his lower leg. ‘Me ankle!’

‘What happened, if you don’t mind my asking?’ queried the young man.

‘I must’ve got cold. Didn’t have no breakfast this morning.’

‘I expect that would’ve done it. As a matter of fact, I missed breakfast too.’

6.

Jennifer had been paying close attention to their conversation, and found herself asking the young man if he would like a tea and a sandwich.

‘Absolutely, I would!’ he said, and smiled.

Jennifer felt her cheeks flushing. She escaped as quickly as possible. When she took his food and drink over, she said, ‘I don’t think you two eat enough breakfast! Why don’t you come back tomorrow morning? I’ll get you a nice bacon sandwich on the house. Set you up for the day.’

‘Very kind, miss, you are,’ said the vendor.

‘How could I refuse!’ said the young man.

7.

The two grim gentlemen stood up to leave. The remaining gentlemen rose, having agreed to meet the next morning at 8am.

‘Thank you again, miss,’ said the older man. ‘Very kind, I’m sure. I’m off home now. Day off, like.’

The young man looked at Jennifer. ‘Shall I see you tomorrow?’

Jennifer tried to appear unruffled, though it was difficult. ‘I’ll look forward to it,’ she said.

Jennifer’s Persian arched his back and sprang elegantly onto one of the vacated seats. While he slept, the café would await its next customer. The little town was coming to life at last.

The end.