What’s in a name? #shortstory #microcosms

Posted on Dec 2, 2016 by TanGental

Microcosms this week offered us (you still have time to join in):

Spinster, London, Comedy

 

Marigold sat, nervously gripping her bag. The dating agency was her last resort. Sylvia, the woman interviewing her, tried a smile. ‘Don’t be nervous. Just a few questions and I’m sure we’ll fix you up, someone as attractive as you. So name?’

‘Marigold Fagin.’

‘Fagin? As in…’

‘Yes.’

‘Hmm.’ Sylvia’s frown disturbed her smooth forehead.

‘Age?’

’40.’

Sylvia looked up, relaxing. ‘You’d never guess. Do you work?’

‘Yes. It’s a family business. Working with children, giving them unusual apprenticeship experiences and, er, garden design.’

‘Garden design?’ Sylvia’s forehead re-creased.

‘Fencing. Oh and security.’

She swallowed as she glanced at Marigold, who blushed.

‘Where do you live?’

‘Limehouse. East London. We like the ambience. Well, the fog, mostly.’

‘The fog?’

‘It makes the security easier.’

The beetled brow took on an alarming ridged quality. ‘Oh yes?’

‘They don’t see us coming.’

‘Right.’ Sylvia dabbed the perspiration away. ‘So you’ve had boyfriends I take it?’

‘Oh, yes, they just never stay.’

‘Do they say why?’

‘Generally, they only talk to my brother. After that they tend not to call.’

‘And you don’t think that can be part of the reason?’

‘Kevin’s ever so polite. He just takes an interest. The last one he showered around one of the building sites we secure. He didn’t turn up again, either. Kevin was surprised; he said he thought Grant showed concrete promise. Or was it promise as concrete? I do get muddled.’

Sylvia took a moment to regain her composure. ‘Can I be honest with you, Marigold?’

Marigold looked startled, then affronted. ‘Oh no, I really don’t think so. No that wouldn’t do. What would Kevin say?’

 

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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20 Responses to What’s in a name? #shortstory #microcosms

  1. Ritu says:
    Dec 2, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    Oh the dreaded older brother!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Erika Kind says:
    Dec 2, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    Oh well….. when will she ever learn… lol!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. willowdot21 says:
    Dec 2, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    In this world one thing counts in the bank large amounts!! Loved it !! as usual !!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. thecontentedcrafter says:
    Dec 2, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    What poor Marigold needs is an older Artful Dodger!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Teagan Geneviene says:
    Dec 3, 2016 at 12:24 am

    LOL… Geoff… Only you could manage that story so well. Brilliant. I’m still shaking my head and chuckling. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. derrickjknight says:
    Dec 3, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Excellent. And you resisted any reference to The Lavender Hill Mob

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Sarah Brentyn says:
    Dec 7, 2016 at 6:06 am

    Has your brother seen this? I’m hoping this isn’t BOTS. Where did all those girlfriends go…

    Liked by 1 person

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