Miss Marple?
Sunday fic challenge: time , thirty minutes , prompt (and we have poicale to thank for this one)
Author: poicale
Book: The Charioteer
Pairing: Ralph/Laurie
Rating: adult
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters and make no profit from them.
Notes: Sunday fic challenge, 30 minutes, prompt "Miss Marple"
Miss Marple
“What are you reading?”
“The newest Agatha Christie mystery,” Laurie looked up from his book. A glance at the clock showed that several hours had passed since he’d sat down with it.
“With that Frenchie?” Ralph asked as he laid more wood on the fire.
“No, with Miss Marple, the spinster,” Laurie added when no recognition had dawned on Ralph’s face.
“Mm.”
“What?”
“Nothing,” Ralph shrugged, still looking thoughtful as he settled on the rug.
“What?” Laurie asked again. Ralph shook his head and Laurie felt a strong urge to smack Ralph with his book. Luckily for the book, and Ralph’s head, Ralph spoke after another moment.
“Just...do they ever address why isn’t she married?”
“No. Is it important?”
“No. Just...one wonders.”
“Does one?”
“Yes.”
“It’s probably for the same reason Miss Haliburton isn’t married.”
“Do you think so? Miss Haliburton, really?” Ralph looked up at him; his blue eyes were gleaming ingenuously.
“Don’t give me that look, you can’t carry it off.” Laurie’s fingers itched.
“What look?” Ralph batted his eyelashes for good measure. Laurie felt his spine melting but he was determined not to show it.
“Anyway, just because she fell for your charms doesn’t mean she’s straight.”
“So, she’d like someone like Miss Marple, would she?”
“Younger, I should think, Miss Haliburton isn’t that old.”
“You fell for my charms.” Ralph said after he had turned over onto his back and settled with his arms behind his head. Laurie tried not to get distracted by the strip of skin that was now visible between Ralph’s jumper and his trousers.
“Rather a different situation that,” Laurie laughed, adding teasingly, “I was drunk.”
“Are you drunk now?”
“No.”
“Well then.”
“Well then, what?”
Ralph shrugged. Laurie wasn’t quite sure if that was a come-on or if Ralph was just stating a point.
“May I return to my book now?” Laurie was almost to the end and he thought he’d figured out who the murderer was. He was anxious to see if he was right. Although, if Ralph wanted something else, he was sure he could wait a few hours before finishing the mystery.
“If you want.” Ralph closed his eyes.
Laurie was almost fooled into thinking the other man was going to take a nap when his eyes traveled the length of Ralph’s body and noticed his arousal. Reaching for his bookmark, Laurie carefully marked his place and closed the book. He slid down off the chair and moved to lay next to Ralph.
“Thought you wanted to read,” Ralph said softly as Laurie’s hand slipped beneath his jumper.
“Want you more.”
“Because of my considerable charms?”
“Indeed.” Laurie kissed the smiling mouth softly.
*****
Title: Miss Marple
Author: trueriver
Book: The Charioteer
Pairing: Ralph/Laurie
Rating: adult
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters and make no profit from them.
Notes: Sunday fic challenge, 30 minutes, prompt "Miss Marple"
Miss Marple
Miss Marple sat in Millie Banks’s Tea Shop, at a corner table, for her Saturday afternoon treat. She looked up with interest as the shiny new motor car pulled up smoothly at Bottles Garage. Millie Banks had moved to St Mary Mead to take care of her brother Alf Bottle, after his wife passed away, and had been quick to see an opportunity. She transformed not only his run-down garage into a smart new stopping-place, but his next-door cottage into a pretty little tea shop, thus encouraging touring motorists to come in for afternoon tea.
Miss Marple had therefore taken to having tea at Millie’s twice a week, on the general half-day closings of Wednesday and Saturday. She was in prime position to watch the doe-eyed newlyweds, fractious families and comfortable middle aged couples all at their leisure in St Mary Mead.
Now, for the first time, came two young men in uniform. One, a naval officer, immaculate, and complete with white gloves. The other was slightly younger, with attractive brown hair. He was an army corporal, she gleaned, walking with a limp, which immediately said to her in subdued tones - War wound. The officer removed his cap to reveal light, freshly washed hair and blue eyes that scanned the tea shop for a private spot.
Miss Marple’s thoughts strayed to the War, something the village had largely managed to evade. She noticed with satisfaction that Millie Banks brought out the Rose pattern tea service for the young men. Apart from herself, the run-of-the-mill had to make do with the Barnsley Green. How Millie Banks fussed over them, turning faintly pink at something charming the officer had said to her.
Miss Marple caught a little of their conversation.
“Enjoying yourself, Spud?”
“It’s nice to think little places like this exist, where nothing ever happens.” The younger one replied.
Miss Marple noticed the look he gave him then. It was something very like the heady glance of a newlywed; with unguarded affection and admiration. The officer would never admit to being romantic, but when he smiled back, she knew. No, these two young men were certainly not conventional. But they were good.
It was time for her to go if she was to meet Mrs Blenkinsop at four o’clock. The young men rose to their feet as she passed them.
“No, don’t get up, dears. It’s so nice to see brave young men in St Mary Mead, where nothing ever happens, you know.” Her eyes twinkled. “You must relax,” she told them. “Enjoy yourselves - for as long as you can.”