Mrs. Ravenbach's Way by William M. Akers

Author:William M. Akers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Regan Arts.

That evening, I was so very lucky that my dear friend, Mrs. Button, was at home. She answered my telephone call and came over straightaway. What a blessing!

I was so upset by the near rebellion caused by young Tobias Wilcox that Mrs. Button had to make the tea. Her little figure bustling back and forth across my kitchen with such industry and animation calmed me greatly, I can assure you.

We sat in my beautifully appointed living room, enjoying tea and sweet cakes. I sipped from my delicate Meissen cup and my breathing slowly returned to a normal pace. Finally, Mrs. Button sensed, in her most delicate way, that I was able at last to approach the terrible situation which had precipitated my calling her to my aid. She was so deeply interested in the comings and goings of the schoolchildren.

“Leni, Leni, my dear Leni. What possibly could have happened at school today to upset you so, so greatly? There’s not a problem with the football team?”

“No. No. It was . . . It was . . .” I was unable to pronounce the words.

“Toby Wilcox. Something should be done about him. Beastly child.”

“It was awful, awful.”

“I trust in your hour of distress Mr. Ravenbach was a stalwart companion.”

“As always, as always. He says to thank you for coming over. Out for the moment, he is buying apples and other strudel ingredients. Mr. Ravenbach is happy to shop for me, as he does love his strudel.”

“Would that Mr. Button were such a helpful helpmate. He’s good at tying fishing flies and complaining.” She sighed and took a careful breath. “Leni. It is not my place to give advice. But, as a Wilcox family neighbor, I believe I have some insight into their situation that might be helpful to you.”

“My dear Mrs. Button, there’s nothing I would treasure more than to be given advice from you, my wise and caring friend.”

My dear friend’s little rodent-like face positively shone with excitement. Her shapeless dress quivered on her tiny-boned form like a sail in a breeze as her little body nearly shook with the enjoyment of what she then said. Her voice, I remember, was a wee bit . . . scary. Her tone, I remember, was deliciously . . . controlling.

She said, “Sometimes, Leni, darling, you just have to show children what’s what.” The simple wisdom of her statement was overwhelming. “You must endeavor to get him to . . . appreciate the situation.”

While I sipped my tea, I began to think.

Tea is so useful for the thinking, don’t you agree?

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