James Cushat-Prinkly, a 34-year-old man, has always believed he would marry someday, despite never having pursued a specific woman. His family, particularly the women in his life, are eager for him to settle down, and they have chosen Joan Sebastable as the ideal match. After receiving a legacy from his late uncle, James feels pressured to find a partner to share his life and fortune. As he prepares to propose to Joan, he is apprehensive about the traditional afternoon tea setting he expects to encounter at her home. He finds the ritual of tea tedious and prefers a more romanticized vision of courtship. To delay the inevitable proposal, he decides to visit his cousin Rhoda Ellam, a hat designer, instead. During his visit, he enjoys a casual and engaging conversation with Rhoda, who serves him a delightful meal without the usual fuss of tea etiquette. After spending time with Rhoda, James unexpectedly realizes he wants to marry her instead of Joan. He returns home and announces his engagement to Rhoda, much to the surprise of his family, who had anticipated a proposal to Joan. The suddenness of his decision shocks them, but they eventually accept it, albeit reluctantly. Later, after their honeymoon in Minorca, James finds himself in a familiar situation as he enters his new home, where Rhoda is serving tea. The scene mirrors his earlier expectations of tea with Joan, but now it is Rhoda who fulfills that role, albeit with her own unique charm. The story concludes with James reflecting on the unexpected turn of events that led him to marry Rhoda, highlighting the contrast between his initial intentions and the reality of his choice.
By Saki · First published 1917 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Fiction