Bless my sole ....the slipper fits!

Wednesday, August 6 08

"I now know what is worse than sleep deprivation - sitting in a shoe shop waiting for my children to be served when all the mums in the county have decided to do the same thing," mumbled Mrs Bennet under her breath.

It was the time of year all shoe fitters and mothers loathed with a passion. Finding new shoes for school. Patience was tested to the limit as little people's hopes of leaving the shop with their chosen shoes were dashed as either a) their parents couldn't afford them or didn't like the style b) they didn't fit or c) they were so popular the supplies had run dry.

Mrs Bennet and her three eldest daughters were holding fast to their number 50 ticket. The machine seemed to get stuck on 46, there were 20 children huddled in clusters around the sitting area, babies crying in pushchairs because the wait was too long and assistants looking extremely flustered yet wearing plastic smiles.

To their credit, the Miss Bennets sat patiently, secretly praying like potential Cinderellas that their feet would fit their favorite slippers. Mrs Bennet prayed a different prayer - that they would be seen before 2.30pm struck and they all got turned into pumpkins. Their train back to Stroud left Gloucester at 2.45pm. At this rate, they would have no glass slipper and no carriage to get home.

Thankfully at 2.10pm, 50 minutes after walking into the store, the counter moved. The Bennets - and Jannie (Mrs Bennet's mum) did a Mexican wave and shouted for joy as one young assistant called the magic 50.

Little Miss Megan Bennet was allowed to go first as it was her debut fitting session for school. She wanted a cat design, probably because it came with a toy kitten, but Mrs Bennet acknowledged they were sensible and practical and if they fitted - which they did - she was allowed to have them.

Miss Emily followed, her heart set on a black pair because it had a doll and a pet which could live in the sole of her shoe.

"Why do they do that? Whoever comes up with these gimmicks should be made to sit in a shoe shop with 40 kids all wanting shoes at the same time for penance. It's as bad as supermarkets introducing car trolleys. It's alright for those who get one, but for those who don't it's basically a nightmare for the poor parents. We're here to buy shoes NOT toys," she complained to Jannie, who was the picture of patience.

Mrs Bennet once awarded her a certificate, stating that her mother had gained an A level in patience. She knew she had much to learn from her.

With two children happy, the eldest was struggling to get her foot to fit her chosen slipper. Even with insoles, there were gaps where her foot was too slender. Looking at the clock which was heading close to departure time, Mrs Bennet was forced to step in.

"Look Naomi, you've got some new sandals, I think we'll have to get you some on another day. Is that OK?"

Thankfully her daughter agreed on condition she could wear her new bargain £10 sandals. And the five of them were able to leave in a dignified fashion, with "soles" lifted, ready to enjoy their train ride home. Mr Bennet had taken a day off to look after the twin Bennets so Mrs Bennet could give them a surprise rail trip.

As his daughters barged down the door, he was bombarded with shoe offerings and forced to voice his delight at their choices. Once he'd given them the responses they were looking for, Mr Bennet turned to his wife: "So how was it?"

To which she replied: "If you ever want to punish me Mr Bennet, all you need to do is put me in a shoe shop during August and leave me there. It's on par with another pet hate of mine - emptying cold tea bags out of the teapot!"