Mrs Albright looked embarrassed. She looked quickly around at the staring faces and leaned into the man in front of her. “I'm so sorry, sir. My daughter can be a handful at times. We meant no disrespect."

The man glared up at her and said nothing. He then ignored her and started speaking with his wife. A look of worry crossed Mrs. Albright's face, and she hurried past to join her daughter.

For a time, the restaurant returned to normal. Conversation picked up and Amy was soon forgotten. Daniel picked at his meal, nervous and excited. He kept watch and then spied Peter appearing with a bottle of fine wine, wrapped in a satin cloth. He approached the table of Amy and Mrs Albright and presented the bottle. A loud squeal came from Amy that quietened the restaurant once more.

“And tell me, who is gifting us with this marvellous vintage?"

Daniel could see Peter murmur something and then gesture toward the table Daniel was seated at.

"WHAT!? That's not possible! Daniel is a poor farm boy, not worth the dirt he toils in. You are being had!"

Peter smiled and said something else.

"WHAT!? It's already paid for? Where is he?"

Peter motioned again to Daniel's table.

There was the sound of a clatter and a chair being violently pushed back. Amy stepped out from the corner. Her face was full of rage, and she spied Daniel. She strode quickly toward him and raised a hand to slap him. Daniel let the blow land. The stinging retort was loud in the silence of the restaurant. Daniel could see Mrs Albright appear with her hand over her mouth in shock.

"GET OUT!" screamed Amy. "Get out of my restaurant!"

Daniel refused to touch his face. He could feel the sting of the slap. His face pulsed with it. He forced a smile to his face and carefully cut a piece of chicken and placed it in his mouth and chewed slowly.

Amy was breathing deeply, her chest rising and falling in rapid succession. Daniel appreciated the sight. It made her breasts move so lovely.

"No. I don't think I will. You see, I am enjoying this meal. And the ale. I was hoping you could enjoy some wine. Instead, you slap me, for no reason, humiliate me, for no reason. And you have reason to disparage my chosen occupation. I think perhaps it is you who should leave. You've made quite a scene." Daniel motioned behind her.

Amy looked back and saw the same man she had insulted earlier speaking to someone else. Amy opened her mouth and then closed it.

She watched her mother rush out of the restaurant in tears. The new man slowly walked over, stopping at each table, and whispering a few words. He stopped beside Amy and looked at her once before turning to Daniel.

"Sir, I am so sorry for any inconvenience this evening. I am the owner of this fine dining establishment. Peter, my nephew, has spoken very highly of you and assures me of your quality. Please, if you may, allow me to cover your expenses this evening. This has been most unseemly."

Daniel hesitated and then nodded, enjoying the expressions crossing Amy's face. "That would be very much appreciated, sir. I would say this is not your fault or your doing. You are being very generous.”

The owner smiled and then turned to Amy. "Miss, if you please, I suggest you follow your mother home. She is quite distraught. She's been through a horrible ordeal this evening. If I can show you the way to the door."

Amy looked ready to explode, but wisely shut her mouth and allowed herself to be escorted to the door. The moment the door closed, the restaurant broke into cheers and laughter. Daniel looking out on the street saw Amy turn back to the door at the sound and then break into tears and run off down the street.

Peter dropped a cold glass of ale in front of Daniel. “Here you go, sir. On the house by order of my uncle, not that I needed an order.

It's been my pleasure to serve you this evening."

Daniel smiled and finally reached up to touch the slap mark.

“If I may say, that's quite the mark."