Jane and Prudence

by Barbara Pym

It seemed that there was a particular kind of hat worn by ladies attending Parochial Church Council meetings—a large beret of neutral-coloured felt pulled well down to one side. Both Mrs. Crampton and Mrs. Mayhew wore hats of this type, as did Miss Doggett, though hers was of a superior material, a kind of plush decorated with a large jewelled pin. Indeed, there seemed to be little for the ladies to do but observe each other’s hats, for their voices were seldom heard. Occasionally Nicholas would interpose with some remark, such as ‘Now what do you feel, Miss Doggett? I am sure we should all like to hear your views on this point,’ but as it was usually a matter such as the taxation of the Easter Offering, on which ladies could not be expected to have any sensible views, their comments amounted to very little and were soon disposed of and even made to seem slightly ridiculous by the men.