In "Death of a Valentine" by M.C. Beaton, a conversation unfolds between characters Hamish and Mr. Herriot regarding the voting for the Lammas queen. Hamish asks Herriot about his vote, which he reveals went to Iona, the girl on the switchboard. However, it surprises him to learn that Annie Fleming received all ten votes, indicating a significant deviation from Herriot's expectations.
This exchange highlights the theme of surprises in the community and the politics of local events. The unexpected outcome of the vote reflects the dynamics of social interactions among the characters and adds an interesting layer to the narrative.