Above the fray.
A small fee – once it was free – and you sit where you want.
We had always thought park benches were open to all and reservations were unnecessary.
Perhaps wires were crossed – an old metaphor from early telephone switchboards and amateur electricians – and we could have sat next to Mr. & Mrs. Jones?
We will not wait for the answer. Anyway, we heard someone say “times change”.
That, must be it.