April 12th, 2025
Ive been turning Andrews words over in my head ever since he said them, calm as ever, You understand, Ella, that men like me never marry women like you. He went on to say there are women for love and for a good time, and there are those who keep themselves untouched until the wedding. Unfortunately, youre not one of them.
I stared at him, the man Id thought was my lover, and asked, What is it about me that isnt right, Andrew? I cook well, I look great, the house is spotless. As a woman, do I not please you?
His reply was a cold smile, Thats exactly the problem. Youre already spoiled. Men like me dont take women like you as wives. We only meet, no commitments. We marry virgins, and youd be the first to have to wash a husbands feet and drink his water, as the saying goes. He turned to the wall and snored off, satisfied with his final jab.
Just a week earlier Id been at the Rose & Crown café with Kate, Lily, and a few other friends, bragging that my life was finally falling into place. Thirty, not a girl anymore, but a career, a flat in Camden, a decent car, and a polished appearance. I could marry and have children if I wanted, Id said, especially now that a dreamlike candidate had appeared.
Andrew had never been married, lived alone, though hed bought a flat next door to his mother. Fourteen years my senior, handsome, wellgroomed, almost free of bad habits, and holding a senior position. Pure luck.
Wed met at workhed come to my dental surgery as a patient and walked out already head over heels. At the time I was juggling shifts at the NHS clinic and a private practice, so personal time was scarce. Yet he brought flowers, not the usual roses but peonies, in February. A restaurant dinner followed, and everything felt like a whirlwind.
Only one thing nagged me: two years into the relationship and still no proposal. My friends kept hinting, Its time, Ella, to settle down. I felt it too, so I finally raised the subject one night before bed. His response? Youre spoiled, not marriage material.
My mind refused to accept it. What does he think he can say? I thought, and the next evening I met my friends again at the coffee shop, desperate for advice.
Imagine, girls, I began, he told me Im no longer the one. That men like me never marry women like me!
Are you serious? Kate gasped. Youre beautiful, smart, independent!
He says he only marries virgins. And Im supposedly a thirdrate, defective sort. What am I supposed to do? Hes perfect otherwiseintelligent, welloff, great in bed.
Ella, dump him before he destroys your selfesteem, Lily snorted.
Even betterbring him over to our house! Mick and I are celebrating ten years of marriage. Let him see what a real family looks like, Kate suggested.
Thus we invited him. Andrew, who usually shuns such gatherings, surprisingly agreed and even drove himself. I already imagined a pleasant evening with my friends, finally not having to be the one steering us back.
At Kate and Micks countryside cottage things felt homey: children playing, barbecues, birds chirping, and their dog Skipper darting about as if powered by an invisible battery. The feast stretched from noon until dusk. The adults eventually retired, the kids went to bed, and only the inner circlethe friends, the hosts, and Andrewremained at the table.
We sipped tea with a berry tart, chatting away. Then Andrew launched into his usual monologue:
Tell me, Kate, why isnt Ella married yet? Youve been hitched for ten years.
Not everyone gets lucky in love on their third year, like me, Kate shrugged. Back then I was studying, working, had no time.
Did you marry as a virgin? he asked.
What? Of course! Kate laughed. Mick and I have been together since our first year at university!
But wasnt he the first? he persisted.
Do you need to see a passport? Mick retorted, offended. I became her husband and thats that.
See? She was purethats respect. Marrying a woman whos had a few before you is a disgrace to the family!
What kind of noble lineage demands you be without a past? Lily giggled. So why did you ever give Ella any hope?
I promised nothing to anyone, Andrew shrugged. Your friend should understand shes a secondrate woman. For a marriage like that you need serious reasons, and I see none.
So Im a thirdrate, divorced mother with a child, Lily smiled. Pity for you, sir. Pity for your family.
How do you speak to women in my house? Mick snapped. Sorts are his! Youre a stale herring! He grabbed Andrew and dragged him outside. It wasnt hardAndrew was only about six foot, while Mick was a hulking, muscular man.
Get out! I wont let you ruin the evening. If it werent for the girls, Id have already knocked you down. Youre not a guest.
Ella, Im leaving. Are you coming with me or staying? Andrew declared proudly, grabbing his bag.
I burst into laughter, unable to answer. Before he could hear my support, he slammed the gate and drove off.
Well, Mick, thanks, I giggled, thats itno more men, not even a stale one!
That was a terrible idea, trying to enlighten him about marriage, Kate said, smiling. But what a character! Girls, did you hear? Im the first sort, and youre already where youre headed.
The jokes kept us going all night. Eventually Lily drove me home. The next day I was back to my usual routine of seeing patients and filling out medical histories. Andrew never called again.
Ms. Ella, theres an envelope on the reception desk for you.
Thanks, Lily, Ill look at it later.
After my last appointment I opened the envelope. Inside was
