Emily is a loveroutsidemarriage. She never gets married. She spends her twenties as a casual partner and, at thirty, finally decides she wants a proper man. She doesnt know at first that Paul is already married, but the moment he sees shes attached, he stops hiding the fact.
She never scolds Paul. Instead she berates herself for the affair and for being so weak toward him. She feels inadequate because she hasnt found a husband in time, and the years keep slipping by. She isnt plain; she isnt a beauty, but shes pleasantlooking, a little curvy, which adds to her mature air.
Her relationship with Paul goes nowhere. Emily doesnt want to stay a mistress, yet she cant walk away either. The thought of being alone terrifies her.
One afternoon her cousin Simon drops by. Hes in town on a business trip and stops at his sisters flat for a few hoursthey havent seen each other in ages. They eat lunch in the kitchen, chatting about childhood, the present, and everything in between. Emily tells Simon everything about her love life, even shedding a few tears.
Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Clarke, pops in to ask Emily to appraise some purchases. Emily steps out for twenty minutes. While shes gone the doorbell rings. Simon goes to answer, assuming Emily has returned, but the door is unlocked. Standing on the doorstep is Paul, looking disoriented at the sight of a burly man in training trousers and a tshirt, munching a pork sandwich.
Is Emily home? Paul asks, a little flustered.
Emilys in the bathroom, Simon guesses.
Sorry, who are you to her? Paul stammers.
Im her partner, civilly. And youwhat business is this? Simon shoves Paul by the shoulders. Arent you the married bloke Emily mentioned? Listen, if I see you here again Ill kick you down the stairs, understand?
Paul breaks free and bolts downstairs.
Emily soon returns. Simon recounts the unexpected visitor.
What have you done? Who invited him? Emily cries. He wont come back. She collapses onto the sofa, covering her face.
Yes, he wont be back, and thats a good thing. Stop sulking. I know a decent widower in our villageno ones bothering his late wifes memory, and hes turning everyone away. Hed like some company. After my next trip, Ill take you to meet him. Be ready; well go together.
How can that be? I cant I dont know any of this man, Emily protests. It feels wrong.
Its shameful to sleep with a stranger, not to meet a respectable widower. No ones pulling you into his bed. Come on, Im telling you because its my sisters birthday.
A few days later Emily and Simon drive to the Cotswold village. Simons wife, Lucy, sets a table in the garden by the old washhouse. Neighbours, friends, and Simons widowed friend Alex arrive for a family gathering. The locals already know Emily, but she meets Alex for the first time.
After a warm chat, Emily returns to the city, noting to herself that Alex is very quiet and modest. He must be thinking about his late wife. Poor chap, not many heartbroken men like him, she thinks.
A week later, on a Saturday, the doorbell rings. Emily isnt expecting anyone. She opens the door to find Alex standing there with a bag.
May I come in, Emily? I was just on my way to the market and thought Id stop by now that were acquainted, he says, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Emily invites him in. Though surprised, she offers him tea and begins to suspect his visit isnt random.
Did you get everything you needed? she asks.
Yes, the groceries are in the car. And heres something for you. Alex pulls a small bunch of tulips from the bag and hands them to her.
Emily takes the flowers; her eyes light up. They sit at the kitchen table, sipping tea and talking about the weather and market prices. When the tea is finished, Alex thanks her and prepares to leave. In the hallway he slowly pulls on his jacket and shoes, then, just at the doorway, turns back to her.
If I walk out now without saying anything, Ill never forgive myself. Emily, Ive spent the whole week thinking about you. Honest as Im sayingyour name has been on my mind, Ive been waiting for the weekend, so I came straight to your address after getting it from Simon.
Emily blushes and looks down.
We barely know each other, she replies.
It doesnt matter. The main thing is, am I a bother? Can we be on firstname terms? I know Im not a perfect gift. I have a little daughter, eight, whos staying with her grandmother at the moment.
Alexs hands tremble slightly.
A daughter is a blessing, Emily sighs dreamily. Ive always wanted a girl.
Encouraged, Alex takes Emilys hands, pulls her close, and kisses her. After the kiss, tears glisten in Emilys eyes.
Do you find me unpleasant? he asks.
No, quite the opposite. I never expected this It feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyone, she replies.
From then on they meet every weekend. Two months later they marry in the village, Emily gets a job at the local preschool, and a year after that she gives birth to a daughter. Their two girls grow up loved and wellcared for, and theres always enough affection to go around. Emily and Alex age happily, their love maturing like a fine wine.
At family gatherings Simon often winks at Emily.
Well, Gal, what a husband Ive set you up with, eh? You keep getting better and better. I wouldnt give you a bad matchlisten to your brother!
