After twentythree years of marriage Victorias domestic life had slipped into a bizarre, endless boredom. Their daughter had married and moved to London with her husband, leaving Victoria and her husband Edward alone. Victoria could sense Edward pulling away, too.
Emily, come over on Saturday, Ill ask Poppy to join us, and well sit together like we used to. Its been ages since weve gathered in a tight circle, Victoria said. Edwards off fishing with his mates.
Right, its been forever. Ill be there, Emily replied.
Victoria settled the guests on the sofa, turned on some soft music, and floated into the kitchen. She returned with a tray, set it on the coffee table, poured brandy into snifters, glanced at her friends, and smiled.
Heres to us beautiful ones!
All lifted their glasses, though Poppy stared seriously.
Youre not in the mood, Victoria asked, didnt you manage to meet your virtual friend?
Poppy took a sip, wrinkled her nose.
Ugh, how can you drink this stuff?
What? Its fine, isnt it, Emily? Victoria laughed. We dont drink it every day, just for ambience
Emily giggled; she knew Poppy rarely touched alcoholno brandy, no wine, certainly not gin.
No, Nia, why are you looking at her? Shes a teetotaler, shell only have a drop once in a hundred years, Victoria said, waving a halffilled snifter, though she grimaced at its strength.
Why didnt it work? Poppy asked, eyes on Victoria.
Tell us then, how did the date go?
It was decent He seemed nice, pleasant to talk to, not a bore He has a decent job, a flat, a flashy car.
Ah, a good start, Emily laughed. By the way, Nia, shall we sign you up on a dating site too?
What for? Victoria asked, surprised. I have Edward, and it feels improper. You all do whatever you like, meet whoever you wish.
Oh, shes married! Whos been complaining about their Edward latelyno attention, staring into space, Poppy chimed in.
It isnt necessary to start an affair, Emily clarified, just chatting for the soul, for the mood. Lets register you and write a profile.
After a few snifters Victoria agreed. They huddled around a laptop and typed a message: Attractive woman with a good sense of humour seeks a man for interesting conversation. My name is Lucy.
Victoria forgot the note. At work she was buried under reports and client meetings. Two weeks later, on a Friday, she finally opened her inbox.
Around twenty letters had piled up; most were crude and she deleted them. One, however, caught her eye.
Ive longed to talk to a smart, lively woman. Ill admit Im married, but my wife has stopped taking an interest in me. Our life has become routine, dull. Im not old yet. Im fortyseven, my name is Arthur.
The letter mirrored Victorias own life. She imagined many couples drifting apart, love slipping away. She decided to reply.
My marriage feels off too. Its sad to admit, but we hardly talk hearttoheart any more, perhaps thats why I posted this. I crave warm conversation, yet I still love my husband. I just want a kindred spirit to share thoughts with, even if only through letters.
Victoria, youve got a reply, Poppy asked.
Yes, but only one struck me; I deleted the rest. All the others were indecent proposals.
Everyone writes what they want, you know, Poppy laughed.
And hows your virtual friend?
Oh, Nia, more than fine. George turned out to be an average bloke, though his soul is still wounded after his divorce. His ex left him for someone younger, almost his sons age. Their son is married now, Poppy confided.
Right, heal his spirit. Maybe youll even marry again, Victoria smiled. Not everyone on dating sites is vulgar. Maybe this is your destiny
Two days later Victoria opened a new message from Arthur.
I see we have a lot in common. Im also up for virtual chatting because I still love my wife, though she sometimes drives me mad. Her friends and their girls nights irritate me; they seem frivolous. I cant say it to her; shed be hurt. She spends more time with them than with me.
Victoria thought for a moment.
Indeed, his life sounds dull, yet he loves his wife. We often have girls nights with my friends; perhaps Edward would mind that too, though he never mentioned it. If he disliked it, hed have said so, she mused, calming herself.
She wrote back:
I sympathise with you, Arthur. But youre wrong about the girls night. Women need each others company to unwind, complain, laugh, sometimes cry. It doesnt mean they forget the family. In my case, my husband seems content.
Victoria told her friends about the correspondence; they encouraged her. Poppys own romance with George was progressing.
Girls, George bought holiday packages; were off to Turkey in two weeks. Sun, sea, and a bit of pampering, Poppy bragged.
Lucky you, Poppy, Emily said. No ones inviting me on a break Id love that too.
Whats your age, Victoria? Perhaps another friend will appear. Lifes unpredictable Keep hope alive.
Oh, where does this mysterious friend wander? Emily giggled.
Soon Poppy left for Turkey with George. Victorias online chat with Arthur continued, three messages a week. Arthur was witty and sweet; she grew more fond of him.
Meanwhile, her marriage with Edward worsened. The more time Edward spent at work, the more Victoria wrote to Arthur. One day Edward surprised her with roses.
Edward, why now? she asked.
Just because. Why not? he replied, though she sensed it wasnt heartfelt.
A seed of suspicion sproutedperhaps Edward had another womanbut she dared not ask. The tension might have lingered forever if Arthur hadnt suggested a meeting.
Victoria, I know we never planned to meet, but now Ive learned we live in the same town. I look at women and wondercould it be you? Im curious about the real you. Lets meet.
Victoria agreed.
Theres nothing to lose; one meeting isnt betrayal. Edwards been busy anyway.
She prepared meticulously: a trim at the salon, a fresh haircut, a new shade of dyeshe had been meaning to change for ages. The day felt like a fitting excuse. All the while she imagined her virtual acquaintance, who promised a white rose.
She entered the café and froze at a familiar face.
Victoria! What are you doing here? Edward sprang up, startled.
She stared at a pristine white rose on the table and everything clicked.
So its you? My goodness, I never guessed Arthur was a madeup name.
Just like Lucy, Edward retorted. Sit down; we have a lot to discuss.
She sat opposite him. The conversation stumbled at first. Victoria wrestled with guilt for meeting behind Edwards back, and anger at Edward for doing the same. She recalled the words shed written about him.
Edward seemed to wrestle with similar thoughts; soon Victoria broke the silence.
So you think Ive become less attractive?
Not todayyou look marvelous. Unfortunately, that doesnt matter to me.
You said you loved your wife, is that still true?
Absolutely! Its just that weve lost our rhythm. You have no time for me, I have none for you, Edward sighed.
And you both still stalk the dating site, Victoria smirked.
I think we should start over, Edward suggested. She smiled and nodded.
Yes, Edward took both of her hands, gazed into her eyes. Now I see before me my beloved wife.
And I see before me my beloved husband. What a pity the letters will end, Victoria laughed.
Why? We could keep writing to each other, Edward replied.
