The Illusion of a Prince Shattered
He was never the prince of her dreams
Alice had met Henry soon after he returned from his service in the Royal Navy. The young man might have stepped from the pages of a gentlemans magazinetall, broad-shouldered, with striking green eyes and dark, curling hair. Beside him, Alice seemed plain, though she was pretty in her own way: fair-haired, slender, with a gentle smile. She could scarcely believe her luckout of all the girls in their circle, he had chosen her.
What does he see in you? her friends whispered. A handsome fellow like that wont stay long. Hell leave you.
But Alice only smiledshe believed in their love. They went to the pictures, to dances, met with friends. Henry never praised her looks, yet he stayed by her side, and his touch made her dizzy. When she first brought him home, her motherMargaret Whitmorefrowned. Later, in private, she murmured to her daughter:
A pretty man is another womans man, my dear. Theyre rarely faithful. Wait before you wed, test him. He seems too polished.
Alice was cross. She trusted Henrys feelings and refused to listen to doubts. But her mother had planted a seed of unease in her heart.
Slowly, Henry changed. First it was the boxing club, then swimming, then new acquaintances. Alice, desperate to keep up, joined the training sessions but felt awkward among the confident, athletic girls. Henrys glances strayed toward them, and she often left early, hiding her tears.
Youre frail as a doll, he laughed once when she caught cold after swimming. Best stay home with your books.
The words stung, and she remembered her mothers warning. She sensed Henry growing distantmore outings alone, fewer calls, fewer invitations. Then, without a word, he vanished. He stopped answering altogether.
Still no word? her mother asked.
No Alice whispered, turning her face to the wall.
Up you get! Were off to the hairdresser! Margaret declared. A new style is the first step to a new life. Then well stitch you a dressyouve a fine hand for it.
They bought fabric; Alice sketched designs, willing herself to forget. Whispers of Henrys new loves reached her, but she held firm. When she appeared at the next dancein her new gown, bright and lightall eyes turned. She was noticed.
A young man, Edward, unassuming and steady, began to court her. He was no beauty, but his eyes held only warmth for Alice. Within a month, he asked for her hand.
Now theres a proper man! her mother said. When he loves, he means it. What do you say?
I accept, Alice replied softly.
Do you love him?
How could I not? Hes kind, hardworking, true. Im all he needsand only me.
The wedding was warm, full of heart. Alice and Edward began with little: their first chair, their first plate. A year later, their daughter was born, and three years after, their son. Family, love, happiness.
She hardly thought of Henry. Only now and then did she hear taleshow he left his wife, ran off with a mistress, and now drifted from place to place. Alice would smile:
What was between us? Just a chapter of youth. Let him be happy, if he can.
At home, her children and husband waited. And her motherwise, kind, dearest of all. The one who had spared her true heartache. The one to whom she owed her quiet, lasting joy.
Mother may you always be near. Without you, life is not half so bright.
