Think again, my dear! urged the eighteenyearolds mother, Margaret, as she stood in the dim kitchen of their London flat. Hes a fullgrown man, double your age. What could possibly be good about a life with him, love? She pressed, Please call off the wedding. Youll soon realise the mistake youve made but it might be too late.
Elspeth seemed to age in an instant. In the blink of an eye, the clumsy child who had tripped over her own feet became a statuesque, striking young woman. She had just celebrated her eighteenth birthday with a raucous party, a cascade of flowers and a mountain of parcels delivered by a courier. When her parents asked, bluntly, who the generous suitor was, Elspeth smiled enigmatically and waved them off.
Just a lad, really. All will come in due time
Her parents, wary of pressing too hard, let the matter drift. It proved a mistake.
A few months later, a quiet dinner conversation erupted into a fullblown scandal. Elspeth announced she was getting married. Margaret and Edward were stunned, yet their desire to see their daughter happy made them rush to reassure her of their support, despite the suddenness. The euphoria, however, turned to anxiety the moment Elspethe introduced her future husband.
He was not a sprightly youth but a wellestablished thirtyeightyearold named Arthur, nearly the same age as her parents.
The room grew heavy as a woollen blanket. Margaret, forcing a smile, turned to her daughter.
Elspeth, love were glad for you, but is this man really your chosen one?
Unflinching, Elspeth took Arthurs arm and said, Mum, Dad, this is Arthur. My fiancé. We love each other and have decided to marry. Weve been together for a year, by the way!
Edward, who had been silent, clenched his jaw against rising fury.
Arthur, is it? I think were about the same age. Im thirtyeight. Do you realise youre twenty years older than our daughter?
Arthur, smug and selfassured, nodded. Yes, Mr. Edward. I understand. But age is just a number when true feelings are involved. Elspeth and I share the same worldview and plans.
Plans? interjected Margaret. Elspeth, are you certain? Youve just turned of age. What sort of relationship began when you were seventeen?
Elspeths brow furrowed, sensing the conversation turning sour.
I wont discuss the exact moment we started seeing each other. Weve decided to marry, and thats that.
Edward exhaled heavily. Arthur, be honest. In twenty years, when Elspeth is thirtyeight, youll be fiftyeight. She wants many children. Who will support the family at that age?
Arthur smiled, as if the question were a joke. Mr. Edward, I am financially secure. I have the means to provide for her and any children. If youll allow it, we wont dwell on my old age. Were talking about our happiness here and now.
Margaret softened, trying a gentler approach. Sweetheart, perhaps you should wait, test these feelings? Youve only just started living together properly. Why rush to the registry?
I dont want to wait or test anything, Elspeth answered firmly. I love Arthur, and he loves me. If you cant accept that, Im sorry.
Edward rose abruptly. This isnt haste, Arthur! It feels as if youve taken advantage of our daughters innocence. A girl of eighteen doesnt see the hidden rocks that a twentyfiveyearold would notice.
Arthurs calm remained, which only seemed to enrage the parents further. I have not exploited anyones youth. I courted an adult woman, fully capable of consent. My feelings are genuine. I love Elspeth and will prove it daily. Isnt that what you want for your daughter to be loved?
Margaret tried to interject, addressing her husband. Edward, calm down. No need for a scene. Arthur, its just unexpected and were worried about Elspeths future. Shes our only child. This is a huge responsibility.
Responsibility is fine, Arthur cut in. Im ready for it. You seem to forget that Elspeth wants this herself. Is keeping her close more important than her own wish to build a family?
Edwards fists clenched. You know what? Im thinking of calling the police, filing a complaint, he blurted, the words sounding terrible even as they left his mouth.
Elspeth gasped, leapt from her seat. Father! Have you lost your mind? How could you try to ruin my life and your reputation on mere suspicions?
Arthur stood opposite the future fatherinlaw, his exterior icy. Mr. Edward, I understand your anger. But if you take such a step, youll lose your daughters trust forever. Im ready for any scrutiny. I have nothing to hide. Yet I will not let baseless accusations destroy my and Elspeths life. Well marry in three months.
When Arthurs intentions were laid out, the tension eased into a tentative assessment. Margaret placed a gentle hand on Edwards arm. Edward, sit down, please. Elspeth, Arthur, we need time to think. We also need time to come to terms with this.
Elspeth smiled at her mother. Mum, you dont have to accept anything. I just need your blessing. Just the blessing, Mum. Everything else Arthur will handle. Right, love?
Well speak with Arthur again, privately, Edward said, looking straight at his future soninlaw. No drama, no tears, no theatrical outbursts. I want to understand how you plan to live after the wedding. Elspeth is still a student, she hasnt even finished her first year
Arthur nodded. Im ready for a serious talk. My decision is final, and I wont give up Elspeth.
Seeing the daughters resolve and Arthurs certainty, the parents realised ultimatums would not move the mountain. The spectre of a scandal loomed larger than the age gap.
A week later, after long, detailed discussions about Arthurs stability and his plans for Elspeths future, the atmosphere lightened. They saw that he truly cared for their daughter and seemed able to give her a decent life. Arthur was invited to dinner again.
Elspeth, we love you and want you to be happy, Margaret began, looking at her daughter. We still worry about the future, but you love him, dont you?
We hope you wont regret your haste, Edward added. Arthur, welcome to the family if you truly love our daughter. But remember: well be watching. He smiled warmly at the new soninlaw.
Elspeth threw herself into her parents arms, hugging them tightly. Thank you! I love you both! Well be very happy, I promise.
The wedding took place three months later. Margaret and Edward, gazing at their daughters radiant face, prayed silently that she would have a good life.
The young couple lived together for six months, and the parents had no complaints about their soninlaw. Arthur indeed carried his wife in his arms, indulged every whim, paid for her tuition, bought her clothes, shoes, even a car. He relieved Margaret and Edward of any financial burden.
Their first child was born on the very day of Arthurs birthday. Edward wept openly at the discharge, overwhelmed with joy. By then, the parents opinion of Arthur had completely changed; they now saw in him a reliable man willing to move mountains for their daughter.
The second child arrived three years later. Elspeth had finished her degree and, with Arthurs support, chose to become a fulltime mother. He supplied everything the family needed. Edward and Arthur, despite the years between them, discovered a great deal in common and forged a strong friendship.
Thus ended a tale that was anything but ordinary.
