Ethel, think it over once more! urged her eighteenyearold daughter, Margaret, as they stood on the front step of their cottage in the Cotswolds. Hes a grown mantwice your age. What good could possibly lie ahead with a man like that? Please, call off the wedding. Im sure youll soon realise the mistake youve made though it may be too late.
Ethel grew up in a flash. Her parents barely had time to blink before the clumsy little girl who had once tripped over her own feet had become a tall, striking young woman. Just a fortnight earlier shed celebrated her eighteenth birthday with a raucous party, laughter spilling into the garden, a lavish bouquet and a heap of parcels delivered by the local courier. When her parents pressed for the identity of the generous suitor, Ethel only smiled enigmatically and waved them off.
Oh, you lot! Its just a young man. All in good time, all in good time, she said.
The parents decided not to press furtherperhaps too wisely.
A few months after the celebration, a quiet dinner conversation erupted into a fullblown scandal. Ethel announced she was to be married. Her parents were shocked, yet their desire to see their daughter happy was unquestionable, and they hurried to assure her of their support despite the suddenness of the news. That euphoria quickly gave way to anxiety when Ethel introduced her future husband. He was not a boyish lad but a solidly established thirtyeightyearold gentlemanalmost as old as Margaret and James themselves.
A heavy silence settled over the parlour. Margaret, fighting to keep a smile, turned to her daughter.
Ethel, dear were thrilled for you, but is this man truly your chosen one?
Ethel, unflustered, took the mans arm.
Mother, father, this is Edward. Hes my fiancé. We love each other and have decided to marry. Weve been together for a year, in fact.
James, who had been silent until then, struggled to contain his anger.
Edward, is it? Im about the same age as you. Im thirtyeight. Do you realise youre twenty years older than our daughter?
Edward, looking selfassured, nodded.
Yes, Mr. James. I understand. But age is merely a number when real feelings are at stake. Ethel and I share the same outlook on life and our plans.
Plans?! interjected Margaret. Ethel, are you certain? Youve only just turned of age. What sort of relationship is this that began when you were seventeen?
Ethels brow furrowed as the discussion took an unwelcome turn.
Im not here to debate when we started seeing each other. Weve decided to marry, and thats not up for discussion.
James sighed heavily.
Edward, be honestdo you realise that in twenty years, when Ethel is thirtyeight, youll be fiftyeight? She wants many children. Who will support the family at your age?
Edward smiled as if the question were foolish.
Mr. James, Im financially secure. I have the means to provide for her and any children. And, if youll allow it, well not linger on my old age. Were talking about our happiness now, in the here and now.
Margaret softened her tone.
Sweetheart, perhaps you should wait a while? Test these feelings? Youve only just begun to live together properly. Why rush to the register?
No, Mother, I wont wait and I wont test anything, Ethel answered firmly. I love Edward, and he loves me. If you cannot accept that, then Im truly sorry.
James could bear no more and rose sharply.
This isnt just haste, Edward! It looks as if youve taken advantage of our daughters innocence and youth. A girl of eighteen cannot see the hidden pitfalls that a twentyfiveyearold would.
Edward kept his voice level, though his calm only seemed to enrage the parents further.
I have not exploited anyones youth. I courted an adult woman, fully capable of making her own decisions. My feelings are sincere. I love Ethel and am ready to prove it every day. Isnt that what you want for your daughterto be loved?
Margaret tried to steer the conversation toward compromise.
James, calm down. Lets not make a scene. Edward, its simply unexpected and were worried about Ethels future. Shes our only child. Its a great responsibility.
Responsibility is a fine thing. Im ready for it, Edward interrupted. You seem to forget that Ethel herself wants this. Is your desire to keep her close more important than her own wish to start a family?
James, fists clenched, continued, ignoring Margarets attempts to intervene.
Know what? Im thinking of calling the policemaking a report of coercion, he blurted, realizing it sounded harsh but overtaken by emotion.
Ethel gasped, sprang from her seat.
Father! Have you lost your mind? How could you? You want to ruin my life and yours with baseless accusations!
Edward stepped forward, keeping a cool exterior.
Mr. James, 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 unfounded accusations wreck our lives. Well have the wedding in three months.
When Edward laid out his intentions clearly, the tension eased slightly, shifting to a tentative assessment. Margaret approached her husband, gently touching his arm.
James, please sit down. Ethel, Edward, we ask you to give us time to think. We too need time to come to terms with this and to collect ourselves.
Ethel smiled at her mother.
Mum, you dont need to accept anything. I need your blessing. Just that, Mum. Everything else Edward will handle. Right, love?
Well speak with Edward again, privately, James said, looking straight at his future soninlaw. No drama, no tears, no theatrics. I want to understand how you plan to live after the wedding. Ethel is still a student; she hasnt even finished her first year at university
Edward nodded.
Im ready for a serious talk. My decision is final, and I wont give up Ethel.
Seeing their daughters unwavering resolve and Edwards confidence, the parents realised ultimatums would achieve nothing. The threat of a family rupture frightened them more than the age gap.
A week later, after long, detailed discussions about Edwards stability and future plans, the atmosphere lightened. They saw he truly cared for their daughter and seemed capable of giving her a decent life. Edward was invited again for dinner.
Ethel, we love you and, of course, we want you to be happy, Margaret began, looking at her daughter. We still worry about the future, but you love him, dont you?
We just hope you wont regret your haste, James added. Edward, welcome to the family if you truly love our girl. But rememberwell be watching. He smiled kindly.
Ethel threw herself into her parents arms, hugging them tightly.
Thank you! I love you both so much! Well be very happy, I promise.
The wedding took place three months later. Margaret and James, seeing their daughters radiant face, truly hoped she would have a good life.
The couple lived together for six months, and the parents had no complaints about their new soninlaw. Edward indeed carried his wife when needed, catered to her whims, and lifted the financial burden off his inlaws: he paid for her tuition, bought clothes and shoes, and even purchased a car. Ethel was content.
Their first child was born on the very day of Edwards birthday. The father wept openly at the discharge. By then Margaret and James had wholly changed their opinion of him; they now saw in their soninlaw a reliable man who would move mountains for their daughter.
A second child arrived three years later. Ethel had finished her studies and earned her diploma. Edward supported her wish to become a homemaker, providing everything the family needed. James and Edward became firm friendsdespite the age gap, they shared many common interests. Thus unfolded a notsoordinary tale.
