Forty years under the same roof, and now at sixty-three youve decided to change your life?
Margaret sat quietly in her favourite armchair, gazing out of the window into the rain-soaked street, willing herself to forget the events of the day. Only hours earlier, she had busied herself preparing supper, waiting for Williams return from fishing. Hed come home, not with a string of trout, but with the news hed been bracing himself to confess for weeks.
I want a divorce, and I ask you to respect my decision, William said suddenly, eyes fixed on the worn carpet. The girls are grown, the grandchildren wont mindlets end things peacefully, without squabbling.
Forty years under the same roof, and now at sixty-three you want a new life? Margaret repeated, her voice trembling. I have a right to know what comes next.
Youll stay in our flat in Manchester, Ill move to the cottage in Kent, William declared, a plan obviously rehearsed. There’s nothing for us to divideeventually, everything will pass to the girls anyway.
Whats her name? Margaret asked quietly, despair etching her words.
William flushed, fumbling with his coat and pretending not to hear. That was all Margaret needed to confirm the presence of a rival. In her youth, shed never dreamed the twilight of her years would find her alone, her husband trading her in for another woman.
Perhaps itll all settle down in time, Mum, Olivia and Emily tried to reassure her later, tea steaming in their mugs. Dads being unreasonable; best not to dwell on it.
Nothing will change, Margaret sighed. Ill see out my days, and be glad for your happiness.
The next day, Olivia and Emily drove to the cottage for a stern talk with their father. They returned subdued, but withheld the truth from their mother, instead altering their tone and insisting that living alone might suit her betterthat she wouldnt have to dote on anyone else. Margaret understood, but left her questions unasked, simply trying to get on with life. It wasnt easy; neighbours and distant relatives never missed a chance to pry.
Forty years together, and he runs off with someone else at the end of it! squawked the less tactful women in the building. Is she younger than you, or just richer?
Margaret had no answers, but found herself wondering about her rival more and more, longing almost to see her face. Just for that, she made her way out to Williams cottage, on the pretext of collecting homemade jam shed left in the summer. She didnt forewarn himhoping to catch sight of the woman whod stolen her husband’s affection.
William, you never mentioned your ex-wife would be dropping by! complained an extravagantly dressed woman, her makeup garish and overdone. I thought youd sorted everything. Shes got no reason to be here.
You seriously left me for this? Margaret countered, eyeing the brash stranger.
Are you just going to stand there and let her insult me? shrieked the woman. Im only a few years younger than you, but I look far better.
If at her age she thinks a gaudy appearance is all that matters, Margaret said, trying to catch Williams hesitant gaze.
All the way to the bus stop, she heard the painted womans harsh voice and fought back tears, allowing herself only to weep once she was home. She phoned her sister, Jane, urging her to come over.
Oh, stop, love, Jane said soothingly as she made mint tea. Youve seen heryou said yourself shes not pretty. Not exactly the brightest, either.
Maybe shes right, Margaret murmured. Perhaps Im just a dowdy old woman now.
You look wonderful for your age, Jane replied honestly. But Ive always thought it was a mistake for women in their seventies to wear leopard print leggings or miniskirts. A woman can be beautiful at any age if she presents herself with dignity and elegance.
Margaret studied herself in the mirror and conceded her sister was right. Her health was good, and she dressed wellher daughters often gifted her fine makeup. Shed never been brash, nor wanted to resemble a parrot, and couldnt see herself behaving as her rival did.
Well then, Jane continued, youre a free woman now. Busy yourselftheres so much culture to enjoy: theatre, concerts, walks in the park! I wont let you mope.
Jane kept her promise, dragging Margaret to plays, art exhibits, and evening concerts. Soon, a group of new friends formed around them, all lively peers. There was even a gentleman who attempted to court Margaret, but she gently declined, steering clear of romance.
Rumour has it youre living it up at the theatre and making new friendsmaybe youll marry again? William remarked dryly when they crossed paths in Sainsburys.
What brings you so far out for groceries? Margaret quipped. Surely theres a shop closer to Kent, or does your new wife not cook?
Ive always shopped here. Hard to change habits at our age, William grumbled.
Margaret left promptly, busy herself, unwilling to indulge discussion. William, watching her stride away, ached to catch up and confess just how much he regretted the divorce. All his life, hed relied on her and the girlsthen lively, unpredictable Charlotte swept him up in a whirlwind.
At first life with Charlotte seemed thrilling, but he soon discovered she abhorred chores, preferred idle gossip, flirted endlessly at dinner parties, and shunned quiet evenings.
Increasingly, William craved the comfort of his old home, and after meeting Margaret again, the longing only grew. She hadnt created drama or demanded explanationsnothing but dignified calm and strength in adversity. He realised too late it was her tranquillity and warmth he’d truly missed.
You’ve bought dried apricots againI wanted prunes, Charlotte complained, rifling through the shopping bags. This cheddar isnt the right fat content, and you forgot the mayonnaise!
Maria used to shop for usor wed go together. You expect me to do everything now, William snapped.
Tired of being compared to your ex! Charlotte yelled. Go on, admit you wish youd never left her!
William did regret itbut knew words were pointless. Margaret hadnt schemed or interfered; she simply continued being herself, and now his remorse consumed him.
He knew Margaret would never trust or take him back. Several times, he nearly called her, and after one shouting match with Charlotte, he stood nervously outside the door of his old flat.
Do you need something? Margaret asked, keeping him on the threshold.
Id like to talkif youve got a moment, William mumbled, drawn toward the scent of plum tart wafting from the kitchen.
Ive no time, nor will, nor desire, she replied, calm as a judge. Take what you need and goIm expecting guests.
There was nothing for William to collect, but so much he wished to say, though the words refused to surface. He trudged back to the cottage, prepared his own supper as Charlotte was off roaming the village. She returned in high spirits, and his resolve finally hardened. He told her to gather her things.
After Charlottes dramatic exit, William longed to call Margaret and confess everythingbut stifled the urge, knowing it was futile. He understood too well the irreparability of betrayal.
Perhaps one day, hed finally bring himself to seek forgiveness, to speak honestly, though not to rekindle what had been lost. Margaret would never forgive the cheating; William knew that full well.
And so, his existence unfolded in his Kent cottage, while Margaret reclaimed her city lifevisiting her daughters, cherishing her grandchildren, and stepping out to the theatre. There was no place left for her former husband in the tidy, dignified frame of her new life.
