LOVING WITH PATIENCE, ENDURING WITH LOVE
Once, a long time ago, William and Alice were joined in holy matrimony at St. Edmunds Church. It is said that, on the day of the wedding, as the merry bridal party drew close to the churchyard, a sudden, furious summer tempest swept in from nowhere. The wind was merciless, snatching Alices wedding veil and sending it skywards like a lost balloon, spinning in the gusts until, finally, it tumbled down into a filthy puddle. All the guests gasped in unison. As quickly as it came, the storm faded, leaving everyone startled.
William dashed after the veil, but it was too late. The snow-white veil now lay in the muck. In a state of confusion, Alice called out, William, leave it where it lies! I shall not wear that veil now! The church grannies gathered near the porch, whispering that the young couples life would be fraught with tempests and troubles.
There was barely time to buy anything new, so from a nearby shop, an artificial white flower was procured and fastened in Alices hair. There was no time to search for a new veilthey couldnt be late for their own wedding!
The couple stood in the vestibule before the altar with their wedding candles in hand, making vows before God. Yet, before the church blessing, theyd registered their marriage at the registry office and had celebrated with a delightful receptionfor the world.
Three years passed, and William and Alice had two children: little Charlotte and her brother, Henry. The family lived peacefully, in a world of their own.
Ten years after their vows, a young woman knocked upon their door. Alice was ever hospitable, always welcoming visitors, both invited and unexpected. She made sure all felt warm, well-fed, and found comfort in her conversation. This guest, however, was most unusual, and happened to arrive whilst William was out.
Alice quickly sized up the stranger. The girl was strikingly beautiful, charming, and in the full bloom of youth.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Turner. My name is Emily. I am to beyour husbands future wife, the girl introduced herself, all smiles.
Alices astonishment was clear. Is that so? she replied, catching her breath. And how long has William been engaged to you?
A while now. I cannot wait any longer. William and I are expecting a child, Emily announced, entirely unabashed.
Well, its a textbook tale, isnt it? A wife, a mistress, an illegitimate child Alice tried to reason with her visitor. But you know were joined for life before God? And we have children she began.
Im aware of everything. But we love each other, forever too! You can surely have the marriage annulled; after all, hes betrayed you. People do it, Emily insisted.
Miss, I advise you not to meddle in anothers household. We will sort out our fidelity and our love without your help, Alice replied, growing irked. Good day to you.
Emily shrugged and departed with a toss of her head, as if glad to have done her duty.
Alice slammed the front door. Her mind swirled with indignation. Shes sniffed out everything think again if you believe youll have William! she fumed.
She started recalling how William had grown distantwith the children, with her. Working late, sudden business trips, new interests in fishing and huntingpursuits hed never before cared about. Alice felt the same unease every wife senses, the tension in the air when truth is hidden.
But she shooed away these shadows, hoping she was merely imagining things.
That evening, when William came home, Alice invited him to tea. She knew: first fill your husbands belly, then address the troubles of family life.
As soon as he thanked her for supper, Alice struck. William, are you in love? she asked, struggling for words.
I am, William answered, a little guarded.
Youryour admirer visited today. Is it serious? Alice feared his reply.
Im a scoundrel! I cant live without EmilyI cant breathe without her! I tried to break it off, but failed! Let me go, Alice, please! William pleaded.
I release you. Alice knew appeals to conscience or threats about the children were pointless. Life would judge.
And so, William left to be with Emily.
Alice sought counsel from the local vicar, pouring her heart out beneath the painted beams of St. Edmunds. The clergyman listened and offered comfort, My child, love endures all things and never fails. Scripture teaches us thus. You are within your rights to seek a dissolution, for your husband has chosen another. Or, you may forgive, pray, and wait. The ways of the Lord are mysterious
Two months passed, and Alice discovered she was expecting a childa little one by William. She took this as a sign of hope; maybe, in time, William would repent and return. Alice lived by this calming thought until the baby arrived.
A little boy was born. Alices mother suggested naming him Johnthe English for William. Perhaps, my dear, your William will come back. Life is ever changing
Alices mother was her rock, helping in all things: caring for the children, feeding them, telling stories, and guiding their hearts.
William did not forget Charlotte or Henry. He brought toys, took them to the seaside, sent money in an envelope for Alice.
Alice strictly forbade the children to mention their new brothers birth to their father, but children being what they are, Charlotte told William all about her baby brother during a visit.
William assumed Alice had found a new love. His heart ached, memories of happier times rising to the surface. It never occurred to him that this was his own flesh and blood.
Meanwhile, Emily was having a difficult pregnancy. William ran errandsfetching fruit, pickles, even chalk to satisfy her cravings. But tragedy struck. Emily gave birth to a stillborn daughter. Another sorrow followeda second pregnancy ended in heartbreak.
Emily wished for some peace before trying again, but fate had more in store.
William doted on Emily, believing himself the cause of all their misfortunes. Life carried on.
Meanwhile, an old friend of Alices returned to her lifeEdward, a former university mate who had once courted her. Edward had been persistent and earnest, but lacking in humour, and always the darling of his mother. Though many girls fancied Edward, Alice never saw him as a husband and gave him a clear farewell after meeting William.
Years later, on one drizzly, melancholy autumn, Alice rode the bus and gazed through the rain-streaked window. A man sat beside herMay I? he asked. Without turning, Alice nodded, distracted.
After a while, the man leaned closer. Alice, is it really you? Alice finally turned, surprised. Edward? Ive not seen you in an age! Come, tell me how you are! she exclaimed, her spirits lifting.
She invited Edward home for supper. On the way, he bought wine, fruit, and sweets for the children.
At Alices table, she poured out her woes. Edward was a patient comfortlistening, never interrupting, nodding with understanding. At the end, Alice kissed him on the cheek in gratitude. He left, buoyed by hope.
Edward, as it turned out, had never married, nor had childrensuch had been his fate. He began visiting often, bringing gifts for the children and flowers for Alice.
Alice made herself clear: Come if you wish, but I am waiting for my husband. There will be no impropriety.
Edward was content simply to be therebetter, he thought, than being alone. Then, I shall think of you as a sister, and your children as nieces and nephews, he said. And so, he became part of their lives.
Meanwhile, at Williams new home, fortune at last smiled. Emily gave birth to a healthy girlblessedly named Grace, for Gods favour. Emily was swept up in her long-awaited motherhood, but couldn’t help recalling her talk with Alicethere was no true joy in a stolen happiness; only the taste of bitterness remained. Only after Graces birth did Emily begin to understand the sorrow shed brought upon Alices household. She wanted to kneel before Alice and beg forgiveness.
William adored his daughter, lavishing her with new rattles, and tending to her at night, cradling her and bathing her with loving hands. Emily was amazed by such affection.
The river of time flowed on.
Five years passed, and the children grew, the adults all the wiser still.
It so happened that Emily fell gravely ill, struck down just as she turned thirty. William was beside himselfdoctors, hospitals, costly treatments.
Emily said her goodbyes, preparing herself for the end. William comforted her as best he could. When the physicians discharged her to spend her last days at home, Emily made a request: Take me to your true wife, William. Please. William, though surprised, did not deny her.
Alice had heard of Emilys illnessher daughter Charlotte visited William often. When William called to ask if he might bring Emily, Alice agreed.
He carried her, frail as a wisp, into his old home, where the family gathered and waited for an explanation. Alice, arms folded, pointed to the bed. William gently set Emily down and made her comfortable.
Leave us, please, Emily whispered. The family departed.
Alice took a seat beside her. Forgive me, if you can, Alice. Fate has caught up with me. I beg youplease take Grace into your care. I have no one but Williamand you. Promise me youll raise her with William. Her tears flowed freely.
Alice clasped her hand softly. Emily, it is not God who punishes, but we who bring sorrow upon ourselves. I forgave you long ago. Do not fret for Grace, she will never be alone. And stay here, both you and Williamhes suffering too. There is room in this house for all. I promise youyou will recover! You must not despair nor fear. All things are possible.
In Alices home, as in a storybook cottage, everyone found their place. The whole household cared for Emily. Edward, in particular, became devoted, seldom straying from her bedside, offering the right words at the right time. Their talks grew long and healinghe did not notice, at first, how he fell in love with her, and he adored Grace whom he called his daisy.
Emily wanted to live. Alice had inspired her with a glimmer of hope, and Emily clung to it fiercely.
Half a year passedan age of struggle and hardship and endless nursing. At last, Emily could walk to the garden unaided, breathe in the sweet air, smile at the sun, and let life, ever so gently, seep back into her body.
She thought of Edward. She would always care for William, but he was another woman’s husband now. She told herself never to covet what wasnt hers, a lesson learned forever. Edward was kind and steadfast. He had loved both her and her child. Families can be made of many forms; sometimes one person’s love suffices for two. Emily resolved that Edwards love would not be in vain.
She mended slowly, but surely.
One day, during lunch, Emily made an announcement, Alice, WilliamGrace, Edward, and I will soon depart. Thank you for your kindness, your shelter, and love beyond all hope. Never, in all my days, have I known such people.
William and Alice exchanged a glance. They’d noticed the affection budding between Edward and Emily.
Well before this moment, William had had a difficult conversation with Alice. Alice, whatever happens with Emily, I want to return to you. Your kindness knows no boundswill you take me back? We have three children to raise, and I will beg forgiveness at your feet.
Alice smiled, holding her wayward husband. Of course I will, William! And perhaps I should be the one asking your pardonI must not have been the wife you needed, if you sought another. Life is the wisest teachersooner or later, we all learn its ways!
And what of Grace, William? Alice asked. She loves you.
She is my daughter, and I will never turn her away. She will always have a place in my home, he replied with finality.
Edward, Emily, and Grace made their farewells.
At the threshold, Emily drew William aside. Love your Alice, Williamlove her more than life. Never let her suffer as I did. I will always remember you. She parted with a kiss.
Be happy, Emily, William replied.
