Weve lived under the same roof for forty years, and at sixty-three you suddenly decide to shake things up?
Margaret was perched in her favourite chair, gazing out the window, determined to forget the events of the day. Only hours earlier, she was bustling about the kitchen, preparing dinner and waiting for William to return from fishing. He came back, but instead of a basket of fish, he brought newsof the sort hed been putting off for ages and finally couldnt ignore.
Id like a divorce, and I hope youll try to understand, William announced, eyes fixed firmly on the carpet. The kids are grown up, the grandkids dont care either way. We can finish things without a fussno drama needed.
Forty years together, and at sixty-three youre after a fresh start? Margaret was bewildered. Ive a right to know what happens next.
Youll keep the flat in town, and Ill move out to the cottage. Weve nothing to split; everything will go to the girls in the end, William said, already sounding like a solicitor rehearsing his speech.
Whats her name? Margaret inquired, resigned.
William turned a peculiar shade of red and began gathering his fishing kit like a man possessed, pretending not to have heard her. That response left Margaret in little doubt: there was another woman. In her youth, such drama seemed like something from a soap operashe never imagined shed end up alone, her husband flouncing off with someone else.
Maybe itll all work out, Mum. Dont take Dads behaviour personally, the daughtersVictoria and Emilytried to comfort her later. Perhaps its better living aloneyou wont have to take care of anyone else.
Nothing will be the same, sighed Margaret. Theres no sense in changing things now. Ill just muddle through and be happy for your happiness.
Victoria and Emily went out to visit William at his cottage for an important conversation. They returned home looking thoroughly dispirited, but didnt immediately tell Margaret the whole truth. They changed their tune, urging her to embrace single life and its freedom. Margaret understood, but didnt quiz her daughtersinstead, she tried to simply carry on. Not that it was easy; every relative and neighbour seemed hell-bent on asking questions and prodding for details.
Fancy thatso many years together, then off he goes, chasing some tart! the less tactful neighbours offered. Is she younger than you, or richer?
Margaret never knew what to say, but she often wondered about her rival and was mildly curious to meet her. She made a trip to Williams cottage under the guise of picking up some homemade chutney from summer. Unannounced, of coursebetter chance of catching the woman in the act. And, indeed, she did.
William, you never said your ex-wife was dropping by, the very extravagant lady with outrageously bright makeup wailed. I thought youd sorted everythingwhys she here?
Seriously, you left me for her? Margaret mused aloud, sizing up the shameless creature.
Are you going to just stand there, letting her insult me? shrieked the lady. Im just a few years younger, but I look miles better.
If a woman at our age truly believes garish makeup is her greatest asset, said Margaret, catching Williams guilty glance, shes dreaming.
All the way to the bus stop, Margaret listened to the tirade of the ageing, painted Barbie and tried very hard not to cry. She only let herself feel at homethen rang her sister, Brenda, and asked her over.
Come on, love, Brenda said, brewing up a mug of mint tea. You said it yourself: Williams new flame isnt pretty, and I dare say shes a bit thick.
Maybe shes right, maybe I do look like an old lady, Margaret fretted.
You look smashing for your age, Brenda assured her. Though, to be fair, its a mistake to squeeze into leopard-print leggings or a mini-skirt at seventy. A womans gorgeous at any ageprovided she carries herself well.
Margaret inspected herself in the mirror and concluded Brenda wasnt wrong. She was in pretty decent shape and generally healthy. She dressed well, and was never short of perfume and cosmeticsher daughters always gifted her with them. Shed never been loud or garish, nor wanted to resemble a parrot, so she couldnt imagine behaving like the rival shed met.
Well, now, Brenda continued, youre a free womanso live it up! The girls are independent, theres loads of ways to enjoy yourself at our age. I wont let you mope.
Brenda kept her promise, dragging Margaret to theatres, parks, and concerts. They soon had a merry group of like-minded friends; among them, one chap who seemed keen on Margaret, though she called time on that and skipped the odd date.
Heard youre all over townat the theatre, making new friends. Bet youll be married again before long! William couldnt resist prodding her during a chance encounter at the supermarket.
What brings you so far for groceries, William? Nothing closer to your cottage, or does your new lady refuse to cook? Margaret shot back.
Ive always shopped here. Old habits die hard, William grumbled.
Margaret didnt dwell, making her excuses and heading home. William, for reasons known only to himself, felt an urge to catch up and declare his regrets on the spot. Hed spent his whole life with his wife and kids, but got swept away by lively Linda, who whisked him into a whirlwind of excitement.
At first, life with Linda seemed thrilling, then it turned out she didnt much care for housework. She much preferred gossip, attention from men, and rowdy parties.
Lately, William had become increasingly nostalgic, and after seeing Margaret, his longing to return grew stronger. She never made scenes or played the martyrjust carried on, with dignity, regardless of circumstances. William hadnt anticipated missing her calm and the warm sense of home that only existed with Margaret.
Youve bought dried apricots againI told you to get prunes! Linda snapped, inspecting the shopping bags. The cheese is the wrong fat, and you forgot the mayonnaise altogether.
Margaret did the shopping, or we did it together. You keep dumping everything on me, William protested.
Stop comparing me to your ex! Linda screamed. You probably regret leaving her, dont you?
William did regret it, though he knew voicing it was pointless. Margaret hadnt schemed or plotted, simply stayed true to herself. William desperately wished for her forgiveness, but understood shed never trust him or take him back.
He nearly called her several times, and after yet another shouting match with Linda, he even ventured to his former flats door.
Came to collect your things? Margaret asked, not letting him past the threshold.
I just want to talkdo you have a moment? William stammered, smelling the familiar aroma of plum pie wafting from inside.
I dont have time, the inclination, or the interest, she replied calmly. Take what you came for, Im expecting guests.
William had nothing to collect, but plenty to sayexcept the words wouldnt come. He returned to his cottage, preparing dinner for himself (as Linda was off gallivanting again). She returned in high spirits, and William finally made up his mind, giving her time to pack her bits and pieces.
After Lindas spectacular meltdown, William very nearly phoned Margaret to debrief, but resisted and settled down. He knew Margaret well enough to realise forgiveness was out of the question.
Maybe one day, years later, hed come with an apology and theyd talk. He needed to tryotherwise, hed never find peace. He hoped for forgiveness, not reconciliation; Margaret simply wouldnt forgive a betrayal, and William knew it when he started his affair.
Now he was stuck at the cottage, Margarets life thriving back in town with daughters, grandchildren, and theatre trips. In this new chapter, William had no role to play.
