Gillian is a lover. She has never married and has lived with men until she turns thirty, when she finally decides to look for a proper partner. At first she doesnt know that Paul is already married, but he soon stops trying to hide it once he realises she has grown attached to him.
Gillian never reproaches Paul. Instead she scolds herself for the affair and for how weak she feels toward him. She feels defective because she didnt find a husband in time, and the years are slipping away. She isnt unattractive she isnt a beauty queen, but she has a pleasant face and a soft, slightly plump figure that hints at her age.
Her relationship with Paul leads nowhere. She does not want to remain his mistress, yet she cannot quit him because the thought of being alone terrifies her.
One afternoon her cousin Simon drops by while hes in town on a work trip. They spend a few hours chatting in the kitchen, catching up on childhood memories and the presentday hustle. Gillian tells Simon everything about her love life, and a few tears slip out.
Just then the neighbour pops in to show Gillian a few purchases. Gillian steps out for about twenty minutes. While shes gone, the doorbell rings. Simon answers, thinking Gillian has returned, but the door isnt locked Paul stands on the doorstep. Simon instantly recognises him as Gillians lover.
Paul looks flustered as he sees a burly man in tracksuits munching a ham sandwich in Gillians hallway.
Is Gillian home? Paul asks, unable to find any other words.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon replies.
Excuse me, what are you to her? Paul stammers.
Im her partner, unofficially, Simon says, stepping forward and grabbing Pauls shirt. Arent you the married bloke Gillian warned me about? Listen, if I see you here again Ill throw you down the stairs, got it?
Paul wriggles free and darts downstairs.
Gillian soon returns. Simon tells her what happened.
What have you done? Who asked you to be here? Gillian cries, fearing Paul will never return.
Simon sits her down on the sofa, covers her face with his hands and says, He wont be back, and thats a good thing. Stop whining. I have a great man in mind for you a widower in our village. The ladies there have turned him down after his wife died, and hes keeping his distance from everyone. Hes looking for someone to share his life with. After my next business trip, Ill bring you over. Be ready, well go to the village together, and Ill introduce you.
Are you serious? Gillian protests. I cant just jump into someone elses life. It feels wrong.
Simon replies, Its not like youre sleeping with a married man. You wont be with a stranger either. Come on, think of it as a birthday present for my own wife, Lucy.
A few days later Gillian and Simon are in the village. Simons wife, Lucy, has set a garden table near the old bath house. Neighbours, friends and Simons widower, Alan, arrive for a family celebration. Most of the villagers already know Gillian, but this is her first meeting with Alan.
After the heartfelt gathering, Gillian heads back to the city. She notes to herself that Alan is quiet and modest. He probably still grieves his wife, she thinks, what a sad fellow.
A week later, on a Saturday, the doorbell rings. Gillian isnt expecting anyone. She opens the door to find Alan standing there, a bag in his hand.
May I come in, Gillian? I was just passing through the market and thought Id stop by now that we know each other, he says, a little embarrassed.
She invites him in, still surprised, and offers him tea.
Did you get everything you needed? Gillian asks.
Yes, the groceries are in the car. I brought you this, Alan says, pulling a small bouquet of tulips from the bag.
Gillian takes the flowers; her eyes light up. They sit at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting about the weather and market prices a loaf of sourdough costs about £3.50. When the tea is finished, Alan thanks her and heads for the door. He slips on his jacket and boots, pauses at the threshold, then turns back to her.
If I left now without saying anything, Id regret it, he admits, his voice soft. All week Ive only thought about you, honestly. I cant wait for the weekend, thats why I came straight here. I got your address from Simon.
Gillian blushes and looks down.
We barely know each other, she replies.
Its fine, Alan says. The main thing is, do you mind if were informal? Can I call you you? He adds, Im not a perfect gift, I have a little girl, eight years old, staying with her grandmother at the moment.
His hands tremble slightly.
A daughter is a blessing, Gillian says dreamily. Ive always wanted a child.
Encouraged, Alan takes Gillians hands, pulls her close and kisses her. After the kiss, he sees tears glistening in her eyes.
Do you find me unpleasant? he asks, surprised.
No, quite the opposite, she answers, smiling. I didnt expect this its sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyone elses happiness.
From then on they meet every weekend. Two months later they marry and settle in the village. Gillian finds a job at the local nursery, and a year later she gives birth to a daughter. Their two girls grow up loved and cared for, and there is always enough attention and affection for everyone. Gillian and Alan age together, their love maturing like a fine English wine.
At family gatherings, Simon often winks at Gillian and says, Well, Gillian, what a husband Ive set you up with! Youre glowing more each day. I wouldnt have given you a bad match listen to your brother!
