Helen had been someones mistress. Marriage had never come her way. She spent her twenties single, and at thirty, made up her mind to finally find herself a man. At first, she didnt know that Paul was married, but eventually the truth slipped outPaul himself stopped hiding it once he realised Helen had grown attached and had fallen in love. Yet Helen never uttered a single reproach. If anything, she chastised herself for getting involved and for being so weak where he was concerned. She felt inadequate, as if shed failed to find a proper husband in good time, and meanwhile, the years were passing by.
To be fair, Helen wasnt bad-lookinga bit plump perhaps, which probably added a few years to her appearance, but she was pleasant enough. Her affair with Paul was leading nowhere. Remaining the other woman wasnt something Helen wanted, but she couldnt bring herself to leave him either. The fear of loneliness was haunting.
Then, one day, her cousin Jack dropped by. He was passing through London on business and popped in to see Helen for a few hoursit had been ages since they’d last met. Over lunch in her kitchen, they chatted about this and that, as they had in childhood, and caught up on their lives. Helen confided in Jack about her love life, laid it all out, and even got a bit teary.
At that moment, Helens neighbour popped in, inviting her over to look at some recent purchases. Helen excused herself for twenty minutes. While she was gone, the doorbell rang. Jack, thinking Helen was back and knowing she hadnt locked up, went to answer.
Standing on the doorstep was Paul. It didnt take Jack long to realise this must be Helens lover. Paul blanched on seeing a big bloke in joggers and a vest, munching on a ham sandwich at the table.
Is Helen in? Paul managed.
Shes in the bathroom, Jack answered smoothly, catching on at once.
Sorry, do you mind me asking… who are you? Paul stuttered, still recovering.
Im her partner. Sort of common law, for now… And who might you be? Jack moved closer, grabbing Paul by the collar. Waitarent you that married chap Helen told me about? Listen, mate. If I catch you round here again, youll be taking the stairs twelve at a time, and not the polite way. Got it?
Paul wriggled free and hurried down the steps, leaving in panic.
Soon after, Helen returned. Jack filled her in on whom hed just met.
What have you done? Who asked you to interfere? Helen cried, bursting into tears. He wont come back now!
She slumped onto the sofa, covering her face.
Youre right, he wont. And thats a good thing, Helen. Enough tears now. Ive got someone in mind for youa proper bloke. A widower back home in the village. Women havent left him alone since he lost his wife, but hes turned every one down so farjust wants a bit of quiet for now. Heres the plan: once this trips over, Ill come for you and well go out to the village together. Ill introduce you.
But Jack, come on! I couldnt possiblywho even is he? Why would I just go like that? Its embarrassing.
Embarrassing is sharing someone elses husband, not meeting a free man. Im not saying you have to jump into bed with him. Come along, will you? Its Lucys birthday, you knowmy wifes.
A few days later, Helen and Jack were off to the countryside. Jacks wife, Lucy, had set the table in the garden beside the shed. Neighbours, friends, and one of Jacks matesthe widower Alexjoined for the family do. The neighbours all knew Helen already, but it was the first time shed met Alex.
After a lovely afternoon, Helen returned to London, having noted that Alex was quiet and reserved. Still grieving, I expect, she thought. Poor man. There arent many men left with hearts like that.
A week later, on a Saturday, the doorbell rangHelen wasnt expecting anyone. When she opened the door, there was Alex, holding a carrier bag.
Hope you dont mind, Helen. I was in town for the market and a bit of shopping. Since were acquaintances now, thought I might pop by, Alex faltered, evidently nervous but saying his practised sentences.
Helen invited him in. Still a bit surprised, she offered tea, with a creeping suspicion that his visit was more than just coincidence.
So, did you get everything you needed? Helen asked.
Yes, left the shopping in the car. But this is for you, Alex said shyly, retrieving a small bouquet of tulips from his bag and handing it over.
Helen accepted the flowers, her eyes lighting up. They sat in the kitchen drinking tea, discussing the weather and prices at the market. When the tea was gone, Alex stood to leave, awkwardly putting on his jacket and shoes in the hallway. Finally, just as he was about to go, Alex turned round:
If I left now without saying this, Id never forgive myself. Helen, Ive spent the whole week thinking only about you. Honestly. I couldnt wait until the weekend. Got your address from Jack
Helen blushed and looked down.
We hardly know each other… she said softly.
Thats true, but I just need to knowdo I repulse you? May I use your first name? Look, I realise Im not exactly a catch, and Ive a little girlshes eight. Shes with her gran just now.
Alexs hands shook a little as he spoke.
A daughter is a blessing, Helen replied dreamily. Ive always wanted a little girl myself.
Encouraged, Alex gently took Helens hands, pulled her toward him, and kissed her.
Afterwards, Alex gazed into her eyes, and she was blinking away tears.
Do I make you uncomfortable? he asked, almost whispering.
No, quite the opposite… I never imagined Id feel this way. Its sweet… peaceful. Im not taking what doesnt belong to me.
From then on, they saw each other every weekend. Within two months, Helen and Alex married and settled in the village. Helen got a job at the local nursery. A year later, she gave birth to a daughter. Two girls now grew up together in their homeboth equally cherished. There was always enough warmth and love to go around. Alex and Helen only grew younger with happiness, their love deepening with each passing year, like a fine wine.
At family gatherings, Jack was fond of nudging Helen and winking: So, Helen, what do you think of the husband I found you, eh? Getting lovelier by the year, I must say. Trust your brothers judgementId never steer you wrong!Helen would just laugh and shake her head, cheeks aglow as she watched their girls chasing fireflies in the dusk, Alexs arm warm around her shoulders. Sometimes, late at night, with the kitchen lights low and the soft sound of little footsteps above, she would catch Alex looking at her with gentle astonishment, as if he couldnt believe his own happiness. Helen understood that look wellshe felt it too, every morning she woke beside him, sunbeams tangled in the curtains, two daughters giggling next door.
And every now and then, when the old fears whispered, Helen would remember how easily love arrives when you finally stop chasing it down forbidden corridors. Lifeshe understood nowhad always been waiting to surprise her. She only needed to open the door.
Out in the garden, Alex would call the girls, and Helen would join them under the apple tree, laughter ringing through the twilight. For the first time, her heart was light and sure. She was no ones secret. She was home.
