Urgently Seeking a Husband
Mum, you absolutely must find yourself a new husband! I mean itright now!
Evelyn came perilously close to dropping her mug, and hot coffee splashed over the edge onto the tablecloth. She set it down and coughed, then fixed her daughter with a steady gaze.
Explain, please, she said, struggling to keep her voice even. Wheres this coming from?
Lucy shifted her weight, studying the intricate pattern of the rug. She felt awkward, but she was steadfast in her conviction.
Well today I told Dad you were seeing someone, she sighed heavily. He just wouldnt let up with the questions! Always asking whether youd found somebody new. I always said no, and then hed rant about the colossal mistake you made leaving him. How you didnt understand life at all if you could let such a brilliant man go!
Lucy looked up at her mother, eyes reflecting frustration and confusion, tinged with a flash of anger at her father.
And he keeps repeating that youll come running back, saying youll never find better. So I blurted out that youd actually met someone.
Evelyn ran a hand through her hair. Instantly, she remembered her ex-husbands grating, superior tonehis habit of turning every conversation into a one-sided sermon on his own virtue.
I can only imagine the choice words he used for that, she replied, with a touch of dry humour. He still cant accept I left the perfect man himself. Sometimes I think Richard only insists on seeing you at weekends so he can have an audience for his stories and gossip. Its less about being with you than feeding his ego.
Lucy let out a long breath and flopped onto the sofa, legs tucked under, tracing lazy circles on the upholstery as she gathered her thoughts.
Thats just it, she murmured, staring into the distance. I have to sit there for an hour and a half, listening to him rave about how amazing he is. He never asks how I am. Never cares about my schoolwork or if I need something
Lucy spoke with the weary detachment of someone describing a routine: wake up, breakfast, school, homework. For Lucy, this was normalthe absence of warmth no longer provoked emotion.
She leaned back, staring up at the ceiling, replaying her recent talk with her father. As always, it had opened with a blow-by-blow account of his latest triumphthis time, a negotiation masterstroke at work. Then, inevitably, came his great plans, and the endless tales of how others failed to appreciate him. Ninety minutes of monologueLucy had even clocked it.
And when she tried to mention her maths competition, he barely nodded before pivoting back to himself. Well done but at your age, I was already And off he went, recounting his own dazzling accomplishments.
Lucys shoulders tensed as if to shake off the memory. Shed grown used to it: her father forever wrapped up in his own importance; the rest of the family orbiting in the far peripherysignificant, but not significant enough to distract from the main event: himself.
Any discussion was quickly rerouted back to him. If Mum complained about being tired, hed launch into tales of his own exhaustion at work. If Lucy shared worries about her friends, hed turn it into a reminiscence on his own school daysnaturally, far more dramatic than hers. Other peoples struggles rarely even registered.
Lucy still couldnt fathom how her mother had endured fifteen years with a man so obsessed with his own reflection. Maybe shed stayed only for her sake, not wanting her daughter to grow up without a father. As a little girl, Lucy truly believed her dad would eventually change, finally notice her, show genuine interest in their lives. But nothing ever changed. And after the divorce, to Lucys surprise, life was far more peaceful. No one was hoarding all the attention, trivialising everyone else.
So why, exactly, do I urgently need to find myself a man? Evelyns voice was sharper than she intended. What does it matter if you happened to mention it?
You dont understandwhen I said it, Dad completely changed! Lucy pressed a sofa cushion to her chest, making a face. First he went pale, then redand started shouting so loud the neighbour popped her head in! He scared me, honestly.
She paused, remembering the scene: her dads trembling, high-pitched voice, fists clenched, eyes darting in fury. It looked as if he might explode.
He demanded I give him the mans namedescribe every detail! I refused, said youd told me not to say a word, especially to him I wouldnt be surprised if he calls to harangue you any moment now.
Evelyn leaned back, arms folded, looking at her daughter. What a day She could easily imagine Richards impending meltdown. Well done, Lucy, she thoughttheres no going back now.
She sat next to Lucy, sighing deeply, and wrapped an arm round her shoulders. Well, nothing could be undone. What was said was said.
Why did you make it up? she whispered, gently rocking Lucy. We were living so peacefully! Now Ill have to listen to his tantrums all over again. Makes me want to turn my phone off.
Lucy gently pulled away, sat up straight, and fixed her mother with determined eyesa seriousness belying her years.
Because youre wonderful! she declared. Youre beautiful and smart, and youve got loads of friendsand all the men fancy you! Dyou think I dont notice? But Dad just says awful things about youI’ve had enough!
Evelyn stroked her daughters hair, fingers weaving through the silken strands, her expression caught between tenderness and surprise.
I understand, sweetheart. Honestly, I thought you wouldnt want me rushing into anything serious. Its only been six months since your dad and I split up.
She hesitated, worried Lucy might see a new relationship as a betrayal, or an attempt to replace her father. Evelyn searched her daughters face, checking for even a hint of disapproval.
Nonsense! Lucy snorted, her voice blazing with certainty. The main thing is youre happy!
She crossed her arms and flashed a smile at her mother, lookingjust for a momentuncannily grown up, ready to defend her point of view.
Evelyn gazed at her daughter, anxiety slowly melting away. Lucys conviction was contagiousperhaps she was overthinking things, clinging to the past, frightened of what lay ahead.
Youre a treasure, Evelyn whispered, pulling Lucy into her arms. Thank you for looking after your mum.
Lucy snuggled in by her side, both of them wrapped in that rare warmth and comfortjust the two of them against the world, their little family stronger than ever.
***********************
Back at work, Evelyn sat at her desk, trying to focus on the spreadsheet before her. The words swam on the screen, and her temples throbbed with the dull headache that had been lurking all morningby midday, it was a hammering pain. She rubbed her forehead wearily, the motions slow and automatic.
After a minutes deliberation, she finally asked her colleague to nip into Bootsthe chemist was only a couple of minutes from the office. Evelyn downed the painkillers and tried to concentrate on her work. It was futile. Her head felt stuffed with lead, each sounda tapping keyboard, the hum of the aircon, distant snatches of conversationsent a fresh wave of pain through her skull.
Just then, the security guard appeared at the door, polite but slightly wary.
Ms. Evelyn Carter, theres someone to see you downstairs, he said. Your ex-husband insists on speaking with you. Would you like to come down or should we ask him to leave?
Evelyn stiffened. A surge of irritation mingled with exhaustion. She drew a steady breath to compose herself.
Ill go down. Sorry for the trouble, she replied, standing up.
Why nowof all days? Work was a slog, she felt ill, and now Richard had decided to turn up unannounced. Why couldnt he just phone? Why barge into her work, in front of strangers? Did he seriously want to stage a scene at her office?
She walked slowly to the liftany sudden movement increased the throbbing in her head. The corridor was bustling: colleagues chatted by the coffee machine, pairs hovered by meeting room doors, others carried papers from desk to desk. Evelyn felt the tension collecting in her shoulders as she passed them.
In the lobby, she immediately spotted Richard. He paced back and forth, gesturing wildly, talking animatedly to the security staff, his voice rising at intervals. The guards were polite but giving him warning looks, ready to intervene more firmly if things escalated.
What do you want? Evelyn said flatly as she approached, her tone calm but clipped. Why the performance? Looking to get acquainted with the police? Im happy to oblige.
Richard swung round. His face was flushed, eyes ablazenot sure if it was anger or wounded pride. He jabbed a finger at her, as though catching her in some crime.
You! Lucy told me everything! Its been six months and already youve got another man?
His voice was thick with disbelief, hurt, and a hint of jealousy. For a second, it was like hed hoped Lucy was lyinga childhood prank. But looking into Evelyns composed face, he knew it was true.
Evelyn raised her eyebrows, head cocked slightly. Her posture was relaxed, though her eyes glittered with ice.
And why, exactly, would I owe you fidelityafter the divorce? she asked. Wanting a bit much, arent you, especially given fidelity wasnt your strong suit when we were married?
Richard faltered, his hand falling slowly to his side, and a wave of confusion clouding his face. He hadnt expected cool confidence.
People passed by: employees, visitors, couriers. Some threw glances their way; others stayed determinedly aloof. But for those intense moments, the world narrowed to Evelyn, Richard, and the charged air thick with years of blame and silent reproach.
You you just he started, but Evelyn cut him off.
This isnt the place for a scene, Richard. Her voice was gentle but steely. If you want to talk, fine. But not like this. Not here.
A scene? Ill give you a scene!
He was nearly shouting, his voice bouncing off the high ceilings. His face blotched red, neck veins bulging. He advanced, then retreatedcaught between lashing out and holding back.
Ill not have my daughter under the same roof as some unknown bloke! he yelled, drawing curious glances from the staff. Ill take Lucy from you! Youll never see her again! Never
His words were ragged, on the verge of hysteria. Evelyn simply raised an eyebrow, a cold amusement on her lips. Take Lucy? It would be laughable, if it werent so draining. No British court would side with him.
All finished? You belong in the circus, she said evenly, just loud enough for the staff nearby to hear.
Whats going on here? A new voice cut in.
Richard spun round. A man in a sharp navy suit stood at the entrance. He radiated an easy confidence; his blue eyes coolly appraising the scene. The guards straightened a littlethis was clearly someone important.
Stay out of it! Richard snapped. This is private. None of your business.
The newcomer didnt answer straight away. He strode into the space, stopping just far enough away to watch both Richard and Evelyn. He was faintly smiling, his calm an obvious counterpoint to Richards agitation.
Private? A personal matter is when you talk to her in private. When you make a spectacle in public, its everyones business.
Evelyn watched silently, conscious of the tension that now thickened the air. She hadnt expected James Ashworththe managing director himselfto intervene, but his appearance felt like a gift. Hed managed, in one line, to derail Richards rising tide of threats.
Richard swelled with indignation, taking a step toward James, but the man didnt budge. His gaze remained unflinching: hed clearly faced much tougher adversaries.
And who are you, telling me what to do? Richard sneered, fighting to keep his temper.
James advanced another step and, with a casual gesture, set his hand at Evelyns waist. It wasnt subtle. It was a message.
Who am I? he replied, level and unruffled, but with a cold authority that made Richard pause. Im the man who makes Evelyn happy. You think you can shout at my partner? Think again. Threaten her, and it wont be the police youll be dealing withIll make sure you’ve got real trouble. And if you use your daughter as a pawn Well, I think the message is clear.
Richard froze. The anger drained from his face, replaced by a stony pallor. He glanced from James to Evelyn, visibly registering he’d lost control of the situation.
He vacillated for a long moment, hands opening and closing as if struggling to find any words at all. But under Jamess implacable calm, nothing came out.
At last, he scowled, muttered something unintelligible, and stalked away. His stride, once brisk and arrogant, was now awkward, desperate to save face. He cast a final look as he headed out.
You can forget about child support! he snarled over his shoulder.
As if we need it, Evelyn called after him with a light laugh, relief in her voice. At least Lucy wont have to visit her father anymore!
It was only as Richard disappeared that Evelyn noticed James’s hand still resting on her waistsolid and reassuring. The significance of it, simple yet intimate, flustered her for a split second. She quickly stepped aside, trying not to blush too obviously.
Smiling with mingled gratitude and embarrassment, she turned to him, her voice warm with relief.
Thank you, James. Honestlyyou have no idea how much that helped.
His lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes softening perceptibly.
Shall we talk about it over lunch? he suggested, offering his hand.
Evelyn hesitated, doubts flashing through her mindwas this all too soon, was it improper? But almost immediately those thoughts dissolved. James had behaved impeccably, and the urge to spend time with himaway from the chaoswas impossible to ignore.
Besides, she found herself curious. Who was James Ashworth, really? Why had he intervened? Was there something deeper behind that composed exterior?
Of course, she replied, letting her hand rest in his.
The contact was unexpectedly rightfirm, steady, no trace of possessiveness. As she left the lobby with James, the tension that had gripped her since Richards arrival ebbed away, replaced by a tremor of anticipationa sense, perhaps, of something new beginning.
Later, they sat together at a cosy table in a nearby bistro, the golden light and the scent of fresh scones lending an air of calm. Conversation soon drifted, light and easy.
Eventually, James confided that his feelings for her had been growing for some time. He didnt come out with declarations or grand gesturesjust simple, honest words, as though hed been carrying this inside and finally let it out.
I hesitated for ages, he admitted, stirring his tea. You always seemed so focused, so self-sufficient. I knew youd been through a hard patch after your divorceI didnt want to impose or seem presumptuous.
Evelyn listened closely. There was not a hint of arroganceonly an earnest concern for her boundaries.
And when I saw that man shouting at you Jamess jaw tightened. Well, I couldnt just stand by.
She gave a small smileit all made sense now. Shed noticed his eyes lingering before, but shed misread what lay behind his glances. With the gulf in their positions, shed never have dared make the first movebut in this moment, everything felt possible.
******************************
Three months after that dramatic day, James and Evelyn were married. The wedding was beautifuleverything shed dreamed of. James seemed determined to grant her every wish.
Lucy was thrilled. On the morning of the ceremony, she fussed over every detailher mums hair, her dress, her bouquet. When the rings were exchanged, Lucy beamed, hugging them both tight.
Im so happy for you, she whispered, her joy unmistakable.
She drew the line, though: But you wont mind if I dont call you dad, will you? she told James later, when the three of them were alone for the first time. I like you, James, honest, and Im glad Mums not on her own. But I do already have a dad.
James smiled kindly, unfazed. I understand, Lucy. As long as were together, thats all I care about.
Richard received a wedding invitationmore as a point than a gesture of real inclusion. Evelyn hesitated about sending it, but eventually, she decided: let him see her moving on. The invitation arrived by post, just the card, no note.
Unsurprisingly, Richard didnt showand never intended to. The very idea stung him with embarrassed outrage, and he released his frustration with a barrage of phone calls to shared acquaintances.
She invited me to her wedding! he exclaimed bitterlybarely letting anyone greet him before launching his monologue. Imagineeven after all thats happened!
One old university friend dared to ask what, exactly, was so outrageous about it, but Richard simply brushed it aside. How could she humiliate me like this?
Over the days, he rang more and more people, starting each call with that incredulous tale. It was as if he needed someoneanyoneto tell him he was right, that yes, it was scandalous.
But their reactions were muted. Some muttered polite sympathy, others gave the noncommittal Well, everyones got their own life, and a few just stayed silent, unsure what to say. The more Richard repeated his grievance, the more hollow it soundedeven to him.
He started grasping at different straws next. Its only been six months! Can you fall in love in six months? Shes just running away from reality. Just trying to forget me, you see?
Sometimes he changed tone entirely: She never gave me a chance to fix things! If we could have talked, Im sure I could have
But even he couldnt finish the thoughtbring her back, change who he was, start again?
And sometimes, with a note of bitterness, hed say, I did so much for her, and what do I get? Not even a thank you. Just left, took my daughter.
That claimnot even a thank yousounded weaker each time. Some friends shrugged; others asked, cautiously, But what did she need to thank you for? You were marriedits just life, isnt it?
Richard fell silent at this, the resentment burning as he realised no one echoed his indignation. If anything, they thought Evelyn deserved her futureand that infuriated him even more.
Eventually, worn out by the fruitlessness, Richard gave up the phone calls. Left alone in his flat, he stared at old mementosher forgotten hairpin, a photo album, some discarded childrens dressesand finally understood that, try as he might, life was moving on. Except, he had yet to find his own place in this new order.
Silent now, Richard faded out, while Evelyn, James, and Lucy carried onsteady, content, lives stitched together by shared dinners, brisk walks on mild Sundays, laughter and good-natured debates over what film to watch in the evenings. As the seasons shifted, their little family flourished, secure in the warmth that, at last, belonged to them.
