Gillian had spent her youth as a lover, never quite managing a proper marriage. She lingered among other women until she was thirty, then finally resolved to find a husband. At first she did not know that Paul was already wed, but the moment he realised she had grown attached, he ceased to hide the truth.
Gillian never reproached Paul. Instead she berated herself for the affair and for the weakness she felt toward him. She sensed a lingering inadequacy, as if she had failed to secure a husband in time while the years slipped away. She was not a great beauty, but she possessed a pleasant, slightly fuller figure that gave her an air of maturity.
The liaison with Paul led nowhere. Gillian could not bear to remain merely a lover, yet she could not abandon Paul either; the thought of being alone terrified her.
One afternoon her cousin Simon dropped by while on a work trip through the county. He stayed for a few hours, the two of them reminiscing over tea in the kitchen as they had in childhood, chatting about everything and nothing. Gillian confided in him about her tangled love life, tears slipping as she spoke.
Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Whitaker, popped in to weigh in on Gillians recent purchases. Gillian stepped out for about twenty minutes. In that interval a knock sounded at the door. Simon went to answer, assuming Gillian would be returning, but the door was left ajar. Standing on the threshold was Paul, his eyes widening at the sight of a hulking man in tracksuit trousers and a shirt, chewing a sausage sandwich.
Is Gillian at home? Paul asked, his voice faltering.
Shes in the bath, Simon guessed instantly.
Excuse me, what are you to her? Paul stammered.
My husband, in the eyes of the law, Simon replied, moving forward and grabbing Paul by the collar. Arent you the married fellow Gillian kept talking about? Listen hereif I see you here again, Ill drag you down the stairs myself, understood?
Paul, shaking off Simons grip, fled down the hallway.
Gillian soon returned, and Simon recounted the intrusion. She burst into tears.
What have you done? Who sent you? she sobbed. He will never come back.
She sank onto the settee, burying her face in her hands.
Simon, seeing her distress, said, Hes gone and thats for the best. Stop wallowing. I know a fine widower in our village of Ravenbrookno one bothers his late wifes memory, and hes turned away every suitor. Hes looking for someone to keep him company. When Im back from my trip Ill bring you there. Be ready; well travel together and Ill introduce you.
Hold on, Gillian protested, I cant marry a stranger Ive never met. It feels shameful.
Its not shameful to be with a widower, not to be with a free bachelor. No one will force you, Simon urged. Come, its for my sister Lucys birthday.
A few days later Gillian and Simon arrived in Ravenbrook. Lucy had prepared a spread in the garden beside the old washhouse. Neighbours, friends and Simons old army mate, widower Albert, gathered for the celebration. Gillian had known the locals for years, but this was her first meeting with Albert.
After the hearty gathering, Gillian returned to the town. She thought of Albert as a quiet, modest man. He must be grieving his late wife, the poor soul, she mused.
A week later, on a quiet Saturday, there was a knock at Gillians door. She opened it to find Albert standing there, a bag in his hand.
May I come in, Gillian? I was just passing through to the market and thought Id stop, now that were acquainted, he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
She welcomed him for tea, curious about the timing of his visit. Did you get everything you needed? she asked.
Yes, the purchases are in the cart. And something for you, Albert replied, pulling a modest bunch of tulips from his bag.
Gillian accepted the flowers, her eyes brightening. They sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting about the weather and the price of vegetables. When the pot was empty, Albert prepared to leave. He slipped on his coat, tightened his boots, and, just as he reached the doorway, turned back to her.
If I walked away now without saying anything, Id regret it forever, he confessed, his voice trembling. All week Ive only thought of you. Its a promise. I couldnt wait for the weekend, so I came straight after getting your address from Simon.
Gillians cheeks flushed and she lowered her gaze.
We barely know each other, she whispered.
It matters not, Albert said, smiling gently. May I call you by your first name? Im not perfect, and I have a little girl, eight years old, staying with her grandmother at the moment.
The girl is a blessing, Gillian replied, wistfully. Ive always wanted a daughter.
Encouraged, Albert took Gillians hands, pulled her close and kissed her. After the kiss, tears glimmered in her eyes.
Do you find me disagreeable? he asked softly.
No, she answered, quite the opposite. I never expected thissweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones love.
From that day onward they met each weekend. Two months later they married in Ravenbrook, settled there, and Gillian found work in the local nursery. A year later a daughter was born, and soon two girls filled their home with laughter and affection. Their love, like a wellaged wine, grew richer with each passing year.
Simon, whenever the family gathered, would grin and tease, Well, Gillian, what a husband Ive set you up with! Youre getting better and better. I never steer you wrongjust listen to your brother!
