13April
Ive never been one for keeping secrets, so Im putting pen to paper about whats been unfolding with my sister, Milly. Shed spent her twenties drifting through a string of shortterm romances, never settling down, and by the time she turned thirty she finally decided she wanted a proper partnership. She didnt know at first that Paul, the guy shed become attached to, was already married, but he didnt hide it for long once he realized shed fallen for him.
Milly never blamed Paul. Instead she berated herself for being so vulnerable, feeling as though shed missed the boat on finding a husband while the years slipped by. She wasnt a knockout, but she was pleasantlooking, a little roundcheeked, which only added to her mature air. Their affair led nowhere. Milly didnt want to remain a kept woman, yet she couldnt walk away for fear of ending up on her own.
One afternoon her cousin Simon dropped by while on a work trip to Manchester. We hadnt seen each other in ages, so we ate a simple lunch in the kitchen and chatted like we used to as kids, talking about everything under the sun. Milly opened up about her love life, tears slipping as she confessed the whole truth.
Just then the neighbour, Mrs. Hargreaves, popped in to appraise Millys latest parcel buys. Milly stepped out for about twenty minutes. The front door was left ajar, and when Simon went to fetch it, Paul appeared on the doorstep, looking dishevelled in trainers and a Tshirt, chomping on a ham sandwich.
Is Milly home? Paul asked, a hint of panic in his voice.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon guessed.
What are you two to her? Paul stammered.
Im her partner, albeit unofficial. And you why are you here? Simon pressed, grabbing Paul by the shoulders. Youre the married bloke Millys been spilling about, arent you? Hear thisif I see you here again, Ill see you off the stairs myself.
Paul wriggled free and fled downstairs. Milly returned moments later, and Simon relayed the awkward intrusion.
What have you done? Who sent you? Milly sobbed. He wont be coming back.
Simon shook his head. He wont, and thats a blessing. Stop whining. Ive a decent match for youa widower in our village. The women there wont bother him after his wife passed, and hes currently turning everyone down. Hes looking for someone, and Ill bring you over after my next assignment. Pack your things; well go together.
Milly protested, I cant… I dont know him.
Simon replied, Its not about sleeping with a strangers husband, but meeting a free man. Its my birthday, love, so lets give it a go.
A few days later we drove to the little village of Littlebrook. Simons wife, Lucy, had laid a spread of tea and scones in the garden near the old washhouse. Neighbours and friends gathered, including the village widower, Arthur. Most of the locals already knew Milly, but shed never met Arthur before.
After the convivial chatter, Milly returned to Manchester, musing that Arthur seemed quiet and shyperhaps still grieving his late wife. A poor soul, needing a warm heart, she thought.
A week later, on a Saturday, there was a knock at Millys flat. She wasnt expecting anyone. When she opened the door, Arthur stood there, a shopping bag in hand.
May I come in, Milly? I was on my way to the market and thought Id drop by now that weve met, he said, a nervous smile tugging his lips.
She invited him in, offering tea. Their conversation drifted from the weather to the price of tomatoes at the market. When the tea was finished, Arthur gathered his coat, hesitated at the doorway, then turned back.
If I walked out now without saying anything, Id never forgive myself. All week Ive thought of you, honestly. I even asked Simon for your address. He blushed, his hands trembling slightly.
Milly lowered her gaze. We barely know each other.
He chuckled softly, Thats fine. May I call you by your first name? Im not a perfect catchyou should know I have a little girl, eight, staying with her grandmother at the moment.
Millys eyes lit up. A daughterthats a dream of mine.
Encouraged, Arthur took Millys hands and, with a gentle pull, kissed her. She felt tears glisten, but also a strange, sweet calm.
Do you find me disagreeable? he whispered.
No, she answered, its just… unexpected. It feels right, and Im not stealing anyones happiness.
From then on they met every weekend. Two months later they married in Littlebrook, settled in the same cottage, and Milly took a job at the local nursery. A year after that she gave birth to a daughter, and soon after a second child arrived. Their home was full of laughter, and the love between Milly and Arthur grew richer with each passing year, like a wellaged claret.
Simon, ever the cheeky brotherinlaw, would raise his glass at family gatherings and tease, What did I do for you, Milly? Youre glowing, youre thriving. Ill leave you to the good man I set you up withlisten to your brother!
Looking back, Ive learned that sometimes the path we think were on is merely a detour, and that honesty, however painful, can pave the way to an unexpectedly happy ending. The lesson Ill carry with me: never be afraid to let go of a false comfort, for the truth may lead you straight to the heart you were meant to find.
