The wise wife and her foolish choice
When Cressida first saw him across the bustling canteen of the Cambridge Institute of Physics, she knew instantlyit was destiny. Tall, elegant, with eyes so gentle they seemed to hold the whole universe. He stared back at her through the throng of scientists, and something in her chest whispered that he was the man she had dreamed of all her life.
Who are you eying? Lucy, her workmate, asked as they shared a sandwich. Oh, thats the new lad from the physics lab. Just defended his doctoratebright prospect.
Cressida felt her cheeks flush. She glanced away, pressing her spoon into a bowl of leek and potato soup.
Im just looking around, she murmured.
Sure thing, Lucy smirked. Your face says otherwise. By the way, I think hes single. Ive asked around.
Hes very young, Cressida mumbled, flustered.
How old are you? Thirtytwo? Hes probably twentyseven, give or take. Does it matter?
She fell silent. The age gap felt like a canyon, though the numbers were close. She had resigned herself to a solitary life after a bitter affair at the institute. Books had become her confidants, her companions. And thenhe.
The next morning James Hartley walked into the library. He asked for a rare monograph on quantum field theory. Cressida, heart racing, trekked to the back aisles. The volume was tucked away, dust motes dancing in the light.
Sorry to keep you searching, James said when she returned with the hefty tome. I could have fetched it myself.
Its my job, Cressida replied, forcing calm into her voice.
And I saw you in the canteen yesterday, he added, unexpected. May I treat you to a coffee after your shift?
She was taken aback, the sudden turn of events knocking the wind out of her.
I Id like that, she managed, the words tasting like triumph.
That evening marked the first of many. James proved not only brilliant but also a magnetic conversationalist. He explained his research in a way that made Cressida, who knew little of physics, feel the thrill of discovery. She, in turn, shared the wonders of the books shed devoured. Their debates stretched for hours, time slipping away unnoticed.
Cressida, youre remarkable, James said one dusk as they strolled through the park. Youre wise, you feel everything so keenly. Ive never met a woman like you.
Its all the books, she replied shyly. I read a lot.
No, its more than that, he insisted. You think, analyze, see what others miss. In the lab they call me promising, but next to you I feel like a schoolboy again.
Dont be foolish, Cressida brushed off his compliment. Youre a physicist who unravels the fabric of the world, and I I just lend out books.
Never belittle yourself, he warned. You understand human soulsthats far harder than any equation.
Six months after their first meeting they were married. Jamess mother, Margaret, a forceful, ambitious woman, openly declared the match a mistake.
Shes older than you! No prospects! Just a librarian! What could she possibly give you or any future children?
Mother, I love her, James said firmly. Shes not just a librarian; shes intelligent, cultured. We will have children.
The wedding was modest, a small gathering at a cosy café with friends. Margaret and her husband stayed away.
The newlyweds moved into a cramped flat. Money was tightjust enough pennies to keep the lights onbut they were happy. Cressida turned their space into a warm home, and James returned each evening eager to be by her side. Their conversations about literature, film, and his experiments never faded.
Then the miracle they had both hoped for happenedCressida became pregnant. Doctors had once warned her that, because of a peculiarity, motherhood might never be possible.
James, Im expecting, she whispered one night as he entered the flat.
He froze at the doorway, disbelief flashing across his face, then rushed to her, lifting her into his arms and spinning her round.
Cressida, my love! This is wonderful! Were having a baby!
Throughout the pregnancy James was tendercooking broth when nausea struck, fetching pickled onions at midnight, reading aloud parenting guides, even diving into child psychology to prepare for fatherhood.
When their daughter arrived, they named her Olivia.
Olivia, our hope and joy, James murmured, cradling the tiny bundle swaddled in a white blanket.
Margarets attitude thawed. She appeared at the maternity ward with a towering bouquet of roses and a basket of fruit.
Let me see my granddaughter, she demanded, eyes bright.
She examined Olivia, her hands fluttering.
Look at that little chin! Just like yours, James!
From then on Margaret became a frequent visitor, bringing gifts and unsolicited advice, critiquing Cressidas parenting style. At first Cressida tolerated itafter all, it was her motherinlawbut the interference grew relentless.
Cressida, youre not feeding her right! Let me show you, she would chime.
Why dont you place her on her tummy? Every paediatrician says its best, Margaret insisted.
What about more vitamins for Olivia? she added, ever the busybody.
James stayed silent, rarely taking sides. One evening he suggested, Mother wants us to move in with her. She has a spare room, a nursery for Olivia, and could help with childcare. It would ease the finances.
What do you think, love? Cressida asked carefully.
Its a good offer. Wed have more stability, and Mom and Dad would be thrilled to have the baby close.
Cressida consented, though a quiet voice warned her it might be a mistake. They moved when Olivia was six months old. At first everything seemed manageableMargaret helped, Cressida returned to work, the bills were less of a strain. But tension thickened like fog.
Why do you let her cry? Margaret asked when Olivia fussed. Pick her up, soothe her!
Crying is normal, Cressida replied. Olivia must learn to selfsoothe sometimes.
Children should have a happy, carefree childhoodno tears! Margaret declared.
James increasingly sided with his mother, dismissing Cressidas opinions. Disagreements erupted over feeding, sleep, outings, toys. Cressida felt her authority slipping, while Margaret assumed the role of Olivias primary caretaker.
Then the worst fear unfolded. Olivia fell ill with a high fever and a cough. Margaret pushed home remedies.
Put mustard packs on her, give her raspberry teashell recover!
No, Cressida said firmly. Im calling a doctor.
My three children grew up fine without any doctors! Margaret protested.
James, pleasesay something! Cressida pleaded.
James stood between the two most important women in his life, paralysed.
Maybe we should try the home remedies first? he suggested weakly.
No! Cressida snapped. Im the mother; I decide whats best for my child.
She called a doctor, who diagnosed early pneumonia. Prompt treatment saved Olivias life.
After that, the household fell apart. Margaret resented Cressida for nearly ruining her grandchild, reminding her constantly that she had almost lost the baby by ignoring her wisdom.
James retreated to the lab more often, avoiding home conflict. When he did come home, he was irritable and exhausted.
Cressida, can we talk? he asked one night after Olivia was asleep and his parents had gone to visit neighbours.
Of course, she replied, sensing trouble.
I’ve been offered a sixmonth fellowship in Manchester, at the leading research centre. Its a onceinalifetime chance.
Thats brilliant! Cressida exclaimed. When do we move?
James averted his gaze. Actually I think Ill go alone.
Alone? What about us, and Olivia?
Youll stay here with your parents. Theyll look after her, and I can focus entirely on the work.
Cressida stared, heart hammering. Youre going to abandon us?
Im not abandoning you! Its only six months. Then Ill return, or you could join me if it works out.
You dont understand. If you leave, your mother will seize control of Olivias upbringing. She already believes she knows better than me.
Its not an exaggeration, James protested. My mother just wants whats best.
For whom? Herself? Olivia? Not for me, Cressida retorted. When was the last time we talked hearttoheart? When did we share books, movies? You hide behind work to escape the problems at home, and now you want to run away completely.
Thats not true! James snapped. I work hard, I have responsibilities.
You used to work hard and still found time for us. Now you choose the easy way out.
Jamess face hardened. The fellowship isnt easy. Do you know how many scientists dream of such a chance?
Im not talking about the fellowship, Cressida said, weary. Im talking about you fleeing from our problems instead of solving them.
Its not fleeing! Its progress for my career!
And what about progress for our family? Our marriage? Have you thought about that?
The argument escalated, louder than any before. By morning James announced his decision: he would go to Manchester alone, and if Cressida loved him, she should support him.
Cressida spent sleepless nights weighing her optionsstay and let the marriage dissolve, or fight for a future with her son and daughter. She realised the choice lay between surrendering her identity or changing everything.
On the day of Jamess departure, she packed his suitcase, helped Olivia into a coat, and called a taxi.
Where are you off to? James asked, surprised.
Were taking you to the station, she said.
At the train station, minutes before departure, she kissed him and whispered, I love you, James, and I always will. But I cant keep living under your parents roof. Olivia and I are going back to our old flat.
What? he stammered. Youre leaving? What about Mom and Dad?
Theyre wonderful people, but I want to raise my daughter myself and try to save our marriage, if theres still a chance.
You cant do this! he shouted.
I can, she replied calmly. Go to your fellowship. Work, grow, discover. Olivia and I will wait for youhere, in our home.
She turned, hand gripping Olivias small palm, heart thudding like a drum. Was this the stupidest thing shed ever done? Perhaps, but somewhere deep down she felt it was the wise wifes choice.
Mom, is Daddy working away? Olivia asked as they slipped into the taxi.
Yes, love. Hes gone for work. Hell be back.
Where are we going?
Home, sweetheart. Were going home.
The first days back in the modest flat were rough. Olivia threw tantrums, demanding Grandmas company. Phones rang incessantly with Margarets demands to return the child. Cressida took a short leave from work to establish a new routine.
James was silent for a week, then sent a brief text: How are you?
Fine, settling in, Cressida replied.
Life gradually found a new rhythm. Cressida dove into motherhoodparks, the zoo, puppet shows, bedtime stories, drawing, clay. She realised Olivia was calmer and happier than she ever felt under her motherinlaws roof.
James called sporadiously, his voice curt, speaking of research breakthroughs, never asking how they coped. She didnt push, but still sent photos of Olivias milestones.
Three months later, after tucking Olivia into sleep, Cressida sat reading when a knock sounded. James stood in the doorway, a massive bouquet of wildflowersher favouritein hand.
May I come in? he asked, hesitant.
She stepped aside, letting him enter.
Is Olivia still asleep? he inquired, removing his shoes.
Just now, she answered. She misses you.
He settled on the sofa, placing the flowers nearby.
And you? he asked quietly. Do you miss me?
She sat beside him, a breath held between them.
Very much, she admitted.
James took a deep breath. Ive finally understood, Cressida. I was running from the hard choices, taking the easy route. I was cowardly.
What now? she asked.
Now I want to make the right choice, even if its the hard one. I want to come back to you. If youll have me.
And the fellowship?
I finished it early, exceeded every target. They offered me a permanent post in Manchester with a generous salary and clear prospects.
So you turned it down? Cressida guessed.
Yes. Because I realised I have nothing without youno career, no science, no money matters. I want to be with you, wherever we are. Together.
What about your parents?
I spoke to them, really spoke, perhaps for the first time. I told them well decide our life and Olivias upbringing ourselves. They can help, but not command. Mother was shocked, but I think shell come around.
Cressida looked into his eyes, seeing a resolve she hadnt seen in yearsdetermination and love, raw and genuine.
You know what Ive learned? James continued. Youre truly wisemuch wiser than me. You saw what I couldnt, and did what I lacked the courage to do, pulling us out of that endless loop.
I wasnt sure I was doing the right thing, Cressida confessed. It was a risk.
That risk wasnt a foolish choice at all. It was a wise one.
James reached out, his hand gently brushing her cheek.
Will you forgive me?
Instead of words, Cressida leaned forward and kissed him. From the bedroom came a tiny voice:
Mum, is Daddy home?
They laughed, stood, and walked together to the sleeping child. In that moment, Cressida realised that sometimes the decisions that look the most foolish are the ones that turn out to be the wisest, and that true courage sometimes means taking a single, decisive step to protect what truly matters.
