Long ago in the quiet lanes of Yorkshire, a man returned home with a heavy heart and spoke softly to his wife: “Forgive me. Ive fallen for another. Ill provide for the boys, but I must leave. Pardon me, if you can.” Without another word, he walked out, leaving Eleanor alone with their children. The next day, a chance word from a neighbor opened her eyes to the truth.
Eleanor had married late in life, having devoted her younger years to her studies at Oxford. Later, her work as a clerk in London consumed her days. It was there she first met Edward. She had collided with him in her haste to the office, brushing against his arm by accident. He was smitten at once. That very evening, as she left work, Edward appeared unexpectedly, holding an umbrella over her in the drizzle and presenting a bouquet of roses. So began their courtshipflowers, surprises, gifts. Within half a year, they wed. A son arrived the following year.
Eleanor had gained weight during her pregnancies, but Edward never seemed to mind. Then came their second boy, and her figure changed further. She never returned to work, tending instead to the house and their sons. Meanwhile, Edward had built a modest business repairing typewriters. Eleanor hardly noticed the distance growing between them until that final, wretched year when Edward vanished into his work, claiming frequent trips to Manchester and Birmingham. She never suspected his absences were lies. Then, one evening, he returned home and said calmly, “Forgive me. Ive fallen for another. Ill provide for the boys. Im leaving. Pardon me, if you can.” The words struck like a blow. Only the next day did their neighbor reveal Edwards long-standing infidelity. Eleanor was shattered.
Eight months passed.
One evening, the doorbell rang. It was Edward, come to see the children. Eleanor exchanged a few stiff words before retreating to the kitchen. Then her telephone rang. She answered, her voice bright. “Hullo! Id thought youd forgotten us.”
“Never,” came the warm reply. “How could I forget such happiness? Ill fetch you all tomorrow. You and the boys will love the new house. I love you.”
Eleanor set the receiver down, a smile lighting her face. Francis had proposedthey would make a home together. As she turned toward the boys room, Edward stood frozen in the hall. He had heard everything.
“Have I missed my chance?” he murmured, eyes fixed on the floor.
“Yes!” Eleanor laughed, her joy uncontainable.
