Emily is a lover. She never manages to marry. She spends her twenties living among women, and at thirty she finally decides to look for a man. At first she doesnt know that Paul is married, but he soon stops pretending when he sees she has grown attached and fallen in love.
Emily never blames Paul. Instead she chastises herself for the affair and for her weakness. She feels defective because she hasnt found a husband in time, and the clock keeps ticking. She isnt a knockout, but shes pleasantlooking, a little curvy, which only adds to her sense of ageing.
The relationship with Paul leads nowhere. Emily doesnt want to remain his mistress, yet she cant abandon him; the thought of being alone scares her.
One afternoon her cousin Simon drops by while on a work trip to Birmingham. He stays a few hours; they eat lunch in the kitchen and reminisce about childhood, gossip, and the present. Emily tells Simon everything about her love life and lets a few tears fall.
Just then the neighbour pops in to comment on Emilys recent purchases. Emily steps out for about twenty minutes. While shes gone the doorbell rings. Simon answers, expecting Emily, but the door is unlocked. Paul stands on the doorstep, looking bewildered at a massive man in tracksuits and a Tshirt gnawing a ham sandwich.
Simon instantly realises Paul is Emilys lover. Paul asks, Is Emily home?
Simon says, Shes in the bathroom.
Paul, flustered, asks, Who are you to her?
Simon replies, Im her commonlaw husband. Youre the married bloke Emily talked about, arent you? If I see you here again Ill shove you down the stairs, got it? He grabs Paul by the shirt and pushes him away.
Paul breaks free and dashes downstairs.
Emily returns and Simon recounts the visit.
What have you done? Who sent him? she cries. Hell never come back.
Simon comforts her, saying, He wont come back, and thats a relief. Stop whining. I know a wonderful widower in our village. The widowers wife never lets any other woman near him, and hes turning everyone down. He wants some company. After my next work trip Ill swing by, be ready. Well go to the village together and Ill introduce you.
Emily protests, I cant, Simon. I dont even know him. It feels wrong.
Simon retorts, Its not wrong to meet a free man. No one will drag you into his bed. Come on, my girlfriend Lucys birthday is tomorrow.
A few days later Emily and Simon are in the small Yorkshire village. Lucy, Simons wife, has laid a table in the garden beside the sauna. Neighbours, friends, and Simons widowed colleague Andrew arrive for a family gathering. The locals already know Emily, but this is her first meeting with Andrew.
After the warm chat, Emily returns to the city, noting that Andrew is quiet and shy. He must be grieving his wife, she thinks. What a gentle soul.
A week later, on a Saturday, the doorbell rings. Emily isnt expecting anyone. She opens it to find Andrew holding a bag.
Mind if I pop in, Emily? I was just at the market and thought Id stop by now that weve met, he says, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Emily invites him in, offers tea, and wonders why his visit feels anything but accidental.
Did you get everything you needed? she asks.
Yes, all in the car. And I have something for you. Andrew pulls a small bunch of tulips from the bag and hands them to her.
Emily takes the flowers, her eyes brightening. They sit at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting about the weather and market prices. When the tea is finished, Andrew stands, slips on his shoes, and pulls his coat on slowly. Just as he reaches the doorway, he turns back.
If I walked out now without saying this, Id regret it. Emily, Ive spent the whole week thinking about you. Honest truth. I even took your address from Simon.
Emily blushes and looks down.
We barely know each other, she replies.
Its fine, really. Can I call you you? Im not a perfect catch, but I have an eightyearold daughter whos staying with her grandmother at the moment.
Emily smiles, Having a daughter has always been a dream of mine.
Encouraged, Andrew reaches for her hands, pulls her close, and kisses her. After the kiss Emilys eyes glisten with tears.
Do I bother you? he asks.
No, she whispers, It feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones happiness.
From then on they meet every weekend. Two months later they marry and move into the village. Emily lands a job at the local nursery. A year after that they welcome a baby girl. Their two daughters grow up surrounded by love and attention, while Emily and Andrew grow older together, their affection maturing like a fine wine.
At community gatherings Simon often winks at Emily, saying, What a husband Ive set you up with, love. You keep getting better and better. I wouldnt steer you wrong.
