Charles Whitaker pulled up in his company car and was dropped off at the front gate of his family home. Exhausted from the drive, he took his time stepping out, collected his suitcase, thanked the driver and, exhaling, said, The welcome ceremony is about to begin.
Mildred Whitaker floated out in a flowing floral dress that caught the lateJuly light perfectly. She always chose her outfits to match the month, and this one sang in tune with the blooming summer. While smoothing the silk cascade of hair over her shoulders, she quickened her step and gave Charles a gracious smile.
Charles, weve been waiting for you for ages, she said, eyes bright. Can you believe it? Ive secured a fantastic landscape designereveryones lining up for himbut Ive managed to get us on his schedule.
Charles wanted to ask, How much? but remembered the tradition of sealing a greeting with a kiss, so he leaned in and complied.
Darling, you look radiant, he murmured, wrapping his arms around her narrow waist. Ive missed you terribly.
Ive missed you too, Mildred replied, reaching for him and momentarily forgetting the designers appointment.
Is Emily home? Charles inquired, referring to their niece.
Shes at her friends next doorremember the Dolins? Their daughter is staying there.
So its just us, he replied, feeling the ache of longing. He slipped into the shower, then led his wife to the bedroom.
Mildred, I found a boutique I think youll love. Ive already bought something for youits absolutely stunning.
Can we skip the dress? Charles teased, pulling her closer. Youre beautiful just as you are, even without anything on.
Mildred laughed, Ive worked so hard on my wardrobe and you wont even look?
Later, Ill have a look, he said, getting dressed. I hope well find something to eat at home instead of heading to a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for youMrs. Anne Porter has prepared everything.
Anne Porter, the everefficient housekeeper, Charles sighed.
And me? Isnt it my job to bring the right people to make our home as fine as the Dolins? Isnt it my doing that the new furniture looks so perfect?
The old set hasnt even had time to wear out yet, Charles replied.
Those curtains, Mildred continued, gesturing. Look at the colour pairing.
Mildred, I appreciate it all, and you know I never hold back on the finances, he said, choosing not to mention his habit of paying for every whim, lest he hurt her feelings.
Oh, I have a salon appointment! she blurted, a flash of panic crossing her face.
Whats the rush? Charles asked.
You wont understand, its a topclass salonI booked it a month ago. I cant be late, so dont worry, love, Emily will be here soon she asked me to bring her along.
Bring her where?
To the salon.
Isnt that a bit early for her?
Let the girl get used to beauty and learn to care for herself.
Shell grow up, and the lads will look after her, Charles muttered.
Exactly, but it requires the utmost skill, Mildred replied, flipping her light hair in time with her words.
Charles ate his lunch alone. Soon after, Emily arrived, clinging to his leg.
Daddy! she squealed, continuing the welcome ceremony. Wheres mum?
She told you about the salon, didnt she?
Right, shes off. I asked her to take me because I need a manicure.
Emily, you have perfect nails, Charles praised.
Dad, youre joking? That colour is so out of fashion.
I bet you put the polish on three days ago, but today a new trend has swooped in and youve rushed to change it.
Dad, seriously
Emily, I just read a book
And when do you find the time? Youre always working.
On the road, in the breaks. By the way, perhaps youve read something lately?
Yes, I read every daydifferent things.
I get it: fashion, makeup, all that fluff
Dad, Im just a girl
A girl, a girl enough, come here, he said, planting a kiss on her forehead. I still love you.
That evening Mildred returned, twirling on the spot, eager to show off her new look.
How do you like it?
Charles tried to gauge what had changed, and to avoid a stumble answered calmly, Brilliant! Youre dazzling.
By nightfall he was weary, even though hed only been home a day.
Mildred, I forgot to mentionAunt Eleanor called, worried about you.
Oh, Auntie Ill ring her tomorrow.
Will you drive there?
Why drive? Well all go together.
Youre joking? What are we doing in that village?
Its not a village, its a market townjust four hours by car.
I see no difference.
Its a shame, Charles murmured as he began to drift off. Its a shame Ill have to travel alone.
Charles never liked long visits, preferring brief stops before heading back to the office. Yet he felt a duty to see Eleanor, who was like a second mother after ten years of close contact.
He set off in his car, windows down, letting the headwind lift his spirits.
Auntie Eleanor, you really made it? she greeted, her seventieth birthday marked by a warm smile and easy chatter. No formal ceremony was needed for her hospitality.
Eleanor, Im sorry I havent visited in a yeartravelling keeps me away.
You restless soul, she teased, ruffling his hair. She was a head shorter than him, but her presence felt comforting.
Sit down, Charles, Ill feed you.
He felt like a child again, being fed by his aunt just as his mother once had. She laid out a simple spread of homecooked food.
Charles, Im not used to city fare. Youre probably used to restaurant meals
Mildred and Emily love dining out, but I prefer homecooked meals. I dont enjoy being a critic of delicacies. By the way, I brought you a little gift from the office.
What for? she asked.
Just because. I thought you could use a treat.
Thanks, Auntie, but I have everything.
Dont be modestsomeone has to be pampered.
Eleanor settled opposite him, propping her chin with her fist, watching her nephew with pride. He had built a solid career, responsible and diligent.
Charles, I watch you travel all over the country. How long can you keep roaming?
Im mostly up north, in the Highlands.
It must be cold up there.
He laughed. Its warm enough now.
Do you ever settle down? Come, stay a while.
Charles, satisfied after the meal, took Eleanors hand, kissed her soft, chubby palm and said, Thank you, Auntie.
He loved calling her that; no one else did.
Would you like some redcurrant squash? she offered.
Of course, your squash is like fresh water, washing away fatigue.
She sighed, I worry, dearyour wife is lovely but youre seldom home. It must be hard.
He savoured the drink. Hard? No, its the opposite. The farther I am, the lighter I feel.
Eleanors brow furrowed. What do you mean, Charles? Why keep your distance?
He quickly reassured her. Dont be alarmed, Auntiethis squash is something Ive never tasted before.
Its because the jam is made from my own berries, right from the garden but why stay away?
If I stayed close, Id have strangled her long ago, he said with a wry smile.
Who? Eleanor asked, startled.
From morning till night, even into the wee hours, the conversation never stopsWhich salon? Which boutique? Which colour? Which stylist? What will the Dolins think? All day, every day. So distance works better for me. I come, Im home, I give money, I leave again. Thats how I function.
What about Emily? Eleanor probed.
Charles waved his hand. Shes a copy of Mildredsame interests. Three years ago I gave her a home library, picked the books myself. Its still untouched, but I prefer paper; digital is handy for travel. I tried getting Mildred and Emily interested, but they cling to their phones, hunting for the newest nail artist and gossiping with friends.
Auntie, I never realised Eleanor said, surprised. Im always for family, but now I see
No, no, Charles shook his head. Im not changing a thing. I chose my wife. I wanted beauty, and I got it. I love her, even with all the décor fuss and salon trips.
What about little Emily?
Shell be just as lovely as her mother, learn to present herself, marry a promising fellowmaybe someone like meand live a comfortable life.
Will you be leaving again soon?
This time Ill be back in a month, stay for two weeks. Its fine; work is my leisure.
Do you even have time?
Yes, dear Auntie, work feels like a holiday.
That evening Charles gathered his things to return. He hugged Eleanor, slipped some money onto the edge of the table, and tucked a jar of redcurrant jam into his bag, kissed her hand, and drove off.
Eleanor remained the only person who knew how much he cherished his travels, and he was contentjust as he was with Mildred. He realised that sometimes distance lets you appreciate the people you love, and that a balanced life is built not on proximity, but on understanding what truly matters.
