Gwen Harper had long been a lover. Marriage never came her way, and she remained a spinster until she turned thirty. Then, with a quiet resolve, she decided to seek a husband. At first she did not know that Paul Whitaker was already married, but the man soon stopped pretending once he realised Gwen had grown attached and was falling for him.
Gwen never blamed Paul. On the contrary, she chastised herself for the affair and for the weakness she felt toward him. She regarded herself as a failure for not having secured a proper match in time, while the years slipped away. Though not a great beauty, she was pleasantlooking, a touch plump, which only added a certain mature charm.
The relationship with Paul led nowhere. Gwen did not wish to remain merely a lover, yet she could not bring herself to abandon Paul; the thought of ending up alone terrified her.
One afternoon her cousin Simon Clarke dropped by while on a brief work assignment in the town. He stayed for a few hours; they had not seen each other for ages. They ate lunch in the kitchen and chatted as children used to, about this and that, about the present life. Gwen confided in Simon about her romantic woes, and a few tears fell.
Just then their neighbour, Mrs. Bennett, popped in to ask Gwen to appraise some purchases. Gwen stepped out for about twenty minutes. While she was gone, a knock sounded at the door. Simon went to answer, assuming Gwen would soon return, but the front door was left unlocked. Standing on the doorstep was Paul, looking bewildered at the sight of a burly man in training shorts and a Tshirt, chewing a ham sandwich.
Is Gwen home? Paul asked, his voice searching.
Shes in the bathroom, Simon guessed immediately.
Excuse me, what are you to her? Paul stammered.
Im her husband, civilly. And youwhat business is this? Simon advanced, seized Paul by the collar and barked, Arent you the married gent Gwen talked about? Listen here, if I see you here again Ill throw you down the stairs, understood?
Paul wriggled free and fled downstairs.
Gwen returned shortly after. Simon relayed the visitors sudden appearance.
What have you done? Who sent him? Gwen wept. Hell never come back.
She sank onto the settee, covering her face.
Indeed he wont return, and thats a blessing. Stop sulking. I have a fine fellow in minda widower in our village. Wives of his late wife are a handful, and he shuns all suitors. He only wants one quiet companion. After my next trip Ill bring you to him, be ready. Well travel together, Ill introduce you.
What? No, Simon, I cant. I dont know this man, and Im ashamed to think of such a thing, she protested.
Shame of sleeping with a stranger, not of meeting a good man. Nobody will drag you to his bed. Come with me, for its my dear Lilas birthday, he urged.
A few days later Gwen and Simon were in the little hamlet. Simons wife, Lila, had set a table in the garden near the washhouse. Neighbours, friends, and Simons old comrade, widower Albert Hughes, arrived for the celebration. The locals already knew Gwen, but she met Albert for the first time.
After the hearty gathering, Gwen returned to town, noting to herself how quiet and modest Albert was. He must be worrying about his late wife. Poor soul, so gentle, she mused.
A week later, on a Saturday, there was a knock at her door. She wasnt expecting anyone. Opening it, she was surprised to see Albert standing there, a bag in his hand.
May I trouble you, Gwen? I was passing through on my way to the market and thought Id drop in now that were acquainted, he said, a rehearsed line trembling on his lips.
She invited him in, offered tea, and sensed his visit was no mere accident.
Did you manage to get everything you needed? Gwen asked.
Yes, the purchases are in the cart. And a little something for you, Albert replied, pulling a small bunch of tulips from the bag.
The flowers brightened her eyes. They sat at the kitchen table, chatting about the weather and market prices. When the tea was finished, Albert thanked her and began to leave. He slipped his coat on, tightened his boots, and at the very door turned back.
If I left now without saying anything, Id regret it forever. Gwen, Ive thought of you all week. Thats a promise. I couldnt wait for the weekend, so I came straight away. I got your address from Simon
Gwen flushed and lowered her gaze.
We hardly know each other, she replied softly.
It matters not. May I call you you? Im not a perfect man, but I have a little daughter, eight years old. Shes with her grandmother at the moment, he said, his hands shaking slightly.
A daughter is a blessing, Gwen murmured dreamily. Ive always wanted one.
Encouraged, Albert took her hands, drew her close and kissed her.
After the kiss Alberts eyes lingered on Gwen, tears glistening in hers.
Do you find me disagreeable? he asked, a hint of doubt.
No, quite the opposite. I never expected this it feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyones.
From that day they met every weekend. Two months later they were married and settled in the village. Gwen took a post at the local nursery. A year after, she gave birth to a daughter, and soon another followed. Both girls grew up loved and cherished, the household brimming with affection. Gwen and Albert grew younger at heart, their love maturing like fine wine.
At many gatherings Simon would wink at Gwen and say, Well, Gwen, look at the husband Ive set you up with! Youre thriving. And Gwen would laugh, squeezing Alberts hand, her eyes warm with gratitude. The years unfolded gently, marked by quiet mornings, shared chores, and the laughter of children echoing through their cottage. She never spoke of Paul again, nor did she dwell on the lonely days before. In Alberts steady presence and the life they built together, she found not just love, but peacethe kind that settles deep in the bones and feels, at last, like coming home.
