I have often thought back to those days, when Eleanors life seemed to be turning a new leaf. She had opened a small tailoring workshop in a side street of Cambridge, stitching bespoke garments for anyone who could afford a touch of elegance. The venture consumed nearly all of her waking hours; she dreamed of brightening the shops window and earning a place under the sun.
When she recalled that a charity dinner was to be held that evening a detail her husband Simon had mentioned in passing a flicker of anxiety sparked in her mind. Simon assured her that she need not attend; he understood the demands of his wifes business and would go alone. Yet he also warned that it would be ungracious to treat the family with such indifference. Eleanor called the events organiser, explaining that she could not be present because the evening was already full of commitments and she needed to appear properly attired.
She drew a hot bath, adding a handful of lavender and orange peel oils, and let the fragrant steam loosen the knots in her shoulders. As she closed her eyes, the phone perched on the edge of the tub rang. She lifted her hand, rinsed the suds from her wrist, wrapped a towel around herself and answered.
Mother? said a bright voice. Its Lucy. Im studying abroad in France now. I miss you terribly and cant wait to hug you. Even if Im no longer a little girl, youll always be my mother.
Hello, sunshine! Eleanor replied, smiling despite the distance. Congratulations on the news about your mothers shop. Youre clever as a whip. Does Father take pride in it? I was surprised when you sent me the link, but how do you manage everything? And you still help Father, I hear.
Lucy laughed. I didnt want to spoil the surprise, but the orders have already started coming in. I love it, because Ive always wanted to try something new. Honestly, the business I built with your husband used to choke me. I dreamed of a place where I could unleash my creativity, and now that dream is finally alive.
Their conversation drifted to the weather before Lucy hurried off to university. She was due back home in six months, and Eleanor felt a warm swell of gratitude for the family she had. That feeling lingered all the way to the restaurant where the charity dinner was to be held.
A stern security guard stopped her at the entrance. Im sorry, madam, we cant let you in without an invitation.
Then summon my husband. He has a twoperson pass, Eleanor retorted.
What is your husbands surname? the guard asked.
She rolled her eyes; the brusque tone grated on her. Bennett, Simon Bennett. Check the list.
The guard consulted the sheet, exchanged a glance with his colleague, and chuckled. Theres been a mistake, madam. Simon Bennett has already entered with his wife.
How could he have entered with his wife? Eleanor asked, bewildered.
The list says he arrived with his spouse, so you cannot gain entry under false pretences. This is a private function, and if youre a journalist who hasnt been invited
A smooth, velvety voice called from behind her. David, whats happening?
She turned and saw her old schoolmate David Hawthorne, a man she had not spoken to in years. David? I never expected to see you here, she exclaimed. The guards think my husband has already come in with his wife, so theyre refusing me.
David smiled warmly and nodded at the guard. Shes with me, he said.
Eleanor was at a loss for words. She had hoped to surprise Simon, not to have to explain herself to a former classmate. She wondered whether Simon, like David, had slipped past the guard with a guest of his own.
Do you see how far youve come? David asked, his grin never fading. Youve built a thriving business from the ground up. If you ever need a bespoke suit, you know where to find me.
She handed him a card, then slipped into the hall, scanning for Simon. And you? Have you managed to exceed the teachers expectations and land on your feet?
David shrugged modestly. Grades are only part of the story. Youre still as lovely as ever. Its nice to run into you like this.
In school, David had once asked Eleanor out, but she, ever the careerdriven woman, had declined, preferring to focus on her studies and later on her own shop. Their paths had diverged, and she had scarcely spoken to him since.
When she finally spotted Simon, she thanked David again and hurried over. Simon, puffed up with pride, declared, My wife is the best shes my inspiration. Eleanors heart swelled at his compliment, until the moment his arm slipped around a striking young woman and he planted a kiss on her cheek.
Darling, would you like a drink? he asked, his voice dripping with false affection.
Eleanor felt as if the ground had opened beneath her. Was he presenting another woman as his wife? How could he be so brazen?
I dont mind, she replied, standing a few paces away, watching the flirtatious couple and their entourage.
Simons eyes widened in panic. He swallowed, begged the guests for forgiveness, and turned toward his wife. The newcomer a glamorous figure a shade younger than his daughter followed him, clicking her heels on the marble.
What are you doing here? Simon whispered to Eleanor.
I came to support my husband. You said this was an important event, Eleanor said calmly, watching the young woman sway toward her husband. Will you explain anything?
You shouldnt be here! Simon snapped, glancing at the interloper. Polly, get out and have something to eat. Ill be back soon. He yanked Eleanor by the elbow, dragging her toward the garden. Once they were a safe distance from the crowd, he glared at her. You could have ruined everything. I never invited you.
Because you brought someone else? Eleanor murmured.
She realised how little patience she had left for drama. She stared at Simon, trying to fathom what he lacked, why, in his twilight years, he would seek such a scandal. And why his companions, who had once been seen in family photographs, now looked nothing like the woman he claimed to love.
Youre old, Eleanor! Im ashamed to show you to my partners, so I took a mistress, Simon declared, his tone flat. In our circle a wife must sparkle, not look like a tired workhorse. You do the job, but I wanted someone fresh.
Eleanor felt a cold disappointment settle deep within her. Of course she looks lovely. She doesnt have to worry about yearend accounts or where to invest to keep the business afloat. Good choice, Mr. Bennett.
Simon merely shook his head. Twenty years of marriage, and you think I could have survived with just you? It wont affect the future, but now leave quietly. Ill be home soon and well talk.
There was little left to discuss. Eleanor had drawn her own conclusions. She would not stay in a marriage that painted a perfect picture only for appearances. Once a man had betrayed and left, he would likely do so again; it was foolish to cling to illusion. She reminded herself that her business was thriving, that she would claim her rightful share, and that perhaps Simon would have to think twice.
Simon departed, and Eleanor settled on a bench under the dim glow of a streetlamp, trying to digest what had happened and how to explain it to Lucy. David slipped into the seat beside her, his presence soothing. He did not intrude; his quiet companionship eased her mind. He recalled schoolyard pranks, and Eleanor laughed, allowing her worries to melt away. For a moment she felt herself back in those carefree days, a serious yet lighthearted girl.
I once dreamed of growing up, but now I wish I could return to school, she sighed.
I understand completely. If you ever need help, just ask. I can give you a lift home, David offered.
Though David observed from a distance, he could see the truth: the partners at the dinner wore masks of friendliness, playing their parts without rehearsal, each smile a careful performance.
Will your wife mind? a voice asked.
I have no wife, the man replied. Ive never truly loved anyone. There were relationships, but nothing lasting.
David did not tell Eleanor that he had never been able to shake her from his thoughts, for fear of adding to her burden. He was a relic of the past, ready to support her now and then fade away again.
Eleanor did not probe where David earned his living or why his car was so expensive; money had never been her chief concern. She had always pursued a career and her own home, achieving everything through her own grit. Even when Lucy was born, Eleanor spent nights poring over accounts, assisting Simon, inventing new ideas for their enterprise, until finally she felt burnt out.
After saying farewell to David at the front door, Eleanor entered the shop that had once felt like home and now seemed alien. She decided that Lucy was old enough to make her own choices, so she did not tell her about the impending divorce sparing her further stress in a foreign land. Lucy would learn later, and that seemed kinder.
Simon had never supported the notion of divorce. He claimed, Youre the perfect wife for the business; we need a beautiful image, and I provide it. Eleanor shot back, Your money doesnt rain down from the sky, does it? Think of our daughter a split would hit her hardest. Does that bring you joy?
Its too late for you to think of her now, Simon, Eleanor said, her voice detached.
They slept in separate rooms, and the next morning Eleanor booked a flat near her workshop, unwilling to share a roof with a deceitful husband. Simon resisted the divorce fiercely, but Eleanor pressed on, hiring top solicitors and dividing the assets. At first she wanted the house, leaving the business to him; in the end she took everything, for the success of the shop bore her fingerprints. The court, despite Simons attempts to bribe the judge, split the wealth evenly.
Simon tried to phone Lucy, hoping she would sway her mother, but Lucy stood firmly with Eleanor, soon returning home to help with the workshop and refusing to see her father. She could not forgive his betrayal.
Life for Eleanor gradually steadied. Letting go of two decades of marriage was no easy feat, yet she kept moving forward, her work consuming her thoughts, her daughters support buoying her spirits. Simons fortunes faltered without her guidance; he made several attempts to win her back, pleading and promising fidelity, but trust, once shattered, does not mend easily.
The atelier grew in reputation, orders multiplied, and Eleanor contemplated expansion. One day an unfamiliar number rang.
Its David, the voice said. You gave me your card for a suit
Yes, David, were swamped, but for you well make an exception, Eleanor replied, delighted to hear the familiar tone.
Im not in a hurry for the suit; I just thought we could meet for a coffee, he suggested.
She laughed, accepting the invitation, thinking perhaps this was a chance to start anew. She would not rush; the years that had sped by taught her to value herself first. Time flies, but one need not end up alone in old age. Her heart whispered that she was not mistaken, that she and David might yet find happiness together.
