I still remember that bright July morning when Eleanor Finch burst into my little flatroom on the third floor of the old college hall, phone pressed to her ear. Mabel, darling, fetch a proper dress for the weddingIm getting married and I want you as my maid of honour, she declared, as sure and forward as ever.
It was too early for a call, and I was still rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Your wedding already? I asked, startled. Whens the ceremony?
In ten days, she replied, a grin audible even over the line.
Soon enough that I havent even had a chance to blink, and youre already walking down the aisle, Eleanor? I laughed. What about a moment to think things over?
Everythings settled, she chuckled. Ive managed to hop into the last carriage of lifes train. Charles Whitmore and I are already expecting a childI’m thirtynine, after all, the perfect age for a baby. And Im delighted, truly!
Lord help you, Eleanor, youre about to
Dont worry, she interrupted, the limousine, the white gown fit for a princesseverything will be perfect. Ive never actually tried on a bridal dress before, but you, as my best friend and maid, must look the part, she said, laughing loudly into the handset.
Alright. And wholl stand as Charless best man?
James Hollis, his old school mate. Youve never met him tall, darkhaired, quite the heartbreaker, she replied.
Eleanor and I had been thick as thieves since our university days. I had once married straight out of college, lived six years with my husband, Victor, before we went our separate ways. I was always the calm one; Victor, however, was a chatterbox and a prankster, coaxing me into marriage before I even knew why. When our son was born I realised Victor cared little for fatherhoodhe preferred parties and mischief. After many onandoff bouts, I finally drew a line under that chapter.
There were a few more men after that, but none blossomed into a family. I settled with my son studying his first year at university in York, living with my mothermy dear motherinlaw which suited me just fine.
Eleanor and I shared a cramped dormitory room when we were students. I was a year older, though she always seemed the wiser. I was like a greenhousegrown flowerdelicate and prone to being caught in odd predicaments because of my trusting nature.
Eleanor was a true warrior, never one to retreat, bold and confident, always ready to defend a friend. We were opposites, yet shed always say, You cant change a mate, love. She never preached morals; she simply nudged me forward.
Life moved on. Eleanor never married, though a gentleman was always lurking nearby. She claimed she hadnt yet met a man who could wholly claim her heartor a child she could call her own.
Then, at long last, love struck. Eleanor fell for a former footballer turned businessman. She drifted from my sight, our meetings became few, until one day she called, inviting me to her wedding.
Yes, Mabel, please dont fancy Jameshes a serious roué, she warned, halfjoking.
Dont worry, I replied, smiling, you know Ive never been taken with the handsome sort.
True, but youve never met James. Hes something else youll see.
I chose a Saturday and headed to the city market to find a suitable outfit. There were countless lovely dresses, yet none felt right until I spotted a floorlength beige gown with a daring back cut. I sighed in relief; all that remained was a booking at the salon.
Eleanor called again, reminding me of the date and venue, peppering the conversation with giggles. What a happy Eleanorthough I cant see her, I feel her joy from miles away, I thought.
On the morning of the ceremony, she rang once more. James will pick you up at eleven.
Ah, Ill be at the salon then, I replied.
Fine, just give him the address, hell swing by.
How will we recognise each other? I asked.
Dont fret, I sent him your picture. By the way, I mentioned youre a stunner.
Yes, fine
James proved exactly as describedbroadshouldered, tall, dark hair, his gaze holding a curious charm. He approached and said, Ah, beauty is a fierce weapon. Im James, extending his hand. A true fairy stands before me, Im delighted.
Eleanor, I murmured, a strange weakness catching my knees.
All the way to the venue, James chattered, keeping me in a pleasant daze. I smiled but stayed quiet. He guessed I was nervous about his friends day.
Dont worry, were not the ones tying the knotjust our mates, he laughed loudly.
The civil ceremony was dignified and lovely. Though my nerves fluttered, I was genuinely happy for Eleanor. The reception hall brimmed with guests; James and I sat at the centre table beside the newlyweds. After a succession of toasts, the music rose and James asked me for a dance.
I hope, as your maid, Ive earned the first dance, he said. I nodded, offered my hand, and he led me gently to the centre of the room.
The waltz was slow; as he leaned in, he whispered, Your perfume is intoxicating, better than any wine.
My heart raced, and I tried to reason with myself. He isnt the one for you, you must not fall for him, I told myself. Easy to say, harder to obey.
Later, Eleanor nudged me, I warned you, didnt I? Keep him at arms length.
Why, Eleanor? I like him very much.
No doubt, she smiled slyly, hes a bounder, clever and greedy. Women wilt under his spell. Listen, Mabel, dont get serious with himjust a casual fling, if at all.
Im not planning to move in with him, I protested.
Hell be in your flat before youve blinked, she warned. Hell spin three lies and slip right in. Trust me, Ive seen it.
After work, James met me and suggested a café. He lingered, then lingered still, eventually staying at my flat. Eleanor called again, exasperated.
So you ignored my advice? she said. If he moans about money, dont feed him.
Whats his job, anyway? I asked.
You never asked, she retorted. He says his father runs a business, he helps out, spends time in Germany. That sleek car isnt his; its his dads, and James drives it on power of attorney. Im just telling you so you dont get any false hopes.
I thought, Hes such a charmer, attentive, truly thoughtful.
Two weeks later James asked, Mabel, could you lend me some money? Ten thousand pounds, Ill pay you back soon.
You buying something? I replied.
Nojust a car repair. Our firm is under audit, accounts frozen, but only for a short spell. I dug into my hidden stash and handed him the cash.
Pay me back when you can, he said.
We arranged to spend the weekend at a country hotel. On Friday evening, after work, Eleanor and Charles invited us to a café. Before we entered, I asked James, Do you have any cash? Well have to cover our own tab.
Blimey, he said, patting his pockets, Ive only got three hundred pounds left, maybe a bit more.
Its all right, I replied, pulling out a twothousandpound note, handing it to him. Take it, gentlemen traditionally pay, after all.
The night went splendidlywine, dancing, laughter. The following weekend Eleanor suggested a retreat to a lakeside lodge.
Lets offload there, lovely scenery, fishing. Tom, you need a break, she said, glancing tenderly at her husband. And you, James, can you make it?
Of course, Im my own boss, he replied, eyes on Eleanor.
At the lodge, James realised hed left his wallet at home. I sensed his trickery and asked, James, how could you forget something so essential?
Ive no idea, Mabel. I feel proper embarrassed, he muttered, thumping his forehead.
Later, while we ate, a pretty blonde brushed past James, tapping his shoulder.
Hello, James. Another chicken youre plucking? she teased.
What? Who are you? he stammered, looking confused. She turned to Eleanor.
Ladies, lets freshen up, she said, then to me, So hes found yet another hen that lays golden eggs?
What does that mean? I asked, voice trembling.
It means exactly that. Ive been there. He lives off women, forgets his money, flaunts foreign trips, claims a businessman father who never talks to him. Thats his life.
Now you see, Mabel? I told you not to trust him, Eleanor whispered.
What now? I asked, disheartened.
Nothing. Just send him packing. We dont need freeloaders. Ill help you, she declared firmly.
Back at the table, Eleanor looked straight at James and said, You are nothing but a moocher. He tried to protest, Thats not true
He rose, shouted, Off with you all! and stormed out, throwing a quick jab at me, Itll be boring, call me if you need a nonproud lad.
Eleanor shouted after him, Go on, away you goat least well remember you!
Thanks, Ellie, youve always had my back, James muttered as he left.
We both burst into loud laughter, recalling how many times wed rescued each other from such scoundrels. And so, looking back across the years, I still smile at the folly, the friendships, and the lessons learned in a world where a white wedding dress once seemed the pinnacle of happiness, even if the path to it was strewn with charming rogues and wellmeaning warnings.
