An older wife, a husband, and a younger woman each find their place in a delicate arrangement that challenges their definitions of love and loyalty.
A Gullible Love
The horses neigh before galloping along the path through the woods as Rosalind and Eddy hold tight during their jubilant first ride. He smiles at the flowing mane and Rosalind’s long locks of brunette hair blowing in the wind. At fifteen years his senior, her timeless beauty appears perfect for him.
She overcompensates for the age gap by bowling, skating, and dancing on weekends. Rosalind even prepares weekly meals that make Eddy feel she’s the ideal wife. Despite many warnings of discordant golden years from family neighsayers, he believes it’s time to propose.
A Disillusioned Marriage
At age thirty, Eddy weds Rosalind, and they struggle through the first five years of adjustment. She was a recipe-card cook before marriage. Work now hinders meal planning, so they settle into casseroles and crockpot dinners. Starter home repairs leave little time for recreational activities.
Over the next ten years, intimacy becomes an unwelcome chore to Rosalind. Affection strains, and the two become tolerant roommates. A young woman named Carrie catches Eddy’s imagination, with glances apparent to Rosalind. The relationship that includes frequent group excursions remains platonic. Yet, Rosalind can’t bring herself to intervene.
Another ten years transpires as retired Rosalind grays, and the woman thirty-five years younger appears to be a potential replacement. While discussing their new budget over an evening casserole, Eddy makes the eminent suggestion.
“Rosalind, what do you think about renting a room to a boarder?”
“You mean to Carrie?”
“She’s… one option. She’s practically family.”
“Uh, hm. Really? Name another option.”
“Another one doesn’t come to mind, but we could ask around.”
“My vision may be poor, but I’m not blind. Is Carrie your mistress?”
Eddy looks away, his fingertips drumming on the table. “Rosalind, why would you ask that? I’ve always been faithful.”
“I know we have marriage problems. Does she have to become a daily reminder of my replacement?”
Her candor makes Eddy face the feelings he’s been trying to suppress. Even his hesitation to provide Rosalind comfort in response to her suspicions suggests a more than platonic view of Carrie. He smiles and remains silent while taking another bite of his meal.
Rosalind says, “If you’re moving her in, just be honest. Are you planning to sleep with her?”
Eddy looks his wife in the face, responding, “I’ve made no such plans…”
“But would you object if she came onto you?”
“I can’t dignify that with a response,” Eddy replies defensively.
While wiping a tear from her eye, Rosalind admits, “It hurts me to say that I can no longer satisfy your needs. That couldn’t be her only purpose for being here, though.”
The favorable consideration enlivens Eddy to offer more suggestions. “What if she assisted with cooking and house cleaning?”
“Let me think more about it.”
That evening, Rosalind showers and dabs on cologne before retiring to bed. They lie still beside each other, Eddy sensing her discomfort with any romantic outcome.
The next morning, Rosalind says while placing a cup of coffee and toast on the dining room table, “It would be worse if you left me for her. So while she’s here, keep it discreet.”
A Marriage Savior
With an eagerness to assist with chores, Carrie moves in, unaware of the private negotiations. For the first couple of weeks, Rosalind sees the positive advantages of having a respectful young woman around.
Then Eddy takes Carrie out to dinner to discuss the unspoken subject. Amidst the warm glow of candles on the tables and soft music, the couple sits in a booth.
Carrie reacts with a bright smile, “This place… dare I say… is romantic. Is Rosalind going to join us?”
“No. This is just for you and me. We need to talk.”
“That sounds ominous,” Carrie replies, widening her coy eyes. “Am I in trouble?”
“Far from it. Have some wine,” Eddy says while filling both their glasses.
“Thank you.” She sips. “This is good.”
He swirls his glass and takes in the bouquet. “Over the years, we’ve become best friends.”
“I love hearing that.”
“If something happened to Rosalind, where would that leave us?”
“I would be sad, of course. Is she sick?”
“No, but she’s getting along in years. Would we remain friends… or possibly…?”
“Don’t make me blush.”
“Carrie, you’re irresistible.”
“You think so?”
“We’re already sharing so much… and I feel like there’s something more we’ve avoided.”
“Oh! What about Rosalind?”
“She understands… even suggesting that waiting isn’t necessary. She’s accepted our future. Shouldn’t we?”
“You really believe this is what she wants?”
“I think it’s what we both want.” Eddy pauses for a sip of wine. “Let’s not hide from it anymore.”
“It’s a big step. Am I supposed to keep smiling in her face like everything’s normal?”
“Look, I don’t know how much longer Rosalind will last. She could go tomorrow or another ten years from now. Should we keep waiting?”
“No, Eddy. You’re the only man I’ve wanted this with. If you say it’s time, I trust you.”
“Will your family interfere?”
“I caught flak about moving in, but they know how much maturity appeals to me. Marriage isn’t possible now, but I live with you and won’t disappoint you.”
A Willing Concubine
Their new relationship draws them into an impassioned frequency that defies discretion. Rosalind erroneously assumes something Eddy has concealed for years is now under her oversight. During an evening dinner preparation, Rosalind’s sudden grasp of a large knife makes Carrie perspire with guilt as their eyes lock. Such interactions eventually mellow.
While getting dressed in the guest room one afternoon, Carrie waits for the right moment to share surprising news.
Eddy, admiring her youthful beauty, says, “I wish there was some way to prove I deserve you.”
Carrie seizes the opportunity. “There is. You’re going to be a father.”
Eddy rustles from beneath the sheets, scratching his eyebrow with excitement and guilt. “You’re pregnant? How’s that discreet?”
“My time for childbearing has limits. Besides, it’s what you and Rosalind encouraged.”
He reaches for her shoulder, saying, “Of course. But what happens next?”
“I’m bringing a life into the world and will have to name the father.”
“But it’s going to shine a spotlight on our unconventional relationship.”
“I’ve agreed to become your wife, your lover, and now the mother of your child. Tell Rosalind we’re in love, or I’ll handle it my way.”
“Yes, of course. You’ve done nothing wrong. Rosalind’s outlived our plans. Since we’ve met, you’ve been patient. I love you and will be here for you.”
In the evening, lying beside Rosalind, Eddy’s thoughts drift to nursery decorations and life without her. In the dim light, he looks at his wife, wondering how much longer. Through Carrie’s morning sickness and mood swings, Eddy imagines the difficult conversation with Rosalind. With each passing week, his insomnia becomes more unbearable.
One evening, Rosalind complains to Carrie that she doesn’t feel well. After Carrie prepares a cup of tea, she lingers in the doorway, watching Rosalind sip slowly, then turns away with a faint smile.
The next morning, while Carrie sets the breakfast table for three, Eddy emerges with somber news.
“Rosalind has passed away.”
Carrie’s hands tremble slightly, her gaze flickering to the teacup still sitting on the kitchen counter. He and the mother of his unborn child tearfully embrace. After a small private ceremony, there’s no mourning period.
Before a month transpires, at a small wedding, Carrie’s mother watches, eyes lingering on Eddy longer than necessary. Her suspicions feel like daggers in his back. Carrie’s sister pulls her into a hug, whispering, “Are you sure about this?” before stepping back with a forced smile. The bride and groom ignore insinuations.
On their honeymoon, they ride horses along a wooded trail. Carrie’s laughter rings out, reminiscent of a similar ride long ago. Eddy’s pace is more of a trot than a gallop, which gives him pause. As the older mate, he fears the eventuality of facing Rosalind’s misfortune.
The timing of the birth fills the gaps in the suspicions of friends and family, who make no accusations but never view them quite the same way again.
The End
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