It was a boring party. He disapproved of parties as a rule, because no matter how hard he tried he always found himself being pushed to a corner. It wasn't that he wasn't social. It was just that he couldn't stand it when the hostess' started bringing up soppy eyed rich girls to him. It was well known that Simon Delaware was a wealthy bachelor, and not many social gatherings were complete without his been introduced to some sinfully boring female with whom he would not be comfortable spending ten minutes, let alone eternity. He dreaded that he would ever inadvertently marry one of these females, and had decided earlier that one of their deaths would be sure to part them.
He sighed and pushed himself more into the corner, shaking his glass of wine gently. Ghastly stuff, he assumed. He for one had never tasted it. From what he'd seen of parties, people seldom drank it. It was at precisely this moment that he saw her. Much emphasis has been placed on the eyes locking from opposite corners of the room cliche, but it is not often that this happens. This however, was one of those occasional instances; those perfectly magical moments when a few seconds seemed to last for eternity as they looked at each other. Then, slowly she turned her head back to the group she had been chatting with. Simon picked himself up and dodging his hostess and her newest potential Mrs. Delaware, Simon weaved his way to the girl.
The introductions were relatively simple and fast. Mr. Delaware, Mrs. Katherine Herring - Kathy to her friends; Mrs. Herring, Mr. Simon Delaware - son of Herbert Delaware the famous millionaire. The title Mrs. has Simon numbed. Somehow, he'd never imagined that she could be *married*. Nevertheless, he continued talking, and it wasn't too long before they were pretty much alone. She seemed a lot more relaxed around him, for some reason. They talked about everything. From why she hated parties like this, to her husband. The latter topic was one he did not want to dwell on for too long, but he listened with rapt attention to every word she spoke. The remainder of the party seemed to get over far too soon for his liking.
He went home that night, but simply couldn't to sleep. He sat up thinking about her all night. He simply couldn't get over how unfair the entire situation was. They were perfect for each other; even she could see that. But she was older than him and worse, married. He thought about it for quite a long time, and decided that he wouldn't give up. If his parents had their way, he reasoned, they'd have him married to someone less animated that a statue and with slightly less appeal. To them, it would make no difference if he were to marry any one else of his choice or an older married woman.
They met each other quite frequently after that, much to his surprise. He started going to parties more often, and he could have sworn that she seemed to be searching around for him each time. From this, it was but a small step to meeting elsewhere: a coffee shop she'd heard of, perhaps. Or a rather pretty park that he'd found. He wondered through all these meetings what her husband might have thought of all this, and wistfully hoped that she had an unhappy marriage. One day, he asked her. They were quite happy (she said), though they had never got down to the question of children - him being very busy. But she was quite happy, apparently. He was disappointed, but not too put off. He was doggedly determined that he would get her, no matter what.
It went on for some time. Eventually, he could keep it in no longer and told her. Told her that she was perfect for him and that he would marry her and that he wouldn't care what people thought. He could see she was embarrassed, though more because (or so he hoped) she felt the same way. They still continued to meet, and from time to time he'd tip his heart and each time she'd withdraw. Eventually, the unthinkable happened: she agreed. The formalities were quite simple and quick to complete. The divorce and marriage were quite quiet, and apparently her husband didn't take it too hard.
Time started to move again, and sure enough they had a son. But as they were both occupied by the child she carried, disagreements had begun. It began with small things, then larger quarrels. She was always afraid that he'd leave her for a younger woman, and he was so worried about making her happy that he could never love. In a while, they just fell apart. It wasn't too hard, given the condition of their marriage. People would shake their heads and say how such marriages would never work and how they'd always known about it. They were just sorry for the boy, they said. The worst, however, was possibly got by the parents. Two disappointed believers, perhaps. Two players in a game; a game where negotiations and love songs are often mistaken for one and the same.
Now Simon and Kathy remain in contact. Let's just say it's for the child. Occasional disagreements in the meaning of a marriage contract, quarrels, but on the whole, conversations hardly worthwhile. But from time to time, he makes her laugh and she cooks him a meal or two.
What is the point of this story? What information, as it were, pertains? Perhaps the thought that life could be better is woven indelibly into our hearts and out brains.
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