What makes a happy marriage? by Rhona Gorringe

“That’s a stupid question.” Geraldine tossed aside the glossy pages of Brides Today and looked at the innocent face of her niece.  

            “Well Aunt, you and Cyrus have been together for as long as I can remember.   Tell me your secret.   He is quite devoted to you, even if he isn’t your first.”

            “My first was a life lived on lust, fresh air and a shoestring.   We lived the dream, had fun and we certainly Carpe-d every Diem.   There were no tomorrows because every day was the best.   We lived for each other and people didn’t tell us what we ought to do..   Freddy gave me everything and every day the sun shone.   Sometimes we dined like kings, other days we might share a sardine omelette but Freddy could turn out cordon bleu in less time than it takes to say bon appetit.”   Geraldine waved her arms and the sun caught her elegant sparkling hands, “It was a blissful marriage, my child.”

            “But it was a long time ago, Aunt and I’m sure Toby and I will be just as happy in our two rooms, with bath, of course.   I know it’s outside the circle line but with the mortgage …”   Emma bit her lip, afraid that she might start to cry.   Things were getting too much for her. “I was quite young when Freddy died…” she hesitated not knowing how to carry on, “Mummy tried to explain but I didn’t really understand.”  

            Geraldine didn’t seem to notice her pause.   Her face had a faraway expression and she was humming a familiar tune Emma recognised but couldn’t place.    “Freddy could never be replaced but I’m so lucky to have found another Freddy, someone more mature.   I think it’s ridiculous to make such a lifetime decision when you’re in your teens or only early twenties!”

            Emma looked doubtful and couldn’t imagine a life without Toby.

            Geraldine stretched for the magazine and frowned,“No, I don’t think that neckline would suit you. Too prissy.” she murmured, looking at Emma and then, with wind in her sails, she went on, “I gave in to Cyrus to put him out of his misery and for help with my new boiler.   I thought I might be exchanging one set of irritating habits for another but darling Cyrus has proved me wrong.   Being ex Army he’s very happy to accept a relaxed way of life.   His idea of a happy marriage is;” she ticked off the points on her scarlet tipped fingers and recited; “Good books, good food, proper good friends, not those who air brush your cheeks and knock your hat sideways, good manners, separate bathrooms, this is essential and lots of good vino.   We are like Anthony and Cleopatra or Napoleon and Josephine.”

            Emma sighed and looked at the magazine.   She didn’t like that neckline either.