Even the Good Ones Get Left Behind

A fine woman can be left behind too

In the looking glass, Alice saw herselfa lovely woman of thirty-five with sorrowful eyes. She simply could not fathom what men of today truly desired. It was such a pity that these things werent taught at university. Why had she bothered to earn a first-class degree?

From a young age, Alice had dreamed of a familya loving husband and children, three if the stars allowed. Her parents set the perfect examplean image of the ideal English household. Alice rushed to marry, as though happiness was something she might accidentally let slip past.

She met her husband, William, back at university. Handsome, athletic, and clever, he easily became the life and soul of every gathering and drew admiring glances wherever he went. Their paths crossed at a party, and an immediate spark connected them. William had travelled to Oxford from another town, while Alice still lived at home with her parents.

Six months on, William proposed. She eagerly accepted. The pair married after finishing their degrees. William seemed the perfect husbandattentive, considerate, and always ready with a joke. He secured a job as an engineer at a gas company, while Alice became a specialist at a local bank.

Half a year after their wedding, Alice discovered she was expecting. Williams reaction was far from delighted.

Alice, how on earth did this happen? I thought you had everything under control?

I honestly dont know, William she replied, startled by his tone. But does it matter? We were going to have a child anyway. Perhaps its simply meant to befate, you know.

Dont talk nonsense! Its not fate, its carelessness. Weve only just started our jobs. Nows the time to focus on our careers, not nappies and sleepless nights.

Alice barely managed to hold back her tears. His response caught her utterly unprepared.

Alice, my love, William said softly, putting an arm around her, perhaps, well, we could you know Theres really no need to rushtheres time

She stared at him, shocked.

Dont even think it! If youre not happy, I wont force your hand. The choice is yours.

Alice dashed out of the flat, wandering through the chilly Oxford streets, lost in thought, desperately trying to make sense of what had just happened. Her dream of a large, cheerful family seemed to shatter under her feet.

Days passed in icy silence between Alice and William. At last, William apologised, saying hed thought things through, and he really was glad to become a father. Joy soared through Alice. Eight months later, their son, Anthony, arrived.

Alice adored being a mother. She relished caring for her child, keeping the house in order, and cooking up delicious food for her husband. When Anthony turned three, she returned to work, enrolling Anthony in nursery.

Alice danced through the days, light as a feather, certain she was the happiest woman alive. Their many friends seemed to affirm this. The couple often hosted gatherings for university chums and their spouses. One evening, Alice overheard a conversation between William and his mates.

Will, you really landed on your feet with Alice! Shes gorgeous, clever, keeps a tidy house, and can cook a Sunday roast that puts the rest of us to shame.

Absolutely, added another friend. My wife only ever demands money and frays my nerves.

Well, Im no slouch myself, William replied cheerfully. Thats why Ive got such a brilliant wife.

The men roared with laughter. The wives, however, held another view entirely and were never shy about sharing their thoughts with Alice.