|
|
|
Damaged
Goods
By Anne Eldridge © Anne Eldridge “Is that you, dear?” Julia called, hearing her daughter’s footsteps in the hall. Seeing a light shining from beneath the bedroom door, Madeline opened it and asked, “What? Still awake, Mother?” “You know I can’t sleep until I know you’re home safe. See how late it is! I was worried sick. I was afraid you’d been in an accident.” “No. Simon and I went to a café after the theatre and had a long talk. That’s all.” “Mady, what is it? You look... well, not quite yourself. You seem upset.” “Not upset, just tired. Good night, Mother.” “What did you and Simon spend so long discussing? Your wedding plans, I imagine.” “Please, Mother, I’m very tired; I'd like to go to bed. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.” *****
Madeline slept late. When she came downstairs, she found her mother sitting at the breakfast table, looking very pale. She knew what was coming. “The Amboys phoned,” Julia said. “They say Simon wants to break off your engagement. Do you know anything about this?” “Of course. He told me last night. And he doesn’t want to break it off; he has broken it off.” “Oh, Mady, how terrible! Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because I couldn’t face talking about it just then. I was tired and emotionally drained, and needed to think things through.” “But I don’t understand. I mean, how could he? We should sue for breach of promise.” Madeline laughed bitterly. “One doesn’t sue for breach of promise any more. I don’t think it’s even on the statute books.” “Well, it ought to be. What about your future? What will people think?” Madeline shrugged. “That you’re damaged goods, that’s what. What man will want to marry you now?” “Honestly, Mother, you make me sound like a commodity. I wouldn’t want to marry a man who thought me any kind of goods, damaged or otherwise. Besides, Simon never promised me anything. You and the Amboys arranged the whole thing when we were children.” “You never objected.” “Why would I? Simon's a fine man and an excellent match.” “I thought he was fond of you.” “He is, but marriage needs a firmer foundation than fondness, don’t you think?” “I must say you’re taking this very stoically.” “That’s because I’ve had time to sleep on it, and I’ve decided it’s all for the best.” “Well, the Amboys think otherwise; they don’t intend to let Simon off that easily. They’ll keep at him till he comes round, I’m certain.” “And I’m more certain that he’ll stand up to them.” “And if he relents?” “Then I shall refuse him.” “Mady! What on earth has got into you?” “Please, Mother, I’ve made up my mind. The marriage is off, even if Simon ‘comes round’, as you put it.” *****
Both women were right. Simon’s parents had argued bitterly with him all morning, but had been unable to sway him, and he had gone into more detail than they wanted to hear. Now father and son sat alone in the drawing-room. The old man was trembling. “Just see what a state you’ve put your poor mother in!” he fumed. He was in as bad a state himself, except that his wife was heartbroken and he was livid. Simon said nothing. “I suppose you’ve told Madeline this as well,” the old man said. Simon nodded. “What did she have to say about it?” “ She understands. She thanked me for being honest.” “Well, I don’t thank you and I certainly don’t understand. Nor do I see why you felt compelled to... to come out to us, and I don’t see why it means you can’t get married.” “Don’t you?” “Other men are... are... like what you say you are, and it hasn’t stopped them.” “It wouldn’t be fair to Mady.” “What about being fair to us? Word will get around, and everyone will know we have damaged goods for a son.” “I’m sorry. I can’t help what I am.” “So you say. I don’t want to hear another word about this, do you understand? Not another word. Unless you want to tell us it isn’t true.” He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. *****
“Where are you off to?” Julia asked. Mady had put on her coat and was getting ready to go for a walk. “To meet Simon. He rang to say he wanted to see me.” “You see, I was right. He’s thought better of it.” “I doubt it. But if he has, I shan’t change my mind.” “Don’t be stubborn, Mady. Don’t hurt yourself just because he hurt your feelings.” “I’m not hurt, Mother, really I’m not. I’m very, very disappointed, but not hurt.” *****
“It was worse than I thought,” Simon said. “ There was a dreadful row.” “Then you told them?” “I had to, Mady. They kept pressing me for reasons. It could have gone on for months. Even your marrying someone else might not have put an end to it.” “And now what?” “I don’t know. For now they’re pretending no-one said anything, but it’s bound to blow up in our faces sooner or later, and I can’t think what will happen then. I feel so vulnerable, and alone.” “You know I’ll always be your friend, Simon. You can always turn to me, and I’ll be there.” “Yes, thank you, I know. I wish I could have married you.” “So do I, more than anything. But we can’t, can we?” “She smiled at him, and they sat a long time holding hands across from each other, at the same table where Simon had ended their engagement the night before.
***
Author
Biography
|