Love
In the eyes of the village women (and the men as well), Lucy Corfield had behaved immorallyher actions toward her own sister, Kate, were unforgiveable.
This was the story.
The Corfields were a respectable family; Frederick Corfield worked all his days as a tractor driver, and Mary Corfield was a cook at the village primary school.
For many years, Mary struggled to have children, visiting wise-women and herbalists, seeking remedies for her barrenness. In the end, she prevailed: God granted her a daughter, little Lucy.
Despite a name gentle as love itself, Lucy grew up plain and awkward. She shuffled a bit when she walked, sometimes leaning her head to one side, a tiny hunch rounding her back like a schoolbag. None of this mattered to the Corfields. She was hard-won, a cherished child, and her imperfections were unimportant.
Lucy grew into a gentle homebody, rarely mingling with other children, always quiet and apart.
Just as Lucy was finishing secondary school, the Corfields experienced a miracle: a late addition.
Kate was born.
If Lucy was awkward and dreamy, Kate was her oppositequick-witted and bold, always ready with a sharp retort, leading the village children up and down the lane, stick in hand, a proper little general.
Lucy adored her younger sister, fussing over her constantly. In the end, Lucy scarcely managed to learn a trade. Intellectual brilliance was never her strength, and her parents saw no reason to send her off to town for studies.
When Kate grew up, Lucy finally qualified as a baker, but she balked at the demands of professional kitchens. She returned to the village, and her mother secured her a job delivering the post.
***
The years passed as if blown by a brisk wind, and soon Kate was off to university.
By that time, Lucy had moved into her own tiny cottage, built of stone, with a tumble-down shed and a henhouse in the yard. With her parents help, she made a cosy home of it.
She was content: rural life, with her parents nearby, seemed all she would ever want.
Yet Lucy never married. There wasnt a suitable suitor in the village, and Lucy had resigned herself to spinsterhood. Or so it seemed
Kates first weekend home from university, she brought a friend, and a month later, she showed up with a boyfriend.
The Corfields were stunned.
And whos this, then? Mary demanded.
Mum, Dad, this is my boyfriend. Dont think anything of ithes just a friend.
Kate! her mother scolded. We sent you to university to study, not chase boys!
Mary began to fuss, waving her finger before her daughters face. What, life cant go on without some boy now? Youre still a child!
Mum! Im hardly running wild. He lives in our dorm, and he cant cook. Ive only been teaching him the basics, and in return, he helps me with my coursework.
Mary Corfields eyes grew wide. Helps you, does he? With what?
My homework, Kate replied matter-of-factly.
Mum, hes nice! Youll like him, honestly! Kate insisted, defending her guest.
But Mary looked at her pretty daughter and was shocked. Had she brought home a tramp? The man looked thirty, unshaven, with cheeky blue eyes, an old t-shirt and battered trainers.
Mary did not want that kind of man in her home. She stood firmly on the doorstep, blocking Kate and guest from entering.
Frederick, the father, could barely restrain his fists.
Youre welcome, love, but not him. Thats that, Mary proclaimed. He can go.
But where will he go? Kate protested.
Back to the bus stop. Maybe hell catch a lift, Mary replied, resolute.
The lad squinted in the sun, hands in pockets. Cant say I remember the way to your stop.
Ill take you, Kate piped up.
She did, but led him not to the bus stop, but straight to Lucys cottage.
Come on, Dave. Dont be upset. Parents, you know, she whispered, shrugging.
Theyre prehistoric, Dave grumbled. No talking to them. I thought your dad was about to chop me in two.
Oh, he wouldnt. That was just to unnerve you, Kate laughed. Hes not as bad as he seems, trust me.
***
Lucy was not expecting company.
She was shy, rarely spoke to villagers, and a strange young man at her door left her tongue-tied, cheeks scarlet.
Lucy, hands twisted, implored her, Sister, I need your help. My friend here needs a place for the night. Mum and Dad wouldnt take him inplease, let him sleep here till his bus comes, and dont say a word to the parents.
Could anyone have foreseen what followed?
Dave gratefully ate the meal Lucy offered, took in her home, and asked quietly: Wheres your husband, then?
I dont have one.
Youre living here on your own in this lovely place?
Lucys knees went soft. Blood rushed to her face. She hurried outside, busying herself with chores, dreading his presence inside.
But as twilight came, Lucy nerved herself to prepare his supper, called him in, and firmly decided: once his bed was made up, she would lock up and spend the night at her parents. The plan was simple.
She was fluffing the pillow for him when, suddenly, he hugged her from behind. Strong arms; she froze, breath stuck.
Lucy, said his voice, suddenly hoarse, Are you scared of me?
She gasped, a fish on dry land.
N-no.
So why are you trembling like a willow leaf? he murmured.
A strangers touch, the first shed ever known, left Lucy in a dreamlike trance. Her limbs were weightless, mouth dry. Then the world seemed to blink away. When she woke, the cocks crowed outside: morning already
***
The news that old Lucy, the spinster had found herself a young fiancé swept through the village of Willowby.
Every neighbour whispered, speculating about the pending registry office wedding. Where did she find him? She never leaves the house! He must have fallen from the sky, they marvelled.
The groom, much younger and dashingly scrubbed up by Lucy, drew stares. A right looker, that one. Hes from town. Shes nearly forty, he not yet thirtyfancy that difference! Maybe theres something wrong with his head or his eyes.
Others were less kind: The pretty ones cant find husbands, but Lucy snared herself a fine specimen! It wont lasthell leave her, mark my words. She shouldve left him for someone like Katy Shaw, twenty-three, raising her son alone. Why not Dave for her? Lucys too old; let her find someone her age.
The gossiping tongues wagged on.
Everywhere, even among the kindest souls, someones bound to envy the fortunes of another, and spit venom behind backs.
(And about the cruel word old, forgive meits only how things were said.)
Long after, speculation rumbled on. Villagers poked and peered, all wanting to know what brought Dave to Lucys sideand what kept him there.
Only the Corfields knew where the groom had come from. Kate had brought him, and he had clung to Lucy. But the truth emerged slowly.
First Kate, irritated, left for town again.
Mary noticed a changeLucy called round less and, when she did, looked off-kilter: bright eyes, trembling hands, as if everything slipped through her grasp.
Do you think Lucys started drinking? Mary wondered. Shes acting strange.
They decided to keep a discreet eye on her. It turned out Lucy was not living alone: she was hiding Davethe very Dave Kate had fetched from university.
The fateful introduction happened after Mary and Frederick burst unannounced into Lucys cottage.
Hullo, daughter, Frederick said quietly, stepping inside. Now, show us who youre sheltering.
Lucy shrank into the corner, gritting her teeth.
Who would I be hiding?
Frederick sighed gently. Oh, Lucy, dont try lying. Weve known you for thirty-seven years. Lyings not your gift. All right, you in the cupboardout!
Silence. The clock ticked. Mary and Frederick exchanged a look, slipped off their wellies, and sat at Lucys ancient writing desk. Lucy, clutching the Corfield sense of decency, darted to make tea.
They sipped in silence, eyes on the cupboard.
Are you getting married, then? Frederick ventured, all sorrow.
Lucy hung her head. Dave emerged at last.
Good afternoon.
Mary let out a sob. Pulling herself together, she scrutinised Dave. He was tidier now: clean t-shirt, tracksuit trousers. She squintedwasnt that Fredericks own shirt? She had given it as a present last February! Did that mean?
Oh dear, Lucy, didnt expect our things would end up on that scoundrel, she gasped.
She understood at once. First Kate, then LucyDave had moved from one to the other! Oh, the nerve
***
Dave felt thoroughly ill at ease.
Im single, I suppose marriage is possible. But let me be clear: Ive no money. If you plan for a wedding, I cant pay.
Once again, Frederick and Mary exchanged glances, heads hung low.
They didnt like it, but what could they do? At least this would protect Lucys honour.
They agreed: in a couple of months, Lucy and Dave would be wed at the registry. For the first time, Lucy emerged from her home not alone but on the arm of a mana man she now loved, in her own quiet way.
***
Their life was quiet. Dave spent his days lounging in bed like a sultan, Lucy buzzing aboutbaking pies, knitting his jumpers.
After a respectful week, Frederick called round:
Dave, my boy, what are you lying about for? Come lend a hand with some firewood.
Firewood? Dave blinked. What about it?
Chopping, son. Youll soon learn. Wrap up and come on.
Daves sour face said it all, but Lucy fetched him his coat and pressed a kiss to his cheek before sending him off in the sidecar of Fredericks motorbike.
Mary appeared as soon as they left. Drop everything, were going to town.
Why? Lucy asked, bemused.
Because women are whispering that the wife of Dave looks like a sack of potatoes next to her groom! Well buy you dresses, shoes. A trip to the hairdresser. You must keep yourself up for your husband.
Later, Lucy realised her mother was right. Young wives took to wandering past Lucys gate, done up nicely and with their figures on show. She quickly gathered their intentions: to lure Dave away.
Then came Kates outrage.
She had stopped visiting home after the Dave scandal, and unleashed her fury upon Lucy:
I asked you to watch over Dave, not steal him! He was my boyfriend, dont you get it? Not anymore. Neither are you my sister.
And you, Dave, remember what you said? That youd only ever marry me. You lied! Prefer older women with their cottage to a girl your age? Have a happy lifejust remember, Lucys an old woman, and every day she grows older!
Her words stung. Lucy wept for days.
So Dave, did you marry me for the house?
He was silent. Eventually, he admitted, Not really. Kate chased after me, but she wants the world: a car, a flat in London. How? I never even graduated from college. My parents drink. Im the eldest, with a string of younger siblings. When I finished school, I ranlived here and there, taking odd jobs. But a good job needs a qualification. I tried collegeit didnt work out. Books arent for me.
Then Kate latched on. Shes pretty and lively, but Id have to battle her family. You, though you never ask for much, your home is warm, you feed me. I didnt want to leave, not after such a good dinner I just wanted to stay.
So youre here because youve nowhere else? Lucy asked dully.
Dave met her eyes. But enough confessions for today.
Well, no, not like that. I saw you and just knew you were for me, he lied, but gently.
***
Soon, word spread: Dave had come for Kate, but ended up marrying Lucy. That man is utterly shameless, gossipers said. Hell settle anywhere so long as its warm and theres food.
They eyed Daves indolence. Hes a loaferwont get a job, has no drive. Lucy treats him like a king but he gives nothing back.
Lucy heard the whispers, but paid them no heed. She cared for her home, her husband, and her peace.
***
The Corfields gradually accustomed themselves to Lucys marriage. Dave might be lazy, but he didnt drink or beat her, and for that, they were grateful.
Then Kate disappearedher anger at Lucy kept her away for six months.
I cant bear it, I miss my girl, Mary wailed, loading up shopping bags and heading for the bus.
She combed the city, but Kate was nowhere to be found. At last, a porter at the halls of residence shook her head. Shes not lived here for ages, love. Pops in weekends to see her mates. Her bellys updidnt you know?
Mary nearly fainted. What belly?
Pregnant, isnt she? Lives with her fella, renting in town.
Mary gathered some of Kates friends, and finally tracked her down. Kate was living in a bedsit with a young man.
***
Frederick took to his armchair and whisky, nerves shattered. His daughters had driven him to distraction.
Even so, they welcomed Kates chap to the familyNick. Also broke, also in holey trainers, but bursting with charm. At their wedding he danced circles round everyone, sang sea shanties, and soon the Corfields were fond of their new son-in-law.
But Kate and Nick were both firecrackers: quarrels every day. The young couple stayed at the Corfield house.
Their son Harry was barely six months before Nick scarpered, hastily, out the back gate.
Kate didn’t mourn; she actually seemed relieved. She dropped Harry on her parents and hurried back to town to finish her degree.
***
Harry was in everyones care: grandmother, grandfather, Aunt Lucyeven Dave had a turn.
Dave, you twisted your arm on purpose, didnt you? barked Frederick at the crack of dawn. Trying to dodge the haymaking? FineLucy can do it while you play nanny.
Frederick checked on Lucys house daily: made sure no one slept late, the stove was lit, the hens fed.
Dave resented his father-in-laws interference but couldnt risk Lucys displeasurehis comfort depended on her.
Lucy relied on her parents.
Dave, the idler, resisted every attempt at work, a helpless weight on Lucys shoulders. Still, she fed and clothed him, and would have let him sleep all day if Frederick didnt pester him.
Years went by. Dave plumped up, his cheeks round and ruddy from endless meals. At last, he began to wonder if answering to an old farmer was quite the life. He liked Lucys home, but found the work unpleasant.
Country life means labour, after all.
***
One evening, Lucy dragged herself in from the fields, bone-tired.
Dave, love, she called weakly. Still all right with the little one?
Silence. Lucy panicked. She searched the house, called for Dave.
No sign of your Dave, called the neighbour over the hedge. He left little Harry with megave you a note.
What note? Lucy blinked.
The neighbour handed over the scrap, promising to bring Harry back.
Lucy, youve been a good wife, thank you. Thanks to you, I came alive and found my path: the village is not my destiny. Im off. Well divorce, dont put up a fight. I took a bit of money for the bus and first expenses; Ive earned it. One thing moreif youd been an orphan, youd have been perfect.
Lucy stared through the paper, eyes blank.
She took her nephew from the neighbour, dressed him clean, and, forgetting her own tiredness, played with him for hours.
For many nights, she wept, wondering why he left.
Only with time did she let him go, her heart finally quieting.
Soon after, Lucy had a child of her own, from Davebut kept it to herself, raising her boy Alex alone. Harry, her nephew, followed everywhere, calling Lucy Mum.
Ive nothing to reproach fate for, Lucy thought at last. Dave was a passing travellerthanks to him, I learned joy with a man, and the joy of motherhood. I wont hold him back; let him go his way. I thank him for my son.
And so Lucy went on, with her children and her kin.
***
Shes cracked, that Lucy, the neighbours muttered, unkind as ever. She went and took up with a rogue who abandoned her with a child. See, a young manll never stay with an old woman.
Lucy heard the gossip and smiled, pushing the childrens pram down the leafy lane.
She was used to village talk, and maybe one day, shed become a sharp-tongued gossip herselftheres little else to discuss in sleepy Willowby.
She still smiles, the silly woman
***
Dave returned one day, older, battered. Same worn-out shoes.
He peered sheepishly in. Will you take me in? Whos the tall boyHarrys grown, hasnt he?
Lucy drew Harry inside.
Harry, yes. Why have you come, Dave? We agreed it was over.
I came back for you.
And your search for purpose?
Forget all that, Lucy. Purpose, callingits nonsense. Home is where youre wanted, where its warm.
Lucy nodded gently. My home is just thatmy home, Dave. Youd better find your own now.
Thats it? Dave blinked. What, no more feelings? I could change your mind, Lucy
No, Dave. Theres nothing left. All that stuff about feelings is just an excuse. I cant live with someone I dont trust. Anyway, Im busyhaymaking tomorrow.
Haymaking? Old Frederick Corfield still alive? Dave asked, a shadow of his old swagger gone.
There was nothing left to say. Dave slung his bag and shuffled away.
Goodbye, then. Let me know if you ever need me again.
***
The neighbours tutted, Lucys lost her marbles. Men dont grow on treesshe could have taken him back, the old fool
But Lucy, her children in tow, only smiled at the worldbecause, in the strange logic of dreams, the gossiping voices are nothing but last nights wind in the hedges. And life in Willowby rolled gently on.
