Country Life
Alice Pollard has grown up in a quaint English villagethe eldest daughter in a bustling, large family. From childhood, shes always stood outa tall girl with broad shoulders who shot up past her peers early on. The village children made playful attempts at nicknaming her things like Beanstalk or The Giant, but nothing ever stuckAlice had a knack for standing her ground from the start.
As the years passed, Alice and her friends outgrew childish taunts. People soon learned that Alice was the kind of friend whod always have your backa steadfast and reliable soul, a champion of fairness. Whether it was a youngster or an animal in need, Alices kindness was never in short supply, just as her ire was quick for anyone cruel-hearted.
Being the eldest, she didnt receive as much affection from her parents as the little ones. Much of her time was spent rocking the baby or helping with household chores. Yet, she kept up with her studies and made sure to find time to wander the fields with her best friends. The first truly warm words Alice recalls from her mother came at sixteenher little brother, Nicky, had fallen terribly ill and cried for three nights straight. Only in Alices arms did he eventually calm and drift into peaceful sleep.
Youre a true treasure, my girl, said her weary-eyed mother, Nina, stroking Alices golden hair and pressing a soft kiss on her head.
Mum, try and get some rest, Alice whispered, Ill hold Nicky and rock him if he wakes. Youre utterly worn out. Please, at least close your eyes for a while.
But you have school in the morning, came Ninas reply. You need rest, Alice. Exams are coming up. Itll do no good if youre nodding off in class. Let me take him.
No, Mum, Alice insisted gently, My lessons arent too tough tomorrow. I know the work, and if I have to skip school, I can. You should sleepyoull be needed tomorrow, especially if Nickys still unwell.
Nina smiled sadly, looking at her daughter. I hardly realised what a wonderful girl youd become. My mind was always wrapped up in chores and the younger ones. Im sorry if Ive neglected you.
Dont say that, Mum, Alice replied passionately. Ive never felt overlooked. I know you love us all. Being the eldest meant more responsibility, true, but it also meant more freedom.
Freedom? What do you mean?”
You and Dad always said, as long as my chores were done, I was free to do as I liked. I could go out, as long as I took Vera and Sam with me. So I always finished up quickly, eager to get outside with everyone.
And Vera and Sam didnt slow you down?
Never, Mum. Theyd play at whod push the pram. Ivan Pettyhes from the well-off family down the lanehed bring toys to lure my siblings in. My friends were great about it.
Thats because youre lovely. Well, enough chatter. Lets try and settle Nicky in bed together. If he wakes, Ill take over.
As Alice carefully tried to move Nicky to his cot, he woke in tears. She shook her head at her mum, cuddled him close, and said shed sit up with him till morning.
Well, Im not going back to sleep now, Nina sighed. Lets talk about your studies. I never really had to check up on your homeworkalways thought you managed on your own. Today, your teacher caught me in the lane and said youre top of your class. I was shocked.
I am, Mum. Lessons have always come easily. But Aunt Tamsin said its one thing to do well in a village school, quite another in the city.
But why does it matter? Nina frowned.
It does! I dont want to stay here my whole life. I need to study in the city, compete with the city kids.
Competition, is it? Nina mused, remembering her own lifemarried young, trained as a cook at the local school, never really thought about her daughter leaving.
Neither could sleep, worrying over Nicky and one another. In those quiet hours, Alice told her about Aunt Tamsins offerher mothers sister now living in York, working as an accountant, unmarried, no children of her own. Tamsin had invited Alice to stay with her for college.
Oh, my girl, sighed Nina. I wont hold you back. Youve helped me enough; now its time to think of your future. Sit your exams, and go.
Alice smiled, relieved. She had feared her parents might not let her go, knowing how much they relied on her at home.
Time whizzed by. Alice aced her exams, enrolled at university, made new friendsboth from the city and the countrysidealways finding common ground. Her family sent her parcels stuffed with roast beef, eggs, and homemade cheese. Aunt Tamsin was incredulouswhat were they to do with so much? But Alices gifts meant she was always welcome in the halls; students gathered for feasts whenever she arrived.
Her friends began dating. Gradually, Alice was the only one without a boyfriend, not that she was bothered. She wasnt short of admirers. By her final year, a chap named Edward appeared.
She met Edward at a student party, dragging her usual two bulging bags of treats. Her course mate, George, offered to help her haul themboth by foot and on the tram.
You think you can carry these? Alice chuckled. I might be sturdier than you.
George laughed. Such jokes were the norm between themhe was the slightest lad in their group, and Alice the tallest, with a big-boned frame but never overweight.
Ill have help, grinned George. My mate Ed will give us a hand.
That day, George introduced her to Edwardhandsome, smooth, fashionably dressed, and charming in an unassuming way. He often joined their group, and though his attention wasnt overly obvious, Alice felt his interest. And she wasnt the only one.
You keep glancing at Alice, George teased Edward. Shes a top girland unattached.
Shes ace, Edward agreed, but changed the subject, troubled.
So what are you waiting for? George prodded. Have a chatshe likes you.
You could try too, Edward snapped back, half-joking.
Yes, shes my type, but Im just her mate. Besides, how do I approach a girl whos nearly two heads above me? Even wider too!
Alice and George often poked fun at this. Once, George leapt up, pretending to try and kiss her; Alice played along, scooping him into the air to laughs all around.
Admit ityou do fancy her, George pressed. He liked Alice and wanted the best for her, hoping perhaps she and Ed would hit it off.
Edward delayed, swerving every question until he confided, Shes a country girl, you know?
So? said George. You dont have to marry her and move to Oakworth. Shell stay in the city, surely.
Thats not it. Shes wonderfulbut her looks are so country, unfashionable.
Nonsense, George bristled. He wasnt a typical lad, but plenty of girls liked him. Alice was strikingtall, elegant, with the kind of beauty you saw in old films.
Edward sighed: I enjoy her companyeven more than that really. But she doesnt fit my world. When we hang out Im afraid my trendier mates would judge.
But resisting Alices charm was hopeless. Edward sometimes walked her home, lent a hand or two, and one evening, they kissed.
The pair kept their relationship low-key. Alice didnt understand why. Shed love to introduce him to her aunt and family, or at least not have to hide from friends. Still, she didnt press; if intimacy was off the table, she wasnt pushing for more.
Edward was surprised by his feelingshed never been so drawn to anyone. Her refusal to rush intimacy only heightened his desire. When Alice was near, those soft green eyes full of fondness, he felt an overwhelming tenderness. Even simple things about herher skin, her fresh scentset his heart thumping. Shed welcome kisses and cuddles but drew the line at more.
He grew to cherish her personality even more than her looks. She was warm, practical, good-humouredqualities few city girls seemed to have. He saw this most clearly one evening when, mid-walk in the gardens, his phone rang: his little brother, Billy, up to mischief.
Billys caused chaos at home while our parents are away, said Edward.
Shall I come with you? Alice offered.
You sure? Its bound to be a mess.
Ill helplets get going.
Though flustered, Edward agreed, but within an hour, he was grateful. Alice handled his brother, the neighbours, and the minor drama with calm authority, resolving disputes and calming everyone far quicker than he could have alone.
Again and again, Edward realised how different she was from anyone hed datedless fuss, more heart, sensible with people, and even won over his parents.
As Alice neared graduation, she considered her next move. Aunt Tamsin urged her, Stay in York. You cant return to Oakworth and spend your life mucking out the cows.
I dont want to go back, but I cant afford a flat. I cant keep burdening you.
Nonsense, Aunt Tamsin replied. Ive left the flat to you in my will. Itll be yoursjust promise youll stay.
Alice hugged her aunt, torn but grateful. Her future in the city depended, at least in part, on Edwardthough he never spoke about their plans.
I dont want you going back to the country, Edward burst out at a café, Stay, please.
Id love to, but what about a home, a job?
You have meIll help with work and somewhere to live.
She held her breath, hoping for more: children, a life together. He seemed uncertain but finally confessed, I cant go on without you.
That night, their relationship grew deeper. But at dawn, a call came: Aunt Tamsin had passed away, a heart attack on the way to hospital.
Grief blurred Alices days, but Edward never left her side. Eventually, inheriting the flat meant York became her home. Edward moved in to help and comfort. Alice, shattered by loss but buoyed by his love, found solace.
Life settled: after defending her degree, she landed a good position in a well-known company. Her salary was enough, and Edward remained her companion. Alice, practical as ever, cooked hearty stews, Yorkshire puddings, and shepherds pienever much for dainty cafe fare.
One evening over dinner in a posh restaurant, Edward felt unexpectedly irritable. Alice ordered pea soup and pickled herrings while Edward picked through mussels and wine, realising how much he longed for variety and old friendscasual evenings in buzzing bars, coffeehouse gatherings, quick concerts.
He still loved Alice, but their life together now felt too simple, too plain. She noticed, asked him about it. He stumbled for an answer, unsure what he truly wanted.
Was there someone else? Alice began to wonder. But Edward didnt leave.
One afternoon she returned home unexpectedly and overheard Edward and George in the kitchen.
You lucked out, mate, George was saying. Shes lovely, loyal, cooks like an angel, and shes down-to-earth!
I know, and I love her. But I miss nights at the club, chatting with slim girls in coffee shopsor even just a break from meat pies and beans.
If youre so unhappy, why are you still here? George retorted.
Im just tired. Shes been here five years, but shes still a country lassturns up with bags of roast beef and cheese, cooks for an army. Her clothespractical, but not trendy. And sheshuge. Not fat, but justbig! My mates would laugh if she turned up in skinny jeans and a leather jacket.
Then move out! Stop eating her pies if you look down on her, George snapped.
Alice stood, heart pounding, wounded more deeply than she ever had before.
Maybe I am just a country girl, she thought bitterly, but I do have self-respect. Dont I?
She quietly began packing Edwards things. He came in, with George in tow, and tried to say something, but Alice pointed to the bags.
Youll have to go, she said, steady but final.
Edward pleaded, protested, demanded explanations, but it was no use. She showed him out and spent the night weeping, heartbroken. She grieved for days and then, little by little, started to heal. She threw herself into redecorating and work, and later, took a break to visit her family in Oakworth.
Back in York, a surprise awaited herEdward stood outside with flowers, begging for another chance. He seemed desperate, but Alice realised she felt nothing anymore.
Soon she met Michaela sincere, reliable Englishman with whom she built a family. Edward tried to come back several times, never truly getting over Alice, and regretting deeply that hed let such an extraordinary woman go.
She may have started out as the country girl, but Alice knew now, she was something moresteadfast, loved, and able to choose her own happiness.
