The Perfect Suitor
Eleanor! Edward is a highly respected gentleman and, lets not forget, quite accomplished in life. More importantly, hes never short of money. Youll have a lovely three-bedroom flat in central London, a brand-new motorcar, and the finest fur coat Harrods can offer. A whole wardrobe filled with furs! Hes the perfect suitor, dear. You wont meet anyone better, and I simply cannot understand why you keep turning down his proposal.
I dont know Eleanor replied, gazing thoughtfully towards the window.
And truly, she didnt know for certain.
When Edward had surprised her with a proposal after nearly six months of courting, Eleanor had found herself at a loss. She suspected shed grown accustomed to men who never really saw things through. She was, after all, a striking young woman.
You know, theres a phrase they used in those days: Shes got it all. Eleanor had been blessed with both beauty and wit, a rare combination.
Mens gazes would cling to her as she walked along the crowded streets or sat quietly in a tea shop, drilling into her with their hopeful, hungry stares.
What exactly they thought about, only they could say.
From nursery school to grammar school to university, right into her career, Eleanor had always been at the centre of attention. Suitors, both subtle and bold, seemed drawn to her like moths to a flame. At her new officeshed joined just a few months beforenot a day passed without some hopeful tying his tie a little straighter upon her arrival.
Every man, without exception, looked at her with admiration. Well, mostly with longing.
With such a parade of admirers, youd scarcely imagine shed have remained single so long.
One fellow would invite her to supper at The Savoy, another to a late showing at the Odeon. Some would even suggest holidaying along the Cornish coast for a week or two.
Yet, for all this, by thirty, Eleanorall but worshipped as a goddess by the men around herremained unwed. Her mother, Mrs Mary Sutton, made no secret of her displeasure.
Darling Eleanor, Mary would huff. How much longer will you wait around? A womans looks wont last for ever, you know. Turn your nose up too long, and you might miss your chance altogether. Thirty, and still no ring, no children? I ask you! Thats not how things are meant to be.
Eleanor understood, and even agreed in principle. But what was she to do, when no man seemed ready for a genuine proposal?
Some prized their freedom above all else. Some were already marriedthe stamp in their passport was proof enough of that. For others, she was simply another name to tick off a long list of conquests.”
It wasnt that she wasnt likedon the contrary, men admired her, but only for nothing serious. Holding hands around the city, dining at restaurants, watching films or even escaping to France for a weekend, that was all well and goodcommitting to marriage, however, saw these gallants vanish as quickly as they had appeared.
So it was that beautiful, clever Eleanor hadnt been invited to share anyones life for good. And by now, she found little point in mere romantic trysts.
Shed grown wiser, or at least, more cautious.
“Perhaps we should just see one another once a week? one former admirer suggested, nervously.
No, thank you, she smiled. Id rather spend my time at the gym. Its more productive.
Barely six months passed before a new suitor appeared. No sooner had she begun her new job than Edward Henry Blackwood, Assistant Director of the firm, turned his attentions upon her.
Like all the other men at the office, he was quite taken with the new girl. Unlike the rest, as her superior, he recognized he had the advantage.
None of his subordinates would dare compete for her. Any who tried would soon find themselves holding their P45.
Edward invited her to lunch at the café across the road, daily. These mealswhich ought to have been all businessoften turned to Eleanor herself: her goals, her dreams, her thoughts on life. Each day, he brought her flowers and chocolates, and monthly, she alone received a bonus for her splendid work, though, truth be told, her efforts were much the same as everyone elses.
Eleanor, perhaps youd invite me to your home? hed say, in his practiced, syrupy tone.
My home? Eleanor would muse, stalling.
Yes, to your home. Weve known each other for some time now; its only natural that we move things forward.
Oh? Have we something special between us, then?
But of course!
Thank you for letting me know, Edward. I wasnt aware. As for the invitationwell, I dont live alone. My mother and I share the flat. If that doesnt scare you off, youre most welcome to call round.
She expected mention of her mother to dampen his interestbut she was mistaken.
It did not faze him a bit. He promised to arrive on Friday evening.
Such determination in a man surprised her.
Edward was exceedingly persistentperhaps too much so. Others had endured a month or two, at most. When mothers became involved, theyd lose all interest altogether.
As for her true feelings for Edwardif anyshe was still quite at a loss. It was flattering to be pursued by a distinguished man unafraid to meet her mothersurely a sign of serious intent. Yet, Edward inspired in her no fluttering heart.
Doubtless, he cut a striking figurea well-bred sort, you might say. Even his slightly prominent waistline did not detract much; men of his agehe insisted he was thirty-five, but she suspected fortyoften developed such.
Edward carried himself like an aging superhero, always in a sharp suit, the bottom button of his jacket undone for comfort, and an unfazed expression resting on his features.
Young women often favoured such men, feeling both safe and confident in their presence.
Eleanor, though, wanted to see just how long Edwards patience would last. Above all, she was curious what her mother would make of the age difference.
She expected her mother would disapprove, learning Edward was easily five years or more her senior, providing the perfect excuse to refuse her superiors advances.
Instead, Mary Sutton was rather taken with Edward.
No sooner had he entered their home, a Victoria sponge in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other, than Mary was near swooning.
What a man! shed later exclaim, smitten. If only Id met one like him!
Edward kissed her hand gallantly and complimented her appearance, rendering Mary speechless.
Falling in love, are we? Eleanor thought, watching as her mother beamed all evening.
Edward realized he had made a fine impression on his future mother-in-law and pressed his advantage with praise for Eleanors beauty and sad tales of his own loneliness.
He spoke, hand on heart, about his nice flat in Notting Hill, his car, and his ample savingsnone of which, he said with a sigh, he had anyone to leave to.
No wife, no children, he lamented.
How dreadful, Mary whispered, glancing meaningfully at her daughter.
Edward soon became a frequent visitor, and one day, he proposed to Eleanor.
Naturally, Mary would have accepted if the proposal was to her.
Eleanor sat dumbfounded, hardly believing matters had gone so far.
Mary gripped that proposal tightly and encouraged her, eyes shining, Eleanor, in your shoes, Id accept at once.
I I need to think was all Eleanor managed.
She thought about it for weeks, well over a fortnight, but could not make up her mind.
It seemed she ought to settle, but was it right to wed someone she wasnt certain she loved?
Eleanor! Edward is a respected and established gentleman. Hes never short of money. Youll have a three-bedroom flat, a new car, the finest furs. Youll not do better. I dont see why you wont accept, insisted her mother once more.
But hes so much older than I am
So what? Older men make the best husbands. Less likely to wander, you see.
Eleanor fell silent.
Men like Edward know what they want. Take my advice: put your pride elsewhere or youll be single all your days.
The pressure closed in around Eleanor. On one side, Edward; on the other, her mother.
In the end, perhaps Edward truly wasnt the worst optioncaring, generous, affectionate, and, most importantly, the only man whod offered marriage.
She accepted. The ring, a sparkling diamond set in platinum, glittered on her finger. There was nothing left but to say I do at the Marylebone registry office in a monthor rather, twenty-nine days.
Mary helped choose the gown, planned the wedding breakfast, and sent invitations all over London and beyond.
Edward assured them the hall could accommodate a hundred guestsplenty of room for everyone.
Everything seemed settled, yet Eleanor did not feel overjoyed. No happy glow, no sparkling eyes, nothing but nagging doubts.
Was she doing the right thing?
Oh, Eleanor! scoffed her friend Mabel when Eleanor confessed her worries. Youll have a bright future with a loving, wealthy man. Is it not better than being endlessly alone? Love! Who has that? All anyone wants is a nice flat, holidays abroad, and a fur coat from Fortnum & Mason. Not everyone gets the chance. And that ring! Youre impossible to please.
Mary noticed her daughters indecision too, and redoubled her efforts. Edward was a dream; better not to let the chance slip by.
***
On the day of the wedding, as Eleanor sat inside the grand white limousine, adorned with silken ribbons, she tried her best to be cheerful.
Instead of thinking of Edwards deep-set, cherry-stone eyes, she took her mothers advice: bury her pride, dont judge by looks alone, and seek his soul.
Every soul is beautiful in its own way, Mary had always said. Still, for all her searching, she couldnt see Edwards soul at all.
They were on their waythirty minutes to the ceremony, thirty minutes drive. Shed delayed as long as she could, dreading, uncertain.
Edward, impatient, urged the driver, Do step on it. We cant be late for our own wedding!
UnderstandableEdward was eager to wrap his arms around his bride and kiss her, something hed never allowed himself before. Soon enough, no one could stop him.
Eleanor, though, wished the coachman would slow down, perhaps even break down mid-journey.
She didnt want this weddingnot anymore.
Shed begun noticing troubling things about Edward. Wherever they weredinner parties, gatherings with friendshe paraded her, his eyes proud: See this marvellous woman? Shes mine! What if she werent so beautiful? And what if he met someone more stunning tomorrow?
Such questions unsettled her, made her doubt even more.
Suddenly, the limousine braked. Edward tumbled from his seat, landing on hands and knees like a startled dog.
Eleanor, grabbing the seat in time, remained upright.
What on earth are you doing, man? Edward barked at the driver. Who taught you to drive?
Sorry, sir, its justtheres a little kitten running in the road.
A kitten? Its only a cat. Drive on.
Its darting abouthere, there, everywhere. Its confused.
So let it. If the silly thing gets itself run over, thats its own look-out. We cant wait for a stray cat! Go on!
Edward! How can you say such a thing? Eleanor protested.
What? Were running late already. Because of a kitten, we risk being even later. Your mother is expecting us, the guests are waiting.
We should help it!
We need to be married! Edward answered flatly.
Eleanor glared, pressed her face to the window and searched for the frightened bundle amidst the tyres.
She couldnt spot it.
When the driver prepared to move off, she shouted for him to stop, flung the door open, and, nearly losing her heel, dashed into the road.
Eleanor! Come back! Dont you dare! Edward thundered behind her.
She heard, but ignored him.
When Edward caught at her arm, she jerked free from his thin, possessive fingers.
She, in her sparkling white wedding dress, was running between cars, hands outstretched for a scrawny, grey kitten.
At last, she caught it, pressing it to her heart, calming its wild trembling. Its heart beat so hard she feared it would leap from its chest.
Eleanor! What are you doing? Edward grumbled, distraught. Look at your dress! What will people say, seeing you like that?
Oh, what do I care? Ive saved the kitten! Would you have left it to be killed?
The kitten? Nowell, yes. But that dress cost a fortune! Edward scoffed.
So now its not just the kittenyoure counting money as well. I shouldve known. Its not the furs, nor the flat nor the carits the soul that matters, and yours is rotten.
Eleanor, thats enough. Come along. Leave the cat. Someone else will look after it. We have a wedding to get to!
No, Im not leaving him. Hes suffered enough. If anyone wants the wedding, theyll have to go without me. You go on and marry yourself if you like. Im keeping the kitten. She slipped the diamond ring from her finger and tossed it in the road.
While Edward and the driver scrambled for the ring, Eleanor, kitten in arms, strode purposefully toward the pavement.
Her handbag buzzed with callsperhaps Edward, her mother, or bothbut she ignored them.
She would no longer be a puppet in someone elses plaything. Enough.
She, like the stray kitten, had endured enough.
She only wanted to live for herself now.
Her mother never let her keep kittens as a girl; now, her almost-husband intended for her to abandon one in the road.
No, that sort of man she was glad to be rid of.
Eleanor, wait! Edwards voice carried after her. Turning, she saw him, red-faced and breathing hard, determined to drag her back to the limousine by any means necessary.
She picked up her pace, then broke into a run.
Running in a wedding dress and heels was difficult, but there was no other choice.
As Edward was nearly upon her, a car with an open passenger door pulled up beside her.
Quick, hop in! Unless you want him to catch you! grinned the driver, a kindly man of about thirty-five.
Eleanor glanced once at Edward, then dove into the car.
Within moments, the distance between her and the perfect suitor widened rapidly.
Changed your mind about getting married? the driver asked kindly. I couldnt help overhearing in the road. Im John, by the way.
Eleanor. Yes, Ive changed my mind. I cant imagine what I was thinking when I accepted. If not for this kitten, Id have ruined my life.
Hes a handsome little fellow.
I thought so too. But Ive not the faintest idea what to do with him. I still live with my mother. Shes never allowed animals, especially not after all this. And I cant give him awaynot unless I have a place of my own.
If you like, I can take care of the kitten for now. I live alone, plenty of room, and I dont mind a companion.
Truly? You wouldnt put him out on the streets?
No, of course not. If you worry, come and check on himany time you please, though evenings are best, as Im at work during the day.
Eleanor didnt know why, but she trusted this stranger.
Perhaps because hed helped her escape her former fiancé?
Or perhaps it was the way he looked at hernot as a prize, but as a person.
They fell to talking, and Eleanor soon realized she could trust John.
He took her home, then left with the kitten, giving her his number.
She called that very evening, and later went over, carrying cat food, some toys, and a litter tray.
I thought you might need these. For him, I mean.
Thanks, John smiled. I hadnt thought quite that far ahead, so there are already two puddles under the bed. Fancy some tea?
Id love some.
Eleanor and John became fast friends. They agreed on almost everything; and, above all, were united in their care for the kitten.
Most evenings, Eleanor visited, and John would share the latest of the kittens anticshow today, for example, the creature had shredded the bedroom curtain in three places.
Eleanor would listen, watch him and the kitten, and feel at peace.
What do you think of Whiskers for a name? Eleanor asked during one evening visit.
I like it. In fact, Id been thinking just the same. What do you say, Whiskers, would you like it?
Mew! Mew! the kitten replied, bounding out from under the table.
I wonder when well all start living together? the kitten might well have thought as it chased after a toy.
John had had similar thoughts more than once. A month and a half passed since Eleanor had broken off her wedding.
Shed tried to find her own flat, somewhere suitable for her and Whiskers, but with no luck.
So, summoning his courage, John asked if shed like to move in with him.
And Eleanor agreed without hesitation. Living with her motherwho, to this day, hadnt forgiven her for her madnesswas nearly unendurable.
Besides, Edward persisted in his hope of reconciling. If ever he came by, Eleanor would hide in her room.
Shed soon resigned from her jobEdward, as Assistant Director, made her continued employment impossible.
Yes, I will! Eleanor gleefully accepted, the next time John proposedthis time, his offer of marriage.
Half a year after moving in together, the wedding was heldmodest, attended only by their dearest friends (and, of course, Whiskers the cat).
Mary Sutton did not attend, nor did she call. Shed even stopped speaking to her daughter. That was her choice.
But Eleanor, John, and Whiskers were very happy indeed, grateful to have found each other in such a large and unforgiving world.
And that, as the years have passed and I recall it now, is how it all was.
