THE LIFE LESSON OF BUN
Arthur, how could you? We used to make fun of that unkempt country lass together! I fumed at my husbands transgression, unable to contain my anger.
Im sorry, Helen, truly. The devil got the better of me. I dont even know how I ended up in Buns bed, Arthur muttered sullenly, cursing under his breath as he nervously smoked his cigarette.
It all began when a new family moved into our building: Edward, Daisy, and their five-year-old daughter, Alice. Arthur and I were both thirty, our son was six, and the newcomers were twenty-five. Living across the hall, it was almost inevitable we would become friendly.
Daisy was a remarkably domestic country girl, particularly fond of baking. Cakes, buns, pastiesher kitchen was a shrine to comfort food. No wonder Daisy herself squeezed sideways into rooms.
Arthur and I, in jest, started calling Daisy Bun because of her shapely figure. The shelves in Daisys kitchen groaned under the weight of her homemade chutneys and jams. I could never quite match her in that department.
But I prided myself on being a refined, well-groomed woman. Daisy, on the other hand, always wore a faded housecoat, hair in a scruffy ponytail. Her husband Edward, reed-thin, and their plump daughter were always well fed, that much Ill grant her. Still, I counted Daisy a friend. Edwards job as a lorry driver kept him on the road most weeks.
Hed found Daisy in a nowhere country village, popping into a little shop for cigarettes. She set her sights on him immediatelyEdward didnt stand a chance of slipping away unseen.
Nine months later, Daisy delivered a daughter for her travelling lorry man, and Edward whisked both into town. When he introduced them to his mother, she wouldnt accept that country girl or the little granddaughter. In the end, Edward rented a flat for his new family.
Arthur was forever criticising Daisys appearance.
How can any woman care so little for herself? hed scoff at me.
Later, Arthurs mother fell ill and was bedridden. At first, Arthur and I took turns to care for her, but soon realised we needed help. Daisy volunteered.
Ill only take a little for it, as a friend. I want to buy Edward a giftan inflatable dinghy for fishing. Just dont tell him, its a surprise, Daisy beamed when she accepted the job.
Daisy, please dont stuff my mother-in-law with foodher appetites been ruined by illness, I warned her.
Before long, I was sent away on a long business trip. I left careful instructions for Arthur, our son, and Daisy, then flew to London.
A month passed before I returned. Arthur wouldnt meet my eye, and Daisy kept dodging me in the corridor.
Mum, can you make mashed potatoes as tasty as Auntie Daisys? I really liked her meatballs, too, my son blurted as soon as I stepped in the flat.
Auntie Daisy made you dinner? I asked, instantly on my guard.
Yes, she brought Alice round, then Daddy went off with her, he announced innocently.
My suspicions prickled. Edward on the road, I away at work
That evening, after a hearty supper, I asked Arthur to sit and talk openly.
Arthur, I know everything, so dont bother denying it. Our son told me, though I hoped desperately I was mistaken.
Helen, nothing happened. Bun just asked me to fix a tap, Arthur lied so smoothly he didnt even blush.
Come off it. Im only winding you up. I hardly think youd go after Daisy, I said with relief, letting the subject drop.
Nevertheless, Arthur began spending longer hours at his mothers place, always finding some excuse to linger.
I called round to check on my mother-in-law. She was calm and well looked afterbut alone. No sign of Arthur or Daisy.
I tried Daisys door.
A worn-out Daisy answered, and, inside, I spotted my husband sprawled sleepily on her bed.
In true lady-like fashion, I walked silently home. I couldnt believe it! Arthur, who used to call Daisy a slob, now consorting with her in secret!
To be honest, I couldnt rouse up any jealousy toward that homely cook. When Arthur burst in after me, I pointed wordlessly to the bathroom.
Shower. Scrub well. Enjoyed yourself? Ill tell Edward everythinghell have something to say! I warned, stifling a laugh as I pictured scrawny Edward waving his fists at brawny Arthur.
Daisy confessed her affair to Edward herself. What he made of it, Ill never know, but a week later they moved out. As they were leaving, Edward passed me and said, chest puffed out,
Im not surprised. Who could resist my Daisy?
Many years have gone by since then. I once ran into Bun in town.
Hello there, old friend! Still sore with me? Dont be silly. Back in the village, that sort of thing happens all the time. It didnt do me any harm, and your husband got a treat. You shouldnt leave a man hungry for too long when youre off on your travels, Daisy imparted the country wisdom with a wink.
She held the hand of a little girla girl who looked a great deal like my husband.
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