Chatting Through Correspondence

23April

Its been twentythree years since I married Victoria, and lately the routine has settled in like a thick fog. Our only child, Amelia, wed and moved to London with her husband, leaving us alone in the cottage with just the two of us. Ive watched Victoria pull away, and I admit Ive been drifting too.

Last Saturday I rang up Daisy and asked her to come over, Bring Lily as well, and lets have a proper girls night like we used to. Edwards got a fishing trip with the lads, so the house will be ours. Daisy replied, Sounds grand, Ill be there.

When they arrived I set a soft playlist on and drifted into the kitchen to fetch a tray. Returning with a brass tray, I placed it on the coffee table, poured a measure of brandy into each crystal glass, and looked at the two women with a smile.

Heres to us, the lovely ladies!

They raised their glasses, though Lily seemed unusually solemn.

You look a bit out of sorts, I asked Lily, Did your virtual friend finally cancel?

She took a sip, wrinkled her nose and muttered, Ugh, this stuff tastes awful.

Youre right, its not everyones cup of tea, I laughed, We only have this now and then to lift the mood.

Daisy chuckled, knowing Lily never touches spirits not brandy, not wine, not even gin.

Nik, why are you staring at her? Daisy joked, Shes a teetotaler, only drinks water once in a century. She waved her halffilled glass, though it too had a bitter edge.

Whats the trouble? Lily asked, looking at Victoria.

Tell us how the date went, Victoria urged.

It was decent, Lily replied. Hes goodlooking, pleasant, not a bore Hes got a nice job, a flat in the city, and a sleek car.

Sounds like a solid start, Daisy laughed, By the way, Nik, lets get you on a dating site too.

I? I have a husband, Edward, and it feels improper, Victoria protested. You do as you please, but Im married.

Think of it as harmless chatting, a bit of fun for the soul, Daisy soothed. Well set you up.

After a couple of brandies, Victoria agreed. We all crowded around the laptop and typed a brief ad: Witty woman with a good sense of humour seeks a gentleman for pleasant correspondence. My name is Lily.

Victoria forgot the posting amid workreports, client meetings, endless paperwork. Two weeks later, while rummaging through her inbox on a Friday, she found a stack of about twenty messages. Most were crass and she deleted them, but one caught her eye.

I, too, long to talk to a smart, lively woman. Im married, but my wife has lost interest and our marriage feels like a dull routine. Im not old yet; Im fortyseven, my name is Ian.

The letter mirrored Victorias own life. She replied:

My marriage feels offkilter as well. We hardly talk hearttoheart any more. I love my husband, but Im yearning for a warm connection, someone to share thoughts with, even if only by pen.

Later Lily asked, Did anyone write back?

Yes, but only one was worthwhile; the rest were lewd. Lily laughed, Theyll write whatever they like.

What about your virtual friend? I asked Lily.

Oh, Ians fine. Hes a decent bloke, but his hearts scarred after a divorce. His ex walked out with a younger man, almost his sons age. His son is married now, Lily confided.

I smiled, Well, heal his heart. Maybe youll even find someone yourself. Not everything on dating sites is vulgar; perhaps this is your destiny.

Two days later Victoria received a reply from Ian:

I see we have a lot in common. Im also looking for virtual chatter because I still love my wife, even though she sometimes drives me mad. Her friends ladies nights irritate me; they seem frivolous and I cant tell her directly, lest she take offence. She spends more time with them than with me.

Victoria pondered, Hes bored, yet he still loves his wife. We also host ladies evenings, perhaps Edward feels the same, though he never mentioned it. If he did, hed tell me.

She replied:

I sympathise with you. As for the ladies night, women need each others companyventing, laughing, even crying. It doesnt mean they forget family. In my case, my husband seems content.

Victoria shared the exchange with Daisy and Lily, who were supportive. Lilys own romance with Graham was progressing nicely.

Graham booked a holiday, were off to Turkey in two weeks. Sun, seajust what we need, Lily bragged.

Lucky you, Daisy said, No ones invited me yet.

Whats your age, Lily? Maybe another friend will turn up. Life is unpredictablekeep hope alive, I teased.

Daisy laughed, Wheres this mysterious friend hiding?

Soon Lily left for Turkey with Graham. Victorias correspondence with Ian continued; they wrote several times a week for three months. Ian proved witty and kind, and Victorias affection for him grew.

Meanwhile, the tension between Victoria and me intensified. The more time I spent at work, the more she wrote to Ian. One evening I surprised her with a bouquet of white roses.

Edward, why the flowers? she asked.

Its just something nice, I replied, though she sensed my gesture lacked sincerity.

A lingering suspicion rose in her mind that I might have another woman, but she dared not ask. Perhaps the affair would have lingered longer if Ian hadnt suggested meeting in person.

I remember we never intended to meet, but now that I know we live in the same town, I wonderwhat are you like really? Lets meet, Ian wrote.

Victoria consented. I have nothing to lose; a single meeting isnt betrayal. Besides, youre always busy.

She prepared meticulously for the encounterhaircut, new colour, shorter boban excuse shed been waiting for. She imagined Ian holding a white rose, as promised.

When she entered the café, she was startled to see a familiar face.

Victoria! What are you doing here? Edward blurted, clearly surprised.

She stared at the white rose on the table, realization dawning.

So thats you? I never guessed Ian was just a madeup name.

Just like Lily, Edward retorted. Sit down, we have a lot to talk about.

She sat opposite him. The conversation sputtered at first. Victoria wrestled with guilt for meeting someone behind my back, while also feeling angry at my own secrecy. She recalled the messages she had sent about me.

Edward seemed to wrestle with his own thoughts. Finally I spoke.

So you think Ive changed for the worse?

No, you look wonderful today, I said, but it isnt for me.

You said you loved your wifestill true?

Absolutely. Its just that weve lost our common ground. You have no time for me, I have none for you, I admitted, a hint of sadness in my voice.

You were on that site too, Victoria smirked.

I think we should start over, I suggested, extending my hands. She took them, a soft smile forming.

Yes, she whispered. Edward looked into my eyes. Now I see my beloved wife again.

And I see my beloved husband. Shame the letters will end, I laughed.

Why? We can keep writing, Edward replied.

I closed the diary with this thought: after years of complacency, honesty and a little courage can pull a marriage back from the brink, but it demands both partners to listen, to share the small moments, and to remember why they chose each other in the first place.