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Everyone knew, except Margaret. Francis was not only having an affair, but it was common knowledge. He kept another woman in an apartment in town. Many of her friends attended parties with both couples, separately. How strange Margaret never knew.
They loved each other, really loved each other... him too. To her closest friends she confided that she would walk out if she ever found out that he was being unfaithful. They were good friends; they didn't tell her.
Francis continued. A charming, successful man, he spread his charms. For Margaret, that situation was unthinkable, so she didn't think it.
6 comments add one below
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Neville Hunt over 6 years ago
A true story of a really lovely couple. Interesting ethical choices for her friends.
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Neville Hunt over 6 years ago
Thanks Drew. It was unbelievable that she didn't know, but we all decided she didn't care to know. He very definitely loved her dearly and was devastated when she died. I like to think that the deceit of her friends came from the right place although how they dealt with him, knowing what they did...well it's amazing that they never gave the game away...or maybe the wife's 'can't hear, won't hear' determination made it easier for her mates, with no game able to be given away...if you see what I mean. Fascinating and completely true!
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Christopher over 6 years ago
That is fascinating. It could also be that she knew, or at least suspected, and just put on a brave face. That happens sometimes, even if they had publicly said they'd walk out if they found out their spouse was cheating. Very thought-provoking, Neville.
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Neville Hunt over 6 years ago
Thanks Christopher.. it certainly was a much talked about affair by the in-laws, who were very friendly with them (both). Mrs H and I reckon that by not caring to acknowledge it and putting up a barrier to it being talked about with her friends, she was being smart. To acknowledge it would have brought consequences, which might have been to neither wife or husband's or kids advantage. Maybe it didn't bother her so long as she remained secure. Her sons knew...and knew the other woman. It was kind of bizarre. Maybe I'll write it up as a short story, but who would believe it? :-)
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Frenchie over 6 years ago
I am trying to post a comment and it keeps telling me ''Invalid comment''.. uff!!!
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Frenchie over 6 years ago
As a friend, I wouldn't tell her either. By experience, I know that people shoot the messenger. Why shatter her happiness? It seems he dearly loved her and monogamy is not always a sign of love, lol,though it would be the way I prefer it! I believe she kind of knew. We women have this internal mechanism to alert us if a man is having an affair.
Excellent drabble, by the way.
