Dead And Buried

Eight

’Are you sure about this?’

‘Funny,’ said Sarah Grace Skinner to her husband. ‘I was going to ask you exactly the same thing.’

‘You first.’

‘Yes, I am. I’ve spent a lot of time lately asking myself why we got married in the first place, and I haven’t come up with the answer.’

‘We thought we were in love.’

‘I reckon it was more a case of us hoping that we were.’

‘Maybe we should have thought more about the age difference.’

‘That’s never been a factor, not as far as I’m concerned at any rate. No, Bob, we both brought baggage with us. You were still fixated with your dead wife; I was trying to forget Ron Neidholm. I’d tried in vain to forget him with a few men in New York before I came to Scotland. With you, I thought I’d succeeded. I suppose that was it; that was why I said “yes” when you asked me.’

‘When did the memory come back?’

‘The first time I fell pregnant. I found myself thinking, This could have been Ron and me, if I hadn’t dug my heels in over the conflict between my career and his. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t regret having your kids, that’s not what I’m saying. It’s just that the yearning was still there. Our marriage was over the moment that I met Ron again in Buffalo. I know that now. The fact that he died, that’s changed nothing. It could never be the same between us. That’s why I’m sure. How about you?’

‘You’ve said it all, really. Baggage, mine just as much as yours.’

‘Suppose I did change my mind, and said I wanted us to carry on?’

‘I think you know I’d never leave you and the kids.’

‘Yes, I do. That’s why I have to go.’

‘Okay, let’s call Mitch Laidlaw back in and sign this thing.’

Bob rose and left the meeting room, returning a few minutes later with a fresh-faced, heavily built man, and a woman in her thirties. ‘I’m glad you could do this for us, Mitchell,’ said Sarah, as the solicitor took a seat opposite her at the oak table.

‘Not at all. It’s the least I could do for friends in these circumstances: even though your divorce will be on grounds of irretrievable breakdown, the court must still be satisfied that the children’s interests are being looked after, and it’s required to approve the custody arrangements. The fact that I’m acting for both of you in drafting this agreement will impress them. If you’re ready to sign, please do so where indicated. My secretary will witness both signatures.’ He watched as both Skinners put their names to the document, which set out the division of their property, and the arrangements for the care and upbringing of their children.

When it was done, Bob pushed the paper across to the secretary, who added her name. ‘What about the divorce?’ he asked.

Laidlaw waited until his secretary had left the room. ‘Once you’ve been separated for two years, you can apply for divorce in Scotland. I’m not an expert in US law, but I believe that the situation would be the same in New York State, as Sarah, even though she’s an American citizen, would have to establish a period of residency there before she could file.’

‘What if the ground was adultery?’ The question made Bob turn almost involuntarily and look at his wife.

‘If it was, you could proceed straight away,’ the solicitor replied. ‘Are you saying that is a possibility?’

‘Yes. I’d be prepared to admit to it.’

‘Wait a minute, Sarah,’ Bob exclaimed. ‘That isn’t necessary. I’m not pushing for a quick divorce.’

‘Maybe I am, though,’ she countered. ‘In a few weeks I’m going to be living in New York, alone. I want to put this marriage to bed so I can be free, completely free, as soon as I can. Do you have anything against that?’

‘No, but. . Mitch, could there be publicity? Wouldn’t it have to go to court?’

‘If it’s uncontested, it would be done by affidavit. Nobody would have to give evidence under oath or anything like that.’

‘See?’ Sarah said. ‘In that case, Mitch, we’ll take that option. I’ll give you all the information you need. Let’s get it over with as soon as we can.’