The (True) Liberation of Kate

Kate Cummings is a rather romantically minded, warm, passionate woman married to Philip whom, although rather a fire-cracker as a young man, has developed into a cold, taciturn, humourless man, quick to find fault and totally unable or unwilling to put his true feelings into words. Kate enjoys her job but I very unhappy and frustrated in her marriage. She feels she is taken for granted by her husband and her children – just a convenience. Nevertheless, she believes implicitly in the sanctity of marriage and constantly tries to pull the remnants of their marriage in an effort to kid herself and others that she and Phil. have a normal relationship. Eventually, she realizes that she is trying to breath life into a relationship that died years ago; perhaps six years ago when their marriage became one in name only. Having allowed herself to be talked into buying an unusually daring dress for an office party, she decides to go the whole hog and have her hair professionally cut, styled and coloured, a professional make-up and false fingernails. Her husband, as usual has refused to accompany her but she is thrilled with the compliments, dances with everyone who asks her and drinks far too much champagne. As the evening progresses she "lets her hair down' completely and exhibits a side of her personality hitherto kept well under wraps. She is nervous to go to the office on Monday but, after a while, realizes there is no malice in the humourous remarks aimed at her, and, somehow, she has now been accepted into the bosom of the family firm of attorneys, whereas before, although highly respected, she always felt on the periphery. Her antics at the party have interested David Wilson, the spoilt, arrogant son of the senior partner. David because of his good looks, money and charm has a string of conquests and regards women as being good for his bed and nothing else. He's intrigued by this new Kate Cummings, so different from the polite, efficient office figure who has worked for his father for fifteen years, He decides it would be amusing to invite her to lunch. However, he finds her a stimulating companion, able and willing to discuss any topic he chooses and with a delightful sense of humour. Luncheon becomes a regular event and the highlight of Kate's week. Slowly, a passionate , stormy relationship grows between them but Kate suspects she is at the butt of David's whims and fancies, the same as she is with her family. She is at the cross-roads and must decide which way to go. David's father dies. David relentlessly turns the long established firm of family attorneys into a money making machine, politely but firmly causing the old remaining partners to feel like "fish out of water' and encouraging them to become "consultants' or take early retirement by bringing in many highly intelligent, ambitious young attorneys, exceptionally articulate and persuasive in their arguments. He eventually makes himself senior partner but begins to realize he has created a monster and does not know how to get off the treadmill! As he brings in more senior personnel they, being the cream, attract more business. In spite of having two secretaries, a personal assistant, an administrative assistant and a team of brilliant attorneys plus extremely efficient junior and senior personnel, the final responsibilities of every aspect of the firm rests on his shoulders. 24 hours a day is not sufficient for David and Kate is worried that he will work himself to death! Her workload is constantly increasing and in spite of all the latest equipment has to employ a secretary, her eldest daughter who being a "chip of the old block' soon becomes her right hand. After eight months of never seeing one another, David devises a scheme whereby he has a half-hour business discussion with Kate every Friday morning. Although she enjoys having a cup of tea and a chat about business and other matters, she is worried about David's health. With her friend Margaret's help they manage to spend a memorable night at a small country hotel. However, the price she has to pay for this truancy is more than she's prepared to repeat and she decides to divorce Phil. After some very unpleasant scenes with her family, she finally gets her divorce and moves into a charming apartment. Now, she feels she has at last become truly liberated. She has regained the respect of her children and grandchildren, retained Phil's friendship, made some very good friends and even devised ways and means for David to relinquish some of his responsibilities to enable him to work a mere twelve hour day! Consequently, David is a pretty regular visitor and although she knows will never return her love, he makes her feel young and desirable. However, things do not go as smoothly as she would have liked. Finally, she realizes that she will only find peace of mind by relinquishing her lover into the arms of another woman, closer to David in age and station. Nevertheless, she dances happily at their wedding, content to grow old gracefully, hugging to herself her valuable memories.