The Husbands

Lauren rejects Gorcher and receives a new husband named Carter. He appears to be an American whom Lauren married, in part, so that he could remain in the UK. Lauren looks through photos of their wedding, which looks like it was a lot of fun. The first few days with Carter go well, and Lauren thinks she may even keep him after Elena’s wedding is over. She is relieved to discover she is in her usual job and goes to work as normal.

One night, she asks to meet Carter after work for dinner. They talk about work, then take a walk through the city. Lauren finds she likes Carter and decides she does not want to rush any aspect of their relationship.

The next day, Carter leaves on a work trip. He will return on Friday, the day before Elena’s wedding. Saturday morning arrives and Lauren phones her mother; she learns that though her mother was initially skeptical of Carter, she has grown to like him. When Lauren arrives at the church, Elena laments the heat and makes jokes about not wanting to get married. In the end, she assures Lauren that she does indeed plan to.