'A Favourite Aunt' by Christina.

This is the opening to my book 'A Favourite Aunt' based on events that happened to many women in the 1960s. This was before the Marital Laws changed in the early 1970s thus making it easier for women - they could get restraining orders on their abusive husbands! Prior to that they either 'put up' with the abuse or did what I did - left! Unfortunately the law was still on the side of the husbands. 

'I can't thank you enough for your help, Christina,' the distinguished white-haired gentleman sitting across from her raised his glass to the grey-eyed woman whose dark hair showed auburn lights.

The woman smiled fondly at him. 'No problem, Robert. With the support you and Mary

have given me over the years, it's the least I could do.'

'But your comments and corrections have made the book so much better.' Actor Robert Denby had now completed his autobiography to the publisher's satisfaction and had brought Christina to his favourite restaurant tucked away in the City of London. Away from autograph hunters. 'The time you spent on the manuscript must have cut into your work time.'

'Don't worry about it. It does me good to get away from my own writing. That is why I also write travel articles.'

'Ah yes. As when I take a break from Shakespeare and do something a little more lighthearted.'

They continued with their meal, then Robert, his brown eyes twinkling, surprised his companion. 'Christina, why don't you write your autobiography?'

'What?' She grinned, her eyes open wide in surprise. 'I'm not famous. No one would buy it, even if I managed to get it published.'

'Okay, so you're no Agatha Christie, but your travel books do sell well.'

'Not phenomenally. Why do you think I also went out to work until I almost reached retirement age? I needed a steady income to pay the bills.'

'Mmm. It's a pity you never bought your own place.'

'You know why I couldn't. I'm a woman. Back in the 1960s women couldn't get a mortgage.' She grinned ruefully, 'Not that that would have helped many of us. Our wages only just covered the rent on a bed-sit with hot and cold running water and a gas ring.'

'Which is why you should write your autobiography. To let people know how hard life was for single women of our generation and in your circumstances especially. I often wonder how many of you survived to make a success of your lives?'

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