Agatha Christie Short Story: Parker Pyne Investigates 04 / 12

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Audio Book Agatha Christie Short Story: Parker Pyne Investigates 04 / 12
The Case of the Discontented Husband: A Tale of Jealousy and Misguided Love
Reginald Wade, a young man struggling to articulate his feelings, finds his marriage on the brink of collapse. His wife, Iris, has given him a six-month ultimatum-either he changes his ways, or she wants a divorce. The couple's interests couldn't be more different; while Reggie enjoys golf and tennis, Iris is drawn to the arts, spending her time in galleries and at concerts. Bored and discontented, Iris has formed a close friendship with Sinclair Jordan, a long-haired art enthusiast.
Desperate to save his marriage, Reggie turns to Parker Pyne for help. Pyne devises a clever plan: Reggie should engage in a mild flirtation with a beautiful woman to spark Iris's jealousy and make her reconsider his attractiveness. While Pyne acknowledges the slim chance that Iris might be too enamored with Jordan, he is confident the scheme has a 97% success rate. Reggie agrees and pays Pyne two hundred guineas upfront.
With Iris's reluctant approval, Reggie invites the charming Madeleine de Sara to their home for the weekend. Iris initially finds the situation amusing, believing it will make the impending divorce easier for Reggie. However, as she witnesses Madeleine's subtle compliments and Reggie's growing confidence, Iris's composure begins to crumble. The turning point comes when Reggie, urged by Madeleine, kisses her in the rose garden, fully aware that Iris is watching. Furious, Iris confronts Reggie and threatens separation.
Madeleine advises Reggie to suggest leaving, predicting that Iris will fear him being alone in London. The tension between the couple escalates, but Madeleine assures Reggie that all will be resolved soon.
A week later, the situation reaches a climax when Sinclair Jordan joins the house party. He falls for Madeleine, but she publicly ridicules him. Iris demands Madeleine's removal, but Reggie, following Madeleine's instructions, expresses a desire to marry her instead. The drama culminates in Iris collapsing and Reggie leaving for London. Madeleine reports back to Pyne, confident that Iris will chase after Reggie to reconcile on his terms.
However, the unexpected happens-Reggie bursts into Pyne's office, declaring his love for Madeleine, followed closely by a frantic Iris. Madeleine, overwhelmed, screams at them to leave. Pyne, realizing his plan has backfired, marks the case as a "failure" and reflects that the outcome should have been anticipated.
First published 1934 - 35

[@mariegomez389]

Serves the wife right! 😂