In a future society where polygamous relationships and legal multiple marriages are the norm, a man named Simon Grover navigates the complexities of transient marriages. He arrives in New York, seeking a new wife through a system that allows individuals to marry for short periods, known as "Quickies." Simon, a self-proclaimed philanderer, is eager to find a new partner who fits his specific desires. Upon reaching the Marriage Building, he registers and meets with a Counselor who presents him with various types of potential wives. Simon chooses a "newlywed," seeking someone impressionable and talkative, and is matched with Jane-Marie Paige, a young woman who embodies the innocence and excitement he craves. Their initial meeting is filled with charm and flirtation, as Jane-Marie eagerly welcomes Simon into her home. As they settle into their brief marriage, Simon enjoys the thrill of their relationship, but he also harbors a deeper desire to explore the implications of their society's norms. He engages Jane-Marie in discussions about the past, reflecting on the nature of monogamy and the societal shifts that led to their current lifestyle. However, as their intimacy grows, Jane-Marie expresses a need for the "parting ritual," a safeguard that Simon cannot fulfill due to his status as a fugitive from the law. The tension escalates when Jane-Marie's insistence on the ritual leads to a confrontation. Simon, unable to comply, realizes that he cannot maintain the facade of a perfect husband. In a moment of desperation, he flees, leaving Jane-Marie heartbroken and betrayed. The police, alerted by Jane-Marie, pursue Simon, who grapples with his identity as an outlaw in a society that prizes conformity. Ultimately, Simon's journey reveals the conflict between his desire for adventure and the constraints of societal expectations. He embodies the struggle of those who seek freedom in a world that demands adherence to its rules, highlighting the complexities of love, identity, and the human experience in a rapidly changing world.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure