The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

In the fall, in the English town of Broughton, 86-year-old Mabel Beaumont makes breakfast for her husband, Arthur Beaumont, while reflecting on unspoken feelings in their marriage. Arthur announces that he plans to attend a funeral, and Mabel declines to go. Mabel tidies a sticking drawer and then walks their dog, Olly, noting changes in the town. At the graveyard, she visits the graves of her brother, Bill Mansfield, and her parents. Arthur returns from the funeral drunk and mentions that the deceased had four children. He asks who will attend their funerals, and they spend the evening in silence, aware of their childlessness.

The next day, Arthur suggests a drive to a food market in Overbury, the next town over. There, they run into Joan Garnett, an old acquaintance, who expresses surprise that they married, calling them unsuited for each other. Back home, Arthur naps. Mabel considers Joan’s comment and remembers that she wanted to refuse Arthur’s marriage proposal years ago.

Later, Arthur returns from walking Olly and clutches his chest, dismissing the pain as indigestion. That night in bed, he reminisces about their youth with Bill and with Dorothy “Dot” Brightmore, Mabel’s childhood best friend.