The odd couple
In the sumptuous surroundings of their famous London apartment, Lord Archer, the bestselling novelist, and his wife, Dame Mary, are seated, knees together, elbow-to-elbow, much as they did on their first date, 56 years ago.
They went to see Dr No at a cinema in Oxford, where both were students. Shy, studious Mary had no idea who James Bond was, and didn’t know much more about the young man sitting next to her. The years have taught her a lot, and as the brainier half of one of the most picked-over marriages of modern times, Mary may be the only person who truly understands the boisterous, baffling bundle of energy that is her husband. “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised that Jeffrey and I are still together, but I am quietly pleased about it,” Mary says. “Lots of people I know have very complicated lives, so for us, the simple, if slightly unusual, life we have takes out much of the tension, and that helps us.”
Jeffrey nods appreciatively. He has sold more
