I understand what you’re saying, MissDairy. It doesn’t depend on her looking older than him, it was the aged appearance and his young appearance in that photo that helped spur or trigger the insight you had.
Whatever their reasons or motives for marriage, the motives were certainly convoluted and plenty unnatural, since that’s what their entire lives are like. Mutual utility comes to mind.
you hit the nail on the head. that’s what i ‘m trying to say,thanks!