Single and in good shape after Matilda leaves (9)
I believe the answer is:
unmarried
'single' is the definition.
(I know that single can be written as unmarried)
'in good shape after matilda leaves' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'matilda' could be 'i' (where the crossword setter is 'Matilda') and 'i' is located in the answer.
'in good shape' could be 'unmarred' (not marred or damaged) and 'unmarred' is found within the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for unmarried that I've seen before include "Not yet wed" , "Single in terms of partnership" , "Status of a bachelor" .)