Natalie Preston, hello. Its Jane, your future daughter-in-law. Id like to meet and have a chat. When and where would suit you?
Natalie stiffened, especially at the words *future daughter-in-law*. What news was this? Edward had never mentioned any plans to marry this girl.
“Good afternoon, Jane. Come to my house at six this evening. Ill be waiting.”
*What on earth does she want to talk about? Is she expecting a child? Of course. Shes done it on purpose to trap Edward into marriageweve seen it all before. Whats he thinking? Shes not his equal. Not like Edwarda promising architect, his own flat, a car, handsome and clever. Any girl would be lucky to have him, but no, hes chosen this one*
Natalie tidied the flat and popped to the shops, though unease gnawed at her.
Shed seen Jane a handful of times and taken an instant dislike to her from the very first meeting. Edward had brought her round to introduce her, then later just for tea and conversation. And each time, Natalie had made her thoughts perfectly clear afterward.
“Son, are there no other girls? Why her? Whats so special about her? Plain, thin, tiny. In my day, men went for a very different sort! And anyway, shes not good enough for you.”
“Mum, I love her, and to me, shes the most wonderful girl in the world! And her cooking is divineher roast dinner is simply heavenly!”
That had stung. Hed always praised his mothers cooking before, and now this girl was making *divine* roasts.
Jane arrived precisely on time, bearing cream puffsNatalies favourite. *How sly, trying to win me over.*
“Natalie Preston, Ill come straight to the point. Edward has proposed, and Ive accepted. Hes waiting for the right moment to tell you. Hes worried you wont take the news well.”
“Of course I wont, dear! Why on earth would I?”
“Id like to make an agreement with you. Hear me out, please.”
“I know you raised Edward alone. You married because you were expecting, and it didnt turn out happilyyour husband left. My mother raised me alone too; my father died young. So I know what its like to grow up without a father.”
“You poured all your love into your son. I cant thank you enough. Hes kind, considerate, well-manneredthats your doing. You have every reason to be proud.”
Natalie gave a satisfied nod. Quite right. It was all her work that hed turned out so well.
Jane continued.
“You dream of him marrying a beautiful, successful, wealthy girl. And here I amplain, from an ordinary family, an ordinary salary. Not the match you wanted for your son. Now youre at a loss, wondering how to talk him out of it, arent you?”
Natalie shrugged and nodded. Exactly so.
“Consider what might happen. Edward wont listenhes made up his mind. Youll try to persuade him, and in the end, youll quarrel. Naturally, you wont come to the wedding. Why would you? Your son defied you. Yes?”
“Yes, thats exactly how it will go.”
“Youll tell everyone what an ungrateful son he is, after all youve done for him. Some will pity you; others will smirk.”
“Meanwhile, he and I will live happily. Youll sulk and ignore us. Ill have a baby, and Edward will tell you, of course. But youll stubbornly refuse to see your grandchild. You dont recognise our marriage, so why should you acknowledge our child?”
“My mother will dote on her grandsontaking him for walks, telling him stories, spoiling him rotten. Shell be the worlds favourite granny.”
“Meanwhile, youll sit alone in your flat, watching telly and nursing your grudge. Lifes been cruel, leaving you unwanted.”
“Holidays will be especially lonely. Families celebrating while youre by yourself. Resentment will eat at you. Your health will sufferhospital visits ahead. Others will have visitors, but only the neighbour or an old friend will drop by. You wont speak to your son or his dreadful wife.”
“In the end, youll live out your days alone, never knowing your grandson, never hearing Granny, no one to wish you happy birthday. And that will be your choice.”
“Or perhaps it could be different. After I leave, youll think it all through. And as a wise, loving mother, youll accept your sons choicebecause if he loves me, there must be a reason.”
“Im not so bad, you know. At work, Im well-liked. My mother adores me. Im decent, hardworking. Ill be a good wife and mother. Most importantly, I love your son, and he loves me.”
“When Edward tells you of his plans, praise him. Say you accept his choice. I dont expect you to love me, but basic courtesy and tactthats all I ask.”
“I dont exactly warm to you either, but Im willing to try.”
“At the wedding, youll have the place of honour. Youll admire your son (and me, a little). When the baby comes, youll always be welcome. Two doting grannieswhat could be better?”
“Ill never speak ill of you, and Ill ask the same in return.”
“We have one thing in commonmaking Edward happy. So lets work together. Think it over, then call me so I know what to expect. Thank you for the tea, Natalie Preston. Goodbye.”
After Jane left, Natalie sank into her armchair by the window, lost in thought. *Shes right. Thats exactly how it will go.*
What did it matter if she disliked her future daughter-in-law? It was Edwards life. If she made a fuss, hed be upset, but hed marry her anyway. Shed seen how his eyes lit up when he looked at Jane. Even her own roast wasnt as good now
What would she gain from fighting it? Nothing. Just loneliness while another granny spoiled her grandchild. *But I want that too. Unless No, it doesnt have to be that way.*
She picked up the phone.
“Hello, Jane I agree to your terms. I dont want to sit alone with my bitterness. I want to stay close to my sonwhich means Ill have to get along with you. And you *will* let me have my grandson on weekends, wont you? Andwhat *do* you put in that roast? Edward raves about it.”
Jane laughed.
“Natalie Preston, your roast is every bit as good, I promise. But Ill tell you the secretits all in the seasoning. Im glad youve agreed. This is best for everyone. Edward was rightyou *are* a wise and loving mother.”
Three years later
“Edward, love, look at little Andrewscowling just like you! What a darling boy. Im so glad I have a grandson! And Janethank you for that agreement. You were right”
“What agreement? Ive never heard of this!”
“Oh, just a little secret between Jane and me”
Natalie exchanged a conspiratorial wink with her daughter-in-law, who winked right back.
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