I remember it all as if it were a story told around the hearth in a quiet English village many years ago. My sisterinlaw, Martha, had fumed, Your own grandmothers mischief has ruined us! She made no pretence about her feelings. The house was empty now; every other person had already left. She knew how much we needed that flat! We, not that
That flat, the weary husband interjected, belongs to my sister, Emma. He was tired of hearing his wifes complaints for the third time that night. And she alone deserves it! he said. Emma cared for Grandmother when she could hardly walk. She shopped for provisions, paid the council tax, and drove Grandmother to the infirmary. I even suggested you should take over those duties, yet you stay at home all day
I have three children! Three! And you wanted to hang an old hag like me on the wall! the woman retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.
Two of them go to school, the third to nursery, Edward snorted. You spend your whole day at home. You could have dropped in on Grandmother for a couple of hours, and the flat would have been ours. So stop sulking! And stop counting other peoples money! If youre not happy with our house, perhaps you should find work? Then we could afford something bigger.
Good heavens, what kind of husband are you! You cant earn a penny yourself, yet you send your wife to work! Martha gasped, though, truth be told, Edward earned a respectable wage. It was the woman who could never save, never mind her honesty.
Enough! Case closed! Edward slammed his fist on the table, pushing the untouched bowl of soup away. Ive lost my appetite. And remember, I will not hear any more talk of how lucky my sister was. She earned her inheritance honestly, understood?
Martha said nothing more, only a thin smile twitched her lips. Earned, she says! the twentyyearold maid, Blythe, had been handed a threebedroom flat in the centre of London, complete with a modern layout. What use was that for her alone? Thomas, her brotherinlaw, had three children and a modest but sturdy house hed bought before they married.
How often did the woman say the children needed more space! Each should have his own room, especially the eldest girlshe was already thirteen! Yet she had to share with her fiveyearold sister, Lily. How do you explain to a small child that some things are offlimits? Of course Blythe was at fault too, scattering her toys everywhere
Martha longed to move into the flat. She bore children hoping that the old lady would have enough conscience to let a large family use the rooms. It never happened.
Then word came that Grandmother was gravely ill, with perhaps a year left. Hope flared anew. Yet Martha refused outright to look after the ailing Thomas, as if she had no other business.
Youre surprised the will favours Emma? piped up Thomass friend, siding with the old woman. Seriously? How was the flat ever meant for you? You did nothing to earn it! I told you thentake Grandmother in and care for her. Then youd be moving by now.
Why would we take another person into our home? the hurt woman protested, oddly expecting her friends support. Shes refused to come to us, saying she wants peace and quiet.
Id refuse in her place too. Six people in a flat, three of them childrenno thank you. Leave Emma alone. Get a job; theres a vacancy at my firm. Extra cash, you could get a mortgage.
Ill think about it, Martha snapped through clenched teeth, and the conversation veered far from the advice shed hoped for. Instead of counsel, she heard accusations. Work? She didnt want a job; shed rather have another baby
She tried to speak with Emma, perhaps to persuade her to give up the flat or to arrange a swapEmma moving into the house, the whole family into the flat. Emma, however, would not even listen. She said plainly she would fulfil Grandmothers last wishes to the letter.
Martha approached Edward again, only to be met with a storm. For the first time Edward shouted at his wife, frightening the children. Little Krista burst into tears, and Lily stared wideeyed at her parents.
Enough! Im fed up with your idle fantasies! I wont give a penny more! Ill buy food and clothes for the children myself; you earn your own wishes! Edward declared, then left for his parents house, refusing even to spend the night at home, still seething at his wife. What more could she want? A fine house, all comforts, a large garden why did she yearn for a cramped flat with neighbours on all sides?
Thomas, too, flew into a rage. A husband should stand by his wifeotherwise it isnt a family! If his wife wanted the flat, she must have it, no matter the cost.
Later, as night fell and the streets grew quiet, Emma walked home. The few late walkers and the dark shop windows offered little solace.
Well, theres Emma! a stout stranger emerged from the shadows, grinning at the frightened girl. Hello there. Guess what I want from you? Dont tremble! Im not interested in your charms. For now, goodbye.
What do you want? Money? Emma asked, wary.
The moneys already paid by another man. All I need is for you to give up that lovely flat. I see you understand what I mean.
Emma could only nod. She stood alone on the dim lane, no one even walking their dog. If she tried to resist, who knew what would happen
Smart girl, the man chuckled, patting her cheek. If you do as I ask, we wont meet again. If not well have a pleasant time together, thats for sure.
Emma fled home, feeling the mans eyes on her every step. Had Martha really gone that far? Did Edward know? He was her brother, after allcould he have allowed this?
Ed! Are you involved in this too? she sobbed as her brother answered the phone. Do you need this flat as much as I do? Ill give you everything, just leave me alone!
Emma, whats happened? the man on the line asked, genuinely startled. Emma, can you hear me? Where are you?
At home Ed
Im on my way.
He arrived within ten minutes, flouting traffic rules without a thought. To him, his sister was worth any fine!
When Emma finally managed to recount the unsettling encounter, Edward instantly grasped the situation and why his wife seemed so content.
File a report, he said firmly. There are cameras on every corner; theyll find that man quickly, and Ill see Tomour neighbourhand him over.
But Emma stammered, eyes wide. They wont imprison her, but
Its not your concern! Let her reap what she sows. Ill divorce her! I cannot let my children be raised by such a woman. What would she teach them?
A criminal case was opened against Martha, though she vehemently denied everything. She never guessed that the hired thug would record every word of their conversations. The children refused to speak to her, and the divorce was finalised swiftly.
