Dont like that I want my own family, do you? I left you all behind, started making a life for myself, and yet you show up and its back to the same old ways!
Come on, Harriet, dont work yourself up so! I know itll be an adjustment, village life after the city, but Ill help you! I tried to reassure her. I know what Im doing. I can handle it. I just need you by my side!
Harriet looked completely thrown.
Why on earth had she fallen for a country lad? And so hard, at that! Her knees would go weak whenever I smiled her way.
She was twenty-eight, doing well for herself in her career. Me thirty, with lots of extended family and a home of my own in a little village not far from Oxford.
Wed met by chance at a funfair. Id ended up there while Mum did a bit of shopping in town, and Harriets friends had dragged her along for a laugh.
We got talking, swapped numbers, and stayed in touch. I tried to impress her, popping up in the city to see her, always paying attention, always listening. Eventually, Harriet’s walls melted down.
Unlike the other fellows she knew, I was honest, open and genuine.
And then, I plucked up the courage to ask her to marry me. And she said yes.
Well, love? Give it a try. Daniels a village boy, but hes kind-hearted and hard-working, her mum conceded. If it doesnt work, youre always welcome back in London.
Harriet had nothing to lose. She could still do her job remotely now her firm had recently championed flexible working. She wasnt a teenager any more, and everyone knows the airs better in the countryside, anyway! Still…
Daniel, what am I going there as, exactly? she asked.
As my fiancée. And next year, well have the wedding and then go abroad. Ill have saved up enough by then so we neednt worry about a thing, I suddenly felt a bit awkward.
I know youre used to a different life.
Everything seemed right on paper, yet something unsettled Harriet. She couldnt quite put her finger on it, so decided to stop overthinking and just try it!
So, after a busy week wrapping things up, Harriet took a weeks leave, packed her things, locked up her cosy flat shed worked so hard and long for it and set off in her little car to my village, where I waited for her.
Her first evening went down well.
The summer sun was fierce, so we watered the garden together with laughter, cooked dinner, cracked on with all the chores together and actually had a laugh doing it.
Love, my folks are coming! I told her, coming home early one Friday.
Why? she blurted out, a bit panicked.
To meet you, and lend a hand. And my brother and his wife are tagging along. I was pacing, nerves kicking in.
For long? she asked, worried.
I hope not! I tried to reassure her. Honestly, dont worry. Well get through it.
But Harriet grew increasingly uneasy after that.
Dont stress, darling. Treat this like a trial run. If you cant stand it, come home! At least youve got somewhere to go, her mum joked over the phone. Do whats best for you. They’ll adjust. Or they wont. Thats Daniels hassle.
Why am I all in a flap? Im not even his wife yet! Harriet calmed herself. They wouldnt eat her alive, surely?
She was just finishing off laying the table when she heard a car pull up outside.
Theyre here! I stepped into the kitchen, a little excited and anxious.
We went out to greet our guests.
Well, hello, future daughter-in-law! boomed my mum, a large woman dressed nicely but sensibly, her short brown hair and thick lashes giving her a stern look, though she gave me a big hug.
Dad, stout and cheerful, shook my hand and nodded warmly at Harriet.
My brother George, tall and always joking, greeted Harriet with a wink. His wife, Emily a young, rosy-cheeked blonde offered Harriet a chilly smile, sizing her up before turning to George.
You just going to stand there drooling? Make yourself useful! she flounced off to the car for luggage.
I invited everyone inside, hoping food would put everyone at ease thank goodness Harriet could cook!
Oh, what a spread youve laid on! Very civilised, Mum approved.
Dad grunted his agreement.
Whats this, roast chicken? Who cooks like this? Emily prodded at her plate. Always trying something fancy that no one asked for. Ruins the meal for everyone.
No need for that. Its delicious! George frowned at his wife.
Youll eat anything. Not fussy, thats your problem! scoffed Emily, pointedly setting her fork down.
I sent Harriet an apologetic look.
Emily, bit of respect, please? Jealousy doesnt suit anyone. Harriet put in a lot of effort, I said quietly.
Who picked that name, anyway? Sounds like our Labrador. Shes called Harriet, too, Emily shot back, slyly.
Harriet snorted quietly.
Whats so funny? I whispered.
My old school friend had a hamster called Emily, she replied quietly to me.
Everyone heard, of course.
Mum gave Harriet a frosty stare, Dad nearly choked on his wine, and Emily flushed bright red.
Who do you think you are? How dare you! Emily glared at Harriet.
Only did what you do. Thought banter was your thing? Harriet shrugged, entirely unbothered.
George gave Harriet an admiring look.
Im Georges lawfully wedded wife, thats who! And youre what, Daniels girlfriend? Emily shot up from her chair. Mum nodded approvingly.
At least I know how to behave when visiting someones home, Harriet retorted.
Didnt come here for you, though, did I? Emily fired back.
Wasnt my idea either, I added, raising an eyebrow. So, how long are you staying?
An awkward silence fell over the table. Everyone looked at me, startled.
Just long enough to teach your city girl the ropes, then well be off, Mum said eventually.
No need, Mum. We manage just fine, and will keep on managing.
Well, you stuck yourself with a right little slacker, didnt you? Lets see how long that lasts, Emily wasnt done.
Theres only one slacker in this family, and its not Harriet, I shot back. Anyway, dear guests, thanks for a lovely dinner, but its time to put your feet up.
I offered Harriet my hand and together, under all those disgruntled eyes, we cleared the table.
Harriet thought to herself that a bit of support is a fine thing to have, but shed not let herself be pushed around. Besides, shed always have her own flat in London to go back to, if need be.
Saturday morning arrived in less-than-pleasant fashion.
Still in bed? We dont sleep in past noon around here! Mum burst in. And breakfast doesnt cook itself!
Harriet peered at her mobile, bleary-eyed.
Eight in the morning!
Mrs Williams, theres plenty for breakfast in the fridge, Harriet said, pulling the covers higher. Mind if I get dressed?
Well, listen to her! Mum threw her hands up. It doesnt cook itself, you know! Up you get!
She flounced out, slamming the door behind her.
Once shed collected herself, Harriet made her way downstairs.
Morning, darling. Youre up already? I was at the cooker.
She wouldnt have if I hadnt woken her, Mum sniffed.
Harriet ground her teeth.
Mum, why are you barging into our room? Werent we clear? I stared at her, stunned.
Not just useless but lazy too, arent we? Emily smirked.
I wasnt talking to you, Harriet snapped back.
Whats the matter? Thats country life. Early starts. Once you lot get a cow, youll be up at six for milking! Emily sneered.
Were not getting a cow, I assured her.
Why not? All that fresh milk and cream. Oh, I see, Harriet cant even milk a cow! Too much for her, isnt it? Emily cackled.
As if you can? You get by well enough, I grinned.
Since Harriets shown up youve got a chip on your shoulder, Mum sniffed.
Daniel, Im heading back to London. Call me when this circus leaves, if you ever find your backbone, Harriet snapped.
You! As soon as you came along, my son forgot about us! Never visits, never calls! And you want us to accept you? Youre breaking up our family! Mum fumed.
Enough! I slammed my palm on the table. Silence crashed over the house.
Dont like that I want my own life? I left home and started building something, and you come and stir it all up again!
But youve lost your head, son! All your money, time, wasted on this She only wants you for your money! Mum wailed. Shes a burden, and youre too blind to see it! Were just trying to save you!
For the record, Mum, Harriet provides for herself. Im saving for the wedding, I pulled Harriet gently as she tried to bolt. Want me to be happy? Go home. Visits by invitation only especially you, Emily.
While my family were still in shock, I led Harriet back to our room for her to cool down, and returned to find Dad and George gathering bags.
Son, make your choice! Me or her! Mum snapped.
Funny. You welcomed Emily, I replied, feeling let down.
Cant compare us, Emily huffed.
Dad and George watched the show with interest.
Well? Mum prompted impatiently.
I choose happiness, I said, meeting her gaze.
In that case, Ive no son, Mum declared, heading out the door. Emily followed, clearly furious. Dad smiled at me.
Were behind you, lad, he said. Ill handle your mother.
George grinned and hugged me.
Look after your happiness, bro! Maybe we need to shake a few things up ourselves.
And off they went.
Harriet felt awkward about it all, but she also knew how serious I was about us. We went back to sharing chores, helping each other through everything, side-by-side.
Meanwhile, back at George and Emilys, things were getting interesting.
Mum, Emily we bought you a cow! George announced with a straight face.
Have you lost your mind? Mum was doubtful.
No. Emily will be up at six every morning to milk her and take her out. George was stoic.
Is this a joke? Emily was rattled.
Just thought youd like to learn for yourselves! Dad shrugged. And by the way, breakfast at seven sharp every morning. No sandwiches something substantial. Villagers get up early.
Suddenly, Mum and Emily found themselves on the receiving end of their own so-called teaching! They were expected to work as hard as Harriet, and that didnt go down well. Different world, different skills.
Eventually, Mum made her peace with me, but she hesitated to visit anymore. What if Harriet could do even more things she couldnt?
Finally, I plucked up the courage and proposed to Harriet properly. Everyone came to celebrate our big day.
Cant say Mum and Emily ever really warmed to Harriet, but at least they learned to keep their opinions to themselves. Safer that way.
As for us, we were happy. We did everything together, worked as a team and, from then on, never feared unexpected visitors again.
Personal lesson? In the end, standing up for the person you love is always worth it, no matter what storms you have to weather. Happiness isnt about pleasing everyone, but about making your own family where understanding and respect come first.
