The Tagalong
“Mary, but shes got baggage! Or does that not matter to you?” said Dorothy, leaning on the garden fence with a sly grin at her neighbour. “Couldnt your son find anyone better? Hes a good laddecent, no complaints. There are plenty of girls around here. Yet look at him, hes chosen his one!”
Mary sighed, not eager to admit to herself that her sons choice unsettled her. Hearing it from Dorothy, her lifelong rival in neighbourly gossip, stung twice as much.
“We dont mind children, Dorothy. You hear? Whats so bad about her, tell me? Shes young, pretty, good-natured, and I know for a fact shes decent. If theres a child, so what? She had him in marriage, not that it matters. She was widowed so young, and any of us could be in her shoes. Well help raise himhell be another grandson to me. So you neednt wag your tongue for the sake of it!”
Mary pursed her lips and shooed away the neighbours cat, who was stalking along the fence towards her.
“Cheeky thing! That cat of yours has pinched three of my chicks already, Dorothy. Watch that furball, or Ill let Patch out on him, and dont say you werent warned.”
“Youre all talk!” Dorothy pushed her rotund, tabby cat down off the fence. “Youll see who chases whom. Ill shut the rascal inside, thoughhe stole my chicks last year too. If he wasnt such a good mouser, Id have got rid of him long ago, but what can you do with instincts?”
“Let him keep his instincts indoors then!”
“Oh, I nearly forgot! The jars! The jam must be done by now!”
“Youre here chatting, and who’s minding the jam?”
“Its Olivia. Came down yesterday to help with the veg.”
“But shes due any day?”
“Exactly, so shes not weedingshes in the kitchen making jam. She hates sitting idle. That girl is pure gold!”
“Why do you praise your daughter-in-law behind her back, but boss her around to her face?”
“For orders sake!” grinned Dorothy, unfazed. “Take my advice when youre a mother-in-law, Maryif youre too kind, theyll walk all over you!”
“Well see about that!” Mary waved her hand dismissively. “Do you need those jars, or will you manage without? Ive no time to gossip; Ive got things to get on with.”
Once Dorothy had gone, Mary got stuck into the baking. Tomorrow, her son was bringing home his future bride to meet her. Brideshe hesitated mid-knead, staring into the garden outside. What would come of it all?
She barely knew Emma. Only heard talk, and once or twice caught sight of her from a distance when visiting her sister in the next village. Nothing remarkable. Just a tall, fair-haired, blue-eyed young woman. Though hardly a girl now; a young woman, once wed and now widowed, with a son. The child, Tom, must be three or so. Fate hadnt been kind to Emma. Orphaned young, shed been brought up by her gran and granddad. Theyd raised her, got her settled, married off. Just as theyd celebrated the great-grandson, Emmas husband died in an accident, leaving her alone with a babe in arms. Who wouldnt feel sorry for her? But Mary would rather sympathise from a distance. Since her own husband died, her son Jack had been her only comfort and support. She was grateful he was close by, yet anxioushe was a grown man now, time to settle down, but he kept putting it off. Whenever shed ask, hed laugh it off, claiming to wait for true love. Now, suddenly, hed announced hed found Emma.
Mary had straightaway hurried to her sister for all the news. Lydia, her elder sister, had not been patient.
“Why are you flapping about like a headless chicken?”
“But what sort of person is she? What if he brings her here and then?”
“He will bring heryes, here, but not for long.”
“What?!” Mary was taken aback.
“Didnt Jack tell you? Ive signed over Granddads old house to him. Its not fit for living just yet, but the plots big. They can build their own place.”
Marys mind whirled. So her son would move away? Even if the villages were barely any distance apart and there was a regular bus, it wouldnt be the same. Shed no longer see him home each evening, helping in the gardenhed have his own life. Shed be no more than an occasional visitor.
“You look thunderstruck. Arent you glad?” Lydias tone softened; she sat beside her. “Youve got to let him go, Mary. Jacks grownhe needs his own nest and family now.”
“Youre right, of course. I justworry. What if things dont work out? Theres a child, too”
“Let me tell you something. I know all the girls round here. Id struggle to say a single bad thing about Emma. Straight as they come.”
“Thats what worries meshes almost too perfect.”
“Oh, you never can be pleased!” Lydia frowned. “If she was trouble, youd be delighted? Stop it, Mary! The main thing is for them to be happy. Dont do anything youll regret.”
“What do you mean?” Mary paled.
“If you dont accept her, youll lose your son. Ive seen the way he looks at Emma. Theres love there.”
Mary remembered her sisters words; the worry balled tightly in her chest, twisting so she struggled to sleep. She didnt know why, but restlessness gnawed at her.
She shook her hands, took a breath, and returned to her dough. Shed meet her future daughter-in-law with all warmth; Lydia was righther son mustnt suspect her doubts. Thered be time for judgements later. Now, she must do her best.
Neat little pasties, each identical, lined the big dish. Mary paused, remembering how her husband had adored tiny ones, just right for a single bite.
“Like sunflower seedsnever enough! Theyre so good!”
Hed squeeze her hand and kiss her fingers, and she would laugh, hugging him close. Mary brushed away a tear; how she missed John nowhe would have offered advice, and calmed her nerves.
She barely slept that night, tossing and turning. If only morning would come quickly
Emma stood shyly behind Jack, afraid to look her future mother-in-law in the eye. Tom wriggled in her arms, wide-eyed with curiosity at the new place. So much to see! There was a big dog on a chainnot barking, which was odd (their Nana Violets dog always barked). There was a cat sauntering off, tail in the air. Tom reached after it and looked at his mother.
“Let him explore,” said Mary, shutting the dog away. “He can roamtheres nothing to worry about here, youll see him from the window.”
As she studied Emma, Mary thought: What a sorry sight, bless her. Skinny, pale. Youd never believe such a sturdy boy was her son. Something eased slightly in Marys chest; she watched as Tom, now set down, toddled over and gazed up at her.
“Wheres the cat gone?”
“What cat? I dont have a cat. Did you see one?”
Tom pointed across the garden, and Marys heart sank.
“Come on, lets catch him! If he gets to the chicken run, therell be trouble!”
Tom dashed after Mary, still unsure what to call this serious lady. They caught the cat just before it reached the chicks.
“You little devil! Get!” Mary slipped off her slipper and half-heartedly threw it in the cats direction.
Tom burst out laughing, and Mary found herself smiling too. What a good-natured, lively boy. She fetched a chick to show him, but he only dared stroke it, too gentle to pick it up.
“Hes little!”
Mary beckoned him inside, and soon Tom was perched on her knee, tucking into pasties. Catching Emmas shy glance towards Jack, Mary said:
“Youve got a lovely boy, Emma. Clever and hearty. What every granny dreams of.”
Seeing Emma exhale with relief, Marys heart gave a curious twinge. The girl was scared of everythingit showed she was a true mother. Mary realised the intrusive worry inside her had gone, though not entirely, but she could breathe easier.
Jack joked away, discussing wedding plans. Emma sat quietly, eyes down. When Jack left the room, Mary asked,
“Why so quiet?”
Gently stroking Toms hair and pushing bowl of cherries near, she coaxed, “Eat, love. Theyre sweet.”
“What should I say? I told Jack Id prefer a quiet weddingjust a quick registry ceremony.”
“And he wouldnt hear of it?”
“No. Said it wouldnt look right. The family would be disappointed.”
“Hes right, in some ways. Still, you shouldnt keep silent. Why not a big wedding?”
Emma lifted grey eyes to meet Marys, considering. “Im frightened. Happiness loves silence, they say. My first wedding was all bells and whistlesand look how it ended”
“You shouldnt think like that, Emma. I know you lost your husband, and thats a heavy sorrow. But if he loved you, hed be glad to see you happy again. Lifes dealt out joys and sadness in advancewe just dont know how much. All we can do is accept what comes, with gratitude or otherwise. Theres no escaping fate.”
“I was afraid”
“Of what?”
“That youd judge me. For marrying again, especially someone like Jack. I know he could have his pick. But hes chosen me”
Tom squirmed, and Mary set him down to the floor.
“And who am I now?” Those mother-grey eyes peered solemnly up.
“Im your granny now, Tom. Call me Granny Mary.”
“All right!” Tom nodded, very serious.
The wedding took place just as Jack wanted. The relatives, of course, couldnt resist wagging their tongues, but Marys pursed lips soon quieted them.
Jack and Emma lived with Mary for nearly a year. She forgot all about the prickly doubt and her old worries. Watching Emmas kindness and care, Mary realised she could stop frettingJack was in good hands. Not that it was always easy; there were times of irritation, quickly smoothed over by Emmas remarkable patience. She never took offence, defused any tension, soothed her mother-in-laws nerves.
“Why do you always bottle things up, Emma? You should have a good cry and talk to your husband! Youd give Mary a break then,” Dorothy mused, shooing the cow through the gate, a twig in hand.
“And have them all row, is that your clever fix? Mother and son falling outnice one, Dorothy!” Emma replied dryly.
“Youre too proud, Emma. Its not a good thing, not in this world.”
“Better to use your own head than heed every busybodys advice,” Emma retorted, heading inside.
Dorothy snorted, and a new rumour drifted off into the village.
In the meantime, Jack had set to building their own house on the patch left to himand after a year, it was ready. With the move came all the busyness of running a household and, soon enough, a surprise for Emma.
“What do you mean, Im pregnant?” Emma gaped at the doctor.
“Surprised? Was the child not wanted?”
“Of course he is! Butis it such a problem, here, now? My first was so different”
“There are some complications, so youll need to stay here a while. But well do everything for you and the baby to be well.”
That very day Mary arrived to look after Tom. Emma opened the door, startled.
“Whats the matter?” Mary asked, placing down the shopping, toys for Tom tumbling out.
“Thank you, Granny Mary!” Tom was absorbed with a new toy car.
“Its just You looked cross and I wondered if you were angry with me,” Emma admitted.
Marys eyes widened. Oh, that Dorothy! Shed soured Marys mood that very morning so badly, shed brooded the whole journey.
“So, Jacks taken on a woman with a child, and now an invalid too? What will she have, Mary? Perhaps theres still time to”
“And whats wrong with you, Dorothy? Where did all this bile come from? Did you not get enough love as a child? What did Emma ever do to you?”
“Not my problem!” Dorothy snapped, catching sight of Marys darkening face. “Oh, forget itI was only joking! Hope it all turns out for the best!”
Mary turned away and walked to the bus stop, trying to calm herself, but the worry wouldnt shift. Emma noticed at once.
“Dont mind me, Emmajust a silly row on the bus upset me. Why cant people live in peace?”
Emma shook her head but smiled. She knew Mary couldnt lie. If she tries to soothe me, she cant be angry at me.
“Come on, lets pack your things. Want me to help?”
“Im about done. I just hate the thought of hospital.”
“You have to go, Emma. For the babys sake. Dont worry about TomI wont take my eyes off him. All will be well!”
Jack drove Emma to hospital, beginning long, nervy days of waiting. A week passed, then another, before the doctors finally gave a nod.
“Not long to goyoull be home soon, though well need to keep an eye on you. Is there anyone to help?”
“My mother-in-laws staying, she minds Tom.”
“Your mother-in-law?” the consultant raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure thats a good idea?”
“Oh, you too! Shes wonderfulnothing like the horror stories,” Emma laughed.
“Rare, thatlovely to hear.”
As Emma prepared to come home, her wonderful mother-in-law was in a frenzy, pacing the lanes, tearing her hair.
“Oh Lord, what do I tell Emma?!”
Tom had vanished that morning. He was always obedient and never left the gate without permission. Mary had let him out to play while she cooked for Emmas homecominghospital food was hopeless, and she wanted everything fresh.
Marys kitchen overlooked the garden, and she kept an eye on Tom playing in the sandpit. He was building something intently. She glanced away a moment to check the compote, and when she turned back, he was gone.
“Where have you got to?” she muttered, wiping her hands on her apron.
No sign of Tom in the garden. Panic rising, Mary ran outsidejust her slippers on. The gate hung open. The street was empty. How long since shed last seen him? Barely any time. Where could he have gone?
She had no idea Tom had been drawn by strange yells beyond the fence, running out to see. There, some older boys were tormenting a black-and-white puppy, pulling a rope tight round its neck.
“Let him go! You’re hurting him!” Tom rattled the gate until it swung open.
The boys only laughed, pushing him back, kicking the puppy for sport. Tom darted between them, desperate to help. Eventually, an angry womans shout sent the bullies scattering. Tom was left there, unsure where he washed followed them down one lane, then another, and now didnt recognise anything.
“What sort of children are you? Tormenting a little thing, you should be ashamed!” the woman scolded, then glared at Tom. “And you? Going to hurt him too?”
“No! Hes just a baby. Hes scared!” Tom scooped up the puppy.
The woman walked off, shaking her head. Tom looked around; where to go? His granny would worry, and Mum would be cross! He remembered what she’d said: if youre lost, stay put and help will come. He spotted a bench by someones gate and sat down, hugging the puppy. He just had to wait.
He never knew how far hed wandered; Mary searched nearby streets, never dreaming he could be so far off.
When Jack brought Emma home, he saw the open gate and exchanged worried glances with Emma.
“Wait here while I open the gate. Ill fetch Mum and Tom.”
Emma, pale and queasy, just leant back in the seat.
Jack hurried into the house, switching off soup spilling over on the hob, and dashed back outside. He settled Emma in the bedroom.
“Rest a bit, love.”
“Wheres Tom?”
“Probably out to the shop with Mum. Ill find them; wont be long.”
Jack found Mary on a nearby street.
“Mum!” She rushed to him, breathless, “Its Tom!”
“What about Tom?” Jacks blood ran cold.
“Hes vanished! Went out the gate and disappeared!”
“Calm down, Mum. Tell me everythingfrom the start.”
Through tears, Mary explained everything.
“I see. Where did you search?”
“Round herehe couldnt have gone far!”
“You might be surprised. Try the nearby lanes againIll check wider afield. And Mumdont go home yet. Emma mustnt be alarmed now.”
After an hour, Jack spotted Tom asleep on a bench, arms tight around the black-and-white puppy, who promptly barked at Jack.
“Youll make a fine guard one day,” Jack scratched its ears, then gently shook Tom awake. “Time to go home, champ.”
“Dad…” Tom rubbed his eyes and smiled. “I stayed in one place, didnt move, just like you said.”
“Well done! Thats why I found you. And this, eh?” Jack nodded at the puppy.
“Dad He looks just like Patch, at Granny Marys.”
“Or maybe Boris,” Jack teased, seeing the puppys round belly. “Want to keep him?”
“Can we?” Toms eyes shone.
“Of course! A house isnt a home without a dog! Lets see what sort of mutt he grows into.”
Jack carried Tom, the puppy scampering alongside. Mary, wringing her hands at the corner, saw them and sank down, exhausted onto a bench.
“Mum, what are you like? Hes fine, safe, found!”
Mary gathered Tom up, hugging him.
“You gave me such a fright, sweetheart!”
“Sorry, Granny. I wont do it again!”
Mary shed quiet tearshow could anyone say he wasnt flesh of her flesh? Let Dorothy think what she liked!
Emma only learned the details later. Tom didnt mention ithe seemed to know his mum didnt need more worries. They laughed, washing a spectacularly flea-ridden puppy, hands and faces streaming with soapy water.
“I missed you!” said Emma.
“And I missed you more!”
Toms little sister arrived right on timea bright, loud baby, named Molly after her grandmother. Mary bloomed with joy, visiting whenever she could. At first she worried Emma might harbour a grudge, and kept busy helping out, realising how tough things were with a baby. But Emma never criticised her for Toms mishap.
“He could just as easily have slipped off with me, Mum. Dont blame yourself. Any living thing means the world to himhe carries ladybirds off the path so no one treads on them.”
“Such a good soul. Thats worth everything.”
Mary never pushed her advice, just helped where needed. Seeing Emmas gratitude, shed move mountains for the chance to hear a soft, “Thank you, Mum.”
When Tom ran to hug her, and Emma smiled as she handed over little Molly, Mary knew shed done the right thing, all along.
“Off to see the grandchildren again?” Dorothy was waiting by her own gate as Mary locked up. “You spoil them!”
“Its grandchildren, Dorothytwo of them now.”
“Just the one really yours.”
“Two, Dorothy. Both of them are minegrandson and granddaughter. But what would you know?” Mary dropped the keys into her bag. “Want to know a secret? Since youre always the expert on lifes lessons?”
“Go on then, amaze me.”
“Love, Dorothy, is a two-way street. If you want to be loved, you’ve got to make the effort yourself. My children and grandchildren all love me. What about you?”
“They respect me, thats enough.”
“Thats all well and good, but if you ask meloves better. Wouldnt you agree?” Mary winked and, glancing at the time, hurried off, her heart full. Where theres love, she thought, theres always a way home.
