DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
Margaret put the large roast duck onto the beautifully laid dining table and sighed, glancing at the clock. Any moment now, her sons would be arriving with their wives.
Her youngest had only recently married; the wedding had been rather modest. Well, that seemed to be the way of things for young people these days. Margaret would have much preferred a splendid affairif shed had her way, there would have been bells ringing across the village green. She remembered her own wedding to Henrytheyd just popped down to the registry office and that was that. They didnt even afford rings until a year latertwo thin gold bands. Shed dreamed of giving her children a proper celebration, but, in the end, it was their choice to make.
Shes only got one faultshes rather too well put together! confessed the mother-in-law to her neighbour at church. But the new daughter-in-law, Emily, had already decided to talk things over.
Emily was, in truth, a rather pleasant young woman, and had had a good influence on her son, George. Shed encouraged him to find a proper job and urged him along the next steps of his career. Up til thirty, hed lived at home without much ambition, and Margaret had started to worry. But with Emily guiding him, things had finally fallen into place.
But stillEmilys flaw was being too well groomed. Off shed go to the beauty parlour; haircuts, colouring, massages, manicures. Money seemed to disappear so quickly. A married woman, surely, should put family before herself? What if they had children? Would she use the money for a pedicure instead of shoes for George? Margaret never held with that sort of thing. When Henry died, and though both sons were grown, they still seemed to need help, Margaret always put her own needs last.
Her musings were interrupted by the doorbellthe young couple had arrived. Emily entered the sitting room like a film star, her hair freshly styled, her nails immaculate. She wore hardly any makeup, her skin glowing thanks to an expert beautician.
My, Emily, dont you look lovely! Margaret exclaimed, honestly, though she couldnt quite hide a hint of disapproval. That suits new, isnt it?
Yes, I treated myself yesterday, Emily replied with a smile. I was given a generous bonus at work.
Well, youd do better to put that money aside, Margaret couldnt help but say, unable to withhold a little advice. All bonuses, extra earnings, even the Christmas paybest tucked away for a rainy day. Believe me, youll need it.
Emily made no reply. She liked her mother-in-lawa simple, honest woman whod given her all for her family. Yet Emily always felt that rainy days came to those who spent too long expecting them.
The evening went smoothly enough, though Margaret brought up the subject of extravagance a few more times. Emily knew perfectly well to whom these pointed words were aimed.
And when did you last have your nails done, Margaret? she finally asked.
Ioh, I never have, Margaret faltered. I see to them myself, just to keep my hands tidy. Thats all anyone really needs.
No one seemed to pick up on the moment, but Emilys heart ached for her mother-in-law. To have raised two sons, both now earning decent wages, yet denied herself any luxuryit struck Emily as quite unfair.
George, does your mum ever do anything for herself? she asked her husband quietly on the way home.
She cooks, look how well she laid on supper. Watches telly, sees her friends from the street. Why?
Its just that she deserves a bit more. You boys ought to take her outsee a film, the theatre, maybe a restaurant now and then.
Oh, she wouldnt want all that, George protested. Its just not her thing.
Emily said nothing, thinking of her own mother, whoeven during tough yearswould always treat herself to a smart haircut or a new dress, and always bought a season ticket for the local theatre, simply for the pleasure of it.
Emily decided something had to change. Margaret ought to have the chance to do something just for herself, rather than sitting at home watching telly, waiting for grandchildren shed only end up doting on as well.
A few days later, Emily called and invited Margaret out for a walk and a coffeeand, as an extra, suggested a quick stop at the beauty salon. Emily wanted to visit the beautician herself, and offered Margaret any treatment she fancied.
Oh, theres no need for that, Margaret protested, anxious. If you must, Ill wait for you in reception or outside.
No need to simply wait, Emily coaxed. Why not have a manicure and a hand massage? Itll only take half an hour, an hour at most.
With great reluctance, Margaret gave in. Emily rang ahead to the salon, where she was a regular and explained the situation.
Ladies, please give my mother-in-law the royal treatmentsuggest any extra you like, gently, like a pedicure or face mask. If she asks the price, say its all paid; shes to just enjoy herself. If she likes it, you might have a new loyal customer.
On the day, Emily led her hesitant mother-in-law inside and handed her to the care of the staff.
Only half an hour, yes, Emily? And the cost? How much? Margaret fretted.
When the kindly assistant ushered Margaret away, Emily settled into the waiting area with her phone. She had no treatments booked for herself; being a Saturday, she caught up with some emails.
It was two hours before Margaret re-emerged, looking utterly refreshed. The beauticians had done their job admirably.
Oh, Emily, it was wonderfulmanicure, hand massage, even herbal tea! The girls were so sweet. It must have cost a fortune.
But todays a special offer! piped up the receptionist. Bring a friend next time and she gets everything free, so today theres no charge at all.
Emily and an unusually cheerful Margaret went to the nearby coffee house. With a sigh of contentment, Margaret sipped her cappuccino and relaxed into the armchair.
Why dont we make these girls days a regular thing? Emily suggested. They always do good discounts for regular clients. You did enjoy yourself, didnt you?
I did, Margaret admitted. Didnt know something so simple could be so pleasant.
You should have tried before!
Well, before The boys were little. My late Henry always watched every penny, never approved of such things. Afterwards, there never seemed any real reason.
And now there is! To keep me company, or Ill be all alone.
Well, perhaps now and again, as your companion, she agreed.
And so it became a custommother-in-law and daughter-in-law, enjoying their little outings. Tactful Emily even managed to update Margarets wardrobe, discreetly quoting prices far lower than they truly were.
She coaxed George into taking his mother to a restaurant. Together, they went to the cinema. And on Christmas, Emily presented Margaret with a season ticket to the theatre.
You look years younger! Margarets neighbours remarked.
Its the young folk keeping me on my toes, shed blush modestly.
Truly, it seemed to her that, finallythere, in her retirement, mother to two grown sonsher youth had truly begun.
