Settled in Nicely
Emily, you remember, its Mums birthday on Sunday, right? asked James, her husband, over breakfast.
As if I could forget, Emily mused internally. Hes mentioned it every day for nearly a week. His mothers rung up four times just to remind me! Its impossible to let it slip my mind But she simply smiled and replied,
I remember, James, dont worry. She sighed, just barely audibly. Lately, meeting with her mother-in-law had become pure torment. Elizabeth, Jamess mother, always wore a look of quiet disapproval, and Emily could never quite work out what shed done wrong. She adored her husband, had given him wonderful children, and ran a pleasant home. But clearly, one couldnt please everyone.
She and James had met in a very modern fashiononline, in a Facebook group about health and nutrition. Emily was buying vitamins, James was after protein bars. A typical conversation began, migrated to her profile, and soon, with mutual likes and chats, a friendship blossomed and grew into genuine affection. They married within seven months.
Em, Ill be the best dad, I promise! Honestly, I want a house full of children. Fourtwo boys, two girlsI just think one only child grows up selfish, but with siblings, you learn to share and care. And they become good people too.
Oh, stop, Emily laughed, Youre an only child yourself and youre not selfish.
Well, Im the exception, darling! He winked and kissed her cheek.
Jamess mother, Elizabeth Brown, met Emily the very first time with the raised eyebrows and stern gaze of a strict headmistress. Over dinner, she asked about Emilys familyher background, education. When Elizabeth learned Emily wasnt a Londoner but a student from a large family in Manchester, living with only her mother in a small flat, she was distinctly disappointed, spending the rest of the meal staring at her plate, lips pressed thin with concern.
Their wedding was a proper English affair, held in a celebrated London restaurant. Emilys mum and her two energetic sisters and three brothers travelled in from Manchester. All were young, bright, and livelyit was a joyful, rowdy celebration. Emily and James were over the moon, never straying far from one another all evening, like two lovebirds.
Two months later, the young couple told their families they were expecting. James was beside himself with delight. Emilys siblings showered them with congratulations, and her mum became teary with joy at the news shed have a grandchild. Elizabeth Brown, on the other hand, only sighed and pressed her lips tighter.
Couldnt you have waited? Lived for yourselves a bit first, gone travelling? Honestly, what kind of parents will you makeyoure just children yourselves
Mum, my lovely Mum! Youre going to be a grandmotherdont you see? Its wonderful! And Im going to be a dad! James grinned broadly, spinning his mother round the room as she waved her hands, trying to fend him off.
Then, as was proper, Emily gave birth to a healthy, pretty little girl, the spitting image of her. James was ecstatic. Emily happily devoted herself to motherhood and made their home as cosy as could be. James earned good money, so Emily could have afforded help about the house and a nanny for the babybut she wanted to do everything herself. She grew into a brilliant mum and kept a lovely home. James, for his part, eagerly did his share: in his spare time, he was happy to feed the baby, take her out for walks, even change a nappy now and then.
On their daughters first birthdaylittle Sophies, as it happenedthey discovered Emily was expecting again. Jamess secret hope for a son was fulfilled nine months later when Emily bore him a boy, whom they named Arthur.
Life grew busier and so they hired some domestic help so Emily could focus fully on their childrens upbringing. She was happy, satisfied with everything. James adored her and the children, and made sure they never wanted for anything. Anyone looking in would declare they led an enviable life. Yet, as it often goes, there was always a fly in the ointment: the mother-in-law, Elizabeth.
James, please tell me, why doesnt your mother like me? Sometimes I think she barely cares for her grandchildren either. What have I done wrong?
Em, dont mind her. Mums always had her ways, her own inner world where we dont really fit, he said, drawing her into an embrace and kissing her brow. All that matters is that I love you, more than anything.
Their children grew, Jamess business thrived, and all seemed well. Emily often reflected how glad she was that shed agreed all those years ago to a date with a stranger off the internetwho was now the centre of her life.
One day, leaving the children with the nanny, Emily and James went to the theatre togethera rare treat, as Emily loved a good play. Settling comfortably in her seat, theatre glasses in hand, she was ready to savour the performance, when suddenly she began to feel unwell.
James, I feel sick Must be that salad at the caféI knew it tasted a bit off
She tried to steady herself, breathed slowly, drank some water, but it didnt help. Regretfully, they left the performance early and headed home. There, Emily lay down and felt a little better after half an hour. Then, on a whim, she did a pregnancy test, just to be certain. And there it waspositive!
Emily! My lovethats marvellous! Three little onesjust as I dreamed! James swept her up in a happy whirl.
Its wonderful, but isnt it a bit soon? Arthur and Sophie are still so small she said, a bit overwhelmed.
Nonsense! Theyre ours, Emily. Well manage, see if we dont. And just imagine Mums face when we announce it on her birthdayas a bonus gift!
Emily quietly thought, Pretty sure she wont be happyshe already looks askance at us now. Shell probably say were breeding like rabbits, or worse. Out loud, she only nodded with a small smile. Whatever would be, would be.
When Sunday arriveda sunny, breezy spring daythe whole family set off to Elizabeths, picking up a cake and fresh flowers on the way. They arrived a bit later than planned.
Elizabeth met them at the door, beaming like a May rose, her perfume unmistakably French. She kissed her son, daughter-in-law and grandkids, and welcomed them to the dining room.
The other guests were already seated, some a tad merry. The latecomers were egged on to raise a toast, James taking charge, lifting his glass with a laugh.
To our dearest Mum and Gran! Wishing you beauty, health and joy, always! We, your children and grandchildren, will do our best to add to your happiness. And nowfor a present and a little surprise!
He handed Elizabeth a box containing a glittering diamond bracelet, topped by a small white envelope. After a kiss, he sat down, watching expectantly.
Elizabeth turned the box over in her hand, admired the bracelet and placed it on the table. Then, opening the envelope, she drew out a slip of paperEmilys pregnancy test, marked unmistakeably by two lines. At first, her face was blank, then her expression began to sour. With a look one might reserve for a toad suddenly dropped into ones palm, she tossed the test aside and looked straight at Emily.
So, this is your present for me, I take it? Well, I suppose youve never had much else to offer! You cant do anything but breed like a barn cat! Dont you get tired of being pregnant? Honestly Youve settled yourself nicely, havent you? Sat at home churning out children, with my son slaving away to feed this herd. A cleaner, a nannywhat next? Youre no better than a sponger, honestly Elizabeth spoke softly, but her voice was charged with anger.
An uncomfortable silence filled the room. The guests stared into their plates, sneaking glances at the drama.
James turned white as the wall, lips trembling with hurt, and spoke.
I can hardly believe my ears, Mum I thought you loved us. How long have you been holding this back? All these yearspretending I see now, you love no one but yourself, truly.
He stood up and Emily, fighting tears, stood too. They dressed the children as quickly as possible and left. Elizabeth refused to look at them. The guests remained silent.
In the car, Emily let the tears fall silently so as not to alarm the children. James glanced at her, sighing deeply, clearly as hurt as she.
They spent the rest of the day at home, subdued. When the children had gone to bed, they sat at the kitchen table, sharing strong tea, trying to make sense of it all.
You know, Em, Ive been thinking. None of this is your fault. Emily looked at him in astonishment.
Really, it isnt. You could be Mary, Sarah, Alice, or Helenshed find something to pick about, whether its the kids, the tea, the state of the floors. Shes always been jealous, I think. I was raised by her alone; my father walked away, dodged child support. Mum worked herself to bits to raise and clothe me. And then here you are, with everything sorted, me right beside you, putting you first, a lovely home, healthy children. She simply cant stand seeing someone elses happinessnot even her own sons. Try and forgive her, love. Just let it go, if you can.
They sat long into the night, arms around each other, beneath the gentle glow of the kitchen lamp, each lost in their own thoughts. James reflected on how little he understood his mother and how embarrassing it had been in front of everyone. Emily thought that she might, in time, forgive her mother-in-law, but not see her for a long whilenot if she could help it. Who knew what time would bring?
Whatever else they pondered, they still shared something that mattered above alllove, and their children. And that was enough.
