Became the Housekeeper
When Patricia told us she was getting married, both my husband and I were stunned and didn’t really know how to react to the news.
Are you certain youre ready to turn your life upside-down at your age? I asked, glancing sideways at David.
Mum, is this really necessary? David was visibly nervous. I know youve been on your own for years and basically devoted your life to raising me, but getting married now just seems silly.
Youre young, so its easy to judge, Patricia replied calmly. Im sixty-three, and none of us knows how much time is left. I have every right to spend my remaining years with someone I love.
Just dont rush into anything, David persisted. Youve only known Edward for a couple of months, and youre already ready to change everything?
At our age, its better not to waste time, Patricia responded. And what else is there to know? Hes two years older than me, lives with his daughter and her family in a spacious flat, gets a good pension, and owns a cottage.
And where will you live? David didnt understand. We all live together, and theres simply no room for another person.
Dont worry so much, Edwards not vying for our space, Patricia explained. Ill move in with him. The flats bigger, I get on well with his daughter, and since were all grown-ups, I doubt therell be much conflict.
David was stressed, and I tried to persuade him to accept his mothers decision.
Perhaps were just selfish? I mused. Of course, its easier for us when your mum helps out, especially with Emma. But Patricia has every right to enjoy her life. If shes got a chance for happiness, we shouldnt stand in her way.
It would be fine if they just lived together but why get married? David grumbled. Im just not ready for a bride in a white dress and a big wedding at our age.
Well, maybe it gives them a sense of security, I said, trying to reason it out.
Eventually, Patricia did marry Edward, who shed met randomly on the high street, and soon she moved into his place. At first, everything seemed fine the household accepted her, her new husband was kind, and Patricia dared to dream shed found happiness for her golden years. But soon, the realities of living with a new family began to show.
Would you mind making a roast for dinner? asked Linda, Edwards daughter. Id do it myself, but works crazy and Ive got no time, whereas youve got plenty of free hours.
Patricia took the hint and took charge of the cooking, which quickly expanded into shopping, cleaning, laundry and even cottage visits.
Now were married, the cottage is ours to manage, Edward declared. Linda and Tom are always busy, their little ones too small. Well handle everything together.
Patricia didnt argue; she quite liked being part of a large, close-knit family where people helped and supported each other. With her first husband, shed never had this he was lazy and sly, and eventually left when David was ten. That was twenty years ago, and they hadnt heard from him since. For now, things felt right, and all the tasks didnt weigh on her, nor did tiredness breed annoyance.
Mum, are you really cut out for all that work at the cottage? David said on the phone. After every trip, your blood pressure must be through the roof. Is it worth it?
Of course it is I enjoy it, insisted Patricia. Edward and I will grow enough for everyone, and of course Ill share with you.
Yet David had doubts, particularly because in all these months theyd never been invited over, even for a cup of tea. He and I had invited Edward, who kept promising to come, but he always found reasons no time, no energy and so on. Eventually we stopped trying and accepted the fact that the new in-laws simply had no interest in building a relationship. The only thing we wished for was to know Patricia was happy.
To start, Patricia was genuinely glad to help. But the work kept piling up, and soon it became a bit much. Edward, upon arriving at the cottage, would clutch his back and complain about his heart. The ever-caring Patricia would send him off for a lie down while she dragged branches, cleared leaves and emptied the dustbins.
Stew again? Tom, Edwards son-in-law, pulled a face. We had it yesterday. I thought wed get something different today.
I didnt have time to cook anything else, and didnt manage to go shopping, Patricia apologised. I washed and rehung all the curtains; I felt lightheaded and had to lie down.
I mean, I get it… but I just dont like stew, Tom grumbled, shoving his plate aside.
Tomorrow Pat will lay on a feast for us, piped up Edward.
True to his word, the next day Patricia spent all day in the kitchen, only for dinner to be gobbled up in half an hour. Afterwards, she cleaned up, as always. Now, Linda and Tom seemed to find fault with everything, with Edward taking their side and making Patricia out to be the guilty party.
Im not a spring chicken, you know, Patricia protested. Im tired and dont see why I should do everything single-handed.
Youre my wife, its your job to keep this house in order, Edward reminded her.
If Im your wife, I should have rights as well as obligations, Patricia wept.
She calmed down eventually, got back to looking after everyone, trying to keep the home atmosphere pleasant. But one day, she snapped. That morning Linda and Tom were off to visit friends, and decided to leave their daughter with Patricia.
She can stay with Grandpa or go with you, but Im visiting my granddaughter today, Patricia said.
Why should we all have to rearrange our plans for you? Linda flared up.
You dont have to, but I dont have to change mine either, Patricia replied. Its my granddaughters birthday today. I told you on Tuesday. Not only have you ignored it, now you expect me to stay here.
Thats just not on, honestly, Edwards cheeks turned red. Lindas plans are disrupted, and your granddaughters too young to care if you congratulate her tomorrow.
Nothingll happen if we pop over to my family for a bit, or you look after your own granddaughter while Im out, Patricia was determined.
I knew this marriage would end badly, Linda spat. Youre an average cook, keep the place messy and only think about yourself.
After all I’ve done these months, do you think that too? Patricia asked Edward. Be honest did you want a wife, or a housekeeper to cater to everyones whims?
Thats not fair, youre making me out to be the villain, Edward blinked rapidly. Dont start a row out of nowhere.
I asked a simple question. I have every right to an answer, Patricia pressed.
If thats how you see things, do as you wish. But in my home, these attitudes arent acceptable, Edward said stiffly.
In that case, I resign, Patricia replied, heading to pack her belongings.
Will you take your hopeless granny back? she said, dragging her bag and her granddaughters present. I got married, came home again dont ask questions yet, just tell me: will you have me?
Of course, David and I rushed to her side. Your rooms waiting, and were glad to have you back.
Are you really that glad? she asked, longing for reassurance.
Why else would we be happy to see family again? I smiled.
In that moment, Patricia knew she wasnt the help. She was mum, grandmother, and mother-in-law a member of the family, not a servant. She moved back in for good, filed for divorce herself, and tried never to dwell on her brief, disappointing chapter with Edward.
