DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
Margaret Wilson placed a large platter with a roast duck on the beautifully laid table and sighed. Her sons and their wives would be arriving any minute.
Her younger son had recently got married. The wedding was a quiet, modest affair, quite the fashion these days among young people. She would have thrown a proper celebration not like her own, when she’d simply popped down to the registry office with her late husband, unable to afford even rings until a year latertwo slim gold bands. She had wanted her children to have a memorable day, but, in the end, its up to the couple to decide.
Margaret did have one little worry: Shes just rather too well-groomed, she admitted to herself. But the time had come to speak to her daughter-in-law.
Sophie, her younger son Georges wife, was actually a pleasant, sensible girl. She was good for George. Helped him find a wonderful job, kept him climbing the career ladder. For years, George had let life carry him along, showing little ambition. Margaret had begun to worry. Thankfully, Sophie managed to set him right.
Her only reservation was Sophies focus on her appearance. She frequented salons for haircuts, colouring, massages, and manicuresspending a fortune. Margaret believed that a married woman, especially one with a family, shouldnt carry on like that.
When children come along, will she spend on her nails instead of shoes for her son? Margaret had never been one for such priorities, especially after her husband died and, though her sons were grown, they still needed her support.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the doorbellthe young people had arrived. Sophie swept into the lounge looking quite the part, her hair fashionably styled, nails pristine, barely any makeup on her face, thanks to a skilled beautician.
Sophie, you look beautiful! exclaimed Margaret sincerely, though she couldnt help betraying a hint of disapproval. Is that a new suit?
Yes, I bought it yesterday, Sophie replied, smiling. I got a lovely bonus at work.
In that case, its best to save that money, Margaret couldnt hold back her advice. Bonuses, extra earnings, Christmas payput it by for a rainy day. Trust me, youll need it!
Sophie remained silent. She liked her mother-in-law, who had given her all for her family, but privately thought: waiting for trouble tends to bring it closer.
The evening went quite pleasantly, but Margaret tried a couple of times to tactfully touch on the subject of unnecessary spending. Sophie realised who the hints were aimed at.
When did you last have a manicure, Margaret? Sophie finally asked.
Oh, I Well Never really, stuttered Georges mum. I just keep my hands decent at home. Thats quite enough.
No one else remarked on the brief exchange, but as a woman, Sophie felt a deep pang for Margaret. After all, shed raised two sons, both now earning well, and yet she couldnt bring herself to spend the smallest amount on her own enjoyments!
George, does your mum ever do anything for herself? she asked as they walked home.
Im not sure. She cooks, she laid out that lovely dinner table, watches telly, visits the neighbours. Why?
Well, it just seems like shes never had anything nice in life! You could take her to the cinema, to the theatre, or out for dinner
Oh, she wouldn’t want that. You’re overthinking it.
Sophie fell silent. She recalled her own mother, who, despite money being tight, allowed herself a smart haircut, a new dress, and always bought herself a theatre season pass simply for the pleasure of it.
Sophie decided that Margaret deserved, at least for once, to live a little, not just bide her time at home waiting for grandchildren, to whom she would also devote herself entirely.
A few days later, Sophie called Margaret and invited her out for a walk, a coffee, and perhaps a quick salon visitSophie needed to see her beautician and suggested Margaret try any treatment that caught her fancy.
Oh no, really, Margaret panicked. If you need to go, Ill wait in the foyer or outside.
But why wait? Sophie reasoned. Half an hour or an hour could be well spent. How about a manicure and a hand massage, at least?
Margaret accepted with reluctance. Sophie had already phoned the salon, a place where she was well known, and explained everything.
Ladies, please treat my mother-in-law to the very best! And gently suggest other treatmentspedicure, mask, whatever she fancies. If she asks about money, just say its all been taken care of by meshe need only enjoy herself. Youre my only hope! Win her over and you might gain another loyal customer.
At the appointed hour, Sophie led her hesitant mother-in-law into the salon and left her in the capable hands of the staff.
Just half an hour, right, Sophie? And how much will it cost? Do I need to pay?
Once the lovely receptionist had whisked Margaret away, Sophie sat in the foyer and took out her phoneshe hadnt booked anything for herself that day.
Even on a weekend, theres always an email or two to reply to if theres time, so Sophie got stuck in.
Margaret emerged two hours later, relaxed and reinvigoratedthe staff knew their business.
Oh, Sophie, they did so much for me! Margaret began. Coffee, herbal teas. Everyone here is so lovely. But how much did it all cost? It must have been expensive.
Oh, were offering a special deal today! the receptionist interjected. Bring a friend along and she receives all the treatments for free. So, theres nothing to pay today!
Sophie and her delighted mother-in-law went to a nearby café. Margaret sipped her cappuccino and leaned back in her chair.
How about we keep having girls days like this? Sophie suggested. They always have excellent discounts for regulars here. Did you enjoy yourself?
Very much, Margaret admitted. I never realised how lovely it could be.
You should have tried it ages ago!
Oh, well There were always children to look after, and my late husbandGod rest his soulwas ever so frugal and didnt encourage spending. Afterwards, there didnt seem any point.
But now you have a reason! You have to keep me company. Id be bored on my own.
Well, I could go alongoccasionally.
And so it became a new traditionMargaret joined Sophie in embracing some self-care. Tactful as ever, Sophie even helped update Margarets wardrobe, always quoting much lower prices than shed actually paid.
She convinced her husband to take his mum out to a restaurant. Later, they all went to the cinema together. And at Christmas, Sophie gave Margaret a season ticket to the local theatre.
You look years younger, Margarets neighbours remarked with admiration.
Oh, its just the youngsters dragging me along, she replied with a modest smile.
And Margaret truly believed that now, in her retirement, as a mother of two grown men, she finally found her youthor perhaps, just learned that its never too late to start living for yourself, even just a little.
