The Mystery of the Promised Gift
In the grand dining hall of a restaurant nestled in the heart of London, the wedding of Eleanor and William was a joyous affair, filled with laughter and music. The guests celebrated as the newlyweds stood radiant at the centre of it all. When the time came for gifts, Eleanors parents stepped forward first, presenting an envelope filled with pounds. Then came Williams mother, Margaret, carrying a bouquet of roses. She leaned close to the couple and whispered, My real gift will come after the wedding. What do you mean? asked Eleanor, puzzled, glancing at her husband. Not a clue, replied William, chuckling. But Eleanor could scarcely guess the game her mother-in-law was playing.
Even before the ceremony, Margaret had dropped cryptic hints. I wont give you just any trifle, shed say. On the day itself, expect nothing, but afterwardsprepare for something grand! Theres no hurry, Eleanor replied, uneasy. Mum, were happy just having you here, William said, trying to soothe her. I wont turn up empty-handed at my sons wedding, Margaret declared firmly. But dont breathe a word to the rest of the family. Agreed, said William, though Eleanor doubted Margaret would keep her word. She knew her mother-in-law wasnt well off, but the wedding had been paid for by the couple themselves, without asking for help. Eleanors parents, despite their modest means, had scraped together fifteen thousand pounds for the newlyweds. On the day, Margaret brought only the roses, overshadowed by the toasts and dancing. Yet she shone in her speech, lingering over long-winded blessings like a star demanding applause.
Youve no idea what Ive planned, Margaret murmured at the end of the evening, her eyes alight with mystery. Itll be a surprise to leave you speechless but not just yet. Its fine, dont trouble yourself, William said, squeezing his wifes hand. I must admit, Im intrigued, Eleanor conceded, masking her unease. Do you know something I dont? I swear I dont, William shrugged. But the gift hardly matters. What counts is being together. Eleanor nodded, yet curiosity gnawed at her. She tried to pry clues from Margaret, who only answered with enigmatic smiles: If I tell you, Ill spoil it. Youll have to wait!
Months passed, and the gift never came. What had once been a joke became a thorn in Eleanors side. Eight months after the wedding, she broached the subject. Ah, so its all about money, is it? Margaret snapped, her voice quivering with feigned offence. You never ask how I am, if I need help! If you need anything, just say, Eleanor replied, taken aback. But Margaret fell silent, playing the martyr and later complaining to her son about his wifes lack of respect. Leave my mother be, William pleaded. She made a scenelet it go. I only asked out of curiosity. She built up all this expectation! Eleanor protested.
From then on, Eleanor avoided Margaret, speaking only when necessarywhich only made things worse. When she thought Id give her expensive things, she was all smiles, Margaret lamented to William. Now shes realised shell get nothing, she wont even look at me! Thats not true, William defended. Then explain her behaviour! Margaret insisted. Since that talk, she acts as if Ive the plague. She wont even visit! When Eleanor heard, she sighed. Your mothers never happy. First, my interest annoyed hernow my distance does. Tomorrow shell complain I breathed wrong! She thinks we only want things from her, William said, ashamed. Quite, Eleanor replied. While my parents always bring somethingjam from the garden, cakesshe turns up empty-handed and still takes leftovers! Are you saying my mothers tight-fisted? William retorted. Show some respect. Shes the only mother Ive got. Fine, Eleanor cut in. But if she wants respect, she might start by setting an example.
The matter became taboo, yet the clashes continued. Margaret, as if stoking the fire, criticised Eleanor relentlessly. To others, however, she spun a different tale: I do everything for them, give lavish giftsI even considered handing down my great-grandmothers ring! And this is the thanks I get! Listeners, moved by her story, believed every word.
On their anniversary, Margaret revived her promise. Prepare for an unforgettable surprise! she announced when invited to a quiet dinner. No need, Eleanor tried to dissuade her. Ill decide whats needed, Margaret replied with a sharp smile. William, hearing of it, grew irritable. Why must you always challenge my mother? If she wants to give something, let her! Precisely, Eleanor fired back. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrived. We dont need another.
They agreed, at last, to avoid further quarrels. At the celebration, Eleanors parents brought a hand-embroidered tablecloth and linen sheets. Friends gave crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with an oversized card, delivering a speech that dragged on for twenty minutes. She deemed this, of course, contribution enough. Mention gifts again, and well row, William warned on the way home. I wasnt going to, Eleanor lied.
But the peace didnt last. The next month, Margaret demanded an expensive mobile for her birthday. Are we really giving in? Eleanor asked. She needs one, and we can afford it, William reasoned. Of course, Eleanor said dryly. But remember, my mothers birthday is next month. The gifts should match. William calculated the cost, resigned. In the end, Margaret received a basic model and flew into a rage. She blamed Eleanor for manipulating her son, vowing revenge for her daughter-in-laws stinginess.
