Youre not my wife, youre a maid. You dont have children!
Mum, Emilys moving in here. Were refurbishing the flat, its uninhabitable. Theres a spare room; why should she be stuck in a dusty hallway? said Jacks husband, trying to sound reasonable.
The idea didnt bother him, but his wife and motherinlaw felt differently. Mrs. Whitaker could never bear a daughterinlaw.
I have to get on with work; I cant stay here, Emily whispered.
Emily worked from home, so she needed quiet. Jack spent the whole day at the office, making a shared roof with the motherinlaw a bit of a squeeze. Emily was used to the house being hers alone, so any intrusion felt like an unwelcome guest.
She stared at Mrs. Whitaker, at a loss for words. The older woman didnt want to be in Emilys home, yet there seemed no other option. They all perched at the kitchen table and began dinner.
Emily, could you pass the signature salad? Jack asked.
Jack, dont eat that chemistry. Ive made you a different one, its far healthier, Mrs. Whitaker protested.
Emilys expression flipped. Her husband was allergic to tomatoes how could the motherinlaw forget? When Jack was a boy, Mrs. Whitaker never bothered with such details. Shed say, No need to run to the doctor, a pill will sort it.
Hes allergic. Why did you put tomatoes in the salad? Emily asked.
What are you on about? Its just one tomato; nothing dramatic will happen, the older woman replied.
Hell get sick.
Emily, calm down. He isnt allergic. His own mother knows him better than you do.
Im his wife. I look after my husband.
Youre not a wife, youre a servant. You have no children! When you do, well talk.
Emily sprang from her seat and darted to the bedroom. Mrs. Whitaker always hit the sore spot. Jack hurried over to comfort his wife.
Jack, Im sorry. Ill go back to my parents or to the office. I wont live under your mothers roof.
Let me have a word with her. Shell stop!
No, weve gone round this a million times. We wont make peace under one roof.
For a while they rented a cosy flat in Leeds to dodge another family showdown. Mrs. Whitaker, of course, made a fuss, but she had no alternative. And Emily couldnt help feeling grateful for a husband who was as patient and understanding as a cup of tea on a rainy day.
