Mrs Alexandra Williams, you are meddling where theres no need. Your son and I are fully grown adults. We can very well decide for ourselves who should be where this weekend.
Natalie spoke with such an icy tone, youd have thought I was no more than a passing stranger, and not her husbands mother.
I was left quite breathless at her impudence.
Ellen, my dear, I tried to keep calm, though my insides were boiling, but its your father-in-laws birthdaya proper family celebration, not just an ordinary get-together! What do you expect? That Edward should attend alone, like a waif with a living wife at home? People will talkWheres the lady of the house? Whats he meant to say? That his wifes off to admire some crumbling stones in the countryside?
Let him tell the truth, she shrugged, her attention never leaving the mirror. Ive already booked my train tickets. It cost me a fair few pounds and Ive no intention of missing the chance to see something beautiful just because of someones birthday. Edward doesnt mind in the least, so why are you so worked up?
Because hes too good-natured, thats why! I could contain myself no longer. You are his wife. You belong at his side. Is this how you build a family? Today its ruins in Kent, tomorrow Bath, and then whatanother life? Think of your daughterwhat are you teaching her?
Natalie simply smiled, that self-assured half-smile that always sent a chill right through me.
Im teaching her to be happynot to be chained to someone elses sofa. Have a word with your daughter, Mrs Williams, and ask her not to tell her mother about my every word.
You know, I never once thought I was a bad mother-in-law. Quite the contrarywhen Edward brought Natalie home, I welcomed her as one of our own. They were an energetic young couplealways hiking, dancing, running.
I even rejoicedwhat a lively pair they make! Then little Annie arrived. It was hard, that I wont deny. Natalie was constantly sighing that she couldnt see beyond porridge and dirty bottles.
I helped in every way I could, though in my day nobody cared if it was hardyou simply got up and did what needed to be done.
But as soon as Annie started playgroup, it was as if Natalie had slipped her leash. My Edward, bless him, sweated for years to keep them comfortable, all he wanted was a bit of peace at home.
He liked nothing more than to sit quietly watching the news on the telly at the end of a long day, letting himself breathe easy.
Thats normal for a man who works hard to provide for his family, isnt it? Its all earned the honest waya pound at a time. But her?
Instead of making their house a home, she started dragging him out by the collarLets go to the gym!, Come to an art exhibit!
How much running about can you expect from a man? Edward would say, Darling, Im exhausted. Go if you must, I wont say a word. He is so gentle, so accommodating.
And she took advantage of it.
Before I knew it, it was fitness classes three times a week, trips with her friends to the farthest corners of the country. And what about the child? What about her husband? Hed come home to empty saucepans while she scrolled through photos from another gallery on her mobile. I stayed silent while all this was mere inconvenience, but it soon crossed the line.
Things came to a head at Easter. You know what Easter is likea sacred family time! This year, it also happened to be my daughters husbands birthday. The whole family was coming overthered be important guests, plenty of talk about our futures, and business too.
And then Natalie announces, Im taking three days to visit the castles in Northumberland.
At first, I thought she was joking.
Natalie, I said over the phone, surely you know this isnt right? Edwards hard at work, Annie misses you, and youre off on tours with your friends? Thats not fitting for a married woman, is it?
And she answered back so rudely I nearly had a heart attack at the kitchen table. Told me to mind my own business and that theyd sort themselves out.
I rang my son at once.
Edward, love, I said, youre the head of your family. Will you let her walk all over you in front of everyone? Tell her straight. Bring her to her senses.
He tried to keep the peace, bless him. He pleaded in the evening, Natalie, Mums rightlets call off the trip. Well stay home, visit my sister, spend time together.
She would not hear of it! Grabbed her bag and off she went. Left her husband alone for the holiday, as if he were an old armchair shoved in the corner.
While she climbed towers and admired the vistas, Edward came round to minewith Annie in tow. He sat at my kitchen table, head in his hands, and my heart ached for him.
Mum, he said, I cant do this anymore. It feels like we live on different planets. Im just here to pay for her amusements, but when it comes to my needs or family dutiesshes gone.
He stayed with me. Annie tooshe was terribly pleased. We baked currant buns, painted eggs, made a proper go of Easter as a team. As for the wanderer, she returned after three daysbeaming like a shilling.
She showed off her photos, went on and on about the high stone walls. But she didnt see how shed wrecked her own family.
When she dropped by to collect Annie, I told her plain and simple.
Youre no wifeyoure just passing through. A family is supposed to face the same way together, and you care only for your own reflection. Edward will stay here for nowhe needs peace more than your restless dashing about.
She wasnt even bothered! Just narrowed her eyes and said, Well, let him decide. Just remember, Mrs Williams, life on the sofa isnt for me.
He lived with me for a month. I did my bestcooked his favourite meals, shielded him from worries. I hoped Natalie would come to her senses, apologise for her fecklessness.
Instead, she sent him a letter: she was filing for divorce.
Can you imagine? She wrecks it all, then casts around for someone to blame. She says she needs someone lively. But what about loyalty? What about in sickness and in health? Even now, shes probably charting new travels while her daughter grows up without her father.
My heart aches for my sonhes broken by her coldness. As for her, she just moved on, as if nothing had happened.
Is this the fashion nowto be free of all obligation? A woman should be the guardian of the hearth, not a breeze lost over the hills. Maybe its just as well it finished quickly, while Annies still young.
Perhaps my Edward will find a real partnersomeone who understands the value of warmth and home, and not just cold castle walls.
The picture at the top is for illustration only.
