You Cannot Buy Your Daughters Fate
The Bartons had only one child, Emily, who was a small, frail girl, and it was in her teenage years that doctors diagnosed her with scoliosis.
She was advised not to do most sports nor lift anything heavy. The doctors even warned that if she ever considered having a child, she should first consult a specialist, as pregnancy could worsen her back problems significantly.
Emilys mother, Barbara, devoted every bit of her energy to making sure her daughters spine grew straight. She took her from one osteopath to another, visited every reputable physiotherapist and masseuse in town, spent holidays at health resorts, and even gave up her own job to dedicate herself to the cause.
And in the end, her efforts paid off: by the time Emily reached adulthood, her back appeared fairly straight. Youd only notice a slight tilt to the left if you really looked.
She was rarely given chores at home, and, once she finished school, Barbara started searching for a suitable young man. Her choice landed on Daniel Redford.
The Suitor
Daniel, 25, came from a well-respected middle-class family and, like Emily, was an only child.
How rare! Barbara beamed, spying on Daniel from the kitchen window, Our Daniel has no brothers or sistersno one to meddle in family affairs. Lucky you, Emily! Youll have him wrapped around your little finger.
Doing her stretches next to the wall bars, Emily muttered,
He wont look twice at me, Mum. Hes already courting someone else.
Whos that? Barbara pressed. Keep your back straight, love.
Everyone in the village knows hes keen on Rachel Pennington.
Ah, Barbara shook her head, His heads turned by a rival. Well of course, hes a catchyoull have to fight for him! I fought off plenty for your father in my day, and Ill have this one marched up the aisle, too.
Schemes
Barbara was close friends with both Daniels mother, Rose Redford, and Rachels mum, Anne Pennington.
First, she paid a visit to Rose. Over tea, their idle chat slipped into gossip about Daniels potential bride.
I heard your sons seeing Rachel, Barbara started, lowering her voice. Be careful with that one.
Whats wrong with Rachel? Rose sounded mildly surprised. Shes lovely! So helpful; she helps with everything at home. Shes even started calling me Mum. Bless her.
Hmph, youre taken in. But Ive known Rachel since she was knee-highshes not as sweet as she seems. At home, shes a handful. Moody, sharp-tonguedher own mothers run ragged! Annes always confiding how she cant keep up with her demands. Shes desperate to get her married off.
Rose was aghast, hand flying to her mouth.
Really? Shes always been so polite with me
Barbara nodded, eyes wide for effect.
Id never believe it if I hadnt seen it myself. I looked after both girls at school, remember. And Annes always at the end of her tether. If you take Rachel into your home, youll regret it!
Rose went quiet, staring into her tea. She was the gentle sortnever raised her voice nor been embroiled in a row. What Barbara said left her shocked.
Barbara leaned in, counting on her fingers, Shes rude to her mum; wont listen to her dad. Shed run you ragged. If shes your daughter-in-law, youll have a hard time!
Rose mumbled her thanks, promising not to repeat a word, especially not to Daniel or Rachel.
After leaving the Redfords, Barbara headed straight to Anne Penningtons house, where she once again enjoyed a cup of tea before venturing,
I hear Rachels still seeing Daniel. But apparently, Rose isnt keen. She wants her son to marry someone from her own circles in Londonsays the village girls arent good enough.
Anne paused, teapot in hand, Really?
Barbara sipped her tea, Thats what she told me. She has city relatives and friends on the lookout for a city girl for Daniel.
Annes face fell into a scowl. Oh, is that so? No wonder she always changes the subject when I mention a wedding. Well, Ill tell Rachel not to let Daniel through the door until hes willing to propose properly.
Barbara, more than pleased with her mischief, leaned in, Honestly, Anne, dont trust love-struck girls. If you want her to be respected, lock her away till Daniel comes calling with a proper proposal. Otherwise, youll be left with a scandal on your hands.
So Barbara sowed discord, here a whisper, there a nudge. Rumours soon whirled through the village.
Anne followed her advice, packing Rachel off to her cousins in Cornwall for the summer and telling Daniel, If you want her, come with a proposalno more dallying.
Daniel was unimpressed, grumbling to his mum about being forced into marriage. But Rose was secretly relieved, Plenty of other girls in the world, son.
Barbara used the moment to bring Emily to the Redfords. Things played out quicklyfor soon, Daniel, still reeling from the row with Rachel, was thrown together with Emily thanks to Barbaras scheming, and the two were soon married.
The wedding was a small, quiet affair. What Rachel and her mother felt, no one knew.
Part Two
Twenty years passed.
Its hard, Emily complained.
She was lying in her favourite spoton the daybed in the loft, just under the eaves, peeping out now and then behind the curtain.
Daniel was in the kitchen, stirring porridge. He looked glum.
I really fancy pancakes. More than anything.
Make some yourself then, Emily retorted.
Im hopeless at pancakes.
Twenty yearsshould have learnt by now.
Well, its my wifes job to make pancakes, isnt it?
Emily sighed, Here we go again! Im worn out from milking the cows. My backs killing me! And its your faultlets buy a second cow, well sell cream, make a fortune! Youre no Del Boy. Now Daisy and Buttercup holler every morning, and all my bones acheIm fit for nothing!
Daniel scraped his porridge and muttered, They ache because youre always lying around. You used to seem so industrious when I married you
Emily scrambled off the daybed and planted her hands on her hips, When it comes to moaning youre always first in line. Never a word of thanks for making your life comfortable!
She flounced to the mirror and inspected her soft shoulders and round stomach.
Daniel shot her a sharp look, Comfort? You tricked me. Said you were expecting a babyyou never did. I shouldve left you there and then, you cuckoo-like thing!
He looked out the window, remembering Rachelwho was, according to rumour, long since married and living abroad.
Rachel
At that very moment, Rachel was kneading dough in her small flat, thinking of home.
Blimey, Ive wound up a long way from the old village, she murmured, glancing around the cold tiled kitchen.
Her mother-in-law, the permanently cross Mrs. Patel, barked,
Rachel! Quit daydreaming, your husband will be home soon and you still havent started the chapati! Youre hopeless as a daughter-in-lawwhy on earth did Arjun marry you?
Rachel pressed her lips together, holding back words shed love to say. In a strange country, defying ones elders simply wasnt done. No one would stick up for her; her family was far away.
She shaped the dough into flatbreads and hurried them to the back garden, where a small brick tandoor stood. She plastered the dough onto its hot walls and went back inside, avoiding her reflection.
The previous year, after her daughters wedding, Rachel had collapsed maybe from stress, maybe from the kitchen heat and in her fall, caught her face on a boiling pan. Now, a red burn marked her left cheek.
Her husband and mother-in-laws only response was, How careless! Never been this clumsy before. Youve always been strong!
Rachel kept quiet, used to being misunderstood and alone, her husband once besotted now distant under his mothers thumb.
Rachel! Why do you always argue with my mum? Shes the head of this house, not you! Step out of line again and Ill file for divorce!
No matter what Rachel did, her mother-in-law only grumbled,
Why am I so unlucky? Other peoples daughters-in-law are angels, but I got you! Nothing gets done right!
Arjun returned from work and greeted his mother before glaring at Rachel,
Mums complained again. Cant you just make life easier for her?
Rachel gestured in frustration, Ive been serving your mother for twenty years. Isnt it time she let me run my own household?
He scowled, You never give inand neither does she. Stuck between the two of youIm going mad
Over dinner, Arjun announced, Mum, Im bringing home a new bride tomorrowher names Sophie.
Rachel stared in horror, balancing trays, A new bride? Youre married to me!
In my culture a second wifes perfectly allowed. Mum says youre useless. But dont worry, youll like Sophie. You might even become friends.
With smug satisfaction, Mrs. Patel hugged her son, exclaiming, Good news, darling. Sophie, you said? Not Sarah, not Sue, but Sophie?
Rachels hands shook with anger. She slammed the tray down, Well thats it! Im filing for divorce!
Rachel was terrified. Divorce here meant leaving with nothingthe home shed given half her life to belonged to Arjuns mother. The house was split in half, but the garden was shared and her mother-in-law could drop in whenever she wished. Still, her husband offered no resistance as she packed her bags.
Think carefully who you want to beRachel, my wife, or someone else, Arjun said quietly.
Oh, to hell with the lot of you! Rachel snapped, making him bury his face in his hands.
***
So it was that Rachel returned home, alone, without her husband or daughter.
Her parents welcomed her with open arms, asking no questions. Only later did her mother sigh,
I tried to protect you from Daniel Redford, but shouldve worried about your foreign husband instead. Just look at you! Married off so young and pretty, only to come back empty-handed and scarred. Some son-in-law!
***
When news reached the village that Rachel had returnedthis time to stayEmily grew anxious.
Her relationship with Daniel had outlived itself. Theyd had no childrenpartly due to Barbaras warnings that pregnancy and her curved spine would make her a hunchback.
Emily had once dreamed of having children, but always chose her figure instead.
So shed continued her easy life, lounging, while Daniel managed the chores.
The day Daniels mother, Rose, brought Rachel into Emilys house changed everything.
***
It was two oclock in the afternoon. Emily was fast asleep on her daybed, hidden under the eaves.
Visitors rarely found her thereit was her secret retreat. If someone called and she didnt answer, theyd eventually leave; no one thought to search behind the curtain up by the attic window.
But today, her luck ran outher mother-in-law was visiting.
After searching the house and finally calling Emily down, Rose announced,
Hello, Emily! You look half-asleep. Napping in the middle of the day?
Im not ill, just exhausted, Emily snapped, patting her hair.
Again? Rose frowned.
I didnt want to believe the gossip, but the gardens overrun, the veg patch is weeds, and your windows havent been cleaned in years!
How can I clean the ceiling with a bad back? Want to cripple me? I cant stand for hours! Herelook, Ive got a doctors note! Scoliosis. If you want your son to live in a clean house, you can do it yourself. Besides, youre retiredwhat else have you got to do?
Rose clicked her tongue. Arent you ashamed to hide behind a note for an ailment that hardly exists? I manage, and I have high blood pressure! Since Daniel married you, hes done everything for two. He barely looks himself these days. Thats it, EmilyIve arranged for you to have some help.
She opened the front door and in walked Rachel. Emily nearly fainted.
Rachel?! Is that really you?!
Her once lively rival smiled, Yes, its me. Hello, Emily.
Emilys gaze traced Rachels face. What happened to your face?
Oh, its just a little burn.
A little?! Thats massiveit covers half your face!
Rachel flushed and gently covered her scar.
Rose announced, Rachels looking for work, but nothings come along. She needs the money, so shes agreed to help around the house.
You mean as a cleaner? Emily spat.
As a cleaner, Rachel agreed quietly.
Rose continued, Dont worry, Ill pay Rachel myself. I cant bear to see Daniel running himself into the ground anymore, and you dont earn a penny.
Emily gritted her teeth but was forced to agree.
After Rose showed Rachel the house and left, Emily tried to put on airs.
So, couldn’t you stick it out down south?
Ive had enough. Missed home, Rachel laughed, filling a bucket with water.
What are you going to do?
Ill clean the ceiling and the windows, then the floors if theres time. Do you ever cook?
If I cook I cant clean. And youhow are you so energetic? No back problems? Emily asked, peevishly.
Emily, are you really ill? Whats wrong?
As if Id tell the hired help, Emily huffed.
Rachel sighed and got on with the job.
***
When Daniel came home from work, he was taken aback to see a figure scrubbing the ceiling. When Rachel turned, he nearly choked.
You?
She nodded, Didnt your mum tell you? Shes hired me to help around the housemoneys short and I cant very well live off my parents. She said shed pay well.
Daniel stared at her scar, barely containing his anger.
How did that happen? Did someone hurt you?
Rachels eyes saddened. I fell. My own fault. Ill just mop the rest of the floor and be off, its late.
Daniel wandered into the kitchen, found the pot of soup insipid and undersalted.
Yet Emily looked triumphant, I cooked you dinner!
You did? Miraculous! I suppose you didnt fry the onions?
No, didnt want to dirty another pan.
Itll do. Ill make do, Daniel sighed, calling, Rachel, join us for tea. Not much to offer, but you cant leave hungry.
Rachel needed no persuasion, washed her hands, and soon helped set the table.
After tasting Emilys dull soup, Rachel winced. The next day, she offered to cook. Her food was so delicious it became a regular thing.
Rachel quickly took over much of the household, scrubbing and cleaning till the whole place sparkled.
Emily, not the brightest, figured Daniel would never look twice at someone scarredshe was wrong.
Daniel soon realised Rachel cared for him more than his own wife did. When he saw she also still had a soft spot for him, he started walking her home after work.
Rachel, can I walk you back home?
What would people say? Youre still married! she retorted.
You see the state of things between me and Emily? I was a fool to lose you.
Rachel shrugged. Your mum told me all about how she plotted against me and you twenty years ago! They lumped you with Emilyand now Im cleaning for her. Funny, isnt it?
Daniel blurted out, Ive decidedIll divorce Emily and marry you.
Rachel smiled sadly. All men are the same. You confuse love with wanting an easier life. Do you really want *me*, Daniel, or just a housekeeper?
She turned and walked away, leaving Daniel standing, staring after her. He didnt see his wife, hidden among the shrubs, watching them.
***
Emily, oddly enough, grew to respect Rachelfor not rushing into Daniels arms. Though discomforted by everything, she drew a valuable lesson from it.
One day, she confided in Rachel.
I envy you. You have no back problemsyoure always on your feet, running two houses, visiting friends I lie here just to protect myself. How do you manage?
Rachel, attacking a filthy chair with a brush, looked up,
Life is short, I want to live it. And enough about your back! Is it really that bad, or have you just convinced yourself it is? Youre forty-twohalf your lifes over and youre still in bed. My daughters grown and married. Look at meI have arthritis and back problems, but I dont let it rule my life. I want to live now, while I can. Youre meant to live, not just exist, Emily!
After she left, Emily reluctantly got up, walking out into the garden, now pristine thanks to Rachel. She realised just how different things were.
Shes right, Emily thought. Ive wasted so much, slept through so many chances. No wonder Daniel looks elsewhere.
Epilogue
While Daniel wrestled with his feelings for Rachel, Emily finally pulled herself together. She stopped feeling sorry for herself.
She started doing small jobs in the garden and around the flower beds, cooked for Daniel, cleaned the house. She found a job as a postwoman, andagainst all oddsbecame pregnant and had a daughter.
Barbara, shocked, was constantly fretting behind her,
Oh, darling, what have you done? I told you not to! Give the baby to me! You mustnt lift anythingitll ruin your back! Maybe your mother-in-law can hire a nanny
Surprisingly, Emilys back survived childbirth just fine.
Daniel, at last a father, gave up any ideas of leaving Emily for Rachelespecially as Rachel kept her distance.
Soon after, Rachel was found by her ex-husband, Arjun, who arrived unexpectedly,
Ive come back, Rachelhope you wont turn me away? Ive spoken with my mother, told her I belong with you. She understands now. Im here to stay.
And what about your new wife?
Arjun shook his head, The moment you left, everything changed. I dont want anyone else but you.
He handed Rachel an envelope.
Whats this? she asked.
Money, and the address of a surgeon who can help with your scar. I started saving when it happened.
Rachels eyes filled with tears.
You you really cared?
I have nothing else to offer but myself. We can live with your parents until I sort things out and get a job. Then well find our own place.
Rachel hugged him, hardly believing it was reala man she once resented had upended his life to follow her.
***
And so, as each of their lives took different turns, one truth stood out: you cannot control anothers fatenor buy true happiness for someone else. Happiness is found only by daring to live, never by fearing life itself.
