Did we really build this enormous house for no real reason?
So, are you saying we built this big house for nothing? snapped his mother-in-law, her face twisting like melting wax. In that case, give us back half its value!
I must have a serious word with you, the woman with clipped, iron-grey hair sat opposite Dawn across a shifting tapestry of teacups. Before you get involved with my son, there are things you ought to know.
Dawn, slender and fair with old gold hair, regarded the future relative with astonishment shed only met her three times before, never in quite the same shape.
If you want to join our family, you must understand the most important people to Matthew are his parents! announced Mrs. Winthrop, puffing herself up with pride. We dont need a daughter-in-law meddling with my son.
Am I meddling? interrupted Dawn, but her cheeks were quick to colour.
Wait for me to finish, if you please! Have a little patience, barked Mrs. Winthrop.
Eyes lowered, Dawn bit her lip, determined not to upset Matthews mother.
Their relationship was newly spun, fragile it seemed best not to take sides with reality or fantasy.
Yes, continued Mrs. Winthrop briskly, we have a plan all mapped out. When Matthew marries, we shall move together into the house nearly built now, just floating on the edge of completion. A friendly family under one roof, all together at last!
Smashing, said Dawn, her voice curling upward in an uneasy smile.
Mrs. Winthrop raised her eyebrows in surprise, as if Dawn had just agreed to tea with a ghost.
How delightful that youre on board! Im sure well be fast friends, she said, one eye winking slyly in sync with a distant clocktower.
Immediately, she began praising Dawn to her son: so clever, so sensible, so terribly attentive.
Seeing this, Dawn felt compelled to try harder buying Mrs. Winthrop unnecessary gifts, tokens both meaningful and meaningless, trying to keep the dream afloat.
A year drifted by, and still Mrs. Winthrop feared Matthew and Dawn might never marry. She started nudging her son, coaxing him on like a shepherd herding sheep into fog.
When are you going to propose? shed inquire daily, her voice echoing down strange, old corridors. She wont wait forever, you know shell leave you, and youll regret it!
After weighing up the odds, and agreeing his mother was probably right, Matthew eventually proposed; Dawn, caught in a gust of relief, happily accepted.
Matthews parents paid for the wedding, in pounds sterling (no one could quite remember how many), and Dawn felt the comfort of a wise decision.
For three months the young couple lived in a rented flat, their belongings scattered like chess pieces. Then, Mrs. Winthrop, voice bright as afternoon gin, announced the house was finished.
Right then, pack up your things, well gather our own! she said, her tone crackling like a radio.
Whys that? Were perfectly happy here, said Dawn, now frowning, not at all ready to cohabitate with the Winthrops in a house that refused to sit still.
What do you mean, why? gasped Mrs. Winthrop. Its all settled: as soon as the house is built, we all move in!
By all means, move in! Whos stopping you? scoffed Dawn, her attitude toward her future mother-in-law shifting like shadows on the wall.
Mrs. Winthrop was so stunned her words backed away for a moment.
Wait now. You gave me your word, she reminded Dawn softly.
Words spoken in one dream are forfeit in another. Ive changed my mind I wont live with you! declared Dawn firmly. Well have our own lives! Besides, now that youre off, Matthew and I can take your flat.
What? Mind your tongue! huffed Mrs. Winthrop. Trickery! She slammed down the phone and the line fizzed into silence.
Dawn listened to the hollow beeps a moment, then set the phone quietly down.
Moments later, she heard Matthews phone ring from the kitchen Mrs. Winthrop again, presumably telling her side of the story from an alternate dimension.
Half an hour later, Matthew entered, face folded and sour. He stared at Dawn and demanded:
Whats happening here?
Whats wrong? Dawn hugged herself, arms like shields.
Mother says you owe money
Money? What for? Dawn blinked in surprise, as if the room had turned upside down.
For the house. Did you promise her something before we married? Matthews lips twisted.
I promised nothing, replied Dawn, playing innocence.
You agreed to her house scheme, didnt you? Matthew pressed.
And what if I did? I agreed then, I dont now, Dawn averted her gaze.
I never went for that nonsense! She obsessed about that place for three years, then finished it after our wedding apparently just for you! Matthew ground his teeth.
Well, its done and thats that, said Dawn, hands raised.
Matthew didnt reply, for just then his phone rang again and he handed it to Dawn.
You deal with this.
As soon as Antonina Winthrop heard Dawns voice, she pounced:
Return the money for the house! she demanded.
What money? Have you lost your senses? Dawn snapped.
Did we build this house for nothing, just because of you?! Winthrop raged. In that case, you owe us half its value!
What half! Dawn spat.
Five hundred thousand pounds! You owe us five hundred thousand! shouted Mrs. Winthrop down the line. Or else
Or else what? I never signed a thing! Dawn replied in triumph.
In that case, well cut all ties with you! Mrs. Winthrop threatened, like a curse echoing in the rafters.
Good heavens! said Dawn with a smile and hung up.
Then Mrs. Winthrop started hounding Matthew for fifty thousand pounds every month, like a collector chasing wind.
At that rate, itll take ten years to pay me off! she roared. Either move into the house, or start paying more.
Matthew, unable to conjure extra cash, eventually agreed to her terms.
But Dawn would have none of it. After six dreamlike months locked in this nonsensical standoff, the couple drifted apart each floating away into their own solitary house.
Did We Really Build a Grand House for No Good Reason? A Tale of In-Laws, Unexpected Promises, and a Family Rift Over Five Million Pounds
