Very well, you may stay for the holiday—but prepare three bedrooms for my sisters and niece, while you sleep in the kitchen tonight.

Very well, we shant turn you out for the holiday. Prepare three bedroomsmy sisters and niece will stay the night. You may sleep in the kitchen.

Evelyn Margaret, need I remind you that I am the sole owner of this house? The deeds prove it. Dont even think of forcing your way inthe police will remove you.

That evening after work, Margaret had planned to stop by the shopping centre. Christmas was but a fortnight away, and her old friend Beatrice had invited her over. Margaret knew a large gathering was expected: Beatrices daughter with her husband and children, a sister, and a niece who was at university.

Having visited Beatrice often, Margaret knew them all well. She wished to buy gifts in advance. She had a knack for choosing them and took pleasure in giving. Already, she could almost feel the joy of wandering through festooned aisles, carefully selecting presents, watching shopkeepers wrap them in glossy paper.

But her spirits sank the moment she stepped outside. Waiting by her car in the car park was Rebeccaher former husbands sister.

Maggie, hello! Rebecca called. What kept you? Ive been frozen stiff.

Good afternoon, Rebecca. I hadnt expected to see you here.

Why ever not? Were still family, Rebecca replied. At least, we were for twenty years.

Thankfully, no longer, Margaret said, reaching for the car door.

Rebecca stopped her. Listen, Mags, Ive a favour to ask. Rather, the whole family has.

What family, Rebecca? Ive had no ties to yours for a year. Ive no interest in hearing any requests.

Just listen. I dont know how you and Thomas divided things, but Mother still believes the house you live in belongs to us. You and Tom bought it together, spent a decade making it home. Wed all gather thereChristmas, May holidays. And now?

Why are you telling me this? Margaret asked. I went to stay with a friend. I fancied it, so I did. Pardon me for not consulting you.

Forget your family gatherings in *my* house. When Thomas and I divorced, we agreed: the flat, the car, and the garage were his; the house, mine. All properly settled. You may gather at Thomass flat now.

Mags, Mother asked if we might host New Years Eve there, as we used to. Therell be so many of usnowhere to put everyone, Rebecca pressed.

Evelyn Margaret *asked*? How astonishing! I shant believe it. Twenty years she made demands, levelled complaints. And nowa request? Rebecca, tell her I refuse. Book hotel rooms for your kin.

Margaret got into the car. All desire to shop had vanished. Tomorrow, she thought, driving home.

She and Thomas had been married nearly twenty years. The house Rebecca spoke of had been bought ten years prior. A year ago, Thomas declared that life doesnt end at forty-five and left to build a new one with his pretty young secretary.

Margaret hadnt fought to keep him but refused to be cheated. The house and savings remained hers; Thomas took the flat, a Jaguar, and the garage.

As their daughter Elizabeth was still at university, Thomas made no claim on their joint account.

Days ago, Elizabeth had telephoned: Mum, you wont mind, will you? Ill spend New Years at the dorm. But Ill come home for the holidays.

Afterward, Margaret accepted Beatrices invitation. Among that company, she wouldnt brood.

Knowing Rebecca, she suspected this wasnt the endthey wouldnt leave her in peace. She was right.

That evening, her former mother-in-law called:

Margaret, arent you overreaching? Brazenly seizing Thomass house, then thinking weve no recourse? Mark this: this New Year, our family *will* celebrate in our home! The one my son so graciously lets you occupy. Understood?

Very well, we shant turn you out for the holiday. Prepare three bedroomsmy sisters and niece will stay the night. You may sleep in the kitchen.

Evelyn Margaret, need I remind you that I am the sole owner of this house? The deeds prove it. Dont even think of forcing your way inthe police will remove you.

Well see who removes whom! Ready the rooms. Well bring our own provisionsyou neednt lift a finger. And dont argue, or youll remember this New Year forever!

*Thomass mother has grown bolder this past year,* Margaret thought. Evelyn Margaret had never been a dove of peace, but tonights performance astounded her. Did the woman truly expect her to cower and obey?

Once, Margaret had been the favoured daughter-in-lawthe others had submitted to Evelyns rule. Now, divorced, her former mother-in-laws words only baffled her. What did they hope to gain?

Meanwhile, plans were laid in Evelyns flat.

Rebecca, you and Alexander will handle the shopping. Buy all we can ahead. Cooking begins the evening of the thirtieth and morning of the thirty-first.

You and I shall manage the roast and the pudding. Lucy and Oliviathe sides. Well pack everything in containers. As for tableware, well take Margaretsshes still got two full sets. Thomas left them behind.

But what if she refuses us entry? Rebecca asked.

Let her try! Twelve of usthe whole family. Shed be ashamed! Picture it: she opens the door to find Uncle Charles and Aunt Louise, Leonard and Natalie, all waiting. You think shed slam it in their faces? Shell let us in, sweet as you please, even help set the table. Were *family*!

On the thirty-first, at nine in the evening, four cars pulled up before the house on East Street.

Odd, said AlexanderRebeccas husband. No lights. Perhaps Margarets not home.

Where else would she be? And Elizabeth likely came. Theyre hiding, avoiding us, Evelyn said with a smirk. Ring the bell.

No one answered.

WaitIve a key, Evelyn announced. I suspected Margaret might try this.

The gate opened, and the crowd swept into the courtyard.

One moment, Ill unlock the house. There. Turn on the lights and bring everything to the kitchen. Well set the table shortly. As for Margaret, let her hide. We shant invite her to dine.

Twenty minutes passed before a commotion sounded in the hall.

Here comes our hostess, Alexander remarked.

But it wasnt the hostess.

Margaret, meanwhile, was helping Beatrice set the tableguests were due any moment. Suddenly, her phone rang.

Margaret Catherine Wilson? Your burglar alarm has been triggered. Officers are on-site.

Fourteen people claim to be relatives with your permission to enter.

Ive permitted no one. Likely my ex-husbands family. They were not invited and entered unlawfully.

Shall we proceed with charges?

Certainly. Im away until the second.

The uninvited guests spent hours at the station. By the time they returned to Evelyns flat, the salads had wilted, and the roast was cold.

When Margaret returned home, Thomas called, demanding she drop the charges.

Maggie, I thought youd changed the locks. Didnt you?

I didntwhy ruin the doors? I installed a new system and use that.

Then why lock the old one when you left?

I suspected your mother wouldnt relentyou shouldve heard her. I didnt want unwanted guests breaking in.

So you *meant* for them to use the old lock, knowing Mother had a key, and set the alarm? You trapped them! You wanted them arrested!

Tom, your family had a choicecelebrate at home. They chose otherwise and met the New Year at the station. Thats not my fault.

Incidentally, I had to air the house. What theyd set out had spoiled by the time I returned.

Why didnt you warn Rebecca about the alarm?

Why? Signs on the gate and door read, Protected by Police. They can read.

Give my regards to your mother, Rebecca, Alexander, and the rest. And tell them theyre no longer welcome.

This time, Ill withdraw the charges. But next time, the law will take its course