The Unexpected Arrival of the Mother-in-Law: A Visit That Turned Everything Upside Down in Our Londo…

The Astonishing Arrival of the Mother-in-Law: A Visit That Turned Everything Upside Down

I walk into my sons flat: How an unexpected visit from the mother-in-law put everything at risk

Harriet had just driven her husband Oliver to work, pecked his cheek, and shut the front door behind him. She decided to take a breather. The day was already draining: remote emails, laundry, and all the bits and bobs in a rented flat in London theyd moved into after tying the knot. Only just back from their honeymoon, neither had quite settled. The place wasnt theirs, but it was snug, newly refurbished, bright, and looked out over the Thames. The landlords had held out for what felt like ages, but finally settled on Harriet and Oliver a young, respectable couple.

On this particular day, Harriet worked from home. Her schedule was a patchwork: some days at the office, some wrangling paperwork, others tethered to her laptop. She sat at her desk, opened her inbox, and tried to ease herself into the working day. Suddenly, the buzzer echoed through the flat. She wasnt expecting a soul. Outside the door: his mother Edna Margaret.

Morning, said Harriet, with a start.

Im here for my son. Dont dawdle, let me in, Edna demanded, stepping across the threshold without so much as a nod.

Oliver isnt here. Hes at work.

Not to worry. Ill wait, Edna cut her off, making a beeline for the kitchen.

Please, Im on work hoursvideo calls planned. Could you come round this evening? Oliver will be home then, Harriet replied, standing firm in the doorway.

Edna pulled a face but turned on her heel and left. That evening, Oliver seemed bemused.

Mum says you didnt even offer her a cup of tea.

Oliver, you know how she loves to drop in unannounced as if the place is hers. I was working, and she expects the service of a country hotel. And do you remember what she was like at our last place?

Oliver shrugged.

Mum wont change. Ive asked her for lunch on Saturday. Lets just keep it calm this time.

Harriet agreed but reminded him: Fridays cleaning, Sunday were at Chloe and Jamess for a birthday. Everythings mapped out.

Saturdays lunch passed without disaster. Edna sat at the table, ate her share, but every so often tossed out a barbed comment.

This flats far too dear. You could have found somewhere cheaper on the edge of town. And what about your parents? They have that house, surely there was space there? You could be living with them, saving a fortune.

Harriet answered coolly, Ask Oliver whether hed like to live with my folks.

Absolutely not, Oliver chimed in. I need my own space.

But you dont even own this flat! Edna threw back.

For a year, its ours. We pay for it, were happy here, he replied firmly.

Edna then suggested: Move in with me. Three bedrooms, plenty of room for the both of you.

No, Mum. Well stick to visits. Living together isnt wise our rhythms are all wrong.

Next week, Harriet was home again. Oliver was out at work. Shed just settled down for a nap when she was roused by the smell of freshly brewed coffee odd, as Oliver wasnt home and hadnt made any. She pulled on her dressing gown and wandered to the kitchen and froze. Edna Margaret was there, sitting at the table, sipping coffee and nibbling at a custard slice.

How did you get in? Harriet demanded.

I have keys. Oliver gave them to me. Its his flat, and whats his is mine, Edna replied smoothly.

How did you get the keys? Harriets voice sharpened.

Picked them up Saturday they were sitting on the shelf. Ill be keeping hold of them, ta very much, Edna said, unbothered.

Oliver and I will discuss that. For now please leave. I have work to do.

Im not leaving till Ive had my say. Never liked you from the start. Your name makes you sound like a nursery rhyme and your familys not got a penny between them. Oliver used to give me half his wages! Now Im lucky if he gives me pocket money you get it all. Rent, meals out youre like a millstone round his neck. And you havent even given him a child. Your cookings not as good as the canteens, either!

Finished? Harriet said, calm as a lake. Then hand over the keys.

No. They stay with me. Edna clutched her handbag, but Harriet was quicker. She tipped the contents onto the table and plucked the keys free.

Time to go.

Youll regret this! Oliver will throw you out when he hears what youve done to his mother! Edna screeched, slammed the door behind her, and vanished.

That night, Harriet told Oliver everything. He listened, hugged her tightly, and said:

Ill sort it. And yes you were right.

Harriet didnt cry. She knew you had to claim respect early, or someone would stomp all over you even if they were family.