The Daughter-in-Law

DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

Friday, 6:30pm

I set the roast duck onto the beautifully laid table and let out a slow breath. Any minute now, both my sons and their wives will pull up outside.

Oliver, my youngest, just got married. They kept it all quite simpletheir wedding was a modest affair. That seems to be the way these days. Left to me, Id have thrown a proper bash (although Tom and I ourselves only dashed off to the registry office). We couldn’t even afford the rings until a year laterjust two slim gold bands. I really wanted the boys to have a proper celebration, but they made their own choices.

But if I’m honest, the only thing that ever niggled at me was that Natalie, my new daughter-in-law, seemed awfully well-groomed. I admitted as much to an old friend over coffeenot in a nasty way, just a mothers pondering aloud. Still, Natalie meant to have a proper chat with me soon, I could sense it.

Truthfully, Natalies a lovely woman and shes been a very good influence on Oliver. She nudged him to find a decent job and continues to spur him on in his career. He was still living hand to mouth at thirty, expecting everything handed to him, and Ill confess Id started to worry. So I am grateful things have improved.

But then theres Natalies one shortcoming, if I can call it thatshes always off to this or that salon: new haircut, colour, massages, manicures. She spends a tidy sum on all these things. I cant help but think: shouldnt a married woman, with a family now, place her priorities differently?

If children come along, will she still spend on pedicures instead of sturdy shoes for Oliver? Women like that I struggle to understand. I always put everyone else first, especially after Tom passed away. Even though my sons were grown, they still leaned on me, and I never hesitated to help.

My musings were interrupted by the doorbellthe family had arrived. Natalie swept in like a film star, hair freshly styled, nails immaculate, and hardly any makeup at all, though youd never tell, thanks to her beauty therapist.

Oh Natalie, you look so glamorous! I exclaimed, sincerely, despite a trace of my old disapproval. And your suitis it new?

Yes, just got it yesterday, she replied, smiling. I was given a nice bonus at work.

All the more reason to save, I couldnt help but advise, old habits dying hard. Little windfalls, overtimeput it all aside for a rainy day. Trust me, youll need it one day!

Natalie only smiled. I like her, my daughter-in-law, simple as that. Shes a caring wife. But I suspect she believes that rainy days only happen if you expect them.

The evening passed pleasantly enough, though I slipped in a few hints about unnecessary spending. Im sure Natalie caught my drift.

Finally, she turned to me with a wry look, Whens the last time you had a manicure, Mrs. Hamilton?

Oh Ive never been, I admitted. A bit of hand cream at home, thats all. I dont need much else.

No one seemed to notice our little exchange. Yet, as a fellow woman, I think she felt sad for me. Raising two sons, managing on not much, and never once thinking to spend money on myself.

Later, on the drive home, I heard her ask Oliver, Does your mum ever do anything for herself?

He shrugged, Well, she cooks, look at that spread. Watches the telly. Pops round to see neighbours. Why do you ask?

It just seems she hasnt had any real enjoyment! Natalie replied. You lot should take her outto the cinema, the theatre, even just a nice restaurant.

Oh, she wouldnt be interested, you know what shes like, Oliver mumbled.

Natalie went quiet. She probably compared me to her own mother, who, despite tight funds, always found a way to treat herselfnew dresses, a smart haircut, season tickets to the theatre for a bit of fun.

A couple of days later, my phone rang. Natalie on the line, bubbling with excitement, inviting me out for coffee and a wander round town. Maybe a short visit to her salonshed booked an appointment, and insisted I choose any treatment I fancied.

I faltered, Oh, dont be silly. If you need to go, Ill wait in the lobby or go for a stroll.

Nonsense, why not make use of the time? Even just a manicure and a bit of hand massage. Try it, at least.

She wore me down. Natalie called ahead, told her favourite therapists all about me. “Do your best with her, girls! Suggest a few extra thingsdont worry about cost, Im covering everything, and say its a special offer. Shell ask, so please play along!”

I gave in, just for show, and was whisked away by the staff the moment we arrived. I turned to Natalie, Half an hour, yes? And what about the bill?

When the lovely girl took me inside, Natalie settled in the lounge with her phoneno treatments for herself that day, just a rare break.

I must admit, two hours later, I emerged utterly relaxed and feeling years younger. They served coffee, then herbal teaeveryone was so warm and polite. How much does all this cost? It must be so expensive! I whispered.

The manager intervened, Its our special today! Bring a friend along, theirs is free of charge. Nothing to pay!

Natalie and I strolled arms linked to the café next door. I had a cappuccino, and for the first time in years, truly relaxed.

Shall we plan some girls days out together, Mrs. Hamilton? she grinned. Theyre always doing special prices for us regulars. Didnt you enjoy yourself?

Very much, I confessed. I never realised it could be so lovely.

You should have done it years ago! she laughed.

Well, when the boys were little, and my TomGod rest himinsisted we be frugal. There was never any point. Afterwards, well it never occurred to me.

Well, now there is a point, Natalie said, giving my hand a squeeze. Youve earned it. And I dont want to go alone.

Oh, I suppose, now and then, for your company, I replied, laughing.

So, thats how it startedNatalie gently persuaded me to look after myself with her. She even coaxed me into buying a few new outfits, never telling me the full price. She convinced Oliver to take me out to dinner. We all saw a film together, and at Christmas, Natalie presented me with tickets to the local theatre.

You do look younger, Mrs. Hamilton! my neighbours complimented me.

Oh, its Natalie and the young oneskeeping me on my toes! Id beam.

And, in all honesty, it does feel as though, now, as a pensioner, mother to two grown men, my youth has only just begun.