The Daughter-in-Law

DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

Today I watched as Margaret set her hearty roast duck on the dining room table, its glaze shining beneath the warm light. She let out a soft sigh, adjusting the neatly folded napkins one more time. At any moment, my sons would arrive, wives in tow.

Only recently, my youngest, John, had gotten married. The wedding was a modest affair quite the fashion among todays young people, apparently. I would have thrown a grand reception if Id had my way, since my late wife and I simply popped down to the registry office in Westminster for a quick ceremony, and only after a year did we afford rings two slender gold bands. I longed to give my children the celebration they deserved, but of course, they made their own choices.

My only qualm with her is that shes terribly polished, Margaret confided in me at tea the other day. She had decided, though, to have a word with Emily, her new daughter-in-law.

Emily wasnt a bad girl at all, if you asked me. Rather pleasant, in fact. She encouraged John to strive for better things, even steered him towards a splendid new job, and nudged him up the career ladder. Up until he was thirty, John lived with barely a care, his ambitions more or less dormant. Margaret had begun to worry, but thankfully, life turned around.

Yet, Emilys biggest flaw in Margarets eyes was her meticulous self-care. She frequented beauty salons for haircuts, dyes, massages, manicures, the lot all of which ran up quite the expense. Margaret believed married women with a family to mind should hardly have time, nor money, for all this. What about when they had children, she wondered would Emily get her nails done instead of buying shoes for her son? Margaret, ever practical, hardly thought about herself at all, especially after my passing, when her grown-up sons still needed a helping hand now and then.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ring of the bell the younger generation had arrived. Emily floated into the lounge with an air of quiet confidence: her hair smartly styled, her nails immaculate, barely a trace of make-up except for the subtle touch of a skilled beautician.

Emily, youre looking lovely! Margaret declared, her praise sincere but tinged with her old reservations. Is your outfit new, dear?

Yes, just picked it up yesterday, Emily replied with a bright smile. My office just gave me a generous bonus.

Well, best tuck something away for a rainy day, Margaret mused, unable to stop herself from sharing her experience. Bonuses, overtime, holiday pay always put a little aside. Youll find it handy one day!

Emily remained silent. She admired Margaret a straightforward woman whod dedicated herself to her family. Still, Emily figured that a rainy day came to those who spent their days huddled in anticipation of trouble.

The evening passed rather pleasantly, though Margaret circled back now and then to the subject of unnecessary spending. Emily recognised the subtle digs.

Margaret, she finally asked, when did you last have your nails done?

I well never, truth be told, Margaret admitted, somewhat embarrassed. I do a bit at home keep them tidy. Doesnt need to be any fancier than that.

No one else noticed the brief exchange, but as a woman, Emily felt a pang on Margaret’s behalf. Raising two sons who were now earning decent livings, and not sparing even a little money for herself it hardly seemed fair.

On the drive home, Emily turned to John. Does your mum do anything just for herself? she asked.

Oh, I suppose she watches telly, cooks, pops round to see the neighbours Why?

Its just shes missing out on simple pleasures! You and your brother should take her to the cinema, the theatre, maybe a nice restaurant.

Oh, she wouldnt want that. Dont be daft.

Emily let the matter drop, but she thought of her own mother, who even in leaner times allowed herself a new dress, a stylish haircut, and always splurged for a season pass at the local theatre just for the joy it brought her.

Emily resolved that Margaret ought to have the chance to live a little, not just sit at home waiting for grandchildren to dote on.

After a few days, Emily rang Margaret and suggested they go for a walk together and grab a coffee. She casually slipped in the idea of visiting her favourite salon Emily had a skin treatment in mind but insisted Margaret try anything that suited her fancy.

Oh, you dont need me fussing about Ill wait in the foyer, or outside, Margaret protested.

Why waste time waiting? Treat yourself to a manicure maybe a hand massage? It doesnt take long.

Margaret agreed, hesitantly. Meanwhile, Emily phoned ahead to the salon, where she was well-known, and asked the staff to give Margaret a proper pampering session. She specifically requested they tempt her with a little extra perhaps a pedicure or a facial and if Margaret inquired about cost, the staff was to tell her it had all been settled by Emily.

Come the appointed day, Emily accompanied a slightly flustered Margaret to the salon and handed her over to the staff.

Just half an hour, right, Emily? And how much will this cost? Margaret fretted as a kind young woman led her away.

While she was gone, Emily settled in the lounge with a coffee, scrolling through emails on her phone, and left the pampering to the professionals.

Nearly two hours later, Margaret re-emerged, face aglow and a new spring in her step. The staff had worked wonders.

Oh, Emily! They made me feel marvellous hand treatments, coffee, herbal teas everyone was so lovely! It must cost a fortune

Actually, theres a special offer today, the receptionist chimed in, Bring a friend, and they get their treatment for free! So nothing to pay at all.

Smiling, Emily steered a delighted Margaret to a nearby café. Margaret sipped her cappuccino, reclining in her chair.

Lets do this again a ladies day out every so often! Emily suggested. Regulars get brilliant discounts here, you know.

Id like that, Margaret confessed, almost surprised at herself. I never realised how uplifting this could be.

You should have tried it years ago! Emily teased.

Oh, well, when the boys were little, and God rest him, my dear husband was always careful with money, never encouraged luxury. After a while, it didnt even cross my mind.

But now youve every reason to enjoy it! Keep me company.

All right, Ill come along with you sometimes, Margaret conceded, a faint blush on her cheeks.

From then on, Margaret joined Emily regularly, embracing a little self-care and even warming up to a refreshed wardrobe, with Emily always tactfully understating the cost of new items. Eventually, John and Emily convinced her to join them at a restaurant, then to the cinema, and for Christmas, Emily presented Margaret with a theatre membership.

You look years younger! the neighbours would say admiringly to Margaret.

Oh, its the young ones keeping me on my toes! shed reply modestly.

And honestly, as I watched from my corner, I realised that, now retired and mother to two grown men, Margaret was finally enjoying her second youth.

Life really is better when we dont forget ourselves completely in caring for everyone else.