Everyone in the village had known for ages that Oliver was coming. The girls were getting ready, styling their hair and primping. But Annie, the orphan, saw no reason for such girlish tricks—she stayed just as she was. And it was her, just as she is, that Oliver immediately fell in love with.

It was known for quite some time throughout the whole village that Oliver was coming. The young ladies made preparations, arranging their hair and fussing over their dresses. But Alice, the orphan girl, paid no heed to such feminine stratagems. She was just herself, plain and simple. And it was she who immediately caught Oliver’s eye.

The villagers couldn’t help but envy Alice. She had managed to win the heart of such a fine young man. When Oliver first arrived in the village, every girl lost her heart to him. He was broad-shouldered, tall, and strikingly handsome. On top of that, he was from the city, clever and educated, having studied abroad. His parents were well-to-do, and his grandfather had once been the head of the council hed steered all his children towards success and now only waited hopefully for grandchildren to boast about.

It was no secret when Oliver was to return, and so the girls busied themselves, primping in hopes of catching his attention. Yet again, Alice, with neither parents to guide her nor interest in such tricks, simply remained as she always was. And again, Oliver found her true, honest spirit irresistible.

No matter how the other girls tried to attract him, it was all in vain. After his holiday, he took Alice back to London with him. Before she left, old Mr. Baxter gave advice, The girls seen her share of hardship, lad. Mind you treat her kindly. Oliver gave his word he would.

Life in London was another sort of thing altogetherfast-paced, crowded, and bright. Alice hoped Oliver would remain the thoughtful and caring man shed known in the village. But things turned out differently. In the flurry of wedding plans, there was still shared anticipation, gentle affection. Yet after their honeymoon, Oliver seemed to change. He grew quieter around his young wife, almost as if he were embarrassed by her. His mother, Mrs. Thompson, spoke to Alice only through clenched teeth, always in a condescending manner. In every word, Alice felt simply not good enough for her fine son.

She never made the soup quite right, and her laundry was never up to the mark. Even her way of scrubbing the floor was criticised. Living together in that crowded flat, Alice suffered over her mother-in-laws judgements, but where could she go? She couldnt find work either, and Oliver discouraged her, What sort of money could you earn with your education? Better to stay here. So she did.

When Alice fell pregnant, Oliver was over the moon. It seemed, for a moment, that all would be well. Mrs. Thompson ceased her complaints and instead berated her son if she felt he wasnt treating Alice gently enough. But disaster struck when Alice lost the baby, and everything became heavier still.

Youve no sense, no health, nothing but a pretty faceand what use is that? sighed Mrs. Thompson. Oliver just smiled his satisfied smile, as if he didnt hear his wife insulted.

A second pregnancy brought Oliver no joy. The care, the hope were gone, replaced by irritation at her changing figure. Mrs. Thompson scolded her son, reminding him their child deserved to be born into love. But Alice felt no love from him anymore. They took to sleeping in separate rooms; Oliver left for work early and returned late, when Alice was already asleep.

Alice spent her nights in tears, but she enduredwhat else could she do? With no parents, she couldnt bear to bring her child into such a fate and tried her best to keep her spirits for the sake of her small family. When her time came, none in the household was there for her. Oliver hadnt come home in a week. Alice called for an ambulance herself. She brought her child into the world alonecalled no one and didnt know where she would go next.

But waiting for her at the hospital was a car, festooned with balloons. Alices heart leapt. She rushed out to find not Oliver, but Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Baxter, dressed in their finest, standing with flowers.
Thank you, my dear girl, for this gift, rejoiced Mr. Baxter, Theres no finer great-grandchild in the county. Mrs. Thompson said little but couldnt take her eyes off the baby girl.

At home, the table was set and, to Alices surprise, her favourite pie was baking in the oven, prepared by Mrs. Thompson herself.
I never imagined Oliver would turn out such a disappointment, Mrs. Thompson said, unable to contain herself. Hes gone gallivanting, leaving a young girl all alone with a child. No matter. Well get by just fine without him. He can see how long hell last on his ownwe shant let you be mistreated. Ill sort the flat paperwork so he can fend for himself elsewhere. Best he doesnt bother us; hell probably bring home another wife someday.

What shall we call her? asked Mr. Baxter, Perhaps Annie, after your mother?

Alice burst into tears. It had been years since shed allowed herself to cry. Mrs. Thompson stroked her hair. Dont fret, my dear. Youll find happiness yet. Motherhood suits you. He was simply too foolish to see it.

Ill go back to the village, Alice managed to say at last. Well be happier there.

Thats right, said Mr. Baxter. Well raise our little one together.

***

Two years later, back in her home village, Alice was courted by Andrew, a straightforward country lad. Not long ago, before Oliver, she would never have given Andrew a glance. But now, her hopes for a husband had changed; she wished for love and protection above all else.

Come on, Alice, where else will you find someone like this? Hes a good manyouve known him since you were a child. And what if Oliver returns?

Alice answered firmly, He wont come back. And if he did, I do not love him anymore.

Well then! exclaimed Mr. Baxter, his face lighting up. Well get ready for a wedding.

***

Mrs. Thompson arrived for the celebration.

How do you treat Alice? she asked Andrew in her old stern way. She came home from work on foot today. And the house, wellAnnies tights arent even pressed!

And who are you? Andrew asked, astounded.

The mother-in-law.

Former mother-in-law, Andrew clarified.

Oh, thats enough of that, Alice laughed. A mother-in-law never truly stops being one.

Its only nerves, Mrs. Thompson excused herself. I worry you wont let me see my granddaughter.

Come whenever you like, Andrew replied. But our familywell, well build it ourselves, with no outside interference.

Alice looked at Andrew with pride. This one will certainly never allow harm to come to us, she thought, and smiled.