“Mrs. Natalie, hello. It’s Jane, your future daughter-in-law. Id like to meet and talk. When would suit you?”
Natalie stiffened, especially at the words “future daughter-in-law.” What news was this? Edward hadnt mentioned any plans to marry her.
“Good day, Jane. Come to my house at six this evening.”
She wondered what the girl could possibly want. Was she expecting a child? Of courseshe must have done it on purpose to trap Edward. Theyd seen such tricks before.
What was he thinking? She wasnt his equal, not like Edward. An architect with a brilliant future, his own flat, a car, handsome and cleverany girl would be lucky to have him. Yet here he was, choosing this little nobody.
Natalie tidied the house and went to the shops, her mind uneasy.
Shed seen Jane a handful of times and disliked her from the first meeting. Edward had brought her round to introduce her, then just for tea and a chat. Each time, Natalie had made her opinion clear afterward.
“Son, arent there other girls? Why her? Whats so special about her? Plain, thin, smallin my day, men preferred a different sort! Shes not right for you!”
“Mum, I love her, and to me, shes perfect! And she cooks like an angelher beef stew is divine!”
That stung. Hed always praised his mothers cooking before. Now this girls stew was heavenly.
Jane arrived precisely on time, bearing cream puffsNatalies favourite. “Sly thing, trying to win me over,” she thought.
“Mrs. Natalie, I wont beat around the bush. Edward has proposed, and Ive accepted. Hes waiting for the right moment to tell you. Hes worried youll take it badly.”
“Of course I will! Why should I be pleased?”
“Id like to make an agreement with you. Hear me out, please.”
“I know you raised Edward alone. You married because of the baby, but it didnt work outyour husband left. My father died young, so I grew up with just my mother too. I know what its like.”
“You poured all your love into your son. Thank you. Hes kind, thoughtful, well-manneredthats your doing. You should be proud.”
Natalie nodded curtly. It was truehis goodness was her achievement.
Jane continued.
“You dream of him marrying a beautiful, successful, wealthy girl. And then theres me. Small, plain, from an ordinary family. My wages arent much. A poor match, in your eyes. Now youre at a loss, wondering how to talk him out of it, arent you?”
Natalie shrugged and nodded. Exactly so.
“Heres what will happen. Edward wont listenhes made up his mind. Youll keep arguing, youll fall out. Youll refuse to attend the wedding, of course. Your son defied you. Right?”
“Right.”
“Youll tell everyone how ungrateful he is, after all youve done. Some will pity you, others will smirk. Meanwhile, well be happy. Youll sulk, ignoring us. When I have a baby, Edward will tell you, but youll stubbornly refuse to see your grandchild. You dont recognise our marriage, so the child doesnt exist to you.”
“My mother will dote on the baby, take him for walks, tell him stories, spoil him. Shell be his favourite grandmother in the world.
“Meanwhile, youll sit alone in your flat, watching telly, resentful that life has left you unwanted. Holidays will be lonelier still. Resentment will gnaw at you. Your health will fail. Others will have visitorsyoull only have a neighbour or a friend drop by. You wont speak to your son or his wretched wife.”
“In the end, youll die alone, never knowing your grandson, never hearing Grandma, never having anyone to wish you happy birthday. And it will be your choice.”
“Orit could be different. After I leave, youll think it over. As a wise, loving mother, youll accept your sons choice. If he loves me, there must be a reason.”
“Im not so bad, you know. At work, Im valued. My mother adores me. Im decent, and Ill be a good wife and mother. Most of all, I love your son, and he loves me.”
“When Edward tells you were marrying, praise him. Say you accept his decision. You may never warm to me, but civility and tact will do.”
“I dont care for you either, but Im willing to try.”
“At the wedding, youll sit in pride of place, admiring your sonand me, a little. When the baby comes, youll always be welcome. Hell have two doting grandmothersisnt that lovely?”
“Ill never speak ill of you, and you wont of me.”
“We share one thingmaking Edward happy. So lets cooperate. Think it over, then ring me so I know what to expect. Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Natalie. Goodbye.”
After Jane left, Natalie sank into her armchair by the window, deep in thought. The girl was rightthat was exactly how it would go.
What did it matter if she disliked her future daughter-in-law? Edward would marry her anyway. If Natalie made a fuss, hed be hurt, but it wouldnt change a thing. Shed seen how his eyes lit up when he looked at Jane. Even her own stew no longer tasted as good to him.
What would she gain? Nothing. Just loneliness and bitterness while another woman rocked her grandchild. She wanted that too. But she couldnt have itunless
No. She wouldnt let it happen.
“Hello, Jane I agree to your terms. I dont want to sit here alone, missing my son. If I must be friends with you to keep him, so be it. And youll let me have the baby on weekends, yes? Andwhat do you put in that stew of yours?”
Jane laughed.
“Mrs. Natalie, yours is just as good, I promise. But Ill share the secretits the herbs. Im glad youve agreed. This is best for everyone. Edward was rightyou are a wise and loving mother.”
Three years later
“Edward, love, look at little Andrewhes the spitting image of you! What a darling boy. Im so glad I have a grandson! And Janethank you for that agreement. You were right.”
“What agreement? This is the first Ive heard of it!”
“Oh, just a little secret between Jane and me”
Natalie exchanged a knowing glance with her daughter-in-law, who winked back.
