A Wedding Gift from the Mother-in-Law: Better Nothing Than This!
Eleanor and William were to be wed. The wedding was in full swing when the master of ceremonies announced it was time for gifts. First, the brides parents offered their congratulations, then came Williams mother, Margaret Whitmore, clutching a large box adorned with pale blue ribbons.
Goodness, what could be inside? Eleanor whispered excitedly to William.
Ive no idea. Mums kept it tightly under wraps, the groom replied, just as puzzled.
They decided to wait until the next day to open the presents, once the festivities had settled. Eleanor suggested starting with his mothers box. They untied the ribbon, lifted the lidand froze in disbelief.
For some time, Eleanor had noticed a peculiar habit of Williams: he never took anything without asking, not even the smallest thing.
May I have the last chocolate? hed inquire hesitantly, eyeing the lone sweet in the dish.
Of course! Eleanor would reply, bemused. You neednt even ask.
Old habits, hed smile sheepishly as he unwrapped it.
Only after a few months did Eleanor understand where this came from.
One evening, William introduced her to his parentsMargaret and Edward Whitmore. At first, his mother seemed pleasant, but the impression faded swiftly when they sat down to dine.
Before each guest lay a plate with two spoonfuls of mashed potatoes and a single, modest meatball. William finished quickly and quietly asked for seconds.
Always stuffing yourself like a farmhand! Youre never satisfied! Margaret snapped, shocking Eleanor deeply.
When Edward requested more, Margaret cheerfully heaped his plate high. Eleanor ate in uneasy silence, appalled by the mothers clear disdain for her own son.
Later, as wedding plans took shape, Margarets true colours showed. Everything was too costlythe rings, the venue, the menu.
Why such extravagance? A simpler affair would do! she grumbled openly.
Finally, Eleanor lost patience.
Well handle it ourselves! she retorted. Its our pounds and our choice!
Offended, Margaret fell silent thereafter, even threatening not to attend.
Two days before the ceremony, Edward arrived unexpectedly at their door.
Son, help me with the gift, he said, leading William to the car.
Hed gone behind his wifes back and bought a washing machineunwilling to endure her miserly whims. He confessed theyd quarrelled fiercely, for Margaret deemed even a wedding gift for her own son too dear.
On the day, Margaret did appearresplendent in an elegant dress, arriving by cab. She behaved properly, handed over the large box, and then melted into the crowd.
The next morning, Eleanor and William eagerly unpacked it. Their excitement soon soured.
Towels? Eleanor murmured, pulling out the first with disbelief.
And socks, William sighed, holding up two pairs of thick woollen ones. Father was right Mum just grabbed whatever was on hand. Hard to believe shes become so tight-fisted. Truly, no gift would have been better.
But there was more. Days later, Margaret rangto pry about the other presents.
Well? Out with it! What did Eleanors mother give? And Uncle Henry? And her friends? she pressed.
William refused to indulge her.
Mum, thats none of your concern. Eleanor and I are content.
Then he hung upfor once, without a shred of guilt.
Life teaches us this: the worth of a gift does not reveal the givers heart. Yet respect and love are etched in small kindnesses. And of those, Margaret, sadly, had none left to give.
