Arthur, have you put out the good china? The one with the gold trim, not the everyday plates. And check the napkins, please, I starched them so theyd stand tall, just like in a proper restaurant, said Alice, bustling in the kitchen as she tucked an errant wisp of hair behind her ear. The oven filled the house with the scent of roast duck and apples, vegetables simmered on the hob, and the refrigerator was packed full with salads shed spent half the night preparing.
Arthur, Alices husband, obliged and climbed to the top shelf.
Alice, must we do all this? Its only family. Mum, Uncle Albert, and Aunt May. We could serve beans on toast for all they care, as long as theres enough to drink, he muttered, fetching out the box of bone china.
Dont grumble. Its our anniversaryfifteen years. Crystal wedding. I want everything just so. Besides, you know your brother. If I set plain plates, hell call us skint. If theyre chipped, hell say were slobs. I want to give him no chance to crack his usual jokes for once.
Arthur sighed heavily as he came down the stepladder. He knew Alice was right. His elder brother, George, was, to put it kindly, a handful. More honestlyas Alice liked to say over tea with friendsGeorge was the model of a boor, intent on passing off his coarse manners as plain-speaking honesty.
Just, please, dont rise to him tonight, Arthur said, carefully polishing the plates. Hes… not himself lately. Lost his job, his wife left him. Hes as snappish as a stray dog.
Arthur, hes had a rough patch for the better part of forty years. As for his wife leaving, shes only got self-preservation to thank. Ill endure all I can, but if he starts on my figure or your wages again, I wont be held responsible.
The doorbell rang at five, on the dot. First to arrive was Arthurs mother, Edith, a quiet woman who adored her sons, especially the eldest, troubled George. Then came Aunt May and Uncle Albert. True to form, George arrived forty minutes late, when everyone else was seated and eyeing the congealing starters.
He barrelled into the hall, reeking of cheap tobacco and chill air.
Well! I made it! Quaint little gathering, eh? Whats all this, Arthur, thought Id forgotten your present? Here you go!
He pressed a parcel wrapped in newspaper into his brothers hands.
Whats this? Arthur asked, bewildered.
Its a set of screwdrivers from Poundland! Practical, for blokes like you who couldnt fix a plug if their lives depended on it!
Alice managed a brittle smile as she came to greet him.
Hello, George. Come and wash your handsweve been waiting ages.
George gave her a long look that made Alice feel as though someone had dumped cold water down her back.
My, Alice! Who are you decked out for? Thats a new frock, isnt it? Shiny as a toffee wrapper. Or is it meant to distract from the wrinkles? Kidding! Youre still well put together. Plenty of curve.
Arthur gave a nervous cough, desperate to patch the awkwardness.
Come along, George, the ducks going cold.
At the table, George instantly took control. He splashed a tumbler full of gin before a toast was offered and forked a chunk of kipper.
To the happy couple and fifteen yearshow have you not throttled each other? I lasted five years with Maggie before I almost strung myself up! Wives, ehleeches, the lot. Arthur, youre lucky; at least she can cook. Well he grimaced at the pickled herring, maybe a bit heavy on the salt. Fallen in love again, Alice, or are your hands unsteady from age?
Edith tried to smooth things over, pushing a salad bowl his way.
Try the beef tongue salad, George, its ever so tender.
Tongue, eh? George roared. FitsAlice here is never short of a sharp word! But truly, Mum, dont coddle her. Critiques healthy. Thats what earns me respectalways call a spade a spade.
Alice, setting out the hot dishes, could feel her irritation mounting. She glanced at Arthur, who studied his plate as if the pattern was new to him, too cowed by his brothers bluster to defend her or himself.
One night, Alice thought. Just one night for Arthurs sake. For his mothers.
George, hows work these days? she tried to change the subject. Werent you at an interview last week?
He waved her off as he poured another.
Dont bother. The whole worlds run by idiots now. Turn up, and a kid half my age starts grilling me on IT competence. I tells him, Lad, I was working shifts before you were in nappies. He says, Youre not right for us. Sod em. Maybe Ill start my own business. Just need to scrape together some cash. Speaking of, Arthur, could you spot me a hundred quid till next month? Bathrooms bust and needs sorting.
Alice paused mid-salad. George, youve not paid back the five hundred you borrowed for the car repairs.
Face flushed, George immediately went on the offensive.
Ooh, the accountants chiming in! See how she keeps you on a short leash, Arthur? Im asking my brother, not you, Alice. Havent you got the spine to help your own family?
Arthur looked apologetic, first at Alice, then his brother.
George, honestly, moneys a bit tightmortgage and all, and this dinner
George snorted and waved his fork dismissively.
I see! What a spread! Red caviar, smoked salmon. Living like kings. Grudging your own brother a loaf. Thats you all over, Alice, hoarding everything, couldnt care less for family.
George, do eat, Edith tried to intervene, patting his hand, Alice worked hard preparing everything.
Oh, she worked hard, all right, probably currying favour with her boss too, eh? George winked at Arthur, and the gesture made Alices blood run cold. Heard you got promoted, Alice. Deputy Manager, eh? What was that for, I wonder? Not just for your blue eyes, Ill bet! Out late at the office, working?
A heavy silence strangled the table, even Aunt May went quiet. Arthur looked up, his cheeks blotched red.
George, what are you playing at? he asked softly.
Just saying whats on everyones mind, thats all! George was unstoppable, drink taking full hold. “You slog away in the factory for pennies while she climbs the ladder. You think she loves you? Shes with you out of pity. Or its convenient. Look at yourself! Youre a doormat!
Enough. Alices voice sounded firmer than she felt, though her hands trembled as she set down the salad bowl.
Oooh, the missus finds her voice! Struck a nerve, have I? Well, Arthur, I never figured out what you saw in heraverage looks, nag for a temper. Not like my Maggie wasdevil she is, but dazzling! You, Alice, youre a grey mouse who fancies herself queen because youve got your husband cowed.
Alice looked at her husband, willing him to act, to finally stand up and throw the oaf out. But he hunched lower, knuckles white around his fork, paralysed by childhood habits.
Well, Alice thought, if not him, then me.
She stood up, straightened her dress, and spoke in an icily calm voice that silenced even old Uncle Albert.
Get up and go.
George choked on a laugh.
What? You cracked, love? Too much heat in the kitchen?
I said, get up and leave my house. Now.
Its my brothers house too! George shrieked. Arthur, dyou hear? Shes throwing me out! Your own brother! Say something!
Arthur looked at his wifepale but resoluteand in that moment knew that if he didnt stand behind her now, their marriage would shatter on this anniversary.
Go, George, Arthur said, hoarse.
Georges jaw dropped. Hed expected tears or pleading, not joint resolve.
Youre both against me? Mum, did you hear that! Your own sons turning you out, over a harmless joke!
That wasnt a joke, George, Alice stepped away from the table, arm outstretched towards the door. Youve abused both me and your brother in our home at our table, while you eat our food and guzzle our wine. Ive put up with your behaviour for fifteen years for the sake of family. No more. Your times up. Out.
Stuff you lot! George leapt up, knocking over his glass of winea deep red stain spilling over the white tablecloth like a wound. Choke on your posh food! Bunch of snobs! Dont expect to ever see me darken your door again!
Thats the idea, Alice replied coolly. Ohand you wont be getting any more money. Not now, not ever. Find yourself a job, businessman.
Fuming, George grabbed the barely touched gin (Waste not, want not, flickered in his eyes), tucked it under his arm, and stomped towards the door.
Youll regret this, Arthur! Chose your wife over your own brother! Lapdog!
The door banged so hard that the glasses in the cabinet rattled.
A thick hush fell, broken only by the ticking clock and Ediths laboured breathing. She dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.
Alice her voice trembled, did you have to be so harsh? He didnt mean it Hes just impulsive. Had a bit too much.
Alice turned to her. Her composure was fraying, but she kept her voice steady.
Mrs. Hartley, she said gently, but firmly, impulsive is when one bursts out laughing too loud. When someone insults his brother and me in our own home, thats something else entirely. I wont let this house become a refuse heap for his vulgarity. If you wish to pity him, thats your right as a mother. But not here and not at my table.
Edith sobbed but said no more. Aunt May suddenly clattered her fork to her plate and said, Delicious duck, Alice! Simply melts in the mouth. And high time someone put that bore in his place. He trod on all my toes at your wedding and never even said sorry. Arthur, pour me some more wineI need it.
Laughter loosened the tension. Arthur, as though waking from a spell, seized the wine bottle. His hands shook, but he looked at Alice with such profound gratitudeand, more importantly, with respect she hadnt seen in years.
Im sorry, he whispered, pouring her drink, I ought to have done it myself, long ago.
Its all right, Alice squeezed his hand. Were together. Hes not here. Thats what matters.
The rest of the evening passed almost cheerfully. Without George, the air felt lighter. Guests relaxed and shared gentle, funny stories from days gone by. Even Edith thawed, joining the chorus when Aunt May led a round of an old tune after a slice of Alices finest Victoria sponge.
When everyone had gone, Alice and Arthur faced the mountain of dirty dishes. Alice slumped on a chair, staring at the crimson wine blot on her cloth.
The cloths probably ruined, she sighed. Shame. Mum bought it for us.
Arthur hugged her from behind.
Never mind the cloth. Well buy a new one. Ten new cloths, even. You were I cant say how proud I am. I let him bully you for years. It was just what we grew up with: George is the elder, George is loud, George must have his way. Mum always said, Let George be, hes complicated. So I always gave in.
I know, Arthur. Habits are tough to break. But were a familycrystal. Fragile, but beautiful. I wont let him smash it with a set of screwdrivers from Poundland.
They laughed, feeling at last the tension melting from their bodies.
About those screwdrivers, Arthur said, picking up the rejected parcel, funny thingIve already got a set. He gave it me two Christmases ago. Mustve snatched it back and re-gifted it.
There you go, Alice smiled, dependable as ever.
The next morning, Arthurs phone rang off the hook. George, of course. Arthur watched the screen, glanced at Alice, calm over her morning tea and book, and discreetly set the phone face down on silent.
Not taking it? she asked.
No. Let him sleep it off. Maybe Ill never answer. I rather liked the peace last night.
Mum will worry, Alice remarked.
Mum will have to understandI have got teeth now. Or rather, we do. Were a team, arent we?
A team, Alice agreed, a team for lovers of roast duck and quiet nights.
A week later, Alice learnt from Edith that George had taken to telling relatives how hed been disgracefully thrown out by his mad sister-in-law, while his poor brother cowered under the table. Family members expressed sympathy but started dropping by Alice and Arthurs more oftenalways speaking with marked politeness. News travels fast when a house is known not to tolerate rudeness; it works better than any alarm system.
Oh, and the tablecloth? Alice managed to get out the stain using her Nannas old tricksalt and boiling water. As with George: a little effort, a little stinging, but afterwards, everything was clean, peaceful, and bright once more.
