Well, this was a surprise! That was the first thing I blurted out as I opened the door and saw a petite, wiry old lady standing on the doorstep, dressed in faded jeans, lips curled into a sly smile. Her sharp eyes sparkled with mischief beneath her narrowed brows.
Emmas nan, Mrs. Margaret Bennett, I realised at once. But how oddshe turned up without any warning, not even a phone call.
Hello, grandson! she chirped, still wearing that wry grin. Are you going to let me in then?
Ohabsolutely, come in! I stammered, jumping aside.
With a surprising burst of energy, Mrs. Bennett wheeled her little suitcase straight down the hall. When I made tea, she instructed, Strong for me, love. She peered over her mug and smirked, So, Emmas at work, Olivia at nursery, and what about youskiving off?
They put me on compulsory leave, I confessed gloomily, For two weeks. Some sort of staff rota necessity. All my dreams of lazing about for a fortnight evaporated. I looked at her hopefully. Will you be staying long?
She gave a wicked nod, crushing my hope. Bang on, lad. Im here for ages.
I suppressed a sigh. I barely knew Margaret Bennettjust glimpsed her at mine and Emmas wedding, when shed come down from another town. But Id certainly heard tales from my father-in-law. When he spoke about his mother-in-law, his voice always dropped to a whisper, and he cast anxious glances over his shoulder. The respect was almost tangibletangible with a touch of terror.
Wash up those cups, will you, and get your coat. Were going for a grand tour about the city. You can be my escort!
There was no use objectingit was a barked order, so reminiscent of Sergeant Prichard in my Army days that I practically stood to attention. Back then, youd have sooner waded through nettles than cross Prichard.
Show me the riverside! she commanded. Which ways best? Linking her arm through mine, she set off down the street with a purposeful stride, scanning her surroundings with genuine curiosity.
A taxis easiest, I shrugged.
Without a seconds hesitation, Mrs. Bennett popped her fingers in her mouth and let out a shrill whistle. The next passing cab screeched to a halt.
Honestly, nan, must you whistle in the street? What will people think? I chided as I held the passenger door open for her.
Theyll think its you, darling, thats the ruffian, she laughed, her delicate frame shaking with glee. The cabbie burst into laughter too, and he and Mrs. Bennett slapped hands together like lifelong mates.
Youre a well-mannered lad, Richard, she observed, as we strolled beside the Thames. Your granny must be ever so genteel. Thats not me. My poor HarryEmmas granddad, God rest himnever really got used to my ways. He was a bookworm, shy as a field mouse. Then I swept in! I dragged him up mountains and taught him to skydive. Hang-glidingnow, that terrified him. Hed wait for me below with our daughter while I flew circles overhead.
I stared in surprise. Emma had never breathed a word about her nan doing anything remotely adventurous. No wonder she was the way she was. Margaret now pinned me with her eyes:
Ever jumped out of a plane yourself?
Army daysfourteen jumps, I admitted, a bit of pride in my voice.
Well done! Respect. Mrs. Bennett nodded thoughtfully, then began to hum:
Were in for a proper long drop,
This jumps going to last!
I recognised the old tune and cheerily joined in:
Silk cloud soaring behind,
A gull dashing past.
That silly song broke the ice between us. Suddenly, I just felt comfortable in her company.
Lets have a sit down and a bite, she suggested briskly. Theres a food vancan you smell the barbecue?
The man manning the grilla dark-haired chap with piercing eyesspeared chunks of marinated meat onto metal skewers like he meant business. You half wondered if hed wrestle wild boar for the fun of it. The urge to shout Oi! and burst into dance was almost overwhelming.
We settled at a wobbly table, and rather unexpectedly, Margaret burst into a rich, clear tune:
Good day to you, my friend,
Wouldnt mind a song at a wedding
The grill man started, then met her gaze with a grin, eyes lighting up, and they finished in harmony:
Itd be grand to sing at a wedding,
Good day to you, my friend!
Here you are, madam! he boomed, beaming, as he stacked our table with kebabs, flatbread, and bunches of fresh herbs. He brought over two glasses of chilled white wine and bowed theatrically, hand to heart.
Drawn by the smell, a scruffy grey kitten slunk out from the bushes, sidled up to our table, and stared at us in silent hope.
Theres the one for us, chuckled Margaret. Come here, little one. She called out to the barbecue man, Could you bring our mate here some fresh meat, chopped up nice and small?
While the kitten wolfed down its meal, Margaret eyed me sternly. Youve got a childespecially a girl! No cat in the house? How will she ever learn kindness, compassion, how to care for something vulnerable? Keep this little chaphell help you all.
Back home, Margaret busied herself bathing the foundling, dispatching me to buy everything a kitten could ever want. Arms fulllitter tray, bowls, scratching post, plush bedI stumbled indoors to the sound of delighted female squeals. Emma and Olivia clung to their nan, who lavished them both with kisses. Perched on the back of the sofa, the kittenwho wed named Georgegazed in wide-eyed wonder at its new clan.
This is for you, Oliviaa proper little summer outfit, Nan said, distributing gifts. And for you, Emma dear. Nothing makes a wife more irresistible than a pair of lacy knickers
For the whole next week, Olivia didnt set foot in nursery. Each morning, she and Nan vanished on long, brisk outingsreturning, tired but happy, just in time for lunch.
George and I were always waiting for them, and later, with Emma back from work, wed all set out togethercat in towfor another wander by the river.
One evening, as we sat quietly together, Margaret turned to me more seriously than ever. Richard, love, I must say something. Im leaving tomorrowits time. After I go, give this to Emma. She placed an envelope in my hand. My will. The flat and everything in it is hers, and youyou get my husbands library. There are treasures in there, you knowsome with autographs of very special people.
Really, Mrs. Bennett, you shouldnt talk like that! I began, but she cut me off firmly.
I havent told Emma, but Ill tell youmy hearts in a bad way. It could all end, suddenly. Better to be ready.
You shouldnt be on your own, I protested. Someone should be with you!
Im never on my own. My daughteryour mother-in-lawlives just nearby. And you, look after Emma, raise Olivia well. Youre a good man, dependable. You know, that makes me your mother-in-law twice over! She gave my arm a playful thump and burst out laughing.
Please, stay a little longer, I pleaded.
She shook her head, smiling warmly. The whole family turned out to see her off, even George looked mournful in Olivias arms.
Margaret popped her fingers in her mouth and blew that astonishing whistleanother passing taxi slammed on its brakes. Come along, son, you can take me to the station! she announced, kissing Emma and Olivia before hopping into the front seat.
The cabbie stared, open-mouthed, at this extraordinary woman and her unmissable way of hailing a lift.
What are you looking at? I grumbled. Never seen a real lady before?
The wiry old nan laughed heartily, her silver curls bouncing, and clapped her hand against mine as the taxi trundled away.
