Go home! Well talk there! barked Thomas, frowning. Ive no desire to entertain the neighbours with a scene!
Well, dont let me stop you! huffed Daisy. As if I care!
Daisy, dont push your luck! Thomas warned, brandishing a finger. Well discuss this at the house!
Oh, listen to him! Like thunder on a Sunday! she tossed her plait over her shoulder and strode away towards their terraced house, her boots squelching in the drizzle.
Thomas waited until Daisy had vanished down the high street, then fished his mobile from his coat and muttered into it:
Right, shes on her way home! Make sure you welcome her properly! You know what we spoke about sort her out, knock her pride down a peg. Ill be back soon!
He stuffed the phone in his pocket and made to nip into the corner shop for a biscuit treat a reward for taming his wife, perhaps when a stranger seized his arm.
Beg your pardon forgive me for barging in but the girl with you just now
My wife, yes. And what of it? Thomas scowled, squinting at the mans rain-slick face.
Sorry, sorry, nothing untoward! The mans smile trembled between flattery and apology. I dont suppose your wifes name is Daisy Pickering?
Daisy, thats right. Pickering was her maiden name before the wedding. What of it? Thomass patience was fraying.
And her fathers name is Samuel, yes?
Yes! Thomas snapped. How do you know my wife?
Oh, please, dont take offence. Im not personally acquainted. Im something of a, ah, fan!
Listen, mate, fan or not, keep talking like that and Ill knock your ribs in, tally em up for fun! Whats this about being a fan? You think youll waltz off with my wife?
Crikey, no! No, youve got the wrong end of the stick! the stranger flapped his arms. I meant I admire her skill!
Daisy? Shes not had any special skills, far as I know Thomas blinked.
Oh, but doesnt it take some doing, being banned for life in womens amateur boxing at eighteen for excessive brutality? Thats real talent! the man gushed.
Pity she quit after winning a few local matches. Watching her in the ring was a treat, pure entertainment!
Thomass hands shook as he reached for his phone, dropping it to the puddle where it split apart. Gathering the soggy bits, he found nothing worked. Panicking, he bolted for home, whispering like a hymn:
Please Lord, let me get there in time!
When Daisy had arrived in their little village not three years hence, Thomas had noticed her at once. And who wouldnt? Young, athletic, intriguing, never without a laugh. Shed landed a post as games mistress at the primary school.
Folk assumed she was a student teacher, off to the city soon but no, she was twenty-five, and here to stay. When she rented a flat by herself, rumors bubbled up.
Something odd here! wagged the old biddies. Young, pretty, turning up here on her lonesome? Mark my words, shes hiding a dreadful secret.
Not in this day and age! said others. Bet shes had her heart broken and come to patch up the pieces. Or else fallen out with mum and dad and run away! Saw that on telly last week.
Thomas eyed her from afar, not rushing in.
Who knows what story shes hiding? Best find out before pitching in.
By autumn terms end, in the staff room, Daisys tale began rolling out:
My parents ran a business, decent folk. But the business took a turn suppliers collapsed. Everything started to unravel. My father tried stitching things up thought hed marry me off to some well-off chap and sort it that way.
You shouldve seen the gentleman. Id sooner run than live like that!
And youre truly all alone? a veteran teacher shook her head.
Lifes full of people, Daisy shrugged. Rather strike out on my own than marry a stranger for a price. Never fancied being anybodys merchandise, thanks!
Youll find love here, never fear! the other teachers chirped, patting her shoulder. There are decent men in our village yet!
Once Daisys tale was out, Thomas made up his mind:
Ill have her for my wife! Our village girls have gone sly and greedy and shes an outsider, no family about to hover.
He said all this to his mother, father, and elder brother.
Shes young, strong, a good sport teacher! Kidsll be healthy, shell pull her weight here. She wont be running off to family, eh?
A good match! his family agreed. And if she kicks up a fuss, well teach her the old English way!
Of course they expected the match Thomas was good-looking, after all, and not just that, but assistant manager of the veg depot.
When the head office came for a check-up, Thomas played the humble worker, but hed stuck his neck out for rationalising things so often they could hardly sack him. In the end, he was promoted.
If youre so clever, you do it! And if you muck it up, its on your head!
Folk joked about initiative getting you in trouble but Thomas transformed the veg depot, showing management skills from every angle. Only, he was tough on blunders, and his brother Peter now head of security was a brute.
You cant even take home a mouldy carrot! Peterll rough you up, and Thomasll back him up!
Still, as the thefts stopped, everyone let it slide.
Who could say no to such a diligent man? Daisy first agreed to a stroll, then to Thomass courtship, and at last, to marriage.
Thomas took Daisy from her rented bedsit and brought her home.
As bride, you realise we live as one big family! declared Thomass mum, Evelyn, chattering away.
Everythings shared chores and care alike! I dont know what it was in your house, but these are our rules!
There were no rules in mine, Daisy confessed. In fact, I ran away from just such rules! But now that Im Thomass wife, Ill learn to live by our new ones.
This pleased the family no end.
Only, Im sorry, but I dont really know how to run a house, Daisy blushed. My parents had staff for all that.
Well soon fix that! boomed Thomass father, Frank. Youre keen, youll pick it up!
I can learn anything only, I cant abide injustice, Daisy replied.
Oh, but my dear, fairness is a slippery notion! Evelyn piped up. There are household rules centuries old! Honour your husband and his kin, show respect as youd want it shown to you! Womens virtues are obedience and meekness, mens are sorting out big matters, looking after their wives!
If thats the way here, well, Daisy shrugged. But no beatings and stables, I hope?
No whips, nor horses just us! laughed Frank.
Yet beneath the banter, Daisy saw what was coming. Her freedom vanished soon after the vows.
Work and groceries thats all she got. For everything else:
Where do you think youre off to? Evelyn would scold. Theres endless housework, a garden, hens, ducks! Were family, Daisy, I cant manage this alone!
She wasnt exaggerating. Thomas and Peter worked all hours, rarely home except to eat or sleep. Franks back and legs were shot, leaving him doling out advice. The whole house rested on Evelyn and Daisys shoulders.
But Evelyn herself was no spring chicken. Shed get dizzy or feel it in her joints, or collapse with a headache. Still, theres no weekend in the countryside home!
What about a bit of life of my own? Daisy would ask. Not just with my husband on my own, like a film or a coffee, a little walk? Ive no friends here yet.
Married women need no friends! Trust me, the harm outweighs the good! Cafés and cinemas, thats for you and Thomas. Its not proper for women to haunt public places alone! Were not London folks talk, you know! Once they start, it sticks like mud.
Really? Daisy blinked.
You lived in a big city before, love! Here, everyone sees everything. Set a step astray and youre branded for life! You, a teacher the council would have you out in shame!
Strong logic, perhaps, but Daisy wasnt about to be buried under chores. She did her job, ran errands, but insisted on being treated decently. Sometimes she stood her ground, raised her voice, even told people off.
If we work, then its fair shares! shed say. If one works and another lounges, count me out!
By two-and-a-half years into marriage, Daisy hadnt let up she pressed for fairness, and wouldnt let anyone slack off.
That Daisys got a temper! moaned Evelyn, when Daisy went out to the shops. Worse than horseradish! Say a word, get five back!
Shes got no respect for me! Frank groaned. Ask her for a cushion or a drink, she just waves me off, busy!
Thomas, this is unacceptable, Peter told his brother. Shes rude to our parents! Cant let that stand.
I know shes humiliating me! Defies me her husband! Shes like a circus lion that needs taming! If she starts up once there are children, shell try to rule the house herself!
We must prepare, Peter said. Take her out for a stroll, then send her home alone. Well be there to greet her!
If she listens, fine. If not, well use force! If she riots, she can cool off in the cellar at school well say shes on leave! Give it a month to knock sense into her!
And so, while Thomas aired Daisy about the park, the family girded their loins for righteous fury. All waited for Thomass signal when Daisy came home ready to pounce!
But Thomas was too late.
The garden gate still creaked on its hinge, but the houses front door was gone as though it had never existed. In the hallway, Peter sat wailing, clutching a mangled arm. Thomas snatched his phone, held it to Peters ear.
Tell them the address! he barked, to cut through shock. And get a couple of ambulances!
Peter nodded, face crumpled in pain.
In the debris of the hall, Frank lay sprawled, unconscious but breathing. There was relief in that, at least. In the kitchen, right by the table, Evelyn was sitting on the tiles, a glorious shiner blossoming on her cheek, both hands gripping a broken rolling pin, usually reserved for Sunday roasts.
Daisy sat at the table, calmly sipping tea.
Dearest? she looked up as Thomas entered. Here for your share?
N-no, he stammered.
Well, Im not sure what else to offer you, she mused. Perhaps a little justice in the family?
You couldve warned me you nearly
I know my limits! And everyone got just what they came at me with!
Snapped the rolling pin clean across my knee! Never laid a finger on your mother she ran into the door trying to bolt!
And how do we go on now? Thomas asked, bewildered.
Id say we live together and fairly! Daisy grinned. And dont even think about a divorce Im expecting. My child will have a father!
Thomas swallowed hard.
Alright, love.
When the wounds healed, new rules took root.
And from then on, peace reigned in their family, and no one ever dared cross a line again.
