The Poor Little Lamb
Hello, Mum and Dad! Emily burst through the door one weekend, cheeks flushed with excitement. Guess what? Im getting married! Charlie proposed and I said yes without a moments hesitation.
Oh, Emily, our little girl is all grown up! her mum, Margaret, exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight and glancing over at her husband, Harold, who sat in silent seriousness, clearly digesting the sudden news.
Well, Id hope so! Emily grinned. Finished college, working in the city, and Charlies got a good job too. We thoughtwhy not tie the knot?
The families werent strangers to Charliea city lad who lived with his mum, Janet, in a nearby town. He was gentle and polite, someone Margaret and Harold had approved of long ago.
It fell to Margaret and Harold to handle the wedding plans; after all, they lived in the countryside, running their own smallholding. Charlie had saved a bit of money, but Harold insisted, Charlie, keep that for your house deposit. Your place to live is more important. Leave the wedding to usmaybe your mum can chip in, if she likes.
Janet, Charlies mum, was upfront about her circumstances: I havent much to spare, love. I raised Charlie on my own, just on my salary. I can only manage a little something for gifts.
Margaret didnt judge, but, for some reason, couldnt bring herself to trust Janet fully. The wedding was held at a quaint café in townnothing flashy, but a joyous occasion all the same.
Before long, the newlyweds began searching for their own place, taking out a mortgage on a modest flat. Margaret and Harold helped out with the depositJanet once again could only apologise, plagued by debts of her own.
Emily and Charlie settled into their new home, and soon little Ruby arrived. Margaret and Harold made regular trips from the village with bags of potatoes, carrots, fresh meat, milk, and cream from their smallholding for their granddaughter.
Occasionally, Margaret would ring Janet. Janet, shall we chip in to buy Ruby a good present? Shes growing upso many things shell need.
Oh Margaret, I really cant, darling, Janet would sigh, sometimes even sounding tearful. Its just me; you know how it is.
For Emilys birthday, her parents arrived with vegetables and meat, while Janet handed over a modest £10 note. Margaret frownedshe and Harold gave £50 as a gift. Margaret never resented the help she gave her daughters family, but couldnt help but feel irked at Janets lack of support.
Harold, why is it always us helping the children, while Janet does nothing but moan about her struggles? Lifes hard for everyone! We all have to work. Can you imagine if I just sat around, feeling sorry for myself, doing nothing but complaining? I work just as hard as you! she grumbled, but Harold, knowing his wife well, just listened quietly.
Margaret often noticed Janet turned out smartlyher hair always freshly cut, nails done, clothes immaculate. Margaret wondered where the money came from for those little luxuries, given Janets constant laments about being broke.
Harold, to Margarets astonishment, only shrugged. Its good, really, that she looks after herself. No wonder shes younger-looking than her age.
Margaret bristled at his words. Easy enough for her! No garden or animals to tend, just a flat in the town and the days to herself. How could she not? Meanwhile, Im up and down all dayout in the garden, in with the chickens and cows, running the house Her frustration spilled over. Maybe Ill start pampering myself, and you can see how you manage with milking cows and weeding the beds!
But Harold, ever the peacekeeper, carried on as before. Margaret shouldered most of the chores while he worked as a lorry driver. Life continued much as it had.
Soon, Ruby was turning three and had started nursery, but she fell ill often. It was decided that Janet would look after her for a while until she grew stronger.
I might as well, Janet agreed. Im retired anyway.
Margaret was so relieved. At last, Janet was actually helping!
After that, Harold began making more frequent trips to town. Marge, get some cream, eggs, spuds ready. Ill drop them at Emilysneed to pick up some bits for the lorry as well. Can also check in on Ruby.
Margaret was happy to pack the goods, pleased to help the kids. Everythings dear in town shops. Best they have food from usno chemicals, all proper.
But Harold started staying longer and longer on his trips. Hed gone before, sometimes to sort out the car or pick up shop bits for Margaret, but lately he lingered much longer at Emilys. At first, Margaret brushed it off. But then, an idea began to gnaw at her.
Goodness, could Harold have taken a fancy to Janet? she thought, her stomach sinking. Best keep an eye on things
Next time Harold got ready for town, packing up his parcels, Margaret announced, Im coming with youIm missing Ruby such a lot. And I want to check for some bits in the shops. She caught his gaze and detected his unease. But he only nodded.
As they drove, Margaret could tell Harolds mood soured.
You seem a bit down. You alright? she asked.
Just a headache, thats all, came his mumbled reply.
At Emilys flat, Janet opened the door in a dressing gown, perfectly made up and cheerfuluntil she saw Margaret approaching with Harold. Her face fell instantly, and she pulled her gown tightly around her.
They played with Ruby, presented her with a doll, and after shed drifted off to nap, Janet offered tea while Margaret and Harold laid out a shop-bought cake and apples.
At the table, Margaret watched the undisguised glances Janet shot her husbandand Harold was not immune, returning them rather openly.
Well, this is a turn-up, Margaret fumed inwardly, but managed to keep her composure. The moment Harold said hed pop out for a cigarette, Margaret took her chance.
Janet, please stop playing the helpless little lambI see whats going on between you and my husband. I know why he keeps turning up here, and I wont stand for any more of your games. If youre so lonely, find yourself a husband; but leave mine alone! Dont you have any shame? Flirting with another womans husband, especially your own daughter-in-laws father-in-law? If you dont stop, Ill come and stay with Ruby myself. Dont spoil your sons life, dont make trouble where there shouldnt be any.
Janet, suddenly crimson, was lost for words. Shed always dismissed Margaret as a country bumpkin, too busy with her animals and land to notice anything. But in truth, Margaret had seen straight through her.
As they were leaving, Margaret had one last word. Dont take me for a fool.
Later, on the way home, Margaret laid it out for Harold. Youre not going there alone again, Harold. I see everything, and I told Janet straight. She wont dare pull those tricks again.
Margaret, youve got the wrong end of the stick. Theres nothing between us, honestly Harold protested.
Fine, but youve no need to visit a single woman without me there. If Ruby needs watching, Ill do it myself, and you can look after the smallholding. I wont say it twice.
That evening, Emily phoned, her voice angry. Mum, why were you so cruel to Janet? Shes helping with Ruby and Im grateful for that. You mustnt be jealous just because Dad visits her.
Margaret, realising Janet had tried to twist her daughter against her, replied, Emily, youre still young and dont always see the whole picture. How would you feel if your own husband started spending hours behind your back at your friends place? Janet is old enough to know better than to welcome someone elses husband and act so coy. One mum is enough for youremember, everything your dad and I do for you is because of me. Hes a good man, but I run the house. If your mother-in-law refuses to look after Ruby, Ill come myself.
Emily relented, Sorry Mum, Ive only heard what she said. She wanted me to think badly of you.
Well, I said my piece to her face. She was flustered enoughcouldnt deny a word.
After that, Harold stopped his lingering trips. If he needed to go to town, he told Margaret and usually took her along. Margaret didnt mindshe got to see Ruby more often, and Harold even started helping around the place, urging Margaret to rest and joining her in the garden.
Margaret reflected with a smile, Its best for a man to keep busyless time for foolishness and more respect for his wife. And now I finally have a little time for myself, too. Why shouldnt I look after myself as well as Janet does?
Sometimes it takes standing up for yourself and setting clear boundaries to protect your family and your happiness. And along the way, you might just find a little time to care for yourself too.
