It was the end of the worldat least it felt that way to Lydia Seymour as she dabbed the corners of her eyes with a pristine white hankie, letting out a sigh so melodramatic that it made her husband, William, genuinely concerned.
Liddy, what is it? Is it your drops again?
Oh, for heavens sake, William! Forget your wretched drops! Lydia snapped back. Dont you understand? This is shameful! Utterly shameful! The whole family will be scandalised! Just look at her. Shes not even the least bit sorry!
And to be honest, their only daughter, the proud heiress of the venerable Seymour family, didnt look remotely penitent. She sat confidently on the back porch, her long, elegant legsher mother swore she got those from her grandmother, once a prima ballerina at the London Palladiumdraped over the railing, quietly eating cherries. She tossed each stone expertly into the border of hydrangeas, as though their family drama bored her beyond words.
Elizabeth! Thats enough! What on earth are you doing? We are having a serious family discussion, and youyou sit there as if its none of your concern!
Lydia, wringing her hands in distress, stormed off to gulp down her soothing drops.
Lizzie, sweetheart, youre not actually serious, are you? William asked with a hopeful look, following Lydia from the room.
Im serious, Dad. Please, tell Mum its no use with this matchmaking business of hers. Im not marrying Max. She might as well drop the idea completely.
Youll break her heart, you know.
Dont exaggerate, Dad.
Maybe youll change your mind, love?
No. Today I told him outright. We talked, and I was clear. No wedding, full stop. If you didnt catch it the first time: no. Not happening.
Oh dear me
From the sitting room came sounds of unrestrained sobbing, leaving William to go and comfort his wife while Lizzie just grinned, popping another cherry into her mouth.
Heavens above, what will I tell everyone? This is just awful! The venues booked and the invitations have already gone out!
I didnt ask you to send them, Lizzie replied, singing softly. You decidedso its all on you now.
Youre being cruel, darling. I only wanted whats best!
Yes, and as usual, its all gone sideways. But its my life, Mum. What a let-down, isnt it?
Elizabeth! Lydias voice cracked as another sob escaped her. What are you playing at?
Nothing major, Lizzie replied, standing up and gathering the untouched china teacups. And yes, Mum, I can manage to wash a few cups. I even promise not to break them.
With that, Lizzie vanished into the kitchen, leaving Lydia to set her hankie aside with a sigh.
Shes your mothers double! Lydia declared to William. Same tone of voice and everything! God, why me?
You see, Lydia never truly got on with Williams mother, the infamously formidable Victoria Seymour. Lydia hadnt married young, which made her think she had all the wisdom required to run a familycertainly more than her mother-in-law, who, by all accounts, didnt even register that anything should change when Lydia joined the clan. Victoria was a force of nature, and feedbackwitty or bitingwas simply her style.
Lydia, darling, whats that fragrance? Victoria would whisper, pinching her nose behind Lydias back whenever she entered a room.
Its my new perfume! Dont you fancy it?
Its rather nice, but why drench yourself in the whole bottle? Honestly, a drop on the wrist would do.
Lydia, who admittedly did tend to go heavy on the perfume, would pout to her husband, Why is she like this with me, Will? What have I ever done?
Shes like that with everyone, Liddy. Its just how she is.
She can jolly well change, or I cant promise Ill keep my cool. And dont call me Liddy! I hate that!
Victoria, however, had no intention of changing. Her sharp tongue led to several rifts and cooled the relationship between William and his mother, until, one night at the theatre, someone paid Lydia a left-handed compliment:
Lydia, youve become a real lady! Thats what being around Victoria does, I suppose. Not just a persona legend! The taste, the style, truly exquisite. And now, her perfect little copycat!
Lydia bristled at being compared to Victoria, but she loved the compliment. Victoria was, after all, the local icon of style. Lydia was clever enough to take things in her stride, even when they grated.
Later, Lydia learned to keep her distancecivil and courteous was the best policy. Especially after her daughter was born, and she saw how very devoted Victoria was as a grandmother, doting on Lizzie whenever she got the chance.
The Seymour family were all creative typesbarring Lydia, who was a dentistwith a home filled with calm and warmth. Lizzie had all the attention she could ever need, with her granny and dad spoiling her rotten, while Lydia, although a stickler for rules, wanted nothing more than for her daughter to carve a happier path for herself.
But Lydia never shared her own history with anyone. William knew the broad strokes, but never the details, and he was wise enough to sense she didnt want to discuss the past. She was grateful for that. Turning her back on her old life, she focused solely on the present.
Lydia hadnt spoken to her own mother in yearsnot since her young son, Patrick, died in a tragic accident. The memory haunted her: her mother had left Patrickjust two years old and curly-hairedby the open window for a moment to nip to the corner shop for milk, on a stifling summers day and she never forgave herself. Lydia never opened the locket around her neck, where a single baby photo hid. The pain of that day, when she came home from a university exam to find life as she knew it in ruins, was more than she could bear.
Her sons death tore Lydia apart. She blamed herself for returning to her studies instead of taking time off after he was born. Her marriage quickly broke down, and they parted ways after only three years, Lydia soon realising their link was never strong enough to last happily ever after.
When the divorce was final, Lydia packed her bags and left her home town forever, feeling utterly ancient. All the pain a person could endure, she believed shed felt it all. There was nothing left insidejust ashes.
Or so she thought.
Until William showed up at her practice one day, clutching his swollen cheek.
How longs it been like this?
Its been at me for a week now.
Oh, William! Youre a grown man, you really ought to take better care of yourself!
Youre right, I know nothing he replied, wincing, but with a smile that made Lydia pauseand for the first time in years, she felt something shift. She even dropped her tools, which never happened.
He met her after work for over a year, always walking her home. They hardly spoke, but they didnt need tothey simply understood each other. And when William proposed, Lydia hesitated.
I feel happy with you but Im not sure I can make you happy.
Why do you doubt yourself?
I dont want any more children.
Why not?
Ill tell you, but not all the details. Once you know, you can decide. If you dont come back tomorrow, Ill understand. Give it proper thought. Ask your mum tooseems youre close. Maybe shell have advice.
Of course William didnt consult his motherhed been his own man for a while now, and Victoria wasnt the meddlesome type, at least not with him. Later, shed joke with Lydia about being a classic nightmare mother-in-law now she was retired, though truly shed left balletand marriagetwice over.
William told Victoria everything. She sat quietly, chain-smoking over a bone china cup, growing darker with each new fact. At last, she put down her coffee and asked, Do you love her?
Yes.
Then what are you dithering for? Loves a treasure, son, and whatever it costs, its never enough. Real treasure might not be lightit can feel like a weight you can barely carrybut if you value it, you’ll find the strength.
Youre sure?
I know.
So that was that. William brought Lydia to meet Victoria, who offered her cheek for a kiss, whisked her off to her tailor, then produced a little heirloom box from a drawer.
Here, Lydiathe Seymour family jewels.
Oh, I couldn’t
Oh yes, you can. Youre one of us now. Choose what you like, but mindtheyre not just baubles. Theres a time and place.
What do you mean?
My granny used to say, wearing diamonds to the greengrocer is bad form. Unless youre in Brightonthen its allowed, just to make the fishmongers envious enough to give you a deal.
Lydia laughed, surprising herself, after thinking shed forgotten how.
Victoria taught her muchand though Lydia would have denied it, she was grateful. When Lydia found she was pregnant, the first person she told wasnt even William.
You’ve gone a bit green, Lyd. Something wrong? Victoria breezed in after her latest jaunt, new husband in tow, and interrogated Lydia until, finally, she dashed off to the loo. Victoria put two and two together.
Youll have your baby with Dr. Sophieshes the best. I trust her with you. Why are you frightened?
I dont even know if I can go through with it
Lydia, Ive never spoken to you like this and probably wont againdon’t be daft! Count your blessings and get on with it. Ill be here to helpyou won’t be alone, all right?
Thank you
Save your gratitude for when Im an old bat chewing your ear off. Then tell me thank you again, deal?
Deal.
Little Elizabeth Seymour arrived right on time, healthy and loud. Victoria picked her up at the hospital door, lifted the lace cover, and chuckled: A masterpiece! Well done, Lydia!
Victoria delivered on all her promisesno one was a better help to Lydia. People saw her as a glamorous society lady, but Victoria thought nothing of tossing off her fur coat, rolling up her sleeves, and washing baby things in a big tub with a bar of old-fashioned soap, swearing it worked better than powder. Then shed bathe Lizzie, smother her with kisses, and coo: My darling treasure! May you always be healthy!
With strife and grudges forgotten, Lydia finally, finally had what she wantedfamily, a home, a bit of peace. Patrick was never forgotten, of course. William took Lydia back to her hometown twice a year, but she never set foot in the city proper or saw her mum againtheyd stay in a little B&B on the outskirts, and Lydia would count down the hours until they could leave.
So it went until Lizzie turned ten, and a letter from Lydias mother arrived.
Only Victoria ever saw what was in that letter; Lydia showed her, asking advice.
Go, Victoria said. You cant forget, maybe you cant forgive either, but shes your mother. Remember the good bits, the ones before it went wrong. We all make mistakes, even terrible ones. Me, you Talk to the mum you knew when you were Lizzies age. Im not saying you should become a saint overnight. Maybe you wont manage to forgive. Thats your choice. But Im sure you need that talk, not her. Otherwise youll be forever regretfuland Lizzie wont thank you for that. Do what you need, and whatever you choose, Im with you.
The next morning, Lydia kissed William goodbye, took Lizzie to Victorias, and set off for her hometown.
The conversation with her mother was briefjust enough time for her to squeeze Lydias hand and whisper, Forgive me, before slipping away.
When Lydia got back a few days later, Victoria handed her Lizzie and nodded, You did the right thing.
Afterward, youd expect Lydia to finally feel at peace, everything back where it belonged. But it wasnt that simple. The webs of old fear and sorrow still tangled her up, making her irrational and anxious, to the point where even William found it unsettling.
Youre smothering Lizzie, Lidds. Shes not a little girl anymore. She needs mates, outside interests. Its lovely you, me, and her gran make such a cosy trio, but thats not enough.
I dont know what you want from me.
For you to stop micromanaging every step. She could use a bit of freedom.
Really? Lydia bristled, all claws out. And youre the one saying that? Dont you even care what happens to her?
Of course I care. What are you talking about?
I see how things are, William! Shes a girl, anything could happen to her! I couldnt cope ifif I lost her too!
Why must we lose her? William shot back, exasperated.
Because it could happen, any second! Then what? How would we live with the guilt? Who would that help, do you think?
William could only throw his hands up. He loved Lydia dearly, but her fears were eating them all alive.
He was out of ideas until Victoria weighed in again.
Get Lizzie into dancing.
What, Mumfor what? Shes got enough after-school clubs.
Chuck the lot. She needs proper dancing. With a partner.
That important?
Its crucial.
All right. Ill sort it.
So, Lizzie started ballroom dancing, and along came Max.
At first, Max was a bit round and awkwardhis gran dumped him at dance class and left. He ended up as Lizzies partner, both towering over the rest, and the coaches shrugged: Theyre both too tall, well see what happens. They didnt reckon on Lizzies determinationshe wasnt one to blend into the background.
Three years later, Max and Lizzie brought home their first trophy. And after another couple of years, they were regulars on the competition circuit.
Max grew up and filled outnow he was the tall, handsome boy judges were certain made the perfect pair with his petite partner, suspecting a secret romance.
Lizzie just grinned, never confirming nor denying, and had no idea Lydia had already mapped out her future.
After their A-levels, Lizzie finally told her parents her decision.
Ive settled it. Im applying to medical school.
School had never been a challenge for Lizzie, but shed dithered right up to the deadline, weighing every possibility.
But darling, we thought you had quite different plans Lydias smile was so strange, it sent a chill through Lizzie.
What plans? I never said otherwise.
Well, not exactlyyoure hardly chatty. But Ive spoken with Max and his parents.
So what?
We have three months to plan. A wedding in the autumnwouldnt it be lovely? Ill talk to your grandmother; she might be able to get us a posh venue with her connections.
A wedding? Lizzie narrowed her eyes. Whos getting marriedMax?
Silly girl! Of course! Youd be a perfect pair, on and off the dance floor. Isnt it just meant to be?
And did you even think to ask me? Lizzie replied sharply.
I thought it was all settled, darling.
Dont call me darling, Lizzie spat.
In a flash, shed grabbed her bag and leftLydia only learned in the evening that Lizzie had decided to stay with Victoria for a while.
Victoria didnt mince words.
What did you expect? Lizzies not a doll. You cant just dress her up and march her down the aisle! Lyds, you used to have more sense. I barely recognise you now.
Im her mother and I want her to be happy! Max loves her!
But does she love him? Victoria smirked. Or does her opinion not count?
I know whats best for her! Shell figure it out with time.
Well, from what I see, she wants to be a surgeon. Thats a worthy ambition. What dont you like about that?
Everything. If she must studyfine. But she should get married first! That way I can rest easy.
Why would that make you feel better?
Isnt it obvious? Shed have a husbanda protector! Max is a wonderful boy! Ever since they paired up, Ive been able to sleep at night knowing hed always look after Lizzie.
I get your worriesbut I dont understand why youre so keen to cage her in a marriage she didnt pick. Even if its a gilded cage you know its not her choice.
This is pointless. The wedding will happen.
Well see. Victoria shook her head. You clearly dont know your daughter at all.
And Lizzie proved her right. After their row on the porch, she packed her things and moved in with her grandmother, which hurt Lydia beyond measure. Lydia refused her calls, didnt visit, and only heard about Lizzies brilliant exam results and place at her chosen university from William.
Liddy, dont you think its time to let this go? Wouldnt it be better to cuddle your living, breathing daughter than cry over her pillow at night? What are you punishing yourself for? I saw them yesterdayLizzie was asking after you. Shes worried.
Oh, is she? Tell her I doubt she cares what happens to me!
Lydia! William absolutely lost his patience for the first time. You waited so long for this childcant you see youre shutting her out? Dont you realise I can see how miserable you are? Tell me why!
I dont know! Lydia burst out. Ive made such a mess, and I dont even know how to fix it Will, youre right, I cant breathe without her. It hurts so much, I feel like everythings dark, just like it was after Patrick
Thats enough! William grabbed her shoulders, shaking her. Lizzies aliveshes waiting for you! Get up!
Where? Why?
Im driving you over. Stop acting as if you control everything. Let her liveas a person, not as a fragile ornament to lock away forever.
Whether it was his anger or his words, Lydia finally relented.
When she and Lizzie finally met, behind Victorias closed door, nobody ever learned what they said. But when they came out, noses red and cheeks glowing, William could see that his girls had sorted it out at last.
But fate, as ever, wasnt done with them. With Lizzie charging ahead, determined to pursue her dreams, things took another turn that left even Victoria open-mouthed.
Elizabeth Seymour, emergency appendicitisneeds an op, stat!
Rightoh, thats not right at all, but off I go!
Lizzie downed her coffee, stretched, and hurried off to the hospital ward. Her shift was nearly over but she wasnt going to turn down the opportunityshe needed the experience.
You? she said in surprise.
Me, Max grinned weakly, then grimaced in pain.
Right! Will you trust me?
You? Of course.
Really? No last-minute panics, writing a will, none of that?
Lizzie, youre such an idiot!
You bet I am
Three years later, Lizzie would throw open her familys gate, set her little boy down on the front path, and call out:
Show Grandma how fast you can run! Mumcatch him!
Little Patrick would squeal with glee as he dashed into open arms.
My golden boy! How happy I am to see you!
Mum, hi! Is Grandma in?
Shes off againa new romance, what can I say!
Grandma! Whos the lucky chap?
Artist, I think. Or a sculptor. Or something like that. Dont ask meshell tell you everything when she gets back. Wheres Max?
Parking the car.
Perfectthe roasts nearly done and Dad just pulled a pie from the oven. Wash your hands, everyone, and come to the table. Ill get Patrick to bed and then join you!
Oh, please! Youll end up sitting with him and singing lullabies!
And whats wrong with that? Lydia smiled, kissing her grandson.
Nothing at all, Mum. Thats just perfect.So, with three generations squeezed together around the dinner tableplates piled high, laughter echoing, baby Patrick waving a cherry tomato at anyone whod lookLydia looked up and caught her daughters eye. No words passed between them, but understanding did: all the old wounds, the history, the longingtheyd done more than survive. Theyd built something.
Later, as dusk fell and Max and William washed up together, and Victoria regaled everyone with stories from her latest escapade, Lydia curled little Patrick close and listened to the comforting thrum of his heartbeat. Her daughter, humming softly as she stacked the cups, looked content, whole.
This, Lydia thought, was what shed fought for, through every grief, every storma tangled, noisy, stubbornly loving family. A life imperfect, unfinished, yet radiant. Tomorrow, Patrick would topple her best vase, Victoria would lose her keys, someone would burn the toast, and Lizzie would race out the door with wet hair. But tonight, beneath the familiar, golden lamplight, Lydia could finally rest easy.
Let the world say what it would about the Seymours. Let gossip swirl and invitations be returned unanswered. Inside these walls, they were just themselvesflawed and forgiving, broken and repaired, refusing to surrender to sorrow. At last, Lydia knew: happiness didnt arrive tied up with a bow. Sometimes it crawled, sometimes it danced in on muddy shoes, and sometimes, after all these years, it came home simply because you learned to open the door.
She leaned over, kissed Patricks brow, and whispered, Run as fast as you can, love. Were right behind you.
