DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
Margaret Jenkins sets the roasted duck centerpiece on the beautifully laid dining table and lets out a sigh. Any minute now, her sons will arrive, both bringing their wives.
Her younger son has only just married. The wedding was a quiet, understated affairjust the way young people seem to prefer these days. Margaret might have done it up with a bigger splash herself, but she remembers she and her late husband only managed a quick visit to the registry office. Theyd only bought rings a year after, two slim gold bands. She would have liked to give her sons a proper celebration, but they chose a simple way and that had to be enough.
Shes only got one flawshes really rather well-groomed, Margaret had said confidentially to her daughter-in-law. But the new daughter-in-law, Emily, had already decided to have a word with her.
Emily is, on the whole, a likable young woman and a positive influence on her son George. She helped him land a decent job and pushes him gently up the career ladder. For years George did little, coasting through life, never striving for more. Margaret had started to worry. Thankfully, thats changed for the better.
But still, the only quirk with Emily is just how perfectly she looks after herself. Shes always popping into salonsfor haircuts, highlights, massages, manicures. Enormous sums are spent on these things. And really, Margaret doesnt believe a married woman, putting her family first, ought to be so preoccupied with herself. If they have children, what then? Will it be a pedicure for herself instead of a new pair of shoes for George? Margaret just cant approve of such priorities. She always thought of herself last, especially after her husband died. Even as her boys grew into adults, they still needed her help from time to time.
With these thoughts swirling, the doorbell ringsthe young ones have arrived. Emily enters the lounge looking every bit the part, hair freshly styled, perfectly manicured nails and little more than a trace of make-up, carefully concealed by skillful hands.
My goodness, Emily, how lovely you look! Margaret says warmly, but she cant quite hide a hint of disapproval. And your suitnew, is it?
Yes, just bought it yesterday, Emily replies, smiling. I had a nice bonus at work.
Well, best to save those bonuses up, Margaret counsels. Extra income, the Christmas bonusalways put it by for a rainy day. Trust me, youll need it.
Emily says nothing. She genuinely likes her mother-in-law, a straightforward woman who gave everything to her family, yet Emily honestly believes trouble comes looking for those who wait around for it all their lives.
The evening goes along pleasantly enough, but several times Margaret tries to gently raise the matter of Emilys spending. Emily gets the messageMargarets comments land squarely at her.
When was the last time you had your nails done, Mrs Jenkins? Emily finally asks.
I never actually, Margaret admits, suddenly self-conscious. I just keep them tidy at home. Thats quite enough for me. Doesnt need to be more.
No one pays much attention to this brief exchange, but as a woman, Emily finds herself a little upset for Margaret. Imagine raising two sons, both earning well now, and thinking you cant spend even a little on yourself.
George, does your mum ever treat herself? Emily inquires on the way home.
Not really, I suppose, George muses. She cooks, lays out a table, watches telly, visits the neighbours, that sort of thing. Why?
It just seems shes never had much fun! You lot should take her out to the cinema, the theatre, maybe a restaurant
Oh, she wouldnt like it, you know. No need to fuss.
Emily quiets down. She cant help thinking of her own mother, who, no matter how tight money got, always treated herself to a nice haircut, a new dress, and season tickets to the city theatrejust for pleasure.
Emily decides Margaret deserves a taste of putting herself first, not just waiting for grandchildren to pour all her energy into. She waits a few days, then rings Margaret up, inviting her out for a walk and a coffee, proposing a quick visit to her favourite salonEmily wants to see her beautician and thought Margaret might enjoy a little treatment too.
Oh, goodness, no, dear, Margaret protests. You go on, Ill wait in the lobby, or perhaps outside.
But why just wait? Emily asks. Half an hour, an houryou might as well enjoy yourself. Come on, at least lets get your nails done, maybe a hand massage?
Margaret gives in begrudgingly. Emily calls ahead to the salon, where shes well known, and briefs the staff on whats going on.
Ladies, please, give my mother-in-law the works. And gently suggest something elsea pedicure, a mask, whatever. If she asks about the prices, just say Ive already paidshes here to relax. If this goes well, you might have a new regular.
On the arranged day, Emily brings a reluctant Margaret into the salon and hands her over to the capable staff.
Just half an hour, right, Emily? And how much do I owe?
A kind employee gently leads Margaret away, while Emily sits in the lobby and checks her messagesshe doesnt plan to have any treatments herself today.
Its her day off, but since she has time, she might as well catch up on emails.
Margaret emerges two hours later, entirely transformedrelaxed and glowing. The staff know their trade.
Oh, Emily, they gave me all sorts of thingsa lovely coffee, herbal tea, and theyre all so sweet here! But goodness me, it must have cost a fortune!
Weve a special on today, the salon manager cuts in smoothly. Bring a friend, and she tries everything for free. So, you owe us nothing!
Emily and her delighted mother-in-law move to a nearby coffee shop. Margaret takes a sip of her cappuccino and leans back contentedly.
How about making these girls days a regular thing? Emily suggests. There are always good deals for regulars. You did enjoy yourself, didnt you?
I really did, Margaret concedes. I had no idea it was quite so pleasant!
You should have tried it sooner!
Well, back then Margaret muses. The boys were little, and my late husbandGod rest himkept a close eye on every penny, never wasted a thing. And then, it just never seemed important.
Well, it is now! For my company, if nothing else. Its boring alone.
Oh, I suppose I can occasionally join you.
And so it becomes a new habit. Margaret starts to join Emily, taking care of herself little by little. Diplomatic Emily quietly updates Margarets wardrobe, always telling her the price is only a fraction of the real cost. She persuades George to take his mum out to dinner. Soon the three of them see a film together, and for New Year, Emily gifts Margaret a theatre subscription.
You look ten years younger, the neighbours tell Margaret, delighted with the change.
Its this younger generation, dragging me out, she says, modestly smiling.
Margaret truly feels that now, in retirement, shes finally stepping into her second youthright here, as the proud mother of two grown sons.
