“Father, meet hershes going to be my wife, your daughter-in-law.”
“Dad, this is my future wife, your daughter-in-law, Emily!” beamed Oliver, his face alight with joy.
“What?!” exclaimed Professor Richard Hawthorne, a man of letters and dignity. “If this is a joke, it isnt remotely amusing.” His eyes flickered with disgust at the rough fingers of this so-called bride, dirt still wedged under her nails. To him, she seemed a stranger to soap and water.
*Good Lord, how fortunate my dear Margaret never lived to see this disgrace! We raised this boy with the finest manners,* he thought bitterly.
“Its no joke!” Oliver declared boldly. “Emily is staying with us, and in three months, well marry. If you refuse to attend, Ill manage without you!”
“Hello!” Emily smiled brightly and bustled toward the kitchen. “Ive brought Cornish pasties, blackberry pie, dried mushrooms” She listed the contents of her worn-out sack as she unpacked them.
Richard clutched his chest when he saw the pristine linen tablecloth stained by the oozing blackberry filling.
“Oliver! Snap out of it! If this is revenge, its too cruel Where on earth did you find this simpleton? I wont have her in my house!” the professor shouted.
“I love Emily. And my wife has every right to live under my roof!” Oliver smirked, his tone dripping with mockery.
Richard realized his son was toying with him. Without another word, he turned and retreated to his study.
Lately, their relationship had soured. After Margarets death, Oliver had become uncontrollabledropping out of university, speaking to his father with brazen disrespect, living a reckless, carefree life.
Richard had hoped his son would change, return to the sensible, kind man he once was. But with each passing day, Oliver drifted further away. And now, this country girl in their home. Richard understoodhis father would never approve of his choices, so he had brought in the one thing he couldnt comprehend
Soon after, Oliver and Emily married. Richard refused to attend the wedding, unwilling to accept this unwanted daughter-in-law. He seethed, imagining Margarets placea refined homemakerusurped by this unpolished girl who could barely string two words together.
Emily, oblivious or indifferent to her father-in-laws disdain, tried to win him over, only making things worse. Richard saw nothing in her but ignorance and coarse habits.
Oliver, playing the dutiful husband for a spell, soon returned to drinking and carousing. Richard often overheard their quarrels and took grim satisfaction, hoping Emily would finally leave.
“Richard, your son wants a divorcehes throwing me out, and Im expecting a child!” Emily burst in one day, tears in her eyes.
“First of all, why the streets? Surely youve somewhere to go And pregnancy doesnt grant you rights to stay here after a split. Forgive me, but I wont interfere,” Richard said, secretly relieved to be rid of her.
Crushed and baffled by her father-in-laws lifelong contempt, Emily gathered her things. She couldnt fathom why Oliver had treated her so cruelly, like a stray dog to be abandoned. So what if she was from the countryside? She had a soul and feelings too
***
Eight years passed Richard lived in a care home now, weakened by age. Oliver, seizing the opportunity, had swiftly institutionalized him to avoid the burden.
The old man had resigned himself, knowing there was no turning back. He had spent his life teaching thousands about love, respect, and careletters of gratitude from former students still arrived. Yet his own son remained beyond his reach
“Richard, youve visitors again,” his roommate announced after a stroll.
“Who? Oliver?” Richard exclaimed, though he knew it impossible. His son despised him.
“Dunno. They told me to fetch you. Well? Go see!” the neighbor chuckled.
Richard took his cane and shuffled toward the dimly lit visiting room. Spotting her from a distance, he recognized her at once.
“Hello, Emily,” he murmured, bowing his head. The guilt still clung to himthat honest, simple girl hed failed to defend all those years ago.
“Richard!” The elegant woman gasped. “Youve changed so much Are you ill?”
“A little,” he sighed weakly. “How did you find me?”
“Oliver mentioned it. You know he refuses to speak to his own son. But the boy keeps askingfor his father, for his grandfather James isnt to blame for your rejection. He needs family,” Emily said, her voice trembling. “Forgive me, Im rambling.”
“Wait!” Richard pleaded. “How is heJames? The last photo you sent, he was only three.”
“Hes here, by the entrance. Shall I call him?”
“Please!”
A tousled-haired boy entered, a perfect miniature of Oliver. James approached shyly, eyeing the grandfather hed never met.
“Hello, lad. Look how big youve grown” Richard wept, embracing him.
They talked for hours, strolling through the autumnal park beside the home. Emily spoke of her strugglesher mothers early death, raising a child alone, managing the farm.
“Forgive me, Emily. I failed you. I prided myself on intellect and breeding, but only lately have I learnedwhat matters is sincerity, the heart,” Richard admitted.
“Richard, weve a proposal,” Emily said nervously. “Come live with us. Youre alone, and so are we James and I would love to have you close.”
“Grandad, come! Well fish, forage for mushrooms The countrysides lovely, and theres plenty of room!” James tugged his sleeve.
“Lets go!” Richard smiled. “I failed my son. Perhaps I can give James what I never gave Oliver. Besides Ive never seen the countryside. I might like it.”
“You will!” James giggled.
