Dad, let me introduce you to my future wifeand your daughter-in-law, Grace! exclaimed Ben, positively beaming with happiness.
Who? Professor Roland Fletcher, Doctor of Philosophy, asked with genuine surprise. If this is some kind of joke, it isnt funny.
He looked at Graces rough fingers with thinly veiled distaste, especially noticing the state of her nailsa deep line of stubborn grime had settled in. How could someone not understand the importance of water and soap, he wondered?
My goodness! How fortunate that my darling Laura didnt live to see such shame come upon our family. We tried so hard to instil proper manners into this rascal! His thoughts raced anxiously.
Its not a joke, Ben declared defiantly. Grace will be staying here, and were getting married in three months. If you wont be a part of your sons wedding, then Ill do it without you!
Hello! Grace flashed a smile and strode straight into the kitchen as if she owned the place. Here are some pasties, homemade raspberry jam, dried mushrooms she began listing the contents of her battered old tote bag.
Rolands heart nearly stopped when a blob of raspberry jam landed on his snow-white, hand-embroidered tablecloth.
Ben! Have you lost your mind? If this is just to spite me, youve gone too farits cruel! What village did you drag this uncivil girl from? I wont have her living in my house! Roland yelled in despair.
I love Grace. She has every right to live here as my wife! Ben replied, smirking.
Roland realised his son was simply provoking him. Choosing not to argue further, the professor retreated silently to his study.
Ever since Lauras death, his relationship with Ben had drastically changed. Ben had dropped out of university, was disrespectful towards his father, and led a wild, careless life.
Roland hoped Ben would come to his senses eventually; that hed return to his thoughtful, kind self. But each passing day, Ben grew more distant. Now, hed brought home this country girl, fully knowing his father would never approve.
Shortly after, Ben and Grace were married. Roland refused to attend the wedding, unwilling to accept this undesired daughter-in-law. He was angry that the role Lauraan exemplary wife, mother, and homemakeronce held was now filled by this coarse, uneducated girl who struggled to form a sentence.
Grace seemed not to notice Rolands coldness and genuinely tried to please him, though she only made matters worse. He saw nothing admirable in herjust the uncultured manners and ignorance he so disliked.
After a stint as the model husband, Ben reverted to heavy drinking and gallivanting. Roland often heard the couple fighting and secretly welcomed it, hopeful Grace would leave for good.
One day, Grace ran in to see Roland, tearful. Roland, Ben wants a divorce! Hes kicking me outand Im expecting a child!
Well, why on earth would you end up on the streets? Roland replied coolly. Go back to wherever you came from. And pregnancy doesnt entitle you to stay here after a divorce, Im sorry. I wont interfere in your affairs, he finished, secretly pleased at the prospect of finally being rid of her.
Grace sobbed and went to pack her belongings. She couldnt understand why her father-in-law hated her from the very start, and why Ben had tossed her aside like a stray dog. So what if she was from the countryside? She had feelings, too
***
Eight years passed. Roland now lived in a retirement home. In recent years, the ageing professors health had rapidly declined. It didnt take long for Ben to place his father therean easy solution to spare himself any trouble.
The old man accepted his fate, knowing there was no other way. Throughout his career, hed taught thousands how to love, respect, and care for others. He still received letters of thanks from former students. But his own son? Hed failed completely.
Roland, youve got visitors, his roommate called as he came back from his walk.
Who? Ben? The old man wondered aloud, though he knew deep down Ben would never come; his resentment ran too deep.
No idea. The attendant said to fetch you. What are you waiting for? Off you go! his friend encouraged.
He grabbed his walking stick and slowly left his cramped, stuffy room. As he descended the stairs, he saw her in the distance, recognising her instantly although so many years had passed.
Hello, Grace, he said quietly, lowering his gazeguilt still haunting him over his refusal to defend her all those years ago.
Dr Fletcher? Is that you? Grace replied, surprised. Youve changed so much are you unwell?
Just a little, he managed a sad smile. How did you know I was here?
Ben told me where you were. He still refuses to see his son, you know. But little John always askssometimes for his dad, sometimes for his grandfather John isnt to blame for your quarrels. He misses family so much. Theres only the two of us now, Grace explained, her voice trembling. Im sorry, perhaps I shouldnt have come.
Wait! the old man pleaded. How old is young Johnny now? The last photo you sent had him at three.
Hes here, just outside. Shall I call him? Grace offered hesitantly.
Of course, my dearbring him in! Rolands eyes lit up.
In came a little red-haired boy, the very image of Ben. Johnny approached his grandfather timidly, having never met him before.
Hello, lad! Goodness, youve grown Rolands eyes filled as he embraced his grandson.
The three spent hours together, wandering the autumn paths of the homes surrounding park. Grace spoke of her difficult lifehow her mother died young and how shed worked to raise her son alone and keep the home going.
Im sorry, Grace,” Roland said. “Though I considered myself clever and refined, Ive only just learnt that people ought to be valued for sincerity and heart, not education or manners.
Dr Fletcher! We have an idea, Grace said, fidgeting nervously. Come live with us. Youre alone, and so are we It would mean so much to have family close.
Granddad, come with us! We can go fishing together, forage mushrooms in the woods Our village is beautiful and the house is plenty spacious! Johnny pleaded, clinging to his grandfathers hand.
Lets do it! Roland said, smiling. I missed the chance to raise Ben properly, but perhaps I can give you what I never managed to give him. Besides, Ive never lived in the countryI hope Ill like it!
Youll love it! Johnny laughed.
