Everyone in our village had known for ages that William was coming back. The girls had been preparing for weeks: hair curled, new dresses, all chattering with excitement. But Emily, the village orphan, hadnt a care for all those feminine wiles. She simply carried on as she was. And you know, the moment he saw her, William fell for her instantly.
Jealousy swept through the village; Emily had managed to catch a lad every girl wanted. The first time William appeared, they all fell for him broad-shouldered, tall, handsome. To top it off, he was a city boy, educated even studied abroad somewhere, his parents quite well-off.
And his grandfather, old George, had once been the village headman. Guided all his children into respectable lives, and now boasted proudly about his grandchildren, always ready with a story of someones success.
I still remember the build-up to Williams visit; anticipation saturated the air, girls bustling about. Yet Emily gave none of it much notice. She was herself, raw and unvarnished, and thats what William treasured most.
No matter how much the girls vied for his attention, it was all for nothing. After his holiday, he whisked Emily off with him back to the city. Old George had given him a word of warning: The lass has had a rough life see that you treat her kindly. William promised he would.
Life in London was a world apart; loud, busy, hardly a moments peace. Emily hoped William would remain as gentle and considerate as ever, but things didnt quite go as she wished. Through the wedding preparations, it was all excitement and shared attention, moments of tenderness. But after the honeymoon, he seemed to change. William grew almost embarrassed by his new wife. His mother, Mrs. Harris, spoke to Emily in clipped, dismissive tones. Every word revealed that she thought Emily was not a match for her golden boy.
Emily could never do things right: the soup was never quite how William liked it, the shirts not quite up to scratch, even the floors werent mopped the way Mrs. Harris wanted. Living in the same flat, Emily learned there was no escaping her mother-in-law. She couldnt manage to find a job, and William wouldnt allow it.
How much could you possibly earn with your schooling? hed say, waving her off. Just stay at home.
So she did. When Emily found out she was pregnant, William was over the moon. It seemed, for a brief time, things had improved. Mrs. Harris even stopped complaining and fussed at William to care for his wife. But then tragedy struck. Emily lost the baby.
Youre good for nothing cant even keep a healthy mind or body, Mrs. Harris sighed, glancing at her. All youve got is a pretty face. Not much else, is there? William simply smiled, smug, as though his wifes pain were of no importance.
Her second pregnancy brought William no joy. Gone were the tender gestures and anticipation; only annoyance replaced them, grumbling that she was losing her figure. At least Mrs. Harris still scolded her son, reminding him that a child should be born in love.
But all the affection seemed to fade away. William grew cold, sleeping in a different room, leaving for work early, returning late. Emily cried herself through many nights, holding her worries inside no parents to rely on, determined her childs life would not echo her own loneliness.
When her time came to go to hospital, William hadnt been home for a week. Emily had to ring for an ambulance herself. After the birth, she didnt even call him. She had nowhere to return, so she stood bewildered outside the hospital. Then, she spotted a car at the kerb decorated with balloons. Her spirits liftedperhaps William had come? But no, it was Mrs. Harris and Grandad George, standing there in their Sunday best, holding flowers.
Thank you, my darling granddaughter, beamed George. Theres not a finer great-granddaughter in the world. Even Mrs. Harris looked almost pleased, kept stealing glances at the baby in her arms, never straying far.
When they got home, Mrs. Harris had set the table and even baked Emilys favourite apple tart.
I never imagined William would turn out so worthless, Mrs. Harris admitted sharply, unable to hide her feelings. Gone off gallivanting, abandoned you and the little one. Well, never mind. Well get by without him. Ill have him off this flats deed let him live as he pleases, but were too crowded here, anyhow. You and the little one will never want while Im around. Hes no longer welcome to bring home another wife.
What shall we call her? asked Grandad George, Perhaps Anna, after your mother?
Emily couldnt hold back her tears for once she let herself truly feel. Mrs. Harris ran a comforting hand over her hair.
No more tears, lovey. Motherhood suits you. Youll be happy yet. Its his loss for not seeing it.
Ill go back to the village, Emily said quietly. Life will be better for us there.
Thats right, George nodded. Well bring her up together.
***
Two years after her return to the village, Emily was courted by Thomas, a simple but kind-hearted village lad. Before William, Emily wouldnt have spared him a thought. Now, all she wanted was someone who truly loved her and would stand up for her and her child.
Youll not find better, Grandad George urged. Hes a fine fellow, and youve known him since childhood. And what if William comes back?
He wont, Emily replied, her voice steady. And even if he did, I dont love him anymore.
Thats my girl! Grandad George grinned. Well start the wedding plans.
***
At the wedding, Mrs. Harris arrived.
How do you treat Emily? she asked Thomas, almost cross. Shes been walking home from work, and her house is quite untidy. Annies tights werent ironed!
And who might you be? Thomas retorted, bristling.
Im the mother-in-law, Mrs. Harris declared.
Former mother-in-law, Thomas corrected.
Oh, stop bickering, Emily laughed. Mother-in-law will always be mother-in-law.
Its just nerves, Mrs. Harris admitted. I worry you wont let me see little Annie.
Youre welcome anytime, Thomas replied. But well build our family our own way, thank you.
With pride, I watched Thomas stand firm. This lad wont let us down, I thought, and I couldnt help but smile.
If I learned anything, its this: happiness doesnt come from wealth or glamour, but from the steadiness of those who hold you close, especially when life tries to blow you over.
