News of Olivers return had traveled through the entire village long before he arrived. The girls had been busy preparing themselves, perfecting their hair and practising their smiles. But Alice, the orphan, felt there was no use fussing over such tricksshe presented herself as she was. That was exactly why he fell for her from the start.
Many in the village envied Alice for catching such a radiant young man. When Oliver first strolled through town, all the girls fell head over heelshe was tall, broad-shouldered, handsome, and city-bred, with an education from abroad and well-off parents.
His grandfather, formerly the headman of the parish, had helped every child in the family find their footing in life. Now, he simply waited for grandchildren, eager to boast of every family success.
News of Olivers visit had everyone buzzing for weeks. Girls spent extra time on their looks, but Alice simply stayed her plain, lovely selfand thats who Oliver adored.
Despite the other girls best attempts to catch Olivers eye, nothing worked. After his holiday, he brought Alice along with him. Before they left, Granddad Arthur had words for Oliver: Mind, shes had a rough life. Dont you ever hurt her, lad. To that, Oliver gave his word.
Life in London was vastly different. Alice hoped Oliver would remain considerate and caring, but things soon changed. While they planned the wedding, there was still closeness and shared excitement.
After the honeymoon, though, Oliver gradually became distant, almost embarrassed by his new wife. His mother, Mrs. Margaret Green, was openly disapproving, rarely speaking to Alice except to find fault. Alice could sense, in every word, that her mother-in-law believed she was unworthy of such a prize of a son.
Her soup was always too thin, her ironing never quite right, and even the floors she scrubbed somehow failed to meet her mother-in-laws standards. Life with Mrs. Green was stifling, but what could Alice do? They all shared a modest flat. She tried finding work, but Oliver would have none of it.
What would you earn with your credentials, really? Youd be better off staying home, hed say.
So, Alice stayed at home. When she became pregnant, Oliver was overjoyedeverything seemed to improve. Mrs. Greens criticism abated, and she even scolded Oliver to treat Alice better. But then tragedy struck. Alice lost the baby, and things grew worse.
Youre good for nothingneither clever, nor healthy. A pretty face is all you have, and what good has that done us now? Mrs. Green would sigh. Oliver smiled passively, as if they werent talking about his own wife.
A second pregnancy brought no happiness. There was no more excitement, only Olivers irritation about Alices changing figure. Mrs. Green again pressured Oliver not to disrespect his wife, insisting that a child should be born in a loving home.
But love had faded. Alice felt Olivers coldness grow; soon, they were sleeping in separate rooms, and Oliver hurried through his days at work, returning late after Alice was asleep.
Night after night, Alice wept quietly. With no parents of her own, she wanted her child to have a better life. She tried not to upset the household but desperately hoped her marriage could be saved.
When the time came for Alice to give birth, Oliver hadnt been home in a week. No one there to help, she rang an ambulance herself. After her daughter was born, Alice hesitated, not knowing where home even was anymore. As she stood outside the hospital, she was met with a car adorned with balloons and flowers. It wasnt Oliverit was Mrs. Green and Granddad Arthur, beaming.
Thank you, my dear, for this wonderful gift. No one could wish for a greater great-granddaughter, Arthur said proudly. Mrs. Green, usually reserved, could barely take her eyes off the baby.
When they arrived home, Mrs. Green had even baked Alices favourite cake.
I never thought Oliver would turn out to be such a disappointment, Mrs. Green admitted, shaking her head. Hes off gallivanting, leaving you alone with the baby. But never mind that. Well manage without him. Just see how he gets on without us. I wont let you be mistreated; Ill have him removed from the lease so its only us here. I dare say hes likely to bring another woman round otherwise.
How shall we name her? asked Arthur. How about Emily, after your mother?
The tears Alice had held back for so long finally flowed. Mrs. Green gently stroked her hair.
Dont you worry, love. Youll be happy yet. Motherhood suits you more than you know. That wretch simply didnt see your worth.
I think Ill go back to the village, Alice said, life is better for us there.
Thats the right choice, Arthur agreed. Well raise this precious girl together.
**
Two years after Alice returned to her village, Andrewa kind local ladproposed to her. Before shed known Oliver, Alice might not have looked twice at Andrew. Now, she had new priorities: a man should be loving and never let insult come to those he cared about.
Say yeswhere else will you find someone like him? Hes a good chap; youve known him since you were small. And what if Oliver comes back?
Alice stopped her grandfather short. He wont. I dont love him anymore, anyway.
Thats my girl, Arthur said, beaming. Time to get ready for a proper wedding.
**
On their wedding day, Mrs. Green made the journey from London.
How do you treat Alice? she demanded of Andrew. She walked home from work today, you know! The house is untidy, and Emilys tights werent even ironed.
Who exactly are you? Andrew asked, taken aback.
Im the mother-in-law.
Former mother-in-law, Andrew replied firmly.
Oh, do stop bickering, Alice laughed. A mother-in-law is never truly former.
Im just anxious, Mrs. Green confessed, that you wont let me see my granddaughter.
Youre welcome whenever you wish, Andrew replied, but well build our home our own way, just us, thank you.
Alice looked at Andrew with prideshe knew that this time, no one would be allowed to hurt her. She smiled, realising that happiness doesnt depend on prestige, wealth, or appearances, but on kindness, courage, and the love we share and protect.
