June 12, 2025
The day began with Margaret Hughess voice booming from the kitchen: Let your wife stay at the cottage for a while, James. She went on, My dear friend Eleanor and her daughter are arriving. They intend to linger for at least a week, perhaps longer. I glanced at Lizzie, who looked as stunned as I felt.
Mum, whos this friend? I shouted back, half hoping shed heard me.
The one and only, Margaret replied, retreating to the hallway.
Where am I supposed to go? Lizzie asked, her voice trembling.
The little one heard every word I said, Margaret snapped at Lizzie, her tone as sharp as a winter wind.
Margaret rummaged through the pantry, pulling out crystal gobletsthe same set she reserves for special guests. Well, she said to Victor, when will you send her off?
Send who off? I asked, bewildered.
Victor, quit playing the fool, Margaret rolled her eyes. Your wife, the clumsy one.
Why not have your friend book a hotel room? I suggested.
Youre out of your mind! Have you seen the rates? Lizzie will stay at the cottage for now so she doesnt embarrass me.
Then Ill move to the cottage too. Its summer, we can take some time off and relax.
That sounds reasonable, I agreed with Victor.
No, youre needed here! Margaret snapped. We have a threebed flat. You have your room, I have mine, and the living room is empty. Your friend can use it.
***
After that first encounter with Eleanor, I realised the road ahead would be rocky. Margaret had opposed my marriage to Lizzie from the start. She didnt even want to attend our wedding; it took Victors sister to drag her in. Two months have passed since the ceremony, and Margaret still hasnt accepted me as part of the family. We now live in Victors parents flat; his father passed away about a year ago, and Margaret is terrified of being alone.
Fine, she said, then let your wife stay in her room and never leave it.
Margaret, what on earth are you thinking? I protested.
Alright, Ill figure something out.
Mum, when is your mysterious friend due?
Should be any moment now, Margaret checked her watch.
The front door rang. What perfect timing, I muttered, surprised. Margaret sprinted to open it, and Victor and I followed.
Good afternoon, dear! Eleanor called, stepping in with a larger woman behind her, then a girl about ten.
Everyone, meet my princess! Margaret exclaimed, clapping her hands.
Whats the girls name? Victor laughed.
Matilda, the girl announced proudly, a sturdy twelvestone girl.
Margaret, introduce us to yours, Eleanor said, turning to me.
This is my son, Victor. Ive told you about him already, she replied.
I remember, a sweet lad, Eleanor smiled.
And this, Margaret gestured at me, is his cousin, a distant relative!
My jaw dropped while Victor burst into laughter.
Margaret, what? I started, but Victor pulled me into the hallway.
Lizzie, lets keep quiet for now, he whispered.
Why? I asked, bewildered.
You havent grasped whats happening, he said. Mum didnt invite her friend for nothing.
I think I see it now. Your mother is trying to set you up with a new wife, Victor said.
Lets see what they do next; well always find the truth in time, I replied.
We returned to the hallway where the guests were shedding their coats.
Victor, help Matilda take off that lovely backpack, Margaret commanded.
Where are our rooms? Eleanor asked.
Come this way, dear, Margaret guided them toward the living room.
That evening we sat down for dinner. Margaret had laid out a lavish spread, the sort youd expect on a Christmas table. Matilda sat in the centre, with her mother and Margaret flanking her. I was placed apart from Victor, as Margaret had decided.
Matilda, dont be shy, dig in, Margaret urged.
Shes been eating poorly lately, Eleanor remarked. Shes lost weight.
Whats happened? Margaret inquired.
Unrequited love, Eleanor sighed. She fell for a lad who kept running away.
Maybe she wanted to eat him! Victor blurted, causing me to nearly fall off my chair.
Victor, wheres your decorum? Margaret scolded.
Sorry, didnt mean to offend, he muttered.
The feast continued, glasses clinking. Eleanor stood up, eyes bright.
I have an important announcement, she declared.
Someones about to get betrothed, Victor whispered beside me.
My dear Margaret, Victor, and sister! Eleanor began, I wish for our families to unite. My princess here is obliged to marry Victor!
We agree! Margaret shouted, clapping her hands.
Victor chuckled again, and I slipped out of the kitchen.
I have something to say too, I announced a minute later.
What now? Margaret barked.
Im expecting a child! I declared loudly.
Just bragging, arent you? she retorted.
Its from your son, Margaret, and heres proof! I held up a pregnancy test, the two pink lines unmistakable.
Matilda paused midbite, while Eleanors drink slipped from her mouth.
From a cousin? the woman gasped.
Whats the big deal? We share a bed and were not hiding it. We even held a mock wedding! Victor said.
Matilda, stand up and exit right now, Eleanor ordered.
Mother, I havent finished my chicken yet, the girl protested.
Were leaving this sinful house! Eleanor declared, pulling Matilda toward the door. Margaret chased after them.
Sweetie, dont mind them, theyre just joking, Victor tried to soothe.
Your jokes are dreadful! Margaret, perhaps we should end this friendship, I said finally.
The two stout ladies left together. Victor and I stayed, laughing at the absurdity of the evening.
Margaret spent the next week sulking, but we paid her little heed.
Lesson: sometimes the louder the family drama, the clearer the choice to keep ones own peace.
