From Mother to Maid: When Evelyn Announced Her Wedding Plans, Her Son and Daughter-in-Law Were Shocked and Worried—But No One Expected She’d End Up Serving a New Family, Until She Finally Returned Home for Good

Author Harlan CovingtonReading 8 minViews 1

Became a Housemaid

When I decided to remarry, it came as quite a shock to my son and daughter-in-law. They didn’t really know how to react properly to my news.

Are you sure you want to turn your life upside down at this age? Emma asked, glancing uncertainly at Edward.

Mum, is it really necessary to make such huge changes? Edward fussed. I get it, you’ve been on your own for years and dedicated your life to raising me, but honestly, marrying now seems silly.

You’re young, which is why you see it that way, I replied calmly. Im sixty-three, and none of us knows how much time we have left. I think Im entitled to spend my remaining years with someone I love.

Well, at least don’t rush into it, Edward urged. You’ve only known this Henry fellow for a couple of months, and now you want to change your whole life?

At our age, theres no sense in wasting time, I pointed out. What do I need to know? Hes two years older, lives with his daughter and her family in a three-bedroom flat, gets a good pension, and owns a cottage in Surrey.

So where will you live? Edward asked, confused. We all share this house, but honestly, theres no room for another person.

Dont worry so much, I assured him. Henry isnt interested in your square footage. Ill move to his place. The flat is spacious, Ive gotten along with his daughter, everyones grown upno reason for squabbles.

Edward fretted, and Emma tried to convince him to accept my choice.

Maybe we’re just being selfish, she mused. Its obviously convenient having your mum help out, and she’s often looking after Sophie. But she has every right to build her own life. We shouldnt stand in the way.

Its one thing to live together, but why get married? Edward puzzled. I cant imagine Mum in a wedding dress with a cake and speeches.

Well, theyre old-fashioned, Emma replied, searching for logic. Maybe it makes them feel safe, more certain.

Eventually, I did marry Henry, who Id met by chance on the High Street, and I moved into his flat soon after. At first, everything was fine; everyone accepted me, my new husband treated me well, and I even started to believe that I deserved some happiness in my later years, enjoying each day as it came. However, the true cost of living with his family quickly became clear.

Could you make a roast for supper? Clara, Henrys daughter, asked. Id cook myself, but Im swamped at work, and youve got plenty of free time.

I took the hint and ended up doing the cooking, then the shopping, followed by keeping the flat clean, the laundry, and even trips out to the cottage.

Now that were married, the cottage is our shared space, Henry said. Clara and her husband never have time to go down. The granddaughter is just a toddler, so well have to manage everything ourselves.

I didnt mind, reallyI liked being part of a large, supportive family where everyone pitched in. My first husband had been lazy and sly; eventually, he disappeared when Edward turned ten. Twenty years had passed since, and none of us knew what became of him. Now things felt right, so the chores were not a burden, nor did the fatigue ever turn into resentment.

Mum, do you really think youre cut out for all that gardening? Edward commented when I spoke about cottage trips. Each time you come back, your blood pressure must be through the roofis it worth it?

Absolutelyit gives me pleasure, I replied. Henry and I will grow plenty of fruit and veg, enough for everyone, and well share it with you too.

Yet Edward was sceptical; after several months, not once had Henrys family invited us over, not even to introduce themselves. Edward and Emma had invited Henry for tea; he always promised to come but never seemed to have the time or energy. In the end, they stopped reaching out, accepting that perhaps these new relations werent keen on staying in touch. Their main wish was that I was safe and happy.

For the first little while, I truly wasevery task seemed a joy. But the number of chores kept growing, and I started to feel the strain. Whenever we arrived at the cottage, Henry claimed he had a sore back or heart trouble. Id tuck him up and go out to drag branches, rake leaves, and haul rubbish myself.

Soup again? complained Anthony, Claras husband. We had it yesterdayI thought wed get something different tonight.

I didnt have a chance to shop or make anything special, I explained. I spent the afternoon washing curtains and rehanging them, got tired and had to lie down.

Well, I just dont like soup, Anthony said, pushing his bowl away.

Tomorrow, Alice will treat us to a feast, dont worry, Henry piped up brightly.

And indeed I spent the whole next day in the kitchen, everything wolfed down in half an hour in the evening. Afterwards, Id clean upand so it went, day after day. Clara and Anthony found fault with every little thing now, and Henry sided with them, making me feel at fault.

Im not a young girlI get worn out and I dont see why it all falls on me! I finally protested after one more moan.

Well, youre my wife, so you should take care of the house, Henry reminded me.

Being your wife should mean Ive got rights as well as duties, I said, tears spilling over.

Later Id calm down and try to be cheerful again, keeping the home pleasant for everyone. But one day everything snapped. Clara and Anthony were heading out to visit friends and planned to leave their little girl with me.

Let her stay with Grandpa or come with you, because Im going out to see my own granddaughter today, I said.

Why should we change our plans for you? Clara snapped.

Of course you dont have to, but I dont owe you anything either, I reminded her. Its my granddaughters birthday, I warned you on Tuesday. Not only did you ignore it, now you want to keep me here as a babysitter.

Thats not fair, honestly, Henry protested, face red. Claras plans have been ruined, and your granddaughter is youngshe wont mind if you visit tomorrow instead.

Nothing terrible will happen if we all go visit my family now, or you look after your granddaughter while Im out, I replied firmly.

I knew this marriage would come to no good, Clara spat. Her cooking is mediocre, shes useless at cleaning, and only thinks about herself.

After all Ive done for you these months, you really think that? I turned to Henry. Be honestwere you looking for a wife or just a housekeeper for catering to everyones whims?

Thats not fairyoure putting all the blame on me, Henry grumbled, blinking rapidly. Dont start a row over nothing.

Im asking a simple questionI deserve an answer, I insisted.

If thats how you feel, do whatever you like. But in my house, you have responsibilitiesthats how it is, Henry said pompously.

In that case, I resign, I declared, packing my few things.

Will you take back your troublesome granny? I asked, dragging my bag and present for Sophie. Went off and got married, now Im back. Dont ask me anything for now, just say youll have me.

Of course! Edward and Emma rushed to hug me. Your room is waitingwere glad youre home.

Are you really happy Im back? I needed to hear it.

Why wouldnt family be happy to see you? Emma answered simply.

Thats when I knew for certainI wasnt meant to be anyones housemaid. Yes, Id helped around the house and with Sophie, but Edward and Emma never took me for granted or expected me to be their servant. Here, I could simply be a mum, a grandmother, a mother-in-law, and above all, part of the familynot a cleaner in some strangers home. I filed for divorce and tried my best not to dwell on the mess Id come through.

A Stranger at the Door Ever since school, Alan had been hopelessly in love with Jane. He wrote her secret notes and tried every trick to get her attention. But Jane only had eyes for Daniel—the tall, blonde volleyball star on her team. Awkward Alan, who struggled in class, didn’t even register on her radar. Soon, Daniel started dating Helen, a girl from the next class over. After graduation, Alan made another attempt to win Jane’s heart. He even proposed at the prom… But Jane flatly refused—“No!”—not even considering him as a suitor. After university, Jane took a job as an accountant. Her boss was a handsome, dark-haired man, ten years her senior. Jane admired his professionalism, his striking looks, and his intelligence. Feelings blossomed between them, and Jane didn’t mind that her beloved was married with a young son. Valentine assured her again and again that he would leave his wife, swearing he loved only Jane. Years passed, and Jane became used to spending holidays and weekends alone, always believing that someday, her love would finally be free. But one day, she saw Valentine with his pregnant wife at a shop. He was tenderly holding her hand, carrying the bags, before all three left for their car. Jane watched with tears in her eyes. The very next day, she resigned… New Year’s was approaching, but Jane had no interest in buying groceries, decorating the house, or celebrating. Then, one day she came home to find it freezing—the boiler had stopped working. Jane lived in a detached house. She tried finding a repairman, but everyone wanted extra money to travel out to the suburbs, especially so close to New Year’s. Feeling hopeless, Jane called her friend. Her husband worked in plumbing and might be able to help. Larissa promised to call him straight away. Two hours later, someone rang the doorbell. A stranger stood on the doorstep—but as Jane looked closer, she recognised Alan, her childhood classmate. “Hey Jane, what’s gone wrong here?” “How did you know?” “My boss called—said someone at this address was freezing. Did you drain the water so the pipes didn’t burst?” “No, I have no idea how.” He laughed. “You could lose your heating for good like that. Good thing it’s not a deep freeze outside.” Alan quickly drained the system, fiddled with the boiler, and drove off. Within an hour, he was back with the right parts. Soon Jane’s house was warm again. After cleaning up, Alan asked: “Jane, your tap leaks and the lightbulb’s flickering… can’t your husband fix it?” “I don’t have a husband…” “Really? Still waiting for Mr Right?” “Hardly… there’s no one,” Jane confessed. “Then why’d you say no to me?” Alan grinned. She didn’t answer. After fixing the tap and changing the bulb, Alan left for home. Jane found herself remembering her childhood—the chubby boy who’d loved her all those years ago. Alan had changed a lot, grown tall and lean with warm brown eyes, but his smile was just the same. She hadn’t even thought to ask if he was married. Then, on December 31st, someone rang the door again. Jane was surprised—she wasn’t expecting any guests. Standing there was Alan, wearing a new suit and holding a bouquet of flowers. “Jane! Let me ask you again. Will you marry me, or are you going to wait for Prince Charming till you’re a pensioner?” Jane wept tears of joy and nodded. The second time around, she finally said “yes”…

Ashamed to Take You to the Banquet – Denis Barely Looked Up from His Phone. – Normal People Will Be There. Twelve Years of Marriage, Two Kids, and Now He’s Embarrassed. — I’ll Wear the Black Dress. The One You Bought Me. — It’s Not About the Dress, – He Finally Looked at Her. – It’s You. You’ve Let Yourself Go. Hair, Face… You Just Aren’t the Same. Vadim and His Wife Will Be There – She’s a Stylist. You Get It. — Then I Won’t Go. — Smart Choice. I’ll Say You’ve Got a Temperature. He Headed for the Shower, Leaving Nadia Still Standing in the Kitchen. Kids Sleeping Next Door, Bills, Mortgage, School Meetings. She’d Disappeared Into This Life, and Now Her Husband Was Ashamed of Her. ‘Has He Completely Lost It?’ – Her Friend Helen the Hairdresser Looked at Nadia Like She’d Announced the End of the World. ‘Ashamed to Take His Wife to a Banquet? Who Does He Think He Is?’ ‘Warehouse Manager. Got a Promotion.’ ‘Now His Wife’s Not Good Enough?’ Helen Slammed the Kettle On. – ‘Remember What You Did Before the Kids?’ ‘I Was a Teacher.’ ‘Not Work – I Mean Your Beaded Jewellery. I Still Have the Blue Stone Necklace. People Always Ask About It.’ Nadia Remembered. Jewellery on Evenings, Back When Denis Still Noticed Her. ‘That Was Ages Ago.’ ‘If You Did It Before, You Can Again. When’s the Banquet?’ ‘Saturday.’ ‘Perfect. Tomorrow Come See Me – I’ll Do Your Hair and Makeup. We’ll Call Olivia – She Has Dresses. Get Out Your Jewellery.’ ‘But He Said—’ ‘Forget What He Said. You’re Going. He’ll Be Shaking in His Boots.’ Olivia Brought a Plum Dress with Bare Shoulders. They Spent Ages Fitting It. ‘You’ll Need Special Jewellery with This Colour,’ Olivia Spun Around. ‘No Silver, No Gold.’ Nadia Opened an Old Box. There It Was – a Handmade Necklace and Earrings in Blue Goldstone, Created Years Ago for an Occasion That Never Happened. ‘This Is a Masterpiece,’ Olivia Whispered. ‘You Did This?’ ‘I Did.’ Helen Styled Loose Waves and Simple, Elegant Makeup. Nadia Dressed, Fastened Her Jewellery, and Felt the Stones on Her Neck – Cool and Significant. ‘Go Look,’ Olivia Nudged Her. Nadia Saw Not the Woman of Twelve Years Doing Floors and Soups – But Herself. The Woman She’d Been. At the Riverside Restaurant, Late As Intended, Conversations Fell Silent. Denis by the Bar Laughed—until He Saw Her. His Face Froze. She Walked Past and Sat at the Far Table, Back Straight, Hands Calm in Her Lap. ‘Excuse Me, Is This Seat Taken?’ A Man in His Mid-Forties, Grey Suit, Intelligent Eyes. ‘It’s Free.’ ‘Owen. Partner of Vadim in Bakeries. And You?’ ‘Nadia. Warehouse Manager’s Wife.’ He Looked from Her Face to Her Jewellery. ‘Goldstone? Handmade, Surely. My Mother Collected Stones – Rare Piece.’ ‘I Made It.’ ‘Really?’ Owen Leaned Closer. ‘That’s Quality. Do You Sell Them?’ ‘No. I’m…a Housewife.’ ‘Strange. With Hands Like That, You’re Wasted at Home.’ He Spent the Evening with Her – Talking Stones, Creativity, and Losing Ourselves in Daily Routines. Dancing, Sparkling Drinks, Laughter. Nadia Noticed Denis Watching from Across the Room, Face Darkening. As She Left, Owen Walked Her to the Car. ‘If You Ever Get Back to Jewellery-Making – Call Me,’ Handing Over His Card. ‘I Know People Who Value Work Like Yours.’ At Home, Denis Lasted Five Minutes. ‘What Did You Think You Were Doing? The Whole Evening with Owen! Everyone Noticed. My Wife Throwing Herself at Another Man!’ ‘I Wasn’t Throwing. I Was Talking.’ ‘Talking! You Danced Three Times! Vadim Asked What Was Going On. I Was So Ashamed!’ ‘You’re Always Ashamed,’ Nadia Kicked off Her Shoes. ‘Ashamed to Take Me Out, Ashamed When People Look at Me. What Are You Never Ashamed Of?’ ‘Shut Up! You Think Throwing on a Dress Makes You Someone? You’re Nothing. A Housewife on My Wages, Pretending to Be a Princess.’ Once, She’d Have Cried. Gone to Bed. But Something Snapped, or Slotted Into Place. ‘Weak Men Fear Strong Women,’ She Said Quietly. ‘You’re Insecure, Denis. Scared I’ll See How Small You Are.’ ‘Get Out.’ ‘I’m Filing for Divorce.’ He Was Silent. For the First Time, His Eyes Held Confusion, Not Anger. ‘Where Will You Go with Two Kids? You Can’t Live on Beads.’ ‘I’ll Manage.’ In the Morning, She Rang Owen. He Didn’t Rush. They Met in Cafés, Discussing Business. He Knew a Gallery Owner. People Wanted Real Handcrafted Pieces. ‘You’re Talented, Nadia. Talent and Taste Are Rare.’ She Worked Nights. Goldstone, Jasper, Carnelian. Owen Took Her Pieces to the Gallery – They Sold Out. Orders Kept Coming. ‘Does Denis Know?’ ‘He Barely Speaks to Me.’ ‘And the Divorce?’ ‘Found a Lawyer. It’s Moving Forward.’ Owen Helped Quietly. Gave Contacts. Helped Her Find a Flat. When Nadia Packed Her Bags, Denis Laughed at the Door. ‘You’ll Be Back in a Week – Begging.’ She Closed the Case and Walked Out. Six Months. Two Bedrooms on the Edge of Town, Kids, Work. Gallery Offered Her an Exhibition. Nadia Started a Social Media Page for Her Designs – Followers Grew. Owen Visited, Brought Books for the Kids, Checked In. Gently, Never Pushing. ‘Mum, Do You Like Him?’ Svetlana Asked One Night. ‘I Do.’ ‘We Like Him Too. He Doesn’t Shout.’ A Year Later, Owen Proposed. No Big Kneeling, No Roses – Just over Dinner. ‘I Want the Three of You to Be with Me.’ Nadia Was Ready. Two Years Passed. Denis, Now a Labourer After Vadim Sacked Him for How He’d Treated Nadia, Walked the Shopping Center in a Worn Jacket, Burdened by Debt and Loneliness. He Saw Them Outside a Jewellery Store – Nadia in a Pale Coat, Hair Styled, Blue Goldstone at Her Neck. Owen Held Her Hand. The Kids Laughed. Denis Watched as They Got Into Their Car—Owen Opened Nadia’s Door. She Smiled. Then Denis Looked at His Own Reflection—Grey Face, Empty Eyes. He Had Lost a Queen. And She’d Learned to Live Without Him. That Was His Greatest Punishment: Realising Too Late What He’d Had… Thank you, dear readers, for your thoughtful comments and likes!