Granny for an Hour
Mr. Thompson, Im terribly sorry, but may I leave early today? My daughters unwell.
Mary placed a stack of neatly prepared files on the desk, setting down tomorrows appointments as well. There was still an hour left of the working day, but the nursery had already called twice, and she knew she had to risk it. Shed only recently landed this job at the construction company, a minor miracle really, considering shed no experience as a secretary and certainly didnt match the appearance requirements from the advert. Mary had studied her reflection before the interview, shaking her head.
Well, that bit certainly isnt about me.
Her old cardigan, one shed cherished for years, still held together respectably, but her skirt was well past its prime. Her mother had sewn it, lovingly choosing the fabric and toiling at the sewing machine for days, screwing up her nerve anew before each seam.
Itll be just as good as any from the shop.
Mum, its hand-made! Of course its just as good, Mary assured, exaggerating for her sake, fully aware how important those words were to her mother.
Their household never had spare cash for new things. Mary remembered the days when her father was still alive, how shed never struggled with outfits. But after hed gone, everything changed. A nurses wage barely stretched far enough. They got by, until her grandma took ill. Relations between Marys mum, Lydia, and her mother-in-law were strained, to say the least.
Lydia, you have no sense of family. Though, with your background, its hardly shocking. But now youre one of us. So, best you get used to it: in this family, we support each other.
Mary had been too young to truly understand her grandmothers lectures. They sounded grand and important, but over time, she realised the words meant little. Responsibility only flowed one way. Lydia cared for the mother-in-law, handed over most of her salary, while the woman in return accepted it all with the dignity of a queen, yet never offered so much as a thank you. Instead, endless criticisms tumbled down.
Mum, why dont you ever talk back, why not just tell her? Mary demanded, after enduring another round of her grandmothers advice. Lydia rarely brought her to her mother-in-laws, but sometimes she had no choice.
Because, darling, I know shes wrong. And I also know shes an ill and terribly lonely person. Other than you and me, shes hardly anyone. Shes fallen out with her sister, her nephews wont speak to her. And… and I promised your father Id never abandon her. How could I break my promise?
Mary burned with anger at her grandmother, itching to say everything on her mind, but Lydia would always hush her gently, an ache in her eyes.
Dont, Mary. I dont take these things to heart. Let her say what she will. The important thing is I know Ive done right and shes not wanting for anything.
But she never wanted for anything anyway! Mary would mutter, understanding well enough now; her grandmother was no poor relation. A large flat for herself, another shed inherited from her mother which she rented out, a handsome pension and a tidy savings account. All this allowed her to live more than comfortably.
So why does she take money off you? Isnt that enough? Mary would protest, jotting fuming notes in their budget notebook.
Mary! Lydia tossed a tea towel angrily onto the table.
What, Mum?
Enough. Dont become like
Like who? Who, Mum?
Never mind! Be yourself. Dont let bitterness ineven in thought. Otherwise, itll eat at you later. And remembernone of whats hers is ours. It never was, and I doubt it ever will be.
Mary realised what her mother meant only after her grandmother had passed. The envelope with the will and farewell note lay in the bedside table. When Lydia read it, she exhaled shakily, crumpled the thin pages, and flung them away.
Come on, darling.
Where to? Mary stared, bewildered.
Were done here. My debt to your grandmother is paid in full.
Mary had asked no further questions. Later, she learnt her grandmother had bequeathed everything to her nephews. As for the letter, Lydia never shared its contents, only muttering once under Marys persistent questioning:
She left it to them because theyre blood, Mary. No more questions. You dont need this muck. Let it go.
Did she think I wasnt her granddaughter? Mary couldnt help but press.
No, Lydia sighed. She just thought you took after meno trace of your father left in you. Outsiders blood.
Is that true, Mum? Am I not like Dad?
Oh, Mary, Lydias head dropped. Youre the very image of himespecially in character. He was the best person I ever knew. So, take whats good from this family and leave the rest. Let it be.
Mary never argued again. She didnt truly understand but she could see it mattered to Lydia.
Years passed. Mary finished school and attended university. That old skirther lucky onewas there for her exams, her lectures, her first job at the university, even when she met the man who would soon be her daughters father. There hadnt been much else to wear to the interview, after allwhat, show up in jeans?
Shed heard the snickers in HR, but recalling Lydias words, she straightened her back.
Miss, really? No experience, a young child at home? Where have you worked till now?
I was a lecturer at the university.
And why change careers?
I wanted to try something different. Mary tried to keep her nerves at bay, but her knees were trembling. It seemed certain shed be turned down.
Only, she wasnt. The head of HR, after a few more questions, offered her the secretary position on probation. She, of course, never overheard the office debate after shed left.
Valerie, why? Whys Mr. Thompson taking this lost soul?
He likes clever women. Lets see if she manages. And she could hold her own once tidied up a bit. Enough gossiping! Lets get on.
With Mr. ThompsonPeter, officiallythe relationship fell into place at once. Watching her scan the coffee machine instructions, he chuckled:
First time Ive seen a woman actually read the manual before poking every button. Well work well together!
Her duties werent difficult. Peter liked control but soon saw Mary had a sharp memory and a doggedness when it came to work. She could track down anyone, set up meetings so they suited everybody, and cancel gracefully so all were grateful. Schedules were always on point. The only thing against her were the occasional requests to leave early because of her daughter.
Mary, I get it, but this is getting routine. Soon Ill have no secretary at all, Peter said, rubbing his forehead.
Headache? Paracetamol?
No, thanks, itll pass. Of course you may goyour daughter comes first. But, think about finding a solution. She goes to nurseryso its just when shes poorly? Grandmothers, nannies, relatives, surely?
Theres no one. My mums gone. No other relatives.
Thats sad. Then a nanny?
Im afraid I cant afford one. But youre right, its my problem, not yours. Ill find a way.
Mary nodded, left the office, and her mood darkened. At the nursery, Daisy waited fretfully with a fever, and home offered no respite. She wanted to scream with helplessness and loneliness. Why had life turned out this way? Why her, alone?
But she already knew. Her mum had said once:
Not all the people you meet in life will be good, Mary. Theyre precious, and you mustnt miss them.
And what if I meet none at all?
That doesnt happen. Work it out, youre a mathematicianwhat are the odds of meeting not a single good soul in life?see? Most arent truly bad, Mary. Theyre often just hurt or self-absorbed. They listen only to themselves, live for themselves. Judging them is foolish and pointless. We all do it. Only, I hope you find the kind that care, not just for themselves.
Remembering these words, Mary often regretted not listening when shed met Daisys father. He was young, brilliant, burning with ambition. All that which Mary lacked, David had in excessjust not the same ambitions. Mary wanted family and work; David saw life in the moment. And when he got an offer from an overseas university, he didnt hesitate, even though a week ago hed proposed.
Well wait a couple of years. No problem.
David, I dont have years. Im pregnant
Mary saw David pale and realised: that was the end.
Does it have to be now? Cant we postpone? David paced, avoiding her gaze.
It isnt going away. But dont fret, Ill manage. Goodbye, David. All the best.
They never saw each other again.
Daisy arrived a month after Lydia dieda sudden heart attack at work. The hospital was full of doctors but none could help. Mary saw her mother off and forbade herself to cry.
Latersorry, Mum. When Daisys born Ill let myself grieve, okay?
But even then, she had no time for tears. Daisy was frail and sickly; Marys days were a relentless circuitwashing, cleaning, walks, meals. She resigned from the university, unable to deal with the hush-hush whispers.
Sorry, Mum, Im just too soft for it. I cant cope she whispered to Lydias photo, careful not to wake Daisy. What did I do wrong? Had a baby? Didnt force David to marry? Maybe I shouldve fought? But youd say listening to back-chat is daft, always look ahead. So Im trying, Mum. Not very well, but Im trying
As soon as Daisy was eligible for nursery, Mary enrolled her. The first year was the toughestDaisy constantly illand Mary stopped sending CVs, knowing shed never land a decent job like this. She took a cleaning job at a beauty salon nearby, spent evenings mop in hand, dreaming of the future.
These thoughts circled as she collected Daisy from nursery, called at the pharmacy and hurried home. As she climbed the stairs, she nodded at her neighbour.
Evening, Caroline!
Hello! Daisy poorly again? Caroline nodded at the sulky little girl pressed to her side.
Yes. Ill be sacked at this rate. Thats twice this month. Id finally thought wed managed a healthy run!
Thats nothing! Mine went a year, then sick every month after. Why not hire a nanny? Youre earning more now, arent you?
Not that much. Mary sighed, nudging Daisy. Shoes off, sweetheart.
Yes, nannies are dear these days. Might as well work just to pay her. Shame youve no mum to help.
Shame. Well, bye, Caroline. Mary slipped inside and stifled a sob.
Mum, how I wish you were still here
But seeing Daisy slumped on the rug snapped her out of it. She got her to bed, made tea, and pondered her bleak options.
She almost missed the faint knock. Daisy was asleep, and Mary was on her laptop searching nanny ads, careful not to make noise. Curious why anyone would knock rather than ring, she went to the door.
Evening, Mary, love!
On her doormat stood Mrs. Wainwright from downstairsa slight, sprightly old lady Mary barely knew.
Hello! Is everything alright? Mary was surprised to see her.
As well as might be. But are you planning to ask me in or do we have this chat on the step?
Oh, of course! Come in. Mary quickly ushered her in.
Mrs. Wainwright left her boots by the door and nodded towards the kitchen.
Kettle in here?
Thats right
Lets head in. No need to wake your little one. Sleeps the best medicine at her age.
Still utterly confused, Mary followed her. Mrs. Wainwright sat, hands folded in her lap, eyeing Mary kindly.
Youre looking for a granny for an hour?
Pardon? Mary blinked.
A grannysomeone to mind your child when shes ill or youre stuck. Granny-for-hire. That is what you need, isnt it?
Mary heard something familiar in her toneher own mothers patience when she failed to grasp things.
Yes. I do need help. I just dont know where to find it.
No need. Im offering. Will you have me as a nanny?
Mary hesitated. It was fortuitous, but she knew precious little about her neighbour.
Forgive me, but how did you know I was searching?
Caroline told me. Nothing stays secret round here. Ask what you likeI dont mind a grilling. Or I can tell you about myself.
Mary examined her, then sat decisively, poured tea, pushed over a dish of biscuits, and settled in.
Alright. Tell me.
Mrs. Wainwrights story was simple and honest.
I was born in this city. Mum and Dad both worked at the factory, I did too after school. Met my husband there, raised two boys. Got them both educated, settled. Lost my husband before he was fifty. My sons, after National Service, left and started lives elsewhere. Ive got four grandkidstwo each sonbut I barely see any. Their mother-in-laws help out, kids are grown. I spent my life working, never had the joy of grandchildren. Now I watch the children playing in the square and my heart aches. Caroline suggested I give nannying a go, so, here I am. Itll help you, and itll help me. I wont be dear. But dont decide now. Think on it, and let me know tomorrow.
Mary nodded, letting her out, then sat in silence.
Mum, what do you think? How odd, to wish for help and have it knock at your door. Is it a good sign?
Lydias photograph watched in silence while Mary wrestled with her suspicion, fear for Daisys safety keeping her awake most of the night. But by morning, shed made up her mind.
Mrs Wainwright? Its Mary. Yes, if youre still willing, Id like to try.
So began their partnership, as Mrs. Wainwright called it.
Were colleagues, you and I. You work, so do I. You earn peace of mind, I earn a little extra for my pension.
Do your sons help?
They do, but I wont take much. Only when I have to. Theyve got families, their hands full. I manage on my own.
Mary watched warily at first, but Daisy took to Mrs. Wainwright from day one.
Poor mite, youre not well? Never mind. Well make some lemon tea and Ill tell you a story. Long as you like. Then youll nap and youll feel ever so much better, trust me!
I dont have lemons
Thats why I brought some. When would you have time to zest a lemon? Off to work with youwell manage.
Within months, Daisy was showing off new skills; she could read before her fifth birthday. Mary was stunned.
Shes so bright. She beats me at draughts and chess! She ought to join the clubIll take her.
Soon, Daisy was playing chess at the weekend and swimming twice a week.
Id never have managed this on my own, not with work. Im so grateful! Mary confided in Caroline.
Dont thank me! When my Sophies older, Ill poach Mrs. Wainwright myself, just you wait.
As Daisy grew and started school, they needed Mrs. Wainwright less, but by then, she and Mary were inseparable.
Mary, I do believe youre stuck, Mr. Thompson observed over her latest report. With your brains and degree, you could be much more. Ever considered something new?
No, Im fine.
But Im not. We need talented people. Ill have the firm sponsor your retraining, then find a better role for you.
Rapid changes swept through her life; Mary barely had time to mull over them. She advanced, money troubles eased, Daisy blossomed, and at last Mary could breathe.
Thats how it should be, dear! Mrs. Wainwright glowed with pride for Mary.
Their relationship had long since moved beyond colleague. So when Mrs. Wainwright vanished, Mary worried desperately.
Caroline, where could she be? No call, no warning. Its not like her!
Have you called the hospitals?
Every one. The police wont file a reportIm not family.
And her sons?
They claim to know nothing. Wont come. How can they? Shes their mother!
No point expecting help there. Keep looking.
With little hope in officers, Mary drove around the hospitals herself.
Who are you to her? No one? Why bother? she kept hearing.
It took nearly a week. Finally, she found Mrs. Wainwright.
Admitted without documents, came round on the second day, but confused, the nurse explained.
Mary saw her lying there, small and faded on the stark white bed; her heart clenched.
Why wasnt I told? What happened?
Struck by a car; probably concussion. Memory loss. And you are?
Im her daughter. Wheres the consultant?
Within two hours, Mary had her transferred to a private room and sat holding her hand.
How are you, Mrs. Wainwright?
And you are?
Im Mary. Dont worry, your memory will come. Right now, just rest.
Marys calls to her sons went unansweredthere was always some reason not to come.
Well, fine then! Well manage, Mary muttered, putting the phone away. Mum, you were righta lot of people think only of themselves.
After a week, Mrs. Wainwright was discharged and Mary brought her home.
Daisy, she cant remember. So let her be, call her Grandma, just as before, and keep her at ease. The doctor says thats best for her.
Mum, is she going to live with us?
Yes.
Daisy nodded solemnly. Thats right.
Now it was Daisys turn to look after grandma. She got lunch ready after school, persuaded her to eat, then brought her her books.
Ill do my homework, and afterwards, shall we play chess?
Mrs. Wainwright always nodded cheerfully. She called Daisy her granddaughter and Mary her daughter. Mary never corrected herwhat did it matter? What mattered was she was safe, and almost well.
It was six months before Mrs. Wainwrights son, Edward, appeared.
Mary was hurrying home for Daisys birthday, balancing a cake box, when a tall, vaguely familiar man hailed her at the entrance.
Youre Mary?
Yes.
Im Edward Wainwrightmy mother’s son.
Oh! Of course you may see herwhy wouldnt you? Its about time!
I well Edward hesitated.
Dont measure everyone by your own stick. I want nothing from your mother but to thank her for all shes done for us. Thats why I care for her nowonly gratitude.
You misunderstand me His voice cracked, but Mary smiled faintly.
Fine. Meet your mothertake possession of her flat if you wish. Just dont think youll take her away. She stays with us.
Why? I thought Id take her home.
No you wouldnt. If youd really wanted, youd have come sooner. Maybe then shed have recovered.
And now?
Its probably too late. Dont be shocked if she doesnt remember you. Come on.
Mary moved to the door, but Edward stopped her.
Im sorry
Not to me you arent. And Ive nothing to forgive. Kindly try not to upset her, will you?
As you say
Daisy opened the door, eyes wide at the cake box.
It looks lovely, Mum!
Its even better insidehappy birthday, darling! Meet Mr. Edward Wainwright, Mrs. Wainwrights son.
Who? Daisy almost dropped the cake, but Mary shushed her.
Remember what the doctor said?
Not upset her?
Exactly. Take the cake in for me, Ill join you in a sec.
Mrs. Wainwright didnt recognise Edward, and when he left, he asked in a quiet voice,
She wont remember us?
I dont know. The doctors cant say. But one things sureshes happy here. Let it be.
May we visit?
Of courseyou dont need my permission. Shes your mother. Come whenever you like.
Mary watched him leave, uncertain if shed see him again. She shruggedlet the past stay where it was. They had their own patch of happiness.
Daisy! Put the kettle on, lets celebrate!
Mum, can grandma have cake?
She must! The biggest slice! She needswhat did she used to say about you and jam?
A little treat? Daisy giggled.
Thats it. And we could both use one. Now lets go.
Mary turned the key in the lock and followed her daughter into the light and bustle of their little kitchen, filled with the warmth of two generations, and one special granny for an hour who now belonged to them forever.
