I paid for my sons happiness
For ages I pondered, and finally resolved that I would be the one to find a wife for my sona daughter-in-law for myself, really. I decided it was best that I pick a suitable young lady and pair them together. My boy, Arthur, is truly the most splendid child in all of England, and I am hopelessly besotted with him. I raised him, tirelessly and lovingly, protecting and teaching him as if he were a tiny knight, right from his days in nappies. And now the moment had come to surrender this perfect man to another womans arms. How could I bear it?
I always knew the day would arrive when Arthur chose a life partner, yet the very thought of letting another woman have him felt unbearable. Thus, a plan unfurled within me.
I managed to keep my composure when Arthur began showing interest in girls. Yet I simply could not find common ground with his spoiled girlfriend. I told him straight: this girl wasnt right for him. What he needed was a reliable, modest, and pure-hearted English rose.
I said nothing of my intentions to Arthur, but I flung myself into the search for a bride, a heavy sense of responsibility pressing upon me. The ideal girl would be one I could converse with easilywe needed harmony.
My list of candidates was small: the girl from two doors down, the daughter of my dear friend, and a few from Arthurs old school. After meeting with the neighbour girl and her mother, I realised this wasnt the way. She was dreadfully plump, and I wanted my sons happinesshis partner ought to be lively and graceful.
Next, I tried the friends daughter, but she was already courting someone else, so that path closed too. I wont even bother discussing the classmatesnothing but sheer disappointment.
There I was, stuck. No further prospects in mind. So, I resorted to following Arthur to observe the sort of women that caught his eye.
I fibbed and told him I wished to see him at work. He wasnt thrilled, but in the end, he agreed. I shadowed him all day, watching every interaction with his colleagues, hoping to spot a spark of attraction. I struck up talks with his coworkers and uncovered some rather curious things.
By dusk, it was clearthere was no future daughter-in-law to be found at his office. On the way home, Arthur suggested we pop into a café. At first, I declined, but then I thoughtperhaps the answer was there, among the teapots and scones.
Within the warm fug of the café, I watched Arthur chatting with a charming waitressWillow, delicate and modest as a primrose. In that moment, I knew: she was the one.
Willow greeted us with shy warmth. I decided to take her aside and lay everything plain.
Are you quite mad? she blurted, startled. Is this even remotely proper?
Well, I said, Dont you dream of a better life? My Arthur can give it to you.
I offered her a generous sumenough pounds to cover her younger brothers studies for years. Sisterly devotion overcame Willows hesitation. She accepted, with one condition: she would genuinely try to love my son.
After our arrangement, I remained in close touch, supplying Willow with every tidbit to win Arthurs heart.
Results came quickly: Arthur was completely entranced. He could talk of nothing but Willowher golden hair, her cleverness in the kitchen, her taste in old English ballads and films. One afternoon, I asked him to bring her home so I might meet her, and he happily obliged.
During her visit, I drew Willow aside for a private chat. She confessed that shed truly fallen in love with Arthur, and then tearfully tried to return the money, but that was never my intention.
If love had bloomed between them, why take the money away? I told Willow to keep it, and gently encouraged her to begin preparations for the wedding.
Now, my children are blissfully happy, and I have a devoted daughter-in-law who promises to be my dearest companion. Our little secret will always remain tucked away. I am delighted that my plan made Arthurs happiness possible.
