I paid for my son’s happiness
Many years have passed, and now, looking back, I remember the choices I made for my son. I deliberated long and hard before I decided that I would find a wife for himand, in truth, a daughter-in-law for myself. I was determined to choose the right young woman and, in my own way, bring them together. To me, my son was the most wonderful child in all England, the apple of my eye. I doted on him; he was my whole world. From his earliest days, I raised him with the strength of a knight, watching over him night after night, nurturing and nursing him. And now, I was meant to simply hand over this perfect young man to another woman?
Id always known the day would come when my son would find a partner and begin a life of his own, but the thought of letting him go filled my heart with ache. So, I hatched my own plan.
I tried to bear it with grace once he started bringing young women home and showing an interest in that sort of company. But I found myself struggling to see eye to eye with the first girlfriend he brought round; she was far too spoiled for my liking. I told my son quite plainly that she wasnt the right match for him. We needed a proper English girlmodest, down to earth, and kind-hearted.
I didnt speak a word to my son about my intentions. Silently, I took it upon myself to search for a suitable bride with the seriousness the task deserved. I needed a daughter-in-law with whom I could share a cup of tea and a quiet conversation, someone I could welcome into my circle.
My options were limiteda girl from two doors down, an old friends daughter, and one or two of my sons old schoolmates. I paid a visit to our neighbour and her daughter, but it was clear the match was a poor fit; the girl was rather plump, and while I hold no grudge against such things, I simply wanted my son to find happiness and harmony.
Next, I called on the daughter of an old friend, but it turned out she was seeing someone else, so that path was closed to me as well. There was little use in speaking of his classmates; that was a complete dead end too.
I found myself quite at a loss, with no other girls left to consider. I resorted to keeping a discrete eye on my son, hoping to observe what sort of women caught his fancy.
I told my son a little fibpretended I wanted to see him at work, just to satisfy my curiosity. He wasnt thrilled, but he agreed. I spent an entire day watching as he went about his duties, paying close attention to his interactions with the women in his office. I even found a chance to chat quietly with a few of his female colleagues, gathering tidbits about their lives and characters.
By the days finish, I knew Id not find his match among his coworkers. As we made our way home, my son suggested a stop at a local tea room. At first I declined, but then thought perhaps I might glance upon the very woman I sought. There, in that busy tearoom, while my son ordered tea and chatted with the young waitress, I noticed how he smileda true, warm smile. The girl was pleasant and polite, and in that instant, I knew she was the one I had been searching for.
She was a sweet-natured, modest girl. I decided to speak with her privately and told her of my hopes and plan.
“Are you quite serious, madam?” she asked me, her cheeks flushing. “Is that really proper?”
I answered, “Would you not wish for a brighter future? My son could provide it.”
I offered her a handsome sum of moneyenough to ensure her younger brother could attend university. Sisterly love, it seemed, overcame her hesitation. She promised to try and win my sons heart.
With our arrangement in place, I kept in touch with her, sharing every detail of my sons preferenceshis favourite pudding, the sort of music he loved, his interest in classic literatureso she could better draw his affection.
Results came quicker than Id dreamt. My son was utterly besotted. He spoke of nothing but the girlhow lovely Rose was, how wonderfully she baked scones, the books she read, and her fondness for old English films. One afternoon, I asked him to introduce us. He was eager to oblige.
When Rose visited, we sat together for a quiet chat. She admitted to having grown truly fond of my son, and then, with a shy smile, asked to return the money I had given. But that was never my aim.
With love blossoming between them, why would I take back the money? I told her to keep it, and suggested she begin making plans for a wedding.
Now, all these years later, my children are happy. I have a loving daughter-in-law, one who is as dear to me as my own, and we share a secret that shall always bind us. I am content, for my little scheme brought happiness not only to my son, but to us all.
