**Thursday, 15th June**
I still cant quite believe it. After ten long years of dreaming, we finally have our own country cottage! Life always seemed to get in the waymortgage payments, the childrens school fees, then another financial crisis. But when we checked our savings last month, we realised: it was now or never.
My husband, Edward, works in insurancenothing extraordinary, but steady. Im a paediatric physiotherapist. Between us, we managed, but a place in the countryside always felt out of reach. Then, within months, both my grandmother and Edwards passed away, each leaving us a small flat in the Midlands.
After endless discussions, we sold both, pooled the money, and made our move. The property market was quietwho sells in winter? But Edward was adamant.
*If we wait, well find a thousand reasons not to do it,* he grumbled.
I agreed. Everything fell into place perfectly.
The plot was idealelectricity, gas, all the utilities already connected. All we needed was to build a modest summer home. Come spring, Edward took leave, and with his mate William, they got to work.
They labored tirelessly, without breaks, and within a month, we were celebrating. Never mind that we slept on air mattresses and brought blankets from the citythe essentials were there: a stove, running water. The rest could wait.
*Cheers, Edwardwell done!* William raised his pint.
The men knocked back their drinks, piled their plates with grilled sausages, doused them in brown sauce, and dug in.
*Whod have thought itd happen so fast?* I marvelled. *At Christmas, I never imagined this, and nowhere we are!* I gestured at the little house.
Even as dusk settled, we lingered outside, enjoying our impromptu barbecue.
Then the phone rang.
*Hello, darling, how are you getting on?* came Margarets saccharine voice. If she was this sweet, she wanted something.
*Brilliant, Mum!* Edward chirped.
*Oh, I know. The grandchildren told meyouve bought a cottage?*
*We have! Not just any cottagea proper country retreat!*
*Oh, dont be silly,* she laughed, but her tone dulled. *Well, good for you*
*Mum, how are you?* Edward remembered to ask.
*Oh, whats there to say at my age? The doctors insist I need peace and quiet, no stress. Somewhere to recuperate. But where? Spa retreats cost the earth, and I cant afford*
*Come stay with us!* Edward cut in.
*Oh, darling, dont be absurd. As if youve nothing better to do! And Emily wont like it*
*Mum, stop. Just come.*
*All right, if you insist. Ill bake your favouritemy Victoria sponge.*
When Edward told me, I wasnt thrilled.
*So, we get a cottage, and suddenly her doctors prescribe fresh air?*
*Yeah.*
*Not suspicious at all, is it?*
*Shes got high blood pressure.*
*Edward, shes not coming for her health. Shes coming to inspect our new place.*
*Dont be daft. Shell stay a week, then go home.*
*Have you forgotten her last visit?*
He had. I hadnt. Margaret had done everything to drive us apartspreading gossip, stirring arguments, hinting Edward was *too good* for me. Petty, toooversalting meals, swapping sugar for salt. Id sent her packing on the first train back.
This time, I braced myself but didnt want to sour Edwards mood. Maybe, just maybe, shed changed.
*Oh, its gorgeous here! A little paradise! The trees, the airthis darling house! Emily, this must be your doing. Youre a treasurehold onto her, Edward!*
*New approach, Margaret?* I arched a brow.
*Youve always been my favourite. Edwards a fool, but youre gold. Weve had our differences, but let bygones be bygones.*
*So Im a fool?* Edward laughed.
*Yes, but my fool,* she simpered. *Now, whats for dinner?*
*Barbecue every night!* I smiled tightly. *Hope thats all right?*
*Lovely! Last time I had grilled sausages was in BrightonEdward was still in school!*
*Right, Edward, tend the grill. Ill fetch the meat.*
*Mind if I join? Id love another look around.*
This time, Margaret was differentcheerful, warm. Maybe time had softened her.
Until Edwards phone buzzed, screen up. My stomach dropped.
*When are you back in town? Have you told her about us? Waiting for your news. X*
I fumbled the phone. *Who is she? How do we tell the children?*
*Plates are here!* Edward announced.
*I need a minute.* I fled inside, splashed cold water on my face.
*Whats wrong?* Margaret dodged as I nearly bowled her over.
*Edward has someone else.*
She hugged me. *Oh, love*
*You knew?*
*I hoped hed come to his senses. Youve been together since uni, the children, this placeI told you, hes a fool.*
I sobbed. If hed confided in her, it was serious.
*Listen. Dry your tearsno scenes now.*
I nodded, blotting my face.
*Well handle this. I wont let her have him.*
Oddly, it helped.
Next morning, Edward left for town*fetching warmer clothes*but I knew the truth. I played along.
Once his car vanished, Margaret perched beside me.
*You need a man.*
*What?*
*Just for show. Make Edward jealous. Sometimes men forget what they have. If he sees youre desirable, hell wake up.*
Ridiculousbut it had logic.
*Who, then?*
*William? Hes single. Helped build this place.*
*Call him. Barbecue, drinks, a short dress. Let Edward return to find his spot taken.*
To my shock, William agreed.
*Wheres Edward?* he asked upon arrival.
*Back later. Im hopeless at grillingneed a mans touch.*
Margaret watched from the window.
*More wine?* William offered.
*Pleasebut eat up, or Ill be tipsy.* I flirted clumsily.
*Youre lovely, Emily,* he murmured. *Dont tell Edward I said that.*
My cheeks burned. What if he tried something? Not that I owed Edward loyalty now.
Thentyres screeched.
*Whats going on here?* Edward roared, storming out.
*Back so soon?*
*Mum rangsaid you had a *suitor*! And its *William*?*
*Why do you care? Sort out your mistress!*
*What mistress?*
*The one you raced to town for! I saw the text!*
*I thought it was a wrong number! Theres no one!*
Then I noticed the twitch of the curtains.
*MARGARET!*
She emerged, cackling. *Oh, your faces!*
*You staged this?* I hissed.
*Two phones, darling. Harmless fun!*
*You nearly ruined us,* Edward said coldly.
*But I didnt! Im *helping*! Retirements dreadfully dull.*
*Pack your things. Edward will drive you to the station,* I said firmly, steering her out.
*Youre throwing me out?*
*Youve had your fun. Now *leave*.*
*Where will I sleep?*
*The car. Its not winteryoull survive.*
Next morning, Edward took her to the train. Neither spoke a word.
