Well, Ill be blowed! I exclaimed instead of a proper greeting, gazing in stunned disbelief at the doorway. There stood a petite, wiry old lady in jeans, lips thinned out in a sly grin. Her eyes peered out mischievously from beneath narrowed lids, twinkling with amusement.
Emilys grandma, Mrs. Margaret Bennett thats who it is, I realised. But how on earth has she turned up unannounced, not even a phone call first
Hello there, lad! she said, beaming. Going to let your granny in or what?
Yes, yes, of course, come right in! I stammered, bustling to hold the door open.
With admirable purpose, Mrs. Bennett rolled a small wheeled suitcase into the hallway. When I offered her a cup of tea, as any decent Englishman would, she piped up, Make mine good and strong, dear! So Emilys at work, Alice is at nursery, that right? What about you? Enjoying the high life?
Works sent me off on compulsory leave, I replied rather glumly. Two weeks, they said, ‘for operational reasons.’ My dreams of a carefree fortnight slipped away. Glancing hopefully at my guest, I tried, Will you be staying long?
Spot on, lad, she nodded, dashing my hopes for an easy fortnight. Im here for a good while.
With a sigh, I took stock. I hardly knew Mrs. Bennetthad only spotted her at mine and Emilys wedding when shed come down from Sheffield. Still, Id heard plenty about her from my father-in-law, whod speak of his mother-in-law in the reverent, shivery whisper of one whod known true fear.
Rightget those dishes washed up, and then get your shoes on. Im going to show myself round the area, and youre coming with me! she announced without a hint of suggestion.
I didnt even try to object. The tone she used reminded me of Sergeant Prichard from my army daysdefying that sort of authority never ended well.
You can show me the riverside walk! commanded Mrs. Bennett. So, whats the best way to get there? She linked arms and set off at a brisk pace, eyes darting every which way in sharp curiosity.
Probably a taxi, I suggested with a shrug.
To my amazement, Mrs. Bennett pursed her fingers into a ring and unleashed a piercing whistle. A taxi screeched to a halt beside us.
No need to go whistling like that! Whatll people think? I muttered as I helped her into the front seat.
She winked, They wont think anything about me theyll believe it was you, behaving like an uncouth lout.
The cabbie burst out laughing, and together with Mrs. Bennett, they shared a gleeful high-five, as if old co-conspirators enjoying a private joke.
Youre a decent lad, William, polite and proper, she told me as we strolled the Thames Embankment. Your grandma must be the dignified sort. Me, Ive never got the hang of all that. Emilys grandadGod rest his soultook ages to find his feet with me. Such a quiet, bookish sort, and into his world I burst. I dragged him up mountains, taught him to parachute. Only thing he wouldnt try was hang-gliding. Hed wait below with our daughter while I did circles in the sky.
I listened, bemused. Emily had never mentioned her grannys sense of adventure, but it was clear now where those steely glints in her eye came from.
So, she fixed me with her gaze, ever jumped with a parachute yourself?
Fourteen times in the army, I couldnt help but reply with a touch of pride.
Top work! Youve got my respect. She nodded, then began to hum softly:
Well be falling for a good long while,
On this jump, my friend
I picked up the line, singing as well:
A white silk cloud behind me flies,
A gull against the sky
The song bridged the gap between us, and I felt the nerves retreat in the face of her unconventional warmth.
Lets stop for a bite to eat, she suggested, pointing to a colourful food stall. Wafting out the best grilled aroma this side of the Mersey, can you smell it?
The grill chefa dark, stocky man with a wild lookthreaded marinated meat onto skewers as if preparing to duel an enemy. With that kind of passion, you half expected him to leap up and dance a mad little jig with knives clashing.
Mrs. Bennett, eyes twinkling, suddenly broke into song:
Well met, bonny lad!
Now wouldnt it be grand
To sing a tune at somebodys wedding band!
The chef started, glanced at her, then his features broke into a grin and together they finished:
Sing at the wedding, lad,
Wouldnt it be grand!
Help yourselves, dears, he boomed, his smile wide as the Thames, before laying out mounds of kebab, fresh flatbread, and greenery, and pouring out two small glasses of cold white wine. He even added a bow, hand over heart.
The smell of grilling drew a scruffy little grey kitten from the bushes. He crept up to our table, peering up with liquid eyes.
Thats just what we need! Mrs. Bennett crooned. Come here, sweetheart. Then, turning to the chef, Could you bring something raw and tiny for this chap?
As the kitten scarfed down his treat, Mrs. Bennett eyed me sternly.
Youve a daughter to raise, lad! How can you hope to teach her kindness and care if youve no pet in the house? This little mite will help you out.
When we returned home, Mrs. Bennett efficiently bathed the kitten and sent me out for supplies. I trudged back loaded with a litter tray, toys, bowls, and a plush new bed, only to find the flat full of laughter. Emily and Alice clung to their granny, who beamed and showered them with kisses, while the kitten, whom we named Leo, eyed us all from the back of the sofa in quiet astonishment.
This is for you, Aliceyour new summer outfit, granny was saying, distributing gifts, and a treat for you, Emilynothing boosts a wifes standing like fresh lace knickers
For the rest of the week, nursery was forgotten. Alice and Granny vanished every morning, returning near lunchtime tuckered out but full of smiles. At home, I looked after Leo, now firmly part of the household, until Emily returned so we could all go for evening walks together, the kitten perched in Alices arms.
One evening, Mrs. Bennett turned to me, her expression uncharacteristically sober. William, I need a word. Ill be heading off tomorrow; its time. Here, after I go, pass this along to Emily. She handed me a paper in a plastic wallet. My will. The flat and everything goes to her. You get Peters libraryhe built it up for decades. Some real treasures, first editions with signatures
Oh, Margaret, dont I began, but she held up a hand.
Ive not said anything to Emily. But Ill tell youIve got a bad heart. It could end suddenly. I need to have things sorted.
You shouldnt be on your own! I protested. You need someone with you!
Oh, theres always someone, she smiled. My daughter and your mother-in-law are in the next town. You, take care of Emily, raise Alice. Youre a good lad, dependableafter all, arent I your mother-in-law squared? She gave my shoulder a gentle thump, then broke into infectious laughter.
Couldnt you stay a bit longer? I ventured hopefully.
She smiled gratefully but shook her head.
We all went to see her off, even Leo in Alices arms looked rather forlorn.
Mrs. Bennett pursed her fingers into a ring and let out one last shrill whistle. An astonished driver screeched his cab to the curb.
Come on, lad, take me to the station! she said, kissing Emily and Alice before climbing into the front seat.
The stunned driver gaped at this grandma who had flagged him down so brazenly.
What are you gawping at? I said, feigning gruffness. Never seen a decent lady before?
Mrs. Bennett, tossing her silver curls, roared with laughter and gave me a proper English high-five.
I watched the taxi disappear down the street, smile lingering. Sometimes, the people you fear the most turn out to be the ones you cherish forever. That week, I learned that even the strongest personalities are often driven by immense love and boundless courage. And perhaps, just perhaps, thats what I want Alice to remember, too.
