Became a Housekeeper
When Margaret announced she was getting married, her son and daughter-in-law were utterly shocked and had no idea how to react.
Are you sure you want to change your life so drastically at your age? asked Sarah, glancing uncertainly at her husband.
Mum, do you really have to do something so drastic? Peter fussed. I get it, youve been on your own for years and devoted most of your life to bringing me up, but getting married now is just impractical.
Youre just young, so you think that way, Margaret replied calmly. Im sixty-three years old, and no one knows how much time they have left. I have every right to spend my remaining years with someone I love.
Well, dont rush into anything, Peter tried to reason with his mother. Youve only known this Edward for a couple of months and already youre ready to change everything about your life.
At our age, theres no point wasting time, Margaret said, thoughtful. Whats there to know? Hes two years older than me, lives with his daughter and her family in a three-bedroom flat, gets a decent pension, and even has a lovely allotment.
So where are you going to live? Peter couldnt work out. We live together as it is, but we just dont have the space for another person.
Dont worry so much, Edward isnt interested in our living arrangementsIll be moving in with him, Margaret explained. His flat is spacious, I get on well with his daughter, and were all adults, so there wont be any drama.
Peter fretted while Sarah tried to convince him to understand and accept Margarets decision.
Maybe were just being selfish? Sarah reasoned. Honestly, its convenient that your mum helps us out with Lily so often. But shes entitled to her own happiness. If she has the chance, we shouldnt stand in the way.
Itd be one thing if they just lived together, but why get married officially? Peter mumbled. Next thing you know, a bride in white and wedding gamesjust what we need.
Well, maybe they just feel more comfortable or secure that wayits a generational thing, Sarah defended.
Margaret went ahead and married Edward, whom shed met by chance out on the high street, and soon after moved into his flat. For a while, all seemed well: the household accepted her, Edward treated her well, and Margaret truly believed shed finally found happiness late in life and could simply enjoy each day. But soon enough, the realities of living in a new family revealed themselves.
Could you make a roast for tea? asked Helen one evening. Id do it myself, but works been manic and Ive no time at all. Youve got more free time.
Margaret understood the hint and took on responsibility for cookingwhich quickly led to her doing the grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, and even tending to the allotment.
Now were married, the allotment is ours as a family, Edward insisted. Helen and her husband never have time for it, the granddaughters still very young, so well just have to do everything together.
Margaret didnt argue. In truth, she quite liked being part of a big, close-knit family, where everything was built on helping and supporting each other. She hadnt had that with her first husbandhed been lazy and sly, and had run off when Peter was only ten. Twenty years had passed since, with them knowing nothing about his fate. Now, everything seemed in its right place, and the daily jobs didnt wear on her; she never resented the fatigue.
Mum, what good are you working in the garden? Peter worried. After every trip, your blood pressure must go through the roof. Is it really worth it?
Of course! Besides, I enjoy myself, Margaret replied with a smile. Edward and I will grow plenty at the allotmentmore than enough to share with all of you.
But Peter had his doubts, especially since nobody had invited them over for a proper get-together, not even to get acquainted. Peter and Sarah had invited Edward for tea; he always promised to come, but was forever too busy, too tired, no time, and so on. Eventually, they stopped pushing, realising the new in-laws werent particularly keen. They consoled themselves by hoping Margaret was happy and well.
For a time, that was indeed true, and Margaret found joy in caring for the family. But the tasks kept piling up and began to weigh on her. Whenever Edward went to the allotment, hed instantly clutch his back or complain about chest pains. The ever-attentive wife would settle him down while she lugged branches, raked leaves, and hauled rubbish to the tip.
Bolognese again? grumbled Anthony, Edwards son-in-law. We had it yesterdayI was expecting something different today.
I didnt have time to make anything else, and I didnt get out for shopping, Margaret apologised. I was busy washing all the curtains and putting them back upgot exhausted and just had to lie down.
Fair enough, but Im not keen on bolognese, Anthony pushed his plate away.
Tomorrow Margaret will treat us all to a real feast, Edward piped up encouragingly.
Sure enough, the next day Margaret spent hours in the kitchen, only for everything to be polished off in half an hour. Then she tidied up and started all over again. But the complaints from Helen and Anthony came at every turn now, and Edward started taking their side, making Margaret the scapegoat.
Im not a girl anymoreI get tired, and I really dont see why I should do everything alone, Margaret finally spoke up after another wave of protests.
Youre my wifeso its your job to keep this house in order, Edward reminded her.
As your wife I should have rights as well as responsibilities, Margaret sobbed.
Afterwards, she pulled herself together and continued to do her best, trying to please everyone and keep the peace. But eventually, she snapped and was deeply upset. That day, Helen and her husband were off to friends and wanted to leave their little girl with Margaret.
Let the little one stay with her granddad or go with youbecause today Im going to visit my own granddaughter, Margaret said firmly.
What makes you think we all should bend around your plans? Helen flared up.
Of course notbut Im not obliged to you either, Margaret reminded her. Its my granddaughters birthday today. I told you ages ago. Not only did everyone ignore it, now you want to keep me stuck here as well.
Thats just not on, honestly, Edward blushed angrily. Helen made plans, and now youre spoiling them. Your granddaughters very youngshe wont mind if you celebrate tomorrow.
Well, nothings stopping us from all popping round to see my family nowor you could stay with your granddaughter while I go out, Margaret insisted, standing firm.
I knew this marriage would come to nothing, Helen said bitterly. Shes a mediocre cook, doesnt keep tidy, and only thinks of herself.
After everything Ive done here these past monthsor do you agree with her? Margaret asked Edward honestly. Did you want a wife, or just a housekeeper for everyones whims?
Youre being unfairtrying to make me the villain here, Edward blinked quickly. Dont start a row out of nowhere.
Im just asking a simple question, and I deserve a straight answer, Margaret held her ground.
If youre going to talk like this, do what you wantbut in my house, that sort of attitude isnt acceptable, Edward declared grandly.
In that case, I quit, Margaret announced, heading off to pack her things.
Will you take your misguided gran back? she said, hauling her bags and present for her granddaughter. Got married, came back againdont ask anything now, just tell me: will you have me or not?
Of course! Peter and Sarah rushed to embrace her. Your rooms waitingand were glad youre home.
Glad just because? Margaret wanted to hear those cherished words.
Isnt that always why people welcome family home? Sarah smiled.
Now Margaret knew, without a doubt, that she was not a servant. Yes, she helped around the house and cared for Lily, but her son and daughter-in-law never took advantage or expected her to carry the whole household. At home, she was simply a mum, a gran, a mother-in-law, and a member of the familynot the help. Margaret returned for good, filed for divorce herself, and tried not to dwell on what had happened.
