My friends, Edward and Grace, live near the seaside in Brighton. Last summer, the couple attended a christening where Edward was to be the godfather. After the ceremony at the village church, as tradition goes, there was a receptiona lively gathering with family and friends. It was there they met Edwards godchilds grandparents. Throughout the evening, the older couple could hardly contain their delight over having such a kind-hearted man as their grandchilds godfather. To them, Edward embodied every virtue.
Most of all, the grandparents were utterly charmed that Grace and her husband lived by the sea.
What a marvellous godfather you are! the grandmother beamed, clutching her pearls. And you live right by the seasidehow wonderful! Its absolutely perfect. Now we have family to visit at the coast, and we wont have to book a guesthouse! Relatives are just so lovely to have; oh Edward, how fortunate we are to be connected to you!
Not many would believe the godchilds grandmother would truly hold to her words. But, just a few weeks later, she arrived. Edward had already taken a call from the godchilds father, Charles, gently asking if his parents might come to stay for a few nightsthree, perhaps four? After a round of kitchen-table debating, Grace and Edward decided they couldnt say no; it simply wouldnt feel right. It was height of summer, with Edward and Grace at work all day, so hosting guests was hardly ideal. Grace even had to take time off from her job to be the perfect hostess.
The grandparents came, settled in for their holiday, spent hours basking on Brighton beach, and eventuallywith grateful smilespacked up and returned home.
When all was said and done, considering their small two-bedroom flat, Grace quietly resolved to decline should they ever spring another surprise visit in future. After all, when their friends or godchild popped in, it was always a joy. But entertaining friends parents was a bit much, especially during the busy season, and they needed to save enough pounds for winter.
When I heard about the whole affair, I was thoroughly taken aback. These were older peoplewell past sixty. Their children and grandchildren were grown. Was this an opportunistic larkusing their family connection for a free summer B&B?
I rather suspect it wasand, whats more, they dropped hints that they would return again.
