The Add-On
Mary, but shes got baggage! Or is that alright by you? Doreen leaned against the garden gate, smirking as she sized up her neighbour. Couldnt you find someone better? Youre neither daft nor plain, youre a decent lad. And theres plenty of girls in our village, but, look, youve picked her!
Mary sighed, not wanting to admitnot even to herselfthat her sons choice unsettled her. And hearing it from Doreen, her old frenemy, stung all the more.
We like children, Doreen! Does that bother you? Mary snipped. Whats wrong with her then? Shes young, pretty, has a kind disposition, and shes decent, that much I do know. So what if shes got a child? Its hardly a crime. She didnt come by him carelesslyshe had her boy in wedlock. Ending up a widow so young, well, were all in Gods hands. Well raise the lad, give him a good home, and Ill have another grandchild. So no more of your idle gossip.
Mary pursed her lips and shooed away the tabby cat padding along the fence toward her.
That toms always in my garden! He pinched three of my chicks already, Doreen. Keep your moggy in check, or Ill set Athos after him and then dont come crying to me.
Oh, scare me, why dont you! Doreen nudged her plump striped cat away from the fence. Well see who chases whom. Ill lock the rascal inside! He was after my chicks last year too. If he werent so good at catching rats Id have found another home for him. But instincts are instincts, arent they?
Well, keep his instincts out of my garden!
Oh, reminds memy jars! The jam must be ready by now, I expect.
Busy chattering here, while someone elses doing the stirring?
Its Olive. Came down yesterday to help with the garden.
But shes expecting, isnt she?
Thats why shes inside, busy with the jam. Wont sit with idle hands. Not a daughter-in-law, but pure gold!
Why do you praise her the moment her backs turned, and send her about when shes in front?
For orders sake! Doreen grinned again. Youll see when youre a mother-in-law. Show too much kindness and theyll walk all over you!
Well cross that bridge when we come to it. Mary waved a hand. Do you need the jars then, or will you manage? Ive not got all day for nattering, theres work to be done.
After sending Doreen on her way, Mary turned back to her baking. Tomorrow her son would be coming, bringing his intended to meet her. The intended Mary paused at the bread board, gazing out of the window. What a day it would be
She didnt know Annabel. Only heard of her, and caught a glimpse once or twice when visiting her sister in the next village over. Nothing extraordinary about her. A fair-haired, wide-eyed girl. Tall, like her Matthew. Except, girlwell, not quite. A young woman now. Shed been married, had a little boythree years old now, perhaps. Life had dealt Annabel a harsh hand. Shed lost her parents when she was a child; her gran and grandad raised her, sent her to school, saw her wed. No sooner had they welcomed a great-grandson, than Annabels husband died in an accident, leaving her a widow, babe in arms.
Hard not to feel for her. But, privately, Maryd rather have kept her sympathy at a distance. Her heart ached for her sonsince her husbands passing, Matthew had been her only anchor and comfort. She was glad he was still living close, but fretted for him too. A grown man, needing a family of his own, yet continuing to delay. Hed often make a joke of it, insisting he was waiting for true love. Then, not long ago, he announced hed found itin Annabel.
Mary had run straight to her sister for a word. Had to find out what was what. But Lydia, the elder by years and wisdom, all but scolded her.
You do flap about like a mother hen, dont you?
But what sort of girl is she? Hell bring her here, and then what?
Hell be bringing her, yes, but not for long.
Not for long? Mary blinked.
Didnt Matthew tell you Ive signed over Grandads old house to him? Cant live there now, its falling down, but the plots a good one. Theyll build themselves a proper home.
Marys thoughts hopped aboutwhat did this mean? So her son would move out, and shed be left behind True, theres only a mile or so between villages, and the bus runs regular, but its hardly the same as him coming home each evening and lending a hand about the house. Once they moved in, theyd have their own life; shed only see him on holidays.
Why the long face? Arent you pleased? Lydias tone softened as she settled beside Mary. Youll have to let him go, Mary. Matthews grown now. Its time he had his own place and family.
Youre right, of course. But I worry. What if it doesnt turn out? And theres the little boy
Listen to me. Theres no shortage of girls in this village, but I couldnt say half as much good of any of them as I can of Annabel.
Thats what frightens me. She seems almost too perfect.
Nothing would suit you, would it? Lydia was annoyed now. If she were awful, youd be the first to panic. Come now, Mary. Let them be happy. Just dont make a mistake thatll cost you your son.
What sort of mistake?
If you wont have her, youll lose your boy. You havent seen the way he looks at Annabel. Thats love.
Mary listened, feeling a prickly knot wind tight in her chest, one that wouldnt let her sleep. She didnt know where itd come from, or why it was there, but it kept her uneasy.
She straightened, shook her cold hands, and returned to kneading dough. She must welcome the girl so kindly that Annabel never felt unwelcome. Lydia was rightno need to show any hint of her doubts. Time would tell. For now, she needed to do her best.
She lined up little pies, neat as you please, on the big old platter. Mary took a deep breath, remembering how her late husband used to love such bite-sized treats.
Seedlings, thats what these are! No matter how many you eat, its never enough. Delicious!
Hed take her hand and kiss her fingers. Shed laugh and pull away, then tuck herself under his arm. She gave a little sobhow she missed her Ivan! Hed have known just what to say to soothe her worries.
That night was sleepless. She tossed and turned, longing for morning.
Annabel arrived early, standing shyly behind Matthew, unable to meet her future mother-in-laws eye. Her little boy, Sammy, wriggled in her arms, big-eyedso much to see here! There was a big dog on a chain, mysterious since it didnt bark. Next door, Mr. Howards dog always barked. There was a cat too, strolling somewhere with its tail aloft. Sammy wriggled to be let down.
Ssh, quiet now, Annabel whispered.
Let him go, let him play a bit. Ill tie up Athos; nothing to worry about here, and youll see him always, Mary said, sizing up Annabel.
Well, what sort of girl is she, God forgive me? So thin and palenever guess that sturdy little lad belongs to her. Something shifted gently inside Mary, the prickly knot easing. The boy, once released, walked down the path and gazed up at Mary.
Where did the cat go?
What cat? Mary tensed. Ive no cat. Where did you see it?
Sammy waved towards the back step. Mary gasped.
We must chase him, or hell be at my chicks again!
Sammy dashed off after the strange womanuncertain, yet curious. They caught the cat just short of the chicken run.
You little rascal! Off you go! Mary kicked off her slipper and lobbed it, shooing the cat.
Sammys laughter warmed her, and she found herself smiling, too. A good-natured boy, busy and gentle. She fetched a chick to show him, but he only petted it, afraid to harm the tiny creature.
Hes small! he whispered.
Mary beckoned him inside, and soon Sammy was on her knee, wolfing down pies. Catching Annabels unsure look at Matthew, Mary gave a smile.
Youve a fine boy there, Annabel. Clever and always ready for a bite. Grandmothers dream, he is.
Seeing Annabel exhale in relief, Mary felt another tug in her heart. Annabel was so anxious; worried for her childsign of a proper mother. Mary realised her fears had eased, even if not vanished entirely. She could breathe at last.
Matthew joked about the upcoming wedding, but Annabel just sat quietly, pushing her food about. When her son left the room, Mary asked,
Why so quiet, Annabel? She stroked Sammys hair and moved a plate of cherries closer. Go on, dear, theyre sweet.
What can I say? I told Matthew I didnt want a big fuss. Mightve just signed the register quietly.
And he disagreed?
Yes. Says it wouldnt be right. That all the family are waiting for him to wed. Didnt want to disappoint anyone.
Hes got a point, but so have you. Why dont you want a big wedding?
Annabel looked carefully at Mary, then finally spoke, her voice soft:
Im afraid. Happiness likes quiet. My first marriage was all laughter and celebration. And yet
Oh, Annabel. I know you lost your husband, and its a dreadful sorrow. But if he loved you, hed want you to be happy again, not weeping forever. We each have both joy and sadness in storeits all given out in advance, only we dont know our share. I believe one must take whats offered, and be grateful. Theres no escaping fate.
I was frightened
Of what, dear?
That youd judge mefor marrying again. Especially someone like your Matthew. I know he could choose anyone. But Im the lucky one.
Sammy stirred on Marys lap, so she set him down.
Who are you? he asked, peering up with eyes the same grey as his mothers.
Im your granny now, Sammy. You can call me Granny Mary.
Alright! Sammy nodded, solemn.
The wedding was as Matthew wishedthough the relatives grumbled and snipped at first, Marys firm lips soon silenced them.
Nearly a year Matthew and Annabel lived in Marys house. Mary stopped thinking of prickly worries; her doubts faded. Watching Annabel with Matthew, she knew she should trust her sons happiness. That was harder than understanding it, truth be told. Sometimes Marys disapproval crept out, but Annabel had a gift for smoothing every tension with quiet patience rather than taking offence. She always managed to soothe her mother-in-law.
You never complain, Annabel. You should have a proper cry and let Matthew know! It might do you and Mary both some good, Doreen would say as she chased her cow through the gate with her switch.
And have everyone quarrel? What kind of advice is that? Besides, mother and son at each others throatswhat family would we have then? Annabel would reply, amused.
Youre too proud, Annabel! Its no way to live.
Best to live by your own wits and ignore too many do-gooders, Annabel would say, heading on into the house.
Doreen would sniff, and a fresh rumour was soon trotting about the village.
Once Matthew finished the new house, they moved in. Housework kept Annabel busy; days flew, not crawled. When she realised something wasnt right, Annabel went to see the doctor.
Pregnant, are you? The doctor looked over her notes.
Is that so strange? Or is the child unwelcome?
Heavens, of course not! Its just With my son, things were so different. I was healthy as could be.
There are complications, so well keep you in for a while. But well do everything to see both you and baby well.
Mary arrived that same day to help with Sammy. Annabel opened the door, then shrank back as if startled.
Whats the matter? Mary asked, confused.
Oh, nothing. Its justyour face was so stern, I thought you were upset with me.
Marys brows flew up. That Doreen! Shed ruined Marys morning with her spiteful words, leaving Mary restless and ill at ease her whole way there.
Baggage is one thing, but if shes sicklywhatll she bring? Is there still time to change your mind, Mary
Oh, Doreen! What a sour-hearted woman you are! Were you hugged enough as a child? Wheres all that bitterness from? Whats Annabel ever done to deserve such hate?
Means nothing to me! Doreen backed away, watching Marys darkening face. Alright, alrightonly teasing. May it all turn out well!
Mary refused to let the poison linger. Dont mind me, Annabel. Some folks argued on the bus and put me in a mood. Why cant people live in peace?
Annabel shook her head and smiledMary was terrible at fibbing. But if she felt better pretending, so be it.
Now, best get on and pack. Need a hand? Mary asked.
All sorted. I just hate going into hospital.
But needs must. Babys health comes first, Annabel. Dont worry about SammyI wont take my eyes off him. All will be just fine.
Matthew drove Annabel to hospital, and the long wait began. A week, two, and then, finally, the doctors nodded approvingly.
Just a little while longer, and well let you homeon the condition someone keeps an eye on you. Have you help at home?
Certainly. My mother-in-laws with us. She watches Sammy.
Your mother-in-law? The doctor looked up. And youre sure thats a good thing?
Oh, dont you start! Annabel laughed softly. Shes wonderful! Not a monster-in-law.
Well, how rare! You dont hear that often.
While Annabel got ready to return home, her excellent mother-in-law was dashing about the village in a panic.
Oh, Lord! What am I going to tell Annabel?
Sammy had vanished that morning. Normally obedient, he never stepped out the gate without asking. Mary had let him play in the garden, busying herself in the kitchenMaxwell had been bringing Annabel home from the hospital and Mary wanted everything fresh. Matthew had been bringing in homecooked bits to the ward daily, but nothing tasted good once itd cooled. At home, food was always better.
Mary worked while peeking through the window at Sammy making castles in the sandpit. She only turned her back for a moment to lift the compote from the stove. When she looked again, Sammy was gone.
Where have you got to? she muttered, wiping her hands on her apron.
Into the garden she went. Nowhere for Sammy to hidebut he was nowhere in sight. With a cold feeling she glanced to the gate, finding it wide open. The street, silent. How long had he been gone? Five minutes, at most! Where could the child have gone?
Sammy, as it happened, had run outside at the sound of a commotion behind the fence. Some older boys had snared a little black-and-white puppy in a rope and were tormenting it mercilessly.
Let him go! Hes hurting! Sammy grasped the gate handle, yanked it until it yielded, and dashed out.
The bigger boys only jeered and egged each other on, teasing both the terrified puppy and resolute Sammy, who darted among them, trying to free the animal. He didnt notice as they turned off onto a different street, then another, until, at the scolding of a passing woman, the older boys gave up the rope and fled.
Whats become of children nowadays! Tormenting a creature like thatwouldve done with a hiding! The woman shook her fist at the retreating boys, then eyed Sammywho hugged the puppy to his chest.
And what about you? Going to torment him too?
No! Hes small. He got hurt!
Good lad then.
The woman strode off down the street, and Sammy looked around, uncertain where hed ended up. Granny would be worried, and Mum would scold! He pressed his face into the pups fuzzy neck. The puppy fell quiet.
Mum says, if you get lost, dont wanderwait in place, and youll be found quicker. Sammy let out a breath, calming himself. If he remembered that, he could remember the way home, too.
Spying a bench beside someones gate, he ambled over and sat down. Hed just wait. Grannyor Mumwould surely find him.
Sammy had gone farther than anyone realised, and Mary hunted up and down the neighbouring streets, never dreaming hed wandered so far. When Matthew pulled up and saw the open gate, he glanced at his wife.
Wait here, Ill open the gate and bring in the car. Then Ill help you inside.
Annabel, still queasy from the journey, just leant weakly back in her seat.
Matthew ran in through the gate, straight up to the kitchen. The gas was still burning, soup boiling overit was clear something was wrong. He switched it off and rushed back to the garden. Once the car was in, he led Annabel to the bedroom.
Rest here for now.
Wheres Sammy?
Probably out with Mummaybe a walk to the shop. Ill go find them. Well be in soon.
He spotted Mary on a nearby street.
Mum! She hurried over, breathless. Sammy?
What about Sammy? Matthews heart missed a beat.
Hes gone! He went out, and disappeared!
Mum, calm yourself. Tell mehow longs it been?
Mary wept, describing what had happened.
Right So youve checked nearby streets? He cant have gone far, surely.
Who knows? Go round again close by and Ill search further. Dont go homeAnnabel mustnt worry herself now.
Matthew found Sammy after an hour. The boy was fast asleep on a bench, tightly hugging the black-and-white puppy, who barked bravely at the strangers approach.
Youll make a fine guard dog, Matthew told the puppy, ruffling his ears. He stroked Sammys hair. Wake up, son.
Dad Sammy rubbed his eyes and grinned. I stayed put, didnt wanderjust like you taught me!
Clever lad, thats why I found you. And whos this? Matthew nodded at the puppy.
Dad, he looks like Athos Granny Marys dog.
More like Porthos, that chubby thing! Want to keep him?
Can I? Sammys eyes lit up.
Of course! A house without a dog isnt a home. Lets see what he grows up into, eh?
With the puppy cuddled close, Matthew strode home. Mary stood at the end of the street, pale and near tears. Seeing her son, she sank onto someones bench.
Mum, its alrighthes safe! Calm yourself.
Mary gathered Sammy in her arms, holding him tight.
You frightened me so, sweetheart!
Sorry, Granny. I wont do it again.
Mary cried quietly, hugging him. Whose child wasnt he now? Let Doreen go on gossiping! Sammy was hers, as much as any grandchild could ever be.
Annabel only learned the whole story later. Sammy, sensing his mother was fragile, kept quiet. They laughed and played, washing the outrageously flea-ridden puppy, hugging and splashing till they were soaked.
I missed you!
And I missed you more!
Sammys little sister arrived right on time. A noisy, beautiful girl, christened Mary after her grandmother. The happiness on Marys face astonished everyoneshe dashed to visit the new family at every opportunity. At first, she feared Annabel might hold a grudge over Sammy, might keep her grandchildren away. But Annabel never uttered a word in blame.
He could just as easily have wandered off with me. Dont blame yourself, Mum. He cares more for living things than for himselfhell carry a ladybird from the path to the grass so its not squashed.
Hes got a kind heart, thats what matters.
Mary never fussed with advice, just offered her hands where needed. And seeing Annabels grateful smile, shed have moved mountains just to hear another quiet, Thank you, Mum.
Watching Sammy sprint to her for a hug, spotting Annabels sunny face as she handed over the squalling baby girl, Mary knew shed done everything right.
Off to see your granddaughter again? Doreen called from her gate, seeing Mary lock up.
My grandchildren, Doreen. Ive two now.
But only ones really yours.
Theyre both mine. Grandson, granddaughter. Not that youd understand. Mary tucked her keys away. Shall I tell you a secret, all these years youve been schooling me?
Go on, surprise me.
Love, Doreen, is a two-way street. If you want to be loved, you must love in return. And Im loved by both my children and my grandchildrenisnt that worth more than respect?
Im respected, Doreen sniffed haughtily.
Thats something. But Ive an inkling that love is better, dont you? Mary winked at her old friend, gasped at the clockher bus nearly dueand hurried off to where her family awaited, heart full to bursting.
