DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
Today I placed a perfectly roasted duck on my beautifully laid dining table and let out a quiet sigh. Any minute now my sons and their wives would be arriving. My youngest got married just recently. The wedding was rather modest; a far cry from what I would have organised in my day, though the young think differently now. Even our own wedding was just a quick dash to the registry officeKeith and I couldn’t afford proper rings for a year; just two slim gold bands. Id hoped to make my sons weddings proper celebrations, but I suppose they have their own ways.
Theres only one shortcoming in my new daughter-in-lawshes rather too well-groomed for my taste. Ive already mentioned it to my friends, though I know its hardly a real fault. Still, I resolved to have a gentle word with her soon. Claire, my daughter-in-law, is a lovely girl overallpleasant, sensible, and shes been good for my son, Andrew. She helped him find a wonderful job and keeps urging him forward, towards promotions and more responsibility. He’d been drifting for years, coasting through life with few ambitions. I was starting to worry, but things looked up after he met her.
But this business of salons, hair appointments, highlights, facials, manicuresshe spends a fortune on it all. A married woman ought to put family first. I fretted: when children come along, will she spend the shoe money on a pedicure instead? Such things didnt sit right with me. Once Keith passed away, I always put my boys ahead of my own needs, even after they were grown and earning their keep.
I was lost in thought when the doorbell rangthe youngsters had arrived. Claire entered the lounge like a starlet: her hair freshly done, nails immaculate, hardly a flicker of makeup but as flawless as a photo in a magazine.
Claire, you look beautiful! I exclaimed, sincerely, though Im sure a hint of disapproval crept into my voice. That suits new, isnt it?
Yes, bought it yesterday, she replied with a smile. I had a lovely bonus from work.
Well, best to put bonuses aside for a rainy day, I advised, unable to help myself. All those little extras add up. Trust me, youll be glad you saved.
Claire just smiled politely. She liked me, I knowshe respected how Id given my all to my family. But she believed difficult days happened only to those who spent their lives worrying about them.
The evening was pleasant enough, though I found my way, a few times, to subtly steer the conversation towards unnecessary expenses. Claire caught on quickly.
And when was the last time you went for a manicure, Mrs Watson? she asked.
Iwell, I never have, I confessed, caught off guard. I just keep my nails clean at home, nothing more required.
No one else seemed to notice our brief exchange, but I saw a touch of sadness in her expression. It must have shocked herimagine raising two sons, both earning well now, and being so reluctant to spend a penny on yourself! Perhaps she compared me to her own mother, who, despite tight finances, allowed herself a nice haircut, a new dress now and then, and always treated herself to a theatre subscription for pleasure.
On the drive home, Claire turned to Andrew. Does your mum do anything just for herself? she wondered.
Not really, he said. She cooks, puts on a lovely spread, watches a bit of telly, visits the neighbours, the usual. Why?
She deserves something nice. Why not take her to a film, the theatre, or out for a meal?
Oh, she wouldn’t want all that fuss, Andrew shrugged.
I could tell Claire disagreed, but she said no more. I suppose she just believed people should live a little for themselves sometimes, not just for others.
A few days later, Claire called and proposed meeting for a walk and a coffee. Perhaps, she suggested casually, Id join her at the beauty salonshe had an appointment anyway and offered to treat me to something, anything I fancied.
Oh, dont be silly, I protested. You go on, Ill just wait in the foyer or stroll outside.
But she was insistent. Why wait? You could relax, have a manicure or a hand massage. Its only an hour.
Warily, I agreed. Claire phoned ahead and explained the situation to her regular salon. Please, I heard her say, give Mrs Watson the royal treatment. Offer her something extra if she likespedicure, mask, anything. And if she asks about price, tell her its sorted, all paid for.
That afternoon, Claire practically delivered me into the caring hands of the stylists. Just a short visit, isnt it Claire? I asked as I hesitated at the door. And how much will all this cost?
But then a sweet young woman whisked me away, and I was so well looked after. Time flew byalmost two hours! Manicures, hand massages, a cup of proper English tea and a chateveryone was so friendly. I nearly wept at the bill.
What on earth did all this cost, Claire? I whispered, embarrassed.
Oh, its fine, the receptionist cut in cheerily. Weve got a special on todayif you bring a friend, their treatment is free. So, nothing at all to pay!
Afterwards, we went to a nearby café for coffee. I sipped a cappuccino and leaned back, feeling oddly content.
We should make this a regular girls outing, Claire suggested. They do such good deals for repeat clients, and you enjoyed yourself, didnt you?
I did, I admitted. I had no idea how lovely it could feel.
You should have tried it ages ago!
Well, years ago I never could. The boys were little, and KeithGod rest himwas always careful with the purse strings. Later, there didnt seem any point.
There is now, Claire insisted, For my company if nothing else.
All right, I conceded, perhaps now and then.
And so it beganan unexpected little tradition. Claire would quietly freshen up my wardrobe, always pretending things cost far less than they did. She coaxed Andrew into inviting me out to a restaurant, and the four of us went to the pictures. At Christmas, Claire gave me a season pass to the local theatre.
You seem younger every day, the neighbours teased.
Just keeping up with the young, thats all, I replied with a modest smile.
And for the first time in years, I feel as though this, my retirement, is truly the beginning of my youth. When youve been mum to two grown men all your life, its a revelation to discover theres still so much joy and possibility yet to come.
