DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
Margaret Fletcher placed a beautifully roasted duck on the well-set dining table and sighed. Any minute now, her sons would arrive, bringing along their wives.
Her youngest had just gotten married, the wedding was understated. Thats how young people seem to do things now, apparently. Margaret would have thrown a big bash herself, but she and her husband just dashed off to the registry office back in the day. Didnt even get wedding rings until a year latertwo thin gold bands, nothing fancy. Shed wanted a proper celebration for her children, but in the end, as they say, its their decision.
Shes only got one flawshes just a bit too polished! Margaret confessed to her best friend. But her daughter-in-law had already resolved to have a proper chat.
Daughter-in-law Emily was, in general, a lovely girl. Pleasant, well-mannered. Shed changed her son George for the better, actually. Helped him land a smashing job, and kept nudging him forwardtrying to get him up the career ladder. George had coasted, living at home until nearly thirty, ambition a far-off rumour. Margaret had started to worry about him, but things turned out just fine.
The only thing about Emily was this: she was terribly well-maintained. Always off to salonshaircuts, colour, massages, manicures you name it. A small fortune spent just like that! Margaret could hardly approve. Wasnt right for a married woman to behave so, putting family below French tips and facials.
And when children came would Emily pop off for a pedicure instead of buying George a decent pair of shoes? Margaret had never understood women like that. Shed always put her own needs last, especially once shed lost her husband. The sons were grown, yes, but still, they needed financial help one way or another.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the doorbellhere came the younger generation. Emily swept into the sitting room like a celebrity: hair with perfect curls, an immaculate manicure, hardly any makeup yet glowing, courtesy of a faithful beautician.
Emily, you look absolutely stunning! Margaret exclaimed, genuinely, though there was a definite edge of disapproval. Is that a new suit?
Yes, bought it yesterday, Emily replied with a sunny smile. Got a lovely bonus at work.
In that case, its best to squirrel the money away, love, Margaret couldnt help but share a morsel of experience. Bonuses, side hustles, Christmas moneyall into savings for a rainy day. Believe me, its handy!
Emily stayed silent. She liked her mother-in-lawa salt-of-the-earth type whod devoted her life to family. But if you ask her, Emily believed a rainy day only arrives when you keep expecting it.
The evening went pleasantly enough. Margaret did, however, try more than once to broach the topic of unnecessary spending in the most delicate way possible. Emily could tell the digs were meant for her.
When did you last have a manicure, Margaret? Emily ventured, finally unable to bite her tongue.
I Well, I never have, actually, Margaret stammered. Just keep my hands tidy at home. Nothing else to it.
No one else noticed the brief exchange, but Emily felt a pang of sympathy for her mother-in-law. Imagine raising two boys who now had rather decent incomes, yet never letting yourself spend a penny for your own enjoyment!
George, does your mum ever do anything just for herself? she asked her husband on the drive home.
Er, I dont know She cooks, look at that dinner! Watches telly, pops over to chat with the neighbours. Why?
Because shes never really had anything nice in life! You lot should take her to the cinema, or the theatre, or out for dinner
Oh, she wouldnt want that, youre making it up.
Emily said nothing, but compared Margaret to her own mother mentally. Her mum would, tight purse or not, get herself a nice new haircut or a dress on sale, and always bought tickets to the town theatrefor some pleasure in life!
Emily decided Margaret deserved to see what it was like to live a little, not to sit glued to the telly awaiting grandchildren to serve as her next personal project.
A few days later, Emily rang up and began persuading Margaret to join her for a wander and a coffee. And, of course, a cheeky visit to the beauty salonEmily herself was due a treatment and suggested Margaret try anything at all that took her fancy.
Oh, dont be silly, Margaret squawked, flustered. You do your thing, Ill wait in the lobby, or outside.
But why just sit about? You could make better use of half an hour. Lets do a manicureor at the very least, a hand massage?
After considerable cajoling, Margaret agreed. Emily phoned her usual salon in advance, explaining the master plan.
Ladies, make my mother-in-law feel like royalty. Subtly suggest other treatmentspedicure, face mask, whatever! If she asks the price, tell her its all covered. I need your magic. Succeed, and youll have a new regular!
When the day came, Emily escorted a resisting Margaret into the salon and left her in expert hands.
Only half an hour, right Emily? Margaret asked nervously. And, um, cost? How much shall I pay?
As the lovely staff whisked Margaret away, Emily made herself comfortable in the waiting area and pulled out her phone. Shed not booked anything for herself that daymight as well catch up on some emails.
Two hours later, Margaret reappeared looking ten years younger and infinitely more relaxed. The salon ladies clearly knew their stuff.
Oh, Emily, they pampered me so much! Margaret enthused. Coffee, herbal tea, all sorts. Everyone was so nice! Goodness, how much did that all cost? Must have been a fortune.
Weve got a special today! the receptionist called out with a grin. Bring a friend, your friend gets everything free. So, todays total for you is nothing at all!
Emily and her mother-in-law, flushed with rare indulgence, wandered over to the local coffee shop. Margaret took a sip of her cappuccino and leaned contentedly against the back of her chair.
How about making these ladies days a regular thing together? Emily suggested. They do brilliant discounts for loyal customers. Did you enjoy it?
I did, actually, Margaret admitted. Didnt know it could feel that nice.
Should have tried it years ago!
Well, back then The boys were young. And my husbandbless himkept the budget tight, always counting every penny. Then, well, there didnt seem any need.
There is now! To keep your daughter-in-law company, so Im not sitting there alone.
Well, if you put it like that Maybe now and then.
And so it became traditionMargaret started going with Emily to take care of herself. Diplomatic as ever, Emily carefully refreshed Margarets wardrobe, always quoting prices half what they really were.
She convinced George to invite his mother out for a restaurant meal. Then, one grand family cinema outing followed. And for Christmas, Emily gifted Margaret tickets to the theatre.
You do look younger, the neighbours told Margaret.
Well, you know, the youngsters rub off on you, she replied, modestly beaming.
Truth be told, Margaret genuinely felt that now, with her retirement finally arrived and two grown sons of her own, her youth was just beginning.
