DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
I laid the roast duck on our beautifully set dining table and let out a quiet sigh. Any minute now, my sons and their wives would arrive.
The younger one had got married recently. Their wedding was a simple affairmuch quieter than I would have liked, but that seems to be how young people are doing things nowadays. Still, I remember my own wedding with Peterjust a quick stop by the registry office in Oxford, and even then, we had to save up for the rings. We only managed to buy them a year later: two thin gold bands. I would have thrown a proper celebration for my children, but, well, they made their own decisions.
Theres only one thing about hera bit too polished, isnt she? Id admitted to my friend Margaret, but Id already resolved to have a proper conversation with my daughter-in-law.
Charlotte, my new daughter-in-law, was pleasant enough. Shed certainly given my George a gentle push in the right directionhelped him find a great job in London, and is still encouraging him to pursue his career. For years, he floated along without real ambition. Id started to worry, but it’s all come together, thank goodness.
Charlotte really only had one flaw in my eyesshe always seemed so groomed and put-together. Off to the beauty salon, haircut here, manicure there, massages A fortune, I imagine, goes on it all. I cant help but think a married woman, putting her family first, shouldnt focus so much on herself. If they end up with children, will she be getting her nails done instead of buying George new shoes? Ive never approved of that in my heart. I always put myself last, especially after Peter died. Neither of my sons, even well into adulthood, ever stopped needing a bit of help from Mum.
My thoughts were interrupted by the doorbellthe children had arrived. Charlotte walked into the lounge like a film star, her hair perfectly styled, nails immaculate, hardly any makeup but glowing thanks to her beauty therapists clever touch.
My, Charlotte! You look stunning! I exclaimed, genuinely. I tried to hide the tiny note of disapproval in my voice. Is that a new suit?
Yes, bought it just yesterday, she replied, smiling. We had a good bonus at work.
Well, best to put something aside when bonuses come in, I couldnt help but remark. All my bonuses, overtime, and that thirteenth payment go straight into a rainy day fund. Believe me, youll be glad of it!
Charlotte stayed quiet. I admire hersuch a lovely woman, utterly devoted to my sonbut I sense she believes rainy days come faster if youre always saving for them.
The evening went nicely enough. Although, I could tell she knew that I was trying to gently broach the subject of unnecessary expenses, more than once.
Halfway through, Charlotte finally asked, Anna, when was the last time you had your nails done?
Oh, I I dont really, I stumbled. Just tidy them up at homebit of hand cream, keep them clean. Thats all I need.
No one else seemed to notice that exchange, but it struck something in Charlotte. You could see it in her eyesa sort of sympathy. Imagine, she must have thought, raising two sons, both earning decent livings now, and not feeling able to spend anything on myself.
George, does your mum do anything for herself these days? I overheard Charlotte asking my son as they left.
Not really. Well, she cooked tonight. She catches up with neighbours, watches a bit of TV. Why?
I just think she needs some fun. You could take her to the cinema, or the theatre, or a nice restaurant
Oh, Mum wouldnt know what to do with herself, love. Honestly.
Charlotte fell silent then, but I knew it had settled in her mind. She often mentioned how her own mother, despite having little, always found new dresses, kept her haircut smart, and took out a season ticket to the city theatre for the pleasure of it.
Three days later, Charlotte rang and suggested a walk and a coffee dateand, Why not pop into the salon as well? Im seeing my beauty therapist and you can have any treatment you like, just to try it. I was horrified at first.
Oh goodness, theres no need. Ill wait for you in the foyer or outside, love.
Why wait? Half an hour, an hoursurely its worth trying! We could at least sort out your nails, do a hand massage?
With much persuasion, I finally agreed. Charlotte called aheadof course, the staff knew her welland gave them strict instructions.
Ladies, please, treat my mother-in-law like royalty. Offer her anythingpedicure, mask, whatever. If she asks about cost, tell her its all taken care of. If you win her over, youll have a new regular!
So, on the day, Charlotte marched me (somewhat reluctantly) into the salon and handed me over to the experts.
Just half an hour, right Charlotte? I asked, nervous. Will I need to pay?
As one of the beauticians swept me away, Charlotte took a seat in the foyer. She spent the time catching up on work emailsshe hadnt booked in any treatments for herself.
I didnt come out for almost two hours, and I felt wonderfulrelaxed, pampered. The staff really knew their craft.
Oh, Charlotte, I had the full works! Lovely coffee, herbal tea, everyone so friendly. But, goodness, how much did all this cost? I bet its shockingly expensive.
Oh, were running a special today! the receptionist piped up, catching on. Bring a friend, and they get the treatment for free. Sonothing at all, not a penny!
Charlotte and I then wandered over to a cosy coffee shop nearby. I took a sip of cappuccino and lounged in the comfy chair.
Why dont we do this more often? Charlotte grinned. There are always good deals for regulars, you knowand didnt you enjoy yourself?
I did. I never realised it could be so nice, I confessed.
You should have done it sooner.
Well, in the old days The boys were small, and, bless him, Peter always watched the pennies. And after that, there didnt seem any point.
But now there is, Charlotte replied firmly. Keep me company, will you? Its no fun on my own.
I suppose I could join you. Sometimes.
And so, it became a quiet traditionCharlotte taking me along to the salon now and then. The diplomatic dear even helped me spruce up my wardrobe, swearing everything was on sale. She nudged George to invite me out to dinner, and soon we were all off to the cinema together. For Christmas, Charlotte gave me a season pass to the Oxford Playhouse.
You look younger, you know, the neighbours told me, smiling.
Oh, its just the younger ones dragging me along, Id say, grinning bashfully.
But honestly, for the first time in years, here in retirement, mother to two grown men, I felt like my youth had only just begun.
