Margarita Petrovnas Grand Entrance
Mary! Thats not a stew! Thats some sort of mystery medley! Darling, youre a marvellous solicitor, just stick with the law! Leave the kitchen to those less fortunate in the head.
Margo, Im not a woman! Masha couldve howled with frustration.
Why did even the simplest dishes elude her? Shed never dared attempt anything ambitious. Their family had long ago cast their roles in stone.
Vera was the homemaker, Masha the clever one, and Tanya was the wild soul, who could twist any gear to spin whichever way she pleased. Family gatherings put Vera in charge of the food, while Masha and Tanya ran logistics: cleaning, shopping, organising the childrens entertainment. Especially the last part was Tanyas domain. Only she managed to marshal the Smith Brigade just so the Smith house, where their clan usually convened, remained fairly intact after each gatheringno major repairs or emergency outbuildings needed. The Smiths adored and indulged their children, but strove to raise them properly nonetheless. This, naturally, never had much effect.
All seven of Margo Smiths grandchildren, whom she adored beyond sense, seemed to take after Tanyathe youngest aunt. Even though Tanya herself was now mother to two of those rampaging about the lawn, pretending to be Saxons or the residents of a small town in the north of England, it hadnt slowed her in the least. Tanya sat on the steps, sorting plums for Margos next batch of compote, considering whether to join the rapture. Only Veras censorious glare kept her in check. Vera, furiously slicing tomatoes for yet another salad, muttered clear objections:
Youre no ladyjust a rapscallion, Tanya. When will you ever settle? Mashas a solid sort, Im not bad myself. But you? Playing bunny forever? Roaring about on your motorbike, shouting how grand life is? Children grow up, you know! What will they think of their mother then? Now six years oldsoon theyll be teens and mortified!
Oh, dont exaggerate, Vera! Masha, after peering anxiously at the stew shed toiled over all morning, decisively replaced the lid. Theyve plenty to be proud of. Who else has a mum who can strip and rebuild a motorbike? Can you? I cant even cook a silly soup! Is that no cause for pride?
Of course it is. You cant cook soup but you can do anything in court.
Exactly! See?
See what?
That everyone should stick to what theyre best at.
Well said! Margo, whod missed part of the conversation, swept onto the veranda. The women gasped together and the children, overhearing the change, froze in silent awe at their grandmother, resplendent.
Goodness gracious! Tanyas twins clicked their tongues so perfectly in sync, the sound rang out as one, so loud Margo herself jumped.
The effect is achieved!
She turned slowly before the family, allowing full view of her new dress and the heeled shoesworn only for serious occasions. Today qualified.
Girls, what do you think? Is it acceptable for a lady of a certain age to appear at a rendezvous dressed so, when the man shes meeting last saw her forty years ago?
Margo, youre splendid! Hell be floored!
No need for that! Margo strode proud laps past her gobsmacked kin, hands on hips, nose to the wind. What am I to do with an unconscious man? I must know why, after all these years, he wants to see me. What use am I to him now?
Maybe, Gran, he wants something a woman can give? Veras oldest girl, fifteen-year-old Anne, plopped down beside her aunt and popped half a plum in her mouth. What?
The laughter that followed sent sunning cats fleeing from the railings and plunged Veras trembling toy terrieradopted only last yearinto near hysterics.
Anne, youll be the death of me! Vera wiped streaming eyes and went inside for a cloth while Masha consoled the humiliated little dog.
Margo, what happened between you? She shushed the children, who, sensing adult matters, dashed off for the far corners of the lawn.
Oh, Masha! We had a romance!
Margo pronounced romance with such depth and drama, Anne, about to join the younger ones, sank back down and sighed so profoundly Tanya doubled up with laughter.
Anne, its far too soon for you to worry about such things!
Oh? Whens the right time, then? Anne filched the cloth from her mum, cleaned up a puddle, and sighed again. No private life at all! How old were you, Margo?
Sixteen! Margo shrugged, catching Veras eye. Dont look at me like that. Yes, I was young, hopeless, impossibly silly! Your Anne wont make my mistakesshes wise and beautiful, like you! But she should know about mens slyness, the wounds of young love. Or do you disagree?
Just tell the story already! Tanya, recovering, wiped her tears. Shes not budging nowlet her listen and learn.
Anne, grateful, settled beside the steps, gazing at Grandmathose eyes, green as duckweed in the village pond, so startlingly like Margos own. Everyone who knew the Smiths found it odd, for Margo wasnt truly a blood relative; nor were Vera, Masha and Tanya. Their birth mother had been gone for years.
Margo Smith came into the sisters lives after their mother died. Their father, lost and shattered, couldnt imagine how to go on. His world had vanished, like a pebble plopped into the depths behind his wife, lost to illness.
Vera, eight at the time, was forced to care for her sisters, her pleas always met with: Vera, your mother would know
She dreaded those answers to hiccups and all. She stopped asking, and managed as best she could.
Masha, at five, was sensible enough, but Tanya at twoa wild thing! Lounging nowhere, giving Vera not a single peaceful moment.
Their grandmother came to assist but after a few months, confessed she couldnt handle wild little ones at her age.
Im sorry, son, I just cant! My age, my ailments Your children are more than I can manage. Ill go home to my cottage and my garden. I could take Vera, if you want, but the little ones, youll have to cope on your own.
Vera listened in aghast, heart pounding at the threat of losing all she knew of home and family.
Even Tanya, caught trying to jam her fathers screwdriver into the socket, wailed so fiercely Vera drew her close, shivering with fear.
Dont cry! I wont go! Ill hide! She wont find me, I know just where!
But fortunately, Grandmother didnt look. Their father grunted, shook his head, and the old woman simply left, certain shed done her duty.
A couple of months later, Margo entered their lives.
Tanya, feverish for days and Vera, watching over her, finally knocked at her fathers locked study, begging him to call the doctor.
Vera, Im busyunless its urgent? His voice, strange and far away, made her want to weep.
Fear had become her constant companion. Everything seemed terrifying: getting to school, making porridge Masha would eat, worrying Tanya wouldnt run wild while she was gone. She was frightened of everything, but now, no room for itTanya writhed in sweat, calling for Vera, then for Mum.
Yes, Dad! Its urgent! Tanyas dying!
Perhaps it was her words, or the terror in her voice, but the door opened, the doctor was fetched, and for the first time since their mothers death, Vera exhaled and relinquished command to the adultwho at last did his job.
Dr Margo Smith, paediatrician at the local surgery, was standing in for a colleague. That evening she set out to the Smiths muddy doorstep, cursing roadworks and wondering if her own cats were fed. Waiting at home was a chicken surely long past redemption. Now, shed not be home before midnight, having never learnt to do less than her all.
Afterquiring at the pensioners bench outside, Margo swiftly received the full account, then climbed the stairs. From that moment, she became Veras anchorsolid, all-seeing, the one for whom Vera, a speck in the cosmos, truly mattered.
Summing up the situation in moments, Margo called an ambulance and accompanied Tanya and their father to hospital, delivering him such a talking-to he could only bluster, then blurt out:
What do you want from me?!
Be a father, for heavens sake! Or dont you care at all? No mother, and do you think they need no father either? Wheres your conscience?!
Margo was louder than Veras father and crystal clear. Soon Vera felt at peace, trusting her dad had come backand just for a while, she neednt be the adult any longer. When Margo later hinted shed be their stepmother, Vera was relieved.
The girls greeted Margo differently.
Vera was satisfied; she brought order to their topsy-turvy world. When Margo sat all three down and declared that Mum would always belong to their mother and asked to be called simply Margo, Vera knew they struck lucky.
Not everyone agreed. Masha, the closest to her late mum, resisted fiercely. Vera tried to persuade herlife would only be better nowbut Masha would clap hands to her ears and hum until left alone.
Vera managed as long as possiblethen, seeing Tanya copying Masha, snapped.
Masha! What do I do with you? Youre selfish! Mums gone! I want her too but shes not coming back! I cant be your motherI just cant!
Margo found them sobbing in corners, scooped them together anddespite Mashas protestsrocked them, smoothing hair and backs and bruised noses.
Dont cry, darlings! Your mums gone, its true. But Im here! I cant be your mother, but Ill be your friendand Ill stand for you, always. Understood?
The girls sobbed in earnest, not hiding their tears for the first time. Masha tried to pull away, but Tanya curled up and fell asleep in Margos arms, hiccupping in her dreams. It was a start.
Understanding came later. Through all they faced, Margowhod longed for children and, after a failed operation, had accepted shed never have thembecame the sisters mother in all but name.
Their father died a year after remarrying, distractedly stepping into the road
On hearing, Margo froze, then raced to the school in just her slippers. Catching the perplexed headmistress who hurried to Veras class, she rasped, Let me tell them myself.
At home, she soothed the girls with food, then faced them.
Girls Dad No, thats wrong. Youre not alone! Youve me. Ill never leave you, ever.
The sisters, grasping the tragedy, clung to one another and to Margos solid, kind chest. Life might not be much better, but at least, not so terrifying.
Margo kept her word. The girls stayed with her; since shed started their adoption process already, authorities did not argue.
She left the NHS, found work in two private clinics. Money nearly sufficed. She set about teaching her little sparrows a thing or two.
And those sparrows were fast and headstrong, every one with grand dreams. Whatever the planno matter how wildly it veered from what Margo had imagined for her daughtersshe backed it.
An actress? Thats a surprise! Well, Maria, these things take time, you know Shed pick up the phone, and within two days, Masha would audition at a theatre. Directors also have children, sometimes the same age; its hard to say no to your trusted GP.
After two years, Masha drifted away from actingMargo quietly thankful. The stage is a hard life.
Tanya! If youre intent on breaking your neck, at least do it properly!
She bought a full set of safety gear and a proper motorbike for Tanyaselling her inherited country cottage to fund it, and never regretting it. Her childs safety mattered more. Later, she found a stuntman willing to teach Tanya the ropes.
The money from the sale later went towards Tanyas garage; Margo would just shrug when friends asked:
Why not? Who decreed these professions, anyway? Money comes in, my childs happywhat else is needed?
Vera, the only one never a bother, was always unusually serious. Sometimes Margo would hold her close and whisper:
Breathe, my little one. Im with you!
Vera cherished those moments, feeling again like a small girl, protected and understood.
Margo tried to help, shield and guide as best she could, never with perfect resultsbut, looking back, she knew shed no cause for regret. Shed raised them all; they had families, childrenlife had happened. Wasnt that enough?
Life flowed on, calm and steady, until the phone rang three days ago: a long-forgotten voice stammering her name. Margo dropped her beloved cup of tea, nudged aside Anne, her maths pupil that Tuesday, and tried to grace the armchairbut missed, ending up sprawled on the carpet, blinking into the ceiling, not answering Annes frightened questions.
Call your mother! I need moral and psychological support! Now!
Vera arrived in half an hour, driving furiously and dialling her sisters.
Margo, whats happened?!
Think Ive gone mad.
Thats hardly news! Vera pulled off her coat as Tanya barrelled in.
Youre one to talk! Tanya, driving like a meteor again?
Look at yourself! snapped Tanya, perching her helmet on the cats bed, to its utter indignation. Rest your paws! Dont protest. Its a lovely soft pillow! Margo, what do you think of my masterpiecebeautiful, no?
Superb, if mysterious. What is it meant to be?
A dragon!
Very you. Margo, at last tearing her gaze from the ceiling, asked, Girls, may I go on a date?
What?!
The sisters astonished faces sent Anne giggling to the kitchen to put on the kettle. Maths could wait!
But what a grandmother! Going on a date! With whom, I wonder?
The matter, of course, became the focus for days. Gathering that weekend at Veras big house, Margo suffered through their grilling.
What to tell you? He was my first love! Oh, he was dazzling! That hair, that height His voiceone word and Id melt
Did you love him, Gran?
Madly! Margo rolled her eyes skywards. Loved and suffered.
Why? Why suffer?
Because, dearest, my love was not only unrequited, but a source of great calamity. I lost myself to it. Oh, what poetry!
Oh, tell us, Gran! Do, please!
My child, you cant tell it; you must sing ita proper ballad! But as Im not in fine voice, Ill render my tragedy in mere prose.
Toners down, Gran, said Tanya, eyeing another pail of plums. More realism, less drama!
Dont tease your old Gran, or youll get a certain infamous three-fingered signand no éclairs! warned Margo, fanning herself with Annes neglected maths book like it was an ivory fan.
Ill hush! Just dont keep us in suspenseAnnes desperate!
Yes, Aunty Tanya, its so interesting!
Youre not the only curious one! Our Margo, a vault of secrets! Knows everything about us, but only spills about herself when something truly odd happens.
Better that than you knowing too much! One must preserve their authority!
As if you lack any! Tanya snorted, winked.
Margo settled into her rocking chair, fanning herself, and declared:
Listen, all. No interruptions. Long ago, my first love didnt end with wedding bells. How could it, with me sixteen, he seventeen, and the one who divided us still only eighteen?
She was older? Anne bit her lip, silenced by Tanyas warning look.
Now, the age gap seems silly, but it was a century then. We still had school, she was at universitya neighbour, her mother friends with mine. We knew each other well, even friendly. First lesson for you, Anne: never tell a friend about your dashing boyfriend! Jealousys an insidious blightfirst invisible, then it stains everything, impossible to cleanse. My jealousy was the start; worse followed. I found out they were together when I was already completely lost for him. I was silentsuffering. Too afraid to confess.
Didnt become Jane Eyre, then, Gran?
No, I loved my Brontëread her closely. Perhaps I should have confessedmaybe things wouldve been different. But I kept quiet, cursing my shyness, while feeling sure it was right. Could we have had a future? A few months kissing under a Suffolk moon? He wanted to join the Navy; I wanted to be a doctor. Well, we did achieve our dreams… You know, Margo brightened, tossing aside the exercise book, he wrote to me! Twice. In my first reply, I confessed I loved him.
Hooray! Anne nearly tumbled from the step in excitement.
Tanya caught her, but eyed Margo uncertainly. Her tone was so heavy with sadness the sisters exchanged glances and shivered.
And then? Anne clenched her hands, anxious, but Margo was silent, paused too long.
Tanya considered dragging Anne away and calling an end to the evening, but Margo stirred as though from a trance.
In the second letter, I refused him.
Why?! Anne gaped.
Because, my dear, I could offer him nothing but love. And sometimes a man needs more.
More what?
Children, sweetheart. A legacy. I knew I could never give him that. It isnt right, just to think how you feelyou must love for the other as well. Thats proper love. Second lesson for you: If you find someone who puts your well-being ahead of his ownhold his hand tight and go get married! No doubts.
Anne rubbed a plum between her fingers, stroking its dusky peel, deep in thought.
And then? She peeked at her grandmother, who, tears streaming freely, was crying.
Anne leapt up, hugging her, stooping to kiss away the salt. Dont cry, Gran! You mustnt! Youll spoil your nose and eyesand your makeup cant save you!
True! Margo, grinning, hugged her back. Ill go rest, thena grand entrance needs a fresh face. Its not every day one makes such an appearance!
The sisters watched her go, silentwhat could be said? She always taught them: once the page is turned, dont look back. Keep readingeven if the ending is predictable.
Tanya took the plums inside. Vera cleared and bustled in the kitchen. Masha, book in hammock, soon drifted to sleep, faintly troubled by the hush draping the house, but the dreams took her in their sweet arms before she could wonder too much.
Oh, how shed regret that later!
A few hours later, a car stopped at the gate and a short, elderly man emerged. After checking a slip of paper, he knocked.
Good evening! Might I see Margaret Smith?
Vera, opening the door, arched her browone never knew, perhaps he needed help. When he introduced himself, Vera nearly laughedit was, indeed, Margos hero.
Werent you meant to meet in town?
Yes, but I was free soonerI simply couldnt wait.
I see. Come in. Ill fetch her.
Vera stepped towards the verandafroze, mouth agape.
No wonder.
Margo floated forth, resplendent as a queen, and for a long moment, the whole family was struck dumb.
The Grand Entrance was made.
Margos beauty, enhanced with her grandchildrens help a thousandfold, surpassed all expectation!
Bold black eyelinerby way of the twins new permanent markerrendered Margos eyes so dramatic, Anne fetched the cloth in anticipation, and the poor dog cowered, whimpering under the table, too afraid to risk its fragile nerves.
Her coiffurea forty-minute production by the younger grandkids while Grandma nappedwas a tower adorned with pins and blooms, a fever dream of some championship hairdresser.
Heavens above, Margo! Vera gaspedthen laughed so hard she nearly fell.
The guest, after lingering a minute on one foot (having forgotten the other in astonishment), snatched off his cap. Light flashed from his bald head, and Vera dropped to the pathway, howling, the sisters echoing her.
HaHaHair!
The bewildered guest spun on his heel, deliberated, and promptly joined in the laughter.
Yes! Once I was curly, dashing, and dangerous. Those days are gone! Margo, its a delight to see you!
Margo, now fully awake, caught Annes wide-eyed stare, then darted indoors. A stifled, strangled yell was followed by such peals of laughter that Tanya leapt up, shouting, Im first!and vanished behind the bathroom door.
When the excitement ebbed, and Margo had washed off the grandchildrens artistry, the family gathered on the veranda and the long evening began a new chapter.
A new page was turned.
And the Smith sisters, by unspoken accord, agreed there could never be too many good people in ones life.
If this manso unlike Margos image of himcould brave such scenes and laugh with them, rather than flee, perhaps he really was worthy of the one they loved as the centre of their small universe. Time would tell. The main thing was to allow that time, for he was clearly hoping for itand so was Margo, her eyes bright with hopeful, sea-deep longing.
Vera, passing another cup of tea across, squeezed Margos shoulders for a moment and whispered,
Go on then, dont be afraid. Were right here behind you. Go for it!Margos fingers closed around the teacup. Warmth seeped into her palms. Outside, dusk softened the garden and painted gold onto the laughter that drifted through open windows. She caught her reflection in the glasswrinkles, stubborn and proud; laughter lines delicately etched by truth. The eyes, alive with the future, caught her off guard.
He sat nearby, hands folded, just as uncertain, just as ready. His cap gleamed softly, an anchor from days past, and a promise that boldness was not just for the young.
Margo cleared her throat, the hush returning. Children pressed closer, Vera and her sisters unable to hide their anticipation. The words fluttered in her chesta strange, beautiful bird set free.
“Well,” Margo began, voice rich and steady, “shall we see if old dreams are as sweet in reality?”
He rose, perhaps slower than years ago, but with the same spark she remembered. He offered his arm. Margo hesitatedjust a secondbefore taking it with a grin that shone through every sliver of regret she had ever known.
No grand speeches were needed. The porch grew golden with the sinking sun. The whole family, old and new, gathered in closer, their laughter winding like ivy along the railing, binding past and present.
The teapot steamed, the curtains fluttered in the evening breeze, and Vera, Masha, Tanya, and Annein that momentunderstood. Lifes script was rarely neat, but when the curtain rose, it was love, not perfection, that filled the seats and brought down thunderous applause.
Margo winked at her hero, and he winked backconspirators at the start of something still unwritten. Somewhere a cat yawned and stretched, at ease with the world.
Tonight, there would be stories and memories, cheeky jokes and new beginnings. Tomorrow? That would come in its time. For now, with her hand on his arm, Margo stepped off the veranda, radiant, wholly herselftriumphant queen of everything shed lost and won, sweeping forward into the wildest adventure yet: the one that starts, gloriously, in a room full of love.
And as the velvet evening embraced them, Margos laughter rang out, the bravest sound of allan entrance now, and always, grand.
