Your wife is getting awfully cheeky. You ought to tell her how she should behave, tutted Davids mother.
Rebecca, love, Ive got the housewarming tomorrow! Ive invited loads of people, and you know Ive barely unpacked. Will you help me out?
Of course, Mrs. Baker, Rebecca replied, though shed made different plans for the weekend.
And so it all began. Thirty plates of canapés, a Caesar salad, meat platters, fruit arrangements, decorating the lounge, rearranging furnitureRebecca was enlisted for it all.
Imagine: Friday night, instead of a cosy dinner with her husband, she drove to Tesco. By six in the morning Saturday, she was already cooking in her mother-in-laws new flat.
David, could you help me set out the chairs? Rebecca pleaded with her husband.
Oh, you know how to make it all look nice, he waved her off, scrolling through headlines on his phone.
By three oclock, Mrs. Bakers flat was transformed. There was an elegant buffet in the lounge, the flowers were arranged perfectly, and everything had a touch of class. Rebecca surveyed it all, feeling exhausted.
The first guests arrived right at four. Mrs. Bakers colleagues, old neighbours, friendseveryone hugged the hostess, marvelled at the new home, and gave housewarming gifts.
Rebecca stood in the kitchen, slicing lemons.
Wheres your daughter-in-law? someone asked.
Shes running around in the kitchen, Mrs. Baker answered with a casual flick of her hand. Rebecca, come and say hello!
Rebecca stepped out, smiled at the group, and exchanged greetings.
Oh, your daughter-in-law is so caring! gushed a woman in a tailored suit. Shes really a dab hand at things!
Yes, Ive raised her well, Mrs. Baker replied smugly. Now Ive got a proper rock to rely on.
Then came the twist. No seat was saved for Rebecca.
Oh, Rebecca, you wouldnt be sitting much anyway, Mrs. Baker apologised. Best keep an eye on the nibbles and bring out the plates.
Rebecca nodded. What else could she do?
So she stood to the side like a waitressrefreshing drinks, passing around hors doeuvres, sweeping up napkins. Meanwhile, everyone at the table was caught up with chatter, laughter, and toasts.
Remember, Linda, that time at your old job? one of Mrs. Bakers colleagues began.
Rebecca listened quietly to memories from a life she wasnt really part of.
Rebecca, could you refresh the fruit? Mrs. Baker called out.
Rebecca went to the kitchen, washed grapes, and arranged them on a plate.
How lovely! exclaimed the guests. Mrs. Baker, youve got a real gem helping you.
David was clever to pick such a homely wife, added the lady in the suit. I bet theres always dinner ready and the place is spotless!
Everyone laughed. David smiled proudly too.
Proud of what? Having a free housekeeper?
But the evening only got more interesting.
The guests grew more relaxed, voices louder, jokes frequent.
Linda, tell us about when David drove all the girls mad at university! giggled one of Mrs. Bakers oldest friends.
Oh, thats ancient history now! Mrs. Baker protested, but it was plain she enjoyed all eyes on her. The whole year fancied him! Twenty and already such a handsome lad!
Laughter filled the room. David blushedit was an act; he was used to his mums high praise.
Rebecca stood by the service table, polishing glasses. No one acknowledged her. She was convenient, but invisible.
And at uni, the girls queued up for David! Mrs. Baker boasted. Even the dean joked, Davids a bit of a Casanova. And it turned out true! So many romances before Rebecca!
All right, Mum, David tried to stop her, feebly.
What? Rebecca knows shes not the only one, Mrs. Baker laughed. A man needs experience! How else can he start a family?
The woman in the suit nodded approvingly:
Exactly! Its for the bestthe husbands should know whats what.
Spot on! Mrs. Baker agreed. Rebecca isnt the jealous type.
Everyone turned to Rebecca. Waiting for her confirmation that she was calm and undemanding.
Rebecca nodded. She saw no other option.
Rebecca, how did you and David meet? the neighbour asked.
Rebecca started to speak, but Mrs. Baker interjected:
At the bank! Hed just become a manager, she was a consultant. Straight away I sawproper girl, sensible, reliable.
Reliable. Like a reference for a job.
I said to David, pay attention to this one. Not flighty, shes homely. Good for a family!
Imagine hearing yourself discussed like a commodity. Good for a family.
And shes proved it! declared the woman in the suit. Shes done all this for your housewarming!
Yes, well, Mrs. Baker puffed with pride. I always knewI could trust her to keep the family together. Not like those selfish girls these days.
And the hardest bitDavid stayed silent. He didnt object. He didnt say, Mum, enough. He just listened as his wife was appraised like a show horse at auction.
So whenre you planning little ones? The inevitable question. Linda, youre hoping for grandchildren?
Mrs. Baker sighed dramatically:
I am! But these young folks, always waitingwork, this, that. Times ticking!
Rebecca felt her cheeks flush. It was a sore spot. She and David had tried for nearly two years. Shed seen doctors in secret, taken vitamins, done all she could. For now things were fine, but every month came with disappointment.
Well, its up to them, the neighbour said diplomatically.
Of course! Mrs. Baker agreed. But Ive hinted enoughits time! The years slip by, you know.
Rebecca pressed her lips together. Hinted? She asked weekly, Any news yet? And Rebecca blushed and muttered apologies.
Maybe theyre just not ready? one guest offered hesitantly.
Not ready for what? Mrs. Baker waved her off. We had ours at their age, didnt we? Now its all not ready this, not ready that. Maternal instinct hasnt gone anywhere!
Rebecca stepped away to the window.
Rebecca! Mrs. Baker called. Dont mope. Come here, were talking about important things.
Rebecca came closer, standing near Davids chair.
Look at Davids wifeso easy-going, Mrs. Baker went on. You ask, she does. Not like the ones nowadays, always complaining.
What rights does a wife really have? mused the woman in the suit. The main thing is the husbands happiness and a thriving family.
Absolutely! chimed another. A womans happiness is in her family and children.
Rebeccas heart tightened. They talked about her, but not with her.
Linda, do you remember Davids first serious girlfriend? Was it Amy? asked someone.
Oh, dont remind me! Mrs. Baker laughed. She had spirit, all right. Pretty, but argumentative. Thank heavens they broke up.
Why was that? the guests wanted to know.
Mrs. Baker shot a meaningful look:
She was impossiblealways had to have her say, challenged everyone, never agreed. Not wife material! I told David then, think carefully. Is that who you want?
David shifted awkwardly but said nothing.
You were right! the woman in the suit applauded. A mother knows best. Otherwise men would struggle for life.
Rebecca, can you bring out more ice? Mrs. Baker asked.
Rebecca nodded and went to the kitchen, retrieved the ice. She stared at the cubes.
And then it hit her: she wasnt part of this celebration. She was staff.
Rebecca stood in the kitchen, clutching the ice bucket, and gazed out the window. Night was falling. Across the road, lights shone from balconiespeople living their own lives.
The lounge was filled with music and chatter. Someone sang karaoke, guests joined in.
Rebecca! Mrs. Baker yelled. Wheres that ice? And put the coffee on please!
Rebecca automatically turned on the coffee maker, picked up the ice, and walked into the lounge.
Heres our hard worker! the woman in the suit piped. Rebecca, why so serious? Enjoy yourself!
Shes worn out, Mrs. Baker said dismissively. Been on her feet all day. Thats womens work. Thats our lotto look after the family.
Absolutely, agreed the neighbour. A mans role is to earn the money!
Dont I earn money? Rebecca quietly asked.
Everyone stopped and looked at her.
Sorry, dear? Mrs. Baker asked, bewildered.
I asked if I dont earn money too? Rebecca repeated more loudly.
David frowned, Rebecca, whats the point?
Its just that Mrs. Cooper said the man earns and gets to relax. So I wondereddo I not earn money?
Guests exchanged glances. They hadnt expected this twist.
Well, of course you work, the suited woman conceded. But its not the same, is it?
Whats different then?
Well, she hesitated. Youre a consultant. Davids a project manager. He has more responsibility.
Right. So my job doesnt count. And the housework is mine too. I work in the office and at home. David works in the office. Yet he gets to rest.
There was awkward silence.
Rebecca, wheres all this coming from? David said, annoyed. Whats the relevance?
The relevance is, Rebecca put down the ice, I spent two days prepping for this housewarming. Shopping, cooking, decorating. Today Ive been on my feet all day, and didnt get a chair at the table.
We didnt mean it! Mrs. Baker said, flustered. Just miscalculated, is all.
Miscalculated, Rebecca nodded. Because you didnt think of me. Im just the help to you all.
Rebecca! David snapped. Stop it!
Stop what? Speaking the truth?
Rebecca, calm down, a guest tried to intervene. Its just stress.
Dont disgrace us! Mrs. Baker insisted. No dramatic scenes in front of everyone!
And airing my family life is fine? Saying I have no children is fine? Telling stories about Davids exes is fine?
Mrs. Baker went pale.
I didnt mean to
You spoke of Amyhow glad you were she left because she had her own views. And everyone agreedgood thing David married someone easy.
Rebecca looked around the room.
But you know what? Amy was right! I never shouldve let myself be turned into a free helper!
What are you going on about? David stood up. Helper?
Do you know what I wished for today? Rebeccas voice was quiet now. Just once to hear, Meet my wife. She works at the bank. Shes smart and capable. Instead, it’s always, So homely. So compliant. Good for family.
Rebecca, come on, David began.
What? That you stayed silent? Whenever Mum said how easy I amyou said nothing! When Mrs. Cooper talked about a wifes rightsyou said nothing! When everyone discussed my lifeyou said nothing!
Her voice quivered. Tears shed kept back throughout the evening finally spilled over.
Im tired of being convenient!
Rebecca wiped her face.
Sorry for spoiling your party. But I cant keep playing the perfect daughter-in-law.
She walked towards the door.
Rebecca, wait! David called. Where are you going?
To the balcony. For air, she replied, not looking back. You all carry on without your staff.
The balcony door shut behind her. Cars hummed below, lights flickered, and at last Rebecca could be herself.
She let herself cry.
Rebecca stayed on the balcony for over an hour. First she criedfrom hurt, humiliation, and relief. Then she dried her eyes and gazed at the city lights.
Muted voices drifted in from inside. The guests had left, only David and Mrs. Baker remained.
Ive no idea whats got into her! Mrs. Baker grumbled. Making a scene in front of everyone!
Mum, maybe shes not completely wrong, David said shakily.
What dyou mean not wrong? Yelling at her elders? Ruining the celebration?
Rebecca listened.
She did work all day.
So what? I worked hard in my day too! Never complained! Family is effort, David. Women should know their place.
Rebecca gave a bitter smile. Even after everything, Mrs. Baker hadn’t learned.
But still
No buts! You need to talk to her properly. Show her how she ought to behave. Shes lost her way.
Rebecca stepped inside. David and Mrs. Baker stood among the dishes in the lounge.
A proper talk is a good idea, Rebecca said evenly.
They jumped.
Rebecca, dear, Mrs. Baker pleaded. We didnt mean any harm.
I know, Rebecca replied. Youre just not used to me speaking out.
Lets talk at home, please, David begged.
No. What started here finishes here.
Rebecca sat in one of the empty armchairs.
David, Im going to my parents tomorrow. For a week. I need to think.
Think about what? David was alarmed.
Whether I want to keep living in a family where Im not valued.
Dont be dramatic, he sighed.
Its not drama, David. Its choice. Either this changes, or I change my life.
Mrs. Baker scoffed,
Young peoplealways ultimatums!
David, if our marriage means anything to you, think. Not about putting me in my place. About why your wife cried on the balcony while your mother took all the praise.
A week later David was at Rebeccas parents kitchen table, nervously spinning his ring.
Rebecca, come home. I promiseitll be different.
Rebecca looked at him for a long time.
All right. Well try.
She never cried at family gatherings again.
Because she had finally learned to stand up for her own dignityand that respect starts at home.
