Your wife is getting too full of herself, you should explain to her the proper way to behave admonished Davids mother.
Emily dear, my housewarming is tomorrow! Ive invited so many people, and you know the new flat isnt set up at all. Will you help me out?
Of course, Mrs. Brown, Emily replied politely, though shed planned an entirely different sort of weekend.
And so it began. Canapés for thirty, Caesar salad, platters of cold cut meats, an artful arrangement of fruit, floral decorations, moving and positioning furniture.
Imagine this: instead of a romantic dinner with her husband on Friday night, she found herself trundled off to Tesco for an endless shopping trip. By dawn Saturday, Emily was prepping and chopping in a flat that wasnt hers.
David, would you help me arrange the chairs at least? Emily pleaded to her husband.
You know best how to make things look nice, he waved dismissively, thumbing through the football scores on his mobile.
By three oclock, Mrs. Browns new flat had been transformed. The drawing room boasted a lavish buffet, tastefully arranged flowers, everything immaculate. Emily stood surveying her work and felt utterly spent.
Guests started arriving promptly at four. Mrs. Browns colleagues, old neighbours from the previous place, her closest friends each one embraced the host, admired the new flat, offered housewarming gifts.
Emily was alone in the kitchen, slicing lemons.
And wheres your daughter-in-law? one guest queried.
Oh, shes fussing in the kitchen, Mrs. Brown replied with a casual flick of her hand. Emily! Come and say hello!
Emily emerged; she smiled and greeted everyone.
How caring your daughter-in-law is! exclaimed a woman in a tailored suit. Such dexterous hands!
Yes, I trained her well, Mrs. Brown laughed, basking in the praise. I have such reliable help now.
And then the absurdity. There was no chair for Emily.
Oh Emily darling, you wouldnt have time to sit anyway, Mrs. Brown said apologetically. Better to keep an eye on the refreshments, bring round the plates, love.
Emily nodded. There was nothing else she could do.
So she stood out of the way not as a guest, but as a waitress, ferrying nibbles, refilling sparkling wine, clearing away napkins. At the table, animated conversations, laughter, lively toasts.
Remember, Linda, one colleague reminisced, how things were at the old office
Emily listened, silent, like an outsider to someone elses memories.
Emily, could you refresh the fruit? Mrs. Brown called loudly.
Emily returned to the kitchen, washed grapes, arranged them on a platter.
How splendid! the guests cheered. Mrs. Brown, you have a real gem helping you!
David was so wise to choose such a capable wife! the woman in the suit chimed in. Dinners probably always ready, house always spotless!
Everyone laughed. Even David smiled, evidently proud.
Proud of what? That he married himself a free housekeeper?
But the evening was just warming up.
The conversations grew looser, as more wine was poured. The atmosphere shifted, voices rose as the families blended.
Linda dear, tell us about how David drove all the girls mad at uni! giggled one of Mrs. Browns oldest friends.
Oh, whats the use remembering! Mrs. Brown exclaimed mock-modestly, though she couldnt hide her pleasure at being the centre of attention. All the girls fancied him! Twenty years old, and already such a charmer!
Everyone chuckled. David went red, but his embarrassment was half-hearted; he was used to his mothers high praises.
Emily continued wiping glasses at the side table. No one paid her any heed she was simply part of the furniture. Necessary, but invisible.
And at university, there were queues of girls after him! Mrs. Brown went on, bragging. The dean joked, David will be a real Don Juan! And he was! Plenty of romances before Emily came along.
Thats enough, Mum, David tried mild protest.
Oh, really! Emily knows shes not the first, Mrs. Brown laughed. A man has to live a little! How else will he make a home?
The woman in the suit nodded approvingly, Quite right, Linda. Its best when a husbands seasoned.
Exactly, Mrs. Brown confirmed, And Emily is so calm. Not the jealous sort!
All eyes turned to Emily. They waited for her reaction, for her to confirm she truly was calm.
Emily nodded. What else could she do?
Emily, how did you and David meet? a neighbour asked warmly.
Emily opened her mouth but Mrs. Brown leapt in first:
At the bank! Hed just become a manager, she was working as a consultant. Straightaway it was obvious serious girl, very responsible.
Responsible. It sounded like a reference for a job.
I told David, Pay attention to that girl. Not flighty, but homey. Perfect for family life!
Just imagine being spoken about as if youre goods. Suitable for family life.
And it paid off! the suited woman cheered, See how handy she is! Orchestrated the whole housewarming, fed everyone!
Oh, I knew from the start this one could be trusted with family, Mrs. Brown told everyone with pride. Not like all those modern self-absorbed girls!
What was truly appalling though David sat in silence. He didnt object, didnt say, Mum, thatll do. Simply sat and listened as his wife was discussed like a thoroughbred mare at an auction.
Any plans for little ones? inevitably, that question surfaced. Linda, you must be longing to be a grandmother!
Mrs. Brown sighed, dramatically.
I dream of it! But young people keep putting it off work, one thing or another. And its not as though time stands still!
Emily felt her cheeks burning. That topic was painful. For two years, she and David had been struggling to have a child. Emily underwent discreet medical checks, took supplements. All was fine, but each passing month brought fresh disappointment.
Well, its their business, really, the neighbour interjected tactfully.
Of course! Mrs. Brown agreed, But Ive dropped hints its time! Years are marching on, Id love to cuddle grandchildren!
Emily bit her lip. Dropped hints? She asked nearly every week Any good news yet? And Emily would blush and stammer apologies.
Perhaps they arent quite ready? another guest suggested gently.
Not ready for what? Mrs. Brown dismissed the idea. By their age wed had children already! Now its all not ready, not ready. Maternal instinct doesnt just vanish!
Emily quietly moved toward the window.
Emily darling! Mrs. Brown called out. Why so downcast? Come here, were talking about important things!
Emily approached and stood beside Davids armchair.
Look at Davids wife, Mrs. Brown continued, So docile. If I say, she does it, not like the young women these days. Theyre all about demands.
And what rights does a wife have? the suited woman mused, Most important is that the husband is happy, the family flourishes.
Exactly! agreed another guest, A womans happiness is found in family, in children.
Emily listened, her spirit winding ever tighter. They talked about her, but not to her.
Linda, do you remember Davids first serious girlfriend? someone asked, Wasnt her name Sophie?
Oh dont remind me! Mrs. Brown laughed, There was such a girl. Pretty, but with too much spirit. Glad it ended!
What happened? the guests asked with curiosity.
Mrs. Brown glanced round,
Oh, she was impossible. Always had to have her say, always contradicted me. Not a wife, a punishment! I told David, Son, think twice. Do you want a quarrelsome one?
David shifted awkwardly but remained quiet.
And you did right! the suited woman praised, A mother best knows who suits her son.
Emily, could you please bring more ice? Mrs. Brown requested again.
Emily nodded and went to the kitchen. She opened the freezer, fetched the ice, and stood staring at the cubes.
It suddenly hit her: she wasnt part of this celebration. She was the help.
Emily stood with the ice bucket, gazing out at the city as dusk crept in. On neighbouring balconies, warm lights glowed; there, people lived their own lives.
From the drawing room, laughter and singing wafted through, someone belting out karaoke, the rest joining in.
Emily darling! Mrs. Brown called, Wheres the ice? And do put the coffee on, please!
Emily switched on the coffee maker, picked up the ice, and went in.
And heres our hard worker! the suited woman joked, Emily, why so serious? Join the fun!
Shes tired, Mrs. Brown brushed off, Been on her feet all day. Its nothing, a woman must manage. Its her lot, caring for family.
Of course! the neighbour agreed, Let the man earn!
But dont I earn too? Emily asked quietly.
The room fell silent as everyone turned towards her.
Sorry, dear? Mrs. Brown asked, perplexed.
I said dont I earn money too? Emily repeated, louder.
David frowned, Emily, must you?
Aunt Helen said the man earns, the woman rests. But I earn as well, dont I?
The guests exchanged glances; no one had expected this turn.
Well, you do, of course, the suited woman said placatingly, But its different.
How different?
Well, she hesitated, Youre a consultant. Davids a project manager. More responsibility, isnt it?
So my work doesnt count, then? My household tasks are mine as well? So I work at the bank, then come home and do all this. David only works at the office, but he gets to relax.
An uneasy silence descended upon the room.
Emily, what are you on about? David said irritably, Whats this for?
Just that, Emily placed the bucket down, Ive prepared everything for this party: shopping, cooking, decorating. Ive worked all day today and there wasnt even a seat for me at the table.
We didnt mean to! Mrs. Brown hastily said, It was an oversight.
Oversight, Emily agreed. No one thought of me. Because Im the help here.
Emily! David snapped, Thats enough!
Stop what? Telling the truth?
Emily, calm down, one guest attempted to intervene, Youre just tired.
Enough drama, Mrs. Brown insisted sternly, Making a scene in front of guests!
But its all right to discuss my marriage in front of everyone? To bring up that I havent had children thats fine? To talk about Davids ex-girlfriends?
Mrs. Brown paled.
I didnt mean it
You spoke of Sophie. How lucky David is that his wife is convenient. And everyone nodded yes, better to have a wife whos easy.
Emily looked everyone in the eye.
You know what? Sophie was right! You shouldnt ever let yourself become free assistance!
What are you getting at? David rose from his chair, What helper?
Do you know what I wished for today? Emily lowered her voice. To hear: Meet my wife. She works at the bank. Shes clever, talented. But instead, I heard: How handy. How docile. Just right for a family.
Emily, please David started.
What about me? Emily cut him off sharply, You sat silent! When your mum called me convenient you said nothing! When Aunt Helen talked about a wifes place nothing! When everyone dissected my private life again, not a word!
Her voice quivered. The tears shed stifled all evening finally surfaced.
You know what? Im tired of being easy!
Emily wiped her eyes.
Sorry for ruining your party. But I cant play the perfect daughter-in-law anymore.
And she walked for the door.
Emily, wait! David called, Where are you going?
Out on the balcony. I need some air, she told him candidly, without stopping. You all carry on. Therell be no more help tonight.
The balcony door shut behind her. Inside, voices and music were muffled. Outdoors, beneath the stars, Emily could finally be herself.
She could cry.
Emily sat alone for over an hour, at first crying out her shame, her anger, her relief. Then she dried her tears and gazed at the city lights.
Muted voices floated from the flat. Most guests had likely gone she made out only two: David and Mrs. Brown.
I just dont understand her! Mrs. Brown huffed. Acting like that in front of everyone!
Mum, maybe shes not entirely wrong, David replied, hesitant.
How can she not be? Shouting at her elders, ruining the celebration?
Emily listened in.
She did go above and beyond all day.
So what? I worked too when I was young! Didnt complain! Family is hard work, David. A woman should know her place.
Emily smiled bitterly. Even now, Mrs. Brown hadnt understood a thing.
All the same
No all the same! Talk to her seriously. Tell her how things ought to be. Shes gotten too bold lately.
Emily re-entered the flat. David and Mrs. Brown were standing in the messy lounge.
A serious talk a splendid idea, Emily said, voice calm.
They both flinched.
Emily dear, Mrs. Brown began, ingratiating, Come now, dont be cross. We never mean harm.
I know, Emily nodded, Youre simply not used to me speaking up.
Emily, lets talk at home, David pleaded.
No. It started here; it ends here.
Emily sat down in one of the vacant guests chairs.
David, Im going to my parents tomorrow. For a week. I need to think.
Think about what? David was anxious.
Whether I want to stay in a family where Im not respected.
Dont exaggerate, David tried again.
This isnt exaggeration, Emily replied steadily. This is a choice. Either things change, or I change my life.
Mrs. Brown tutted, There we go youngsters and their ultimatums!
David, if you care about our marriage, think. Not about putting me in my place, but about why your wife was crying on the balcony while your mother enjoyed her applause.
A week later, David came to see Emily at her parents house. He sat in their kitchen, twisting his wedding ring anxiously.
Emily, please come home. Things will be different.
Emily studied him for a long moment.
All right. We can try.
She never cried at family gatherings again.
She learned to insist on her right to respect.
