Dont you dare dress like that in my house, hissed the mother-in-law before the guests arrived.
Margaret, have you seen my spectacles? I think I left them on the side table, Edith called out, stepping into the kitchen where her daughter-in-law was arranging the holiday salad with meticulous care.
Have a look in the case, Edith. I tidied the sitting room earlier and put them there, Margaret replied without glancing up, her fingers deftly shaping each slice of cucumber.
Edith pursed her lips but said nothing. In her mind, no one ought to meddle with anothers belongings, no matter how well-intentioned. Especially not hers. But tonight was importantthirty years since she had moved into this grand old house with its high ceilings and antique furniture passed down from her own mother-in-law. Though the deed now belonged to her son, Arthur, she still ruled it with quiet authority.
Margaret had only been part of the household for two yearsa whirlwind marriage after a mere three months of courtship. To Edith, she was too modern, too outspoken, with her university education and progressive notions.
The salads nearly done, Margaret said, transferring her creation to a fine china platter. Ill just slip upstairs to change before the guests arrive.
Youre not planning to wear that red dress, I hope? Edith remarked casually, smoothing her immaculately coiffed silver hair.
Margaret hesitated, then met her mother-in-laws gaze.
Actually, I am. Arthur chose it himself for our anniversary.
Its hardly suitable for a family supper, Edith clipped. Far too revealing. That lovely blue frock I gave you last Christmas would be far more appropriate.
Margaret exhaled slowly. The blue dressprim, high-collared, something a schoolgirl might wearhad only been donned once, out of politeness. Since then, it had languished in the back of her wardrobe.
Edith, at thirty-two, I rather think I can decide what to wear.
Naturally, Edith replied with a strained smile. Only remember, my friends are of a different generation. They have certain expectations of decorum.
Without waiting for a reply, she swept out, leaving Margaret alone with her simmering irritation.
Upstairs, Arthur was buttoning a crisp white shirt. He grinned at his wife.
Ready to face the esteemed gathering?
Nearly, Margaret said, reaching for the red dress. Your mothers taken issue with my wardrobe again.
Arthur sighed.
Ignore her. Shes just anxious about making a good impression in front of her friends.
On her, or on me? Margaret studied the dresselegant, yes, with a modest décolletage and a slight slit in the skirt. Hardly scandalous.
Margaret, not tonight, all right? Arthur wrapped his arms around her. This evening means a great deal to her. Thirty years in this houseits her whole life.
And my dignity matters too, she murmured. Im not a child to be dressed by someone elses hand.
Arthur hesitated, torn.
Wear what you like, he said finally. Youre beautiful in anything.
She kissed his cheek, forcing down her frustration for his sake.
By six, the guests arrivedold friends from Ediths days at the architectural firm, the sharp-tongued neighbour Harriet, and others she had known for decades. Arthur and Margaret greeted them warmly, though Edith held court in the parlour, arranging dishes with practised ease.
When Margaret slipped into the kitchen to fetch the main course, Edith intercepted her, pulling a golden pie from the oven.
Ill bring the beef Wellington in a moment, Margaret said. Theyre already raving about your famous recipe.
Edith nodded, but her eyes fixed on Margarets dress.
Must you wear something so attention-seeking? she muttered.
Weve discussed this, Margaret replied evenly. Its perfectly suitable.
In my day, modesty was the mark of a lady. The pie dish clattered as she set it down.
Margarets cheeks burned, but she held her tonguenot here, not now.
Back in the parlour, laughter filled the air as Arthur regaled the guests with a story. Margaret set down the platter, only for Edith to interject:
Margaret dear, would you fetch more bread? Were running low.
A liethe basket was still half full. But Margaret nodded, retreating to the kitchen. Behind her, Ediths voice carried:
One must train a daughter-in-law properly. The youth these days have no sense of propriety.
Margaret stiffened, then turned on her heel.
Theres plenty of bread still, Edith, she said, reclaiming her seat.
Ediths lips thinned, but she said nothing. The evening wore ontoasts, reminiscences, polite chatterthough tension thickened between them.
Then, over dessert, Harriet fixed Margaret with a keen look.
My dear, youre a vision in that dress! Like something from a London boutique.
Ediths smile was brittle.
Margaret does have modern tastes. Though modesty never goes out of style.
Oh, fiddle with modesty! Harriet waved a hand. If I had your figure, Margaret, Id wear the same. A woman ought to shine while she can.
Margaret smiled gratefully.
When the teakettle whistled, she rose, only for Edith to follow. In the kitchen, the older woman shut the door with a snap.
How dare you humiliate me like this? she seethed. That dress is vulgaran insult to me and my guests!
Margaret stepped back, stunned.
Its just a dress, Edith.
Dont play innocent! You flaunt yourself to spite meto show my rules mean nothing!
No, Margaret said firmly. I wore it because its lovely, and because Arthur likes it. Your son, might I remind you.
Arthur is too soft! And you twist him to your will!
The door swung openArthur stood there, his expression dark.
Whats going on?
Nothing, darling, Edith said smoothly. Just discussing Margarets choice of attire.
I heard you, Mother. His voice was quiet. And I wont tolerate it.
This is my home!
No. Its ours. Yours, mine, and Margarets. And we all belong here.
Silence fell, broken only by Harriets laughter from the parlour.
Margaret exhaled.
I never meant to cause a scene. Had I known it would upset you so, Id have worn something else.
Ediths face waveredanger, hurt, then something like shame.
Mother, Arthur said gently. Margaret has worked all day to make this perfect for you. She respects you. But you must respect her tooher choices, her right to be herself.
Edith looked away.
Perhaps I overstepped, she admitted stiffly. But in my time
Times change, Edith, Margaret said. Kindness and respect never do.
The teakettle shrilled again.
Shall we rejoin the guests? Arthur suggested.
Edith noddedbut as Margaret moved to lift the tray, she stopped her.
Wait. Her voice was unsteady. You do look beautiful in that dress. Harriet was rightyouth ought to be enjoyed.
Margaret blinked. In two years, Edith had never once conceded.
Thank you, she said softly. That means more than you know.
Back in the parlour, no one seemed to notice their absence save Harriet, whose knowing glance went unspoken.
The evening ended on warmer notes. Edith even asked where Margaret had bought the dress»for my dear friend Beatrice, who might fancy something similar.»
As the guests departed, Harriet lingered.
Fifty years Ive known you, Edith, she murmured. And never once have I heard you apologise. Until tonight.
Edith feigned ignorance.
Oh, stop. Harriet chuckled. Something shifted in that kitchen. And its for the better. Your Margarets a gem. Arthurs happy. Isnt that what matters?
When the taxi arrived, Edith returned to find Margaret and Arthur clearing the table.
Leave it, she said. Well manage tomorrow. Tonight was rather lovely. Lets not spoil it with chores.
They stared.
But, Mother, Arthur said, you always insist
Rules, Edith interrupted with a rare smile, are made to be broken. Isnt that so, Margaret?
Margaret matched her smile. Especially when it brings us joy.
Arthur drew them both into an embracethree generations, three hearts, one family. Flawed, clashing, but bound together.
Then Edith chuckled.
You know, I rather think I saw a dress like yours in Harrods. Only in blue. Do you suppose it might suit me?
And for the first time in years, they laughedtruly, freelytogether.
