Emily pulled her car to a stop just up the road from her mother-in-laws house. The clock read 5:45 PMshed arrived earlier than agreed. Maybe shell actually appreciate my punctuality this time, she thought, smoothing out the wrinkles in her new dress. The giftan antique brooch shed spent months tracking down through collectorswas carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she approached the house, Emily noticed the ground-floor window was slightly ajar. Her mother-in-laws voice carried out clearly:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She didnt even bother to ask what cake I liked! Ordered some fancy dessert instead. Our James always loved a proper Victoria sponge, and she a pause, doesnt even understand that. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet might as well have been glued to the pavement.
Of course, Ive told you beforeshes not right for James. Works all hours at that clinic of hers, barely home. What sort of wife is that? I popped round yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture. And her, naturally, tied up with some complicated surgery!
Everything inside her went still. Emily leaned against the fence, knees trembling. For seven years, shed tried to be the perfect daughter-in-law: cooking, cleaning, remembering every birthday, visiting when her mother-in-law was ill. And all for nothing
No, I havent said a word, but reallyis that the sort of woman my son should be with? He needs a proper family, warmth, care and shes always at conferences or on night shifts. Doesnt even think about children! Can you imagine?
Her head throbbed. Mechanically, she pulled out her phone and dialled her husband.
James? Ill be a bit late. Yes, everythings fine, just traffic.
She turned and walked back to the car. Sliding into the seat, she stared blankly ahead. The words shed just heard echoed in her skull: Could do with more salt, In my day, women stayed home, James works so hard, he needs looking after
Her phone buzzeda text from James: Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile curled her lips. Fine, she thought. If they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.
She started the engine and turned back toward her mother-in-laws house. The plan formed in an instant.
No more trying to please. Time to show them what a proper daughter-in-law could really be like.
Emily swept into the house with her brightest smile. Darling Mummy! she trilled, embracing her mother-in-law with theatrical enthusiasm. So sorry Im lateI popped into three different shops to find those exact scented candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, thrown by the sudden energy. I thought she began, but Emily barrelled on.
Oh, and guess what? I bumped into your friend Margaret on the way! Such a lovely woman, always so honest, isnt she? Emily held her mother-in-laws gaze just a second too long, watching the colour drain from her face.
All through dinner, Emily gave the performance of her life. She piled the choicest bites onto her mother-in-laws plate, gushed over every word she said, and relentlessly asked for domestic advice.
Mummy darling, how long do you simmer your beef stewfive hours or six? And the rugsmorning or evening for vacuuming? Maybe I should quit my job? After all, James needs a proper family, doesnt he?
James stared at her, bewildered. Relatives exchanged glances. But Emily didnt stop.
Ive been thinkingperhaps I should take a homemaking course? Give up this silly surgery business. A womans place is in the home, isnt that right, Mummy?
Her mother-in-laws fork tapped nervously against her plate. Her confidence withered by the minute. Finally, unable to bear it, her mother-in-law pushed back her chair. II think I need to lie down, she muttered, fleeing the dining room.
Emily laid down her napkin with quiet satisfaction. Oh dear, she said sweetly. I do hope shes not coming down with something. Perhaps I should stay home more oftento nurse her back to health.
James turned to her, eyes wide. What on earth has gotten into you?
She smiled, reaching for his hand. Just finally being the daughter-in-law she always wanted, she said softly. And the wife Ive always chosen to be.
Outside, the wind chimes rattled gently, as if applauding.
