No, Mum, Im not giving you that ring! Emilys voice trembles with outrage. You gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday!
Sweetheart, understand, it isnt just a piece of jewellery, Helen Carter fidgets with the folds of her woollen sweater. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Harriet.
Harriet? What does my sister have to do with it? Emily pulls the top drawer of the chest and thrusts it open. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Helen sinks onto the edge of the sofa. The conversation is taking a nasty turn, but she refuses to back down.
Harriets wedding is coming up, you know. Michael proposed, but theyre short of money for a ring. I promised wed help.
We? Emily pulls a small velvet box from the drawer and squeezes it hard. Did you even ask me?
Emily dear, her mothers voice softens pleadingly, its a family heirloom. The ring passes to the woman who first walks down the aisle. Harriet is starting a family, and you
So Im the old spinster now, huh? Emily sneers bitterly. And what does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me from the heart. I recall you saying, Take care of it, love, it will bring you happiness.
Helen rises and steps toward her daughter, trying to lay a hand on her shoulder, but Emily steps back.
You always chose Harriet, Emily whispers, opening the box. The gold band with a modest garnet glints dimly in the evening light filtering through the curtains. She always got the best: beautiful dresses, expensive toys, your attention
Thats not true! Helen protests. I love you both equally!
Is that so? Emily slips the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Harriet was busy with a school competition? Who did you go to support? Whom did you run to at the graduation? Who did you comfort after her first breakup?
Helen drops her eyes. Theres a grain of truth in her daughters words, but she doesnt want to admit it.
Harriet is five years younger. She needed more of your time.
Of course, Emily nods. And now she wants my ring.
A knock sounds at the hallway door. Emily startlesshe wasnt expecting anyone. Helen wipes away the tears that have gathered and walks to answer.
Harriet, love, come in, dear her voice instantly turns honeyed and gentle.
Emily grits her teeth. She wants to retreat to her bedroom, shut the door and walk away from this farce, but she stays in the living room, fists clenched.
Hi, sis! Harriet bursts in like a whirlwind. Lithe, with a tumble of red hair and freckles across her nose, she looks younger than her twentyfive years. Oh, what are you two arguing about? You look like youve just bitten a lemon!
We were talking about Grandmas ring, Emily replies dryly.
Oh, Mum already told you? Harriet flops into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Michael proposed! We plan to marry at the end of spring. The only problem is the ringsmoneys tight, but we want something special.
And you think you can take my ring? Emily looks Harriet straight in the eye.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, Harriet shrugs. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first woman who gets married. Youre not against that, are you?
Emily glances at her mother, who stands off to the side, nervously tugging at the sweaters edge.
Im against it, Emily says firmly. This ring was given to me, and I wont give it up.
But, Emily, Helen interjects, were family! We should help each other.
Yes, Harriet adds. Besides, youve had it sitting in that box for ages. Its useless to you.
A lump rises in Emilys throat. She wants to answer, but the words jam inside. Instead she slips out of the room, slamming the door shut.
In her bedroom she collapses onto the bed, face pressed into the pillow. They always decide everything for me without asking, she thinks. Its as if Im not even a full member of the family.
She remembers the night she received the ring. She had just turned eighteen, and she and her friends were heading to a café for a birthday celebration. Before leaving, Mum called her into her own room.
Sweetheart, I have something special for you, Helen had said, pulling out a velvet box. This is my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. It passes from mother to daughter. Now its yours. Grandma always said it brings happiness and helps you find true love.
Emily didnt think much of it at the time; she was simply glad Mum had finally given her something truly valuable. Usually, everything best went to Harriet, the younger, favoured daughter.
A knock comes at the door.
Emily, may I come in? Harriets voice is unusually soft.
No, Emily growls, but the door cracks open enough for Harriets fiery hair to peek in.
Dont be angry, Harriet slides in and perches on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
Emily sits up and wipes the reddening eyes.
It isnt the ring, Harriet. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me, never asking what I think. As if my feelings dont matter.
Harriet frowns.
Thats not true. We love you.
Love? Emily scoffs. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why does she always have time, money, attention for you, while Im left with scraps?
What are you saying? Harriet snaps. Mum never favored one over the other!
Really? Emily lifts her hand, the ring glinting. And now you want to take the only thing that truly belongs to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Harriet admits quietly. Mum just said it was tradition
There is no tradition! Emily interrupts. She made it up to please you, as always.
Helen steps in, looking upset.
Girls, please stop. Harriet, go make some tea. I need to talk to Emily alone.
Harriet nods and leaves. Helen sits beside Emily.
Emily, Im sorry, she takes Emilys hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Emily says, freeing her hand. As always.
Do you really think I love Harriet more? Helens eyes flash with pain.
I dont think, I know, Emily stands and walks to the window. Ive spent my whole life feeling secondary. Always Harriet, Harriet, Harriet And now you want to take the only thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt like a loved daughter.
Helen lowers her head, silent. At last she whispers:
Youre right. I did give Harriet more attention, but not because I love her more. Youve always been independent, strong, grown up early. Harriet is the child who still needs constant care.
Thats no excuse, Emily shakes her head.
I know, Helen sighs. I just want you to understand: I love you both deeply, just in different ways.
A heavy silence hangs. Emily keeps her gaze on the street outside, unwilling to turn to her mother. Finally, Helen speaks softly:
The ring is yours. I have no right to take it. Im sorry for upsetting you.
Mum, Emily asks, is it true that the ring really brings love happiness?
Helen smiles weakly.
Your greatgrandmother believed that. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it and it will help you meet true love. A month later I met your father.
Emily glances at the garnet; it looks like a drop of frozen blood in the lamp light.
But you and Dad divorced, she notes.
Yes, but I was happy for a time, and I have you two, my beloved daughters. Isnt that happiness?
Harriet appears with a tray of three tea cups and a vase of biscuits.
Peace? she asks tentatively, eyeing Mum and Emily.
Emily takes a cup and sips.
Peace, she replies.
They settle on the sofa. Harriet gushes about her upcoming wedding, the dress shes eyeing, the flowers she wants. Emily listens halfheartedly, twirling the ring on her finger.
What about the rings for you and Michael? she asks abruptly, cutting into Harriets excitement.
None yet, Harriet lowers her gaze. He proposed, but we havent bought rings. Michaels out of work, and my admin salary cant cover anything fancy.
So you came for my ring, Emily says.
Yes, Harriet admits. Mum told me about Grandmas ring, and I thought But now I realise I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
Emily sees the tears in Harriets eyes and, for a moment, understands the depth of the resentment shes carried. Harriet isnt a spoiled brat; shes a young woman genuinely upset that she hurt her sister.
You know what, Emily says, slipping the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for one day. Then you give it back.
Really? Harriet beams. Youre not joking?
No joke, Emily hands over the ring. Try it on.
Harriet places it on her finger; its a little big.
Ill have to get it resized, she remarks.
No need to resize, Emily shakes her head. Its only for the day, remember?
I remember, Harriet nods. Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Helen watches her daughters, tears glistening.
Emily, youre my treasure, she embraces her older daughter. Im sorry for being unfair all these years.
Mum, dont, Emily blushes. Lets not make a fuss.
The evening drifts on over tea and wedding chatter. Emily even agrees to help Harriet plan the ceremony. The tension eases, and the room warms.
When Harriet gets ready to leave, she removes the ring and hands it back.
Keep it, Im scared Ill lose it. Ill take it back before the wedding, okay?
Emily tucks the ring into its velvet box. As she watches Harriet out the door, Helen clears the cups.
Thank you, love, Helen says, hugging Emily. Youve shown how generous you can be. Im proud of you.
Dont exaggerate, Mum, Emily grins. I only lent the ring for a day, not gave it away forever.
Still, its a noble act, her mother insists.
That night Emily cant sleep. She thinks about the ring, about her greatgrandmothers words, about how in thirteen years it never brought her true love. Maybe she should wear it more often.
The next morning her phone rings. Its Harriet.
Sis, you wont believe it! Harriet babbles excitedly. Michael got a great job with a decent salary! Hes already signed the contract!
Congratulations, Emily mumbles halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Harriet continues. Yesterday I told Michael about the ring, about how you kindly let me borrow it for the wedding, and he said he got a call this morning about the job. Imagine the coincidence! Maybe the ring really does bring luck.
Emily smiles.
Maybe, she replies. Im glad things are working out for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! Harriet urges.
Ill see, Emily says evasively. Ive got a lot of work.
After the call, Emily lies awake, staring at the ceiling. Something has shifted since the argument. It feels as if the heavy stone on her heart has finally moved.
Later that day the phone rings again. Its her mother.
Emily, I was thinking Helen begins without preamble. Maybe you could come for the weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Emily raises an eyebrow. Mum rarely invites her without a reason.
Whats up?
Nothing, just wanted to see my daughter. Is that odd?
Not at all, Emily pauses. Alright, Ill come.
The weekend arrives. As Emily approaches her parents semidetached house in the market town of York, she feels a flutter of nerves. She moved into her own flat three years ago, and contact with Mum had grown chillyonly holiday visits and occasional calls.
Helen meets her at the doorway, holding a small box.
Come in, love, she hugs Emily. Im so glad youre here.
The house smells of freshly baked apple crumble. Emily heads to the kitchen where a table is set.
Mum, whats happening? she asks directly. Why the warm welcome?
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Helen laughs. Sit down, the crumble is still hot.
Over tea they chat about Emilys job, Harriets wedding plans, and Helens health. When the crumble disappears, Helen pulls out the same little velvet box she used that day years ago.
This is for you, she says, handing it over.
What is it? Emily asks, opening it cautiously.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lies a delicate gold ring with a tiny emerald centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Emily asks, bewildered.
Its the ring of my mother, your greatgrandmother, Helen swallows. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you. I love you just as much as Harriet. I just never knew how to show it.
Emily looks at the emerald, its green depth reminding her of a quiet lake.
Grandma said emerald stands for wisdom, Helen continues. And youve always been wise, even as a child. Want to try it on?
Emily slides the ring onto her finger; it fits perfectly, as if it were made for her.
Thank you, Mum, she whispers. Its beautiful.
One more thing, Helen says, taking Emilys hand. I apologise. You were rightI gave Harriet more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
Emily embraces her mother, and the years of resentment melt away.
Mum, what about the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Harriet? she asks later.
That isnt really mine, Helen admits. I bought it when your father and I married, and I made up the story about Grandma to make it feel special. It worked, didnt it?
And the happinessinlove story?
Its true for me, at least. And now for Harriet, toodid you hear about Michaels new job?
Emily nods, watching the emerald sparkle on her finger.
Did the original ring really belong to greatgrandma?
Yes, Helen confirms. She did say the emerald was a stone of wisdom. I saved it for a special moment, and this is it.
They talk until late. Emily feels, for the first time in years, truly at home. When she leaves, Helen walks her to the door.
You know, Emily, Im proud of you, Helen says. Youve grown into a wonderful person, despite my mistakes.
Stop it, Mum, Emily says, blushing. Everythings fine.
Outside the night is dark. Emily walks to the tube, reflecting on how a fight over a ring almost drove them apart but ended up pulling them together. Sometimes you have to voice every grievance to start fresh.
She looks at the new emerald ring gleaming on her hand. The emerald is calm and steady, like her mothers love. The garnet from the old ring still shines bright, fitting Harriets fiery spirit.
Maybe there is some truth in her greatgrandmothers words about happiness in love after all. Emily feels her mothers love for her as strong as for her sister, and that alone means a great deal.
