No, Mum, Im not giving you that ring! Marions voice trembled with outrage. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Sweetheart, understand it isnt just any ring, Eleanor Whitmore ran her fingers anxiously over the soft folds of her woollen cardigan. It belonged to your grandmother, and now it belongs to Katie.
Katie? What does my sister have to do with it? Marion lunged for the dresser and yanked open the top drawer. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the edge of the settee. The conversation was turning sour, but she wasnt about to back down.
Katies wedding is coming up, you know. Max proposed, and theyre short of money for a band. I promised wed help.
We? Marion pulled a tiny velvet box from the drawer and clenched it tightly. Did you ask me?
Dear Marion, her mothers tone softened to pleading, its a family heirloom. The ring passes to the one who first walks down the aisle. Katies starting a family, and you?
So Im the old spinster, then? Marion sneered, a bitter smile curling her lips. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me with any real feeling. I remember you saying, Take care of it, love, itll bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and stepped toward her daughter, trying to place a hand on her shoulder, but Marion flinched away.
You always chose Katie, Marion murmured, opening the little box. The gold band with a modest garnet at its centre caught the waning evening light that filtered through the curtains. She always got the bestpretty dresses, pricey toys, your attention
Thats not true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Is that so? Marion slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Katie had that school competition? Who did you go to cheer for? Whom did you rush to the graduation? Whom did you comfort after her first heartbreak?
Eleanor lowered her eyes. There was a grain of truth in her daughters words, but admitting it felt impossible.
Katie is five years younger. She needed more of you.
Exactly, Marion nodded. And now she wants my ring.
A sudden knock echoed through the hallway. Marions heart leaptshe wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor brushed away a tear and went to answer.
Katie dear, come in, love, her mothers voice softened to honeyed warmth.
Marion gritted her teeth. She wanted to retreat to her bedroom, slam the door, and escape this farce. Yet she stood rooted in the sitting room, fists clenched.
Hey, sis! Katie burst in like a miniature whirlwind, her auburn hair a halo, freckles dusting her nose. She looked younger than her twentyfive years. Whats all this? You look like youve just swallowed a lemon!
We were talking about Grandmas ring, Marion replied dryly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Katie flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Were planning to marry at the end of spring. Only problem: were short on cash for a proper set of bands.
So you think you can take my ring? Marion stared straight into her sisters eyes.
Its not my ring, its Grandmas, Katie shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first one who gets married. You dont mind, do you?
Marion glanced at her mother, who stood off to the side, fidgeting with the edge of her cardigan.
I wont, Marion said firmly. It was given to me, and Im not handing it over.
But Marion dear, her mother interjected, were family. We must look after each other.
Yes, Katie agreed. Besides, its gathering dust in that box anyway.
A lump rose in Marions throat. She wanted to speak, but the words stuck. She slipped out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a resonant thud.
In her bedroom she collapsed onto the bed, face pressed against the pillow. They always decide everything for me, as if Im a sidenote in their story, she thought, the room swirling with the absurd logic of a dream.
She recalled the night she received the ring. Shed turned eighteen, and she and her friends were heading to the café for a birthday toast. Before they left, Mum called her to her own room.
Darling, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a velvet box. Its my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. It passes from mother to daughter. Now its yours. She always said it brings happiness and helps you find true love.
Marion had taken the words at face value, grateful that Mum had finally given her something truly valuable. All the best things always seemed to go to Katiethe younger, favoured daughter.
A soft knock sounded again.
Marion, may I come in? Katies voice was unusually gentle.
No, Marion muttered, but the door opened a crack and Katies red head slipped through.
Dont be angry, Katie whispered, settling on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
Marion sat up, wiping at her reddened eyes.
Its not the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mum always decide for me without asking. It feels like my feelings dont count.
Katies brow furrowed. Thats not true. We love you.
We love her, Marion said with a bitter smile. Why does Mum always pick you? Why do you get the money, the time, the attention, while Im left with the scraps?
What are you saying? Katie snapped. Mum never treats us differently!
Is that so? Marion lifted her hand, the ring glinting. Now you want to take the only thing I truly cherish.
I didnt know you were so attached, Katie said quietly. Mum just mentioned tradition
Theres no tradition! Marion cut in. She invented it to please you, as always.
Eleanor entered, looking crestfallen.
Girls, please, no fighting. Katie, could you put the kettle on? I need a word with Marion alone.
Katie nodded and slipped out. Eleanor sat beside Marion, taking her hand.
Marion, Im sorry, she whispered. I never meant to hurt you.
You did, Marion released her hand. Like always.
Do you really think I love Katie more? Eleanors eyes filled with hurt.
I know I do, Marion said, rising to the window. All my life Ive been the second fiddleKatie, Katie, Katie And now you want to snatch away the one thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt loved.
Eleanor fell silent, head bowed. At last she whispered, Youre right. I did give Katie more of my attention, not because I loved her more, but because you were always so independent, so grownup. Katie needed the extra care.
Thats no excuse, Marion said.
I know, Eleanor sighed. But I love you both, just in different ways.
A heavy hush settled. Marion stared out, unwilling to turn back. Finally Eleanor said softly, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it. Im sorry for upsetting you.
Mum, Marion called, does the ring really bring love happiness?
Eleanor smiled weakly. Grandma believed it. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it, and itll lead you to true love. A month later I met your father.
Marion glanced at the garnet, which glowed like a drop of frozen blood in the lamp light.
But you and Dad split up, she noted.
Yes, but it doesnt mean I wasnt happy. We had wonderful years, and I have you two. Isnt that happiness enough?
At that moment Katie appeared with a tray holding three tea cups and a vase of biscuits.
Peace? she asked, eyes darting between mother and sister.
Marion took a cup, sipped, and replied, Peace.
They settled in the lounge, Katie babbling about her upcoming wedding, the dress shed chosen, the flowers shed picked, while Marion turned the ring over on her finger halfheartedly.
What ring will you and Max have? Marion asked, cutting into the chatter.
None yet, Katie admitted, eyes dropping. He proposed, but we cant afford a band. Hes between jobs, and my admin salary wont stretch to something decent.
So you came for my ring, Marion said, the words hanging in the air.
Yes, Katie confessed. Mum told me about Grandmas ring, and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have taken it.
Katies eyes brimmed with tears. In that instant Marion realized her jealousy had a rootKatie truly was the doting, pampered child. Yet before her sat not a petulant girl but a young woman genuinely upset over hurting her sister.
You know what, Marion said, slipping the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for one day. Then you give it back.
Really? Katies face lit up. Youre not joking?
No joke, Marion handed the ring over. Try it on.
Katie slipped it onto her finger; it looked a shade too big.
Well have to resize it, she noted.
No need, Marion shook her head. Just for one day, remember?
Ill remember, Katie whispered, gratitude flooding her voice. Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched, tears glistening. Marion, youre my treasure, she said, hugging her elder daughter. Im sorry for the years I werent fair.
Dont, Marion blushed. Lets not make a fuss.
Evening melted into tea and soft conversation about the wedding. The tension loosened, the room grew warm.
When Katie was about to leave, she slipped the ring off and handed it back. Take it, Im scared Ill lose it. Ill grab it again right before the ceremony, okay?
Marion tucked the ring into its velvet box, a quiet smile playing on her lips. As she walked back to the lounge, Eleanor cleared the cups.
Youre a marvel, darling, Eleanor said, embracing Marion. Im proud of you, for forgiving and sharing.
Youre exaggerating, Marion chuckled. I only lent the ring for a day, not handed it over forever.
Still, a noble deed, her mother insisted.
That night sleep eluded Marion. She thought of the ring, of Grandmas words, of the promise of love. Thirteen years with the ring and shed never met true love. Perhaps she should have worn it more often?
The next morning her phone rang. It was Katie, breathless with excitement.
Marion, you wont believe it! Max landed a great job, decent pay! Hes signed the contract!
Congratulations, Marion mumbled, still halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Katie continued, unable to stop. When I told Max about the ring you lent me, he got the call about the job that very morning. Isnt that a sign? Maybe the ring really does bring luck!
Marion smiled despite herself. Maybe, she said. Im glad things are working out for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! Katie urged.
Ill see, Marion replied vaguely. Ive got a lot on my plate.
After the call Marion lingered in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted after the argument, as if a stone that had rested on her heart for years finally rolled aside.
Later that day another ring cut through the quiet. Marion answered the phone with a sigh.
Marion, love, I was thinking could you come over this weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Marion raised an eyebrow. Her mother rarely invited her without a reason.
Whats the catch? she asked.
Nothing at all, Eleanor said, a hint of hurt in her voice. Just want to see my daughter. Does that sound odd?
Not at all, Marion replied after a pause. Ill be there.
On the weekend, as Marion approached the family home, a flutter of nerves rose. Shed moved into her own flat three years ago, and the bond with her mother had cooled to occasional holiday visits and brief calls. The closeness of childhood was gone.
Eleanor met her at the door, cradling a small box.
Come in, love, she said, hugging Marion. Im so glad youre here.
The house smelled of fresh apple crumble. Marion followed into the kitchen where the table was set.
Whats happening? she asked directly. Why this warm welcome?
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Eleanor replied with a grin. Sit down, the crumbles still hot.
Over tea they talked about Marions work, Katies impending wedding, and health. When the crumble was gone, Eleanor produced the little box shed carried.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? Marion asked, unwrapping it carefully.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lay a delicate ring with a tiny emerald set in the centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Marions voice trembled.
It was my grandmothers ring, your greatgreatgrandmothers, Eleanor explained, throat tightening. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you. I love you just as much as Katie. I simply didnt always know how to show it.
Marion stared at the emerald, her eyes welling. Grandma said emerald was the stone of wisdom, Eleanor added. Youve always been wise, even as a child. Try it on?
Marion slipped the ring on; it fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting for her.
Thank you, Mum, she whispered. Its beautiful.
I also want to apologise, Eleanor said, taking Marions hand. You were right. I gave Katie more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve so much more.
They embraced, the old grievances dissolving like mist.
Mum, what about the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Katie? Marion asked later.
It isnt really my ring, Eleanor admitted. I bought it myself when your father and I married. I made up the story about Grandma to give it meaning for you.
And the happiness in love?
Its true for me, her mother smiled. At least its brought me some joy. And for Katie, it seems to have helped too. Did you hear about Maxs new job?
Marion nodded, watching the emerald glint on her finger.
Did it really belong to greatgrandma? she asked.
Yes, Eleanor confirmed. She did say the emerald brings wisdom. I held onto it for a special moment, and now its yours.
They talked deep into the night. For the first time in years Marion felt genuinely at home. When she left, her mother walked her to the door.
Youre my pride, Marion, Eleanor said. Youve grown into a wonderful person, despite my mistakes.
Dont go overboard, Mum, Marion laughed. I just lent the ring for a day, didnt give it away forever.
And thats a noble act, her mother insisted.
The night air was dark as Marion headed for the tube, reflecting on how a quarrel over a ring that could have driven a wedge instead stitched them together. Shed finally spoken her grievances, and a clean slate lay before her.
She glanced at the new ring sparkling on her finger. The emerald was calm, deep, steadyjust like her mothers love. The garnet, bright and fiery, seemed a better fit for Katie.
Perhaps there truly was something in Grandmas words about happiness in love. Tonight Marion felt her mothers love for her was as strong as for her sister, and that was enough.
