You have no mother now! she shrieked, the formidable Mrs. Whitaker, Edwards future motherinlaw. Forget that you ever had a mother. After youre married, you will never trouble me again, and I will pretend you never existed. I wont even give you a dowry. If I didnt pick your bride, I wont foot any of this nonsense.
I remember how blissful my little Edward seemed when he clutched me and whispered, Mum, youre the best in the world. Ill do everything to keep that smile on your face. He never guessed how those words turned my heart inside out. I swore I had raised a miracle, a cherub with golden curls, blue eyes and aristocratic features. As he grew, I began to scrutinise every possible candidate for his future wife: noble lineage, polished looks, a slender figure, a university degree, impeccable manners, a respectable job in a reputable firm, and a circle of influence.
The flat in which my boy lives is already set. Now we need a suitable lady to keep it immaculate, to be ready to welcome guests at any hour even three in the morning because that is a wifes duty.
Time passed, and my expectations only hardened. No woman over twentyfive; she would bear a frail child. And she must be absolutely certain the child is Edwards.
My dear, have some piety, my sisters warned. Women of today will never meet such standards. If you want Edward to settle and have children, stop meddling, or hell remain a bachelor forever.
Edward graduated with distinction from both school and university, landed a wellpaid position, yet his love life stalled. Whenever he introduced a prospective partner to me, I found a thousand reasons to drive her away. At each meeting I would ask him, Edward, could you slice some fruit for us while we chat?
The first young lady Edward brought home was Beverly, a girl from a modest background: her mother a clerk, her father a boilerroom attendant, and two younger brothers. Beverly worked as a pharmacy assistant, which made me think, She has constant access to medication could she poison my son? Or me? No, shes unsuitable. Her family are labourers; we need better.
Darling, you understand you cant marry Edward, I whispered when we were alone. Youre too different. He grew up in a world you could never imagine. Forget him and find someone more ordinary.
Beverly rose without a word and left without a farewell. When Edward pressed for an explanation, she replied curtly, Ask your mother, who raised you in such special circumstances. She says Im too good for you, and you should look for someone simpler.
Mother, why did you hurt Beverly? I liked her, truly liked her. What did you tell her?
My boy, youve forgotten something, I said slowly. Im your mother, and I know best who can make you happy. Not that Beverly, thats for sure. Where did you even find such a scullerymaid? As if there were no respectable families left.
Edward realised argument with me was futile and walked away. He sometimes mentioned meeting a new girl, but never rushed to bring her before me. Occasionally I offered my help in arranging a marriage, but he politely declined.
This is my life with my wife, not yours, he said. Ill choose my partner myself.
I know exactly whom youll pick, I muttered. A housekeeper with nothing on her mind but mops and cloths.
At least the floors will shine, Edward replied with a sour grin.
Dont speak to me like that! I snapped.
He retreated to his room in silence. Eventually he moved out of the flat I owned, which we had been renting out together.
His father, who had long been estranged after his divorce when Edward was six, had not spoken to him since. Recently the father agreed to a meeting.
I left Margaret because she never let me live. She controlled everything where I went, when I returned, what people said about her, he confessed. When I tried to spend time with you, she cursed, saying I had nothing to teach you because I lacked a degree. Why should she have taken on the role of a mother for me? I was just a producer, a beast of burden. I thought, why waste my life on a madwoman who never cared for me? I left, she refused child support and stripped me of parental rights.
Are you happy now? Edward asked, frowning.
What do you want? his father replied, hurt. I bought you a flat and gave you the keys. Did she tell you?
What? Edward could not believe it.
My father saved for ten years to give you a place of your own. Do not end up living with her; there would be no life for you. She counts no one as a person.
Why didnt you speak to me before? Edward asked tentatively.
I didnt want you to have problems. Margaret threatened to whisk you away to another town, and I would never see you again. So I watched from afar.
His fathers words made Edward see his mother in a new light. She was, in his eyes, the best he had ever known, and he often said he would seek a woman who reminded him of her. Margaret smiled condescendingly, knowing he would never find another like her a oneinamillion, perhaps a oneinabillion.
After Beverly, Edward met other women, but none satisfied Margaret. Finally he gave his mother an ultimatum: Either stop meddling in my life, or I will stop seeing you.
You ungrateful wretch, Margaret snapped. Who do you think you are? I bought you a home, funded your education. How dare you speak to me like that?
Mother, enough, Edward pleaded. I know who really bought that flat. I spoke to my father; he told me everything.
And you believe him? she exploded. Not my mother, but some loser?
If you must know, that loser is my father. Or not?
Edwards words left his mothers face pale. She stared at him with contempt and shut herself in her room. The next morning she did not come down for breakfast. Edward knocked, only to hear a shrill yell: Leave me alone and go to your worthless father!
Why, mother? Edward opened the door and entered. She lay on the bed, hair dishevelled, dress rumpled, staring blankly at the ceiling a stark contrast to the immaculate, perfumescented woman she usually presented.
Son, Ive realised something, she said slowly. Marry whoever you wish; I could care less. Even a man with a halfPapuan, halfpenguin, halfIndianrhinoceros heritage. But forget you ever had a mother. After the wedding, you will not trouble me, and I will pretend I never existed. I will not give any money for your wedding. If I didnt pick your bride, I wont fund this charade.
I understand, mother, Edward replied with a wry bow, and quietly closed the door behind him. That day he moved into the flat that was now truly his.
Six months later he invited his mother to a restaurant to announce his upcoming marriage.
And who is she? Margaret asked indifferently.
Whatever she is, youll still dislike her, Edward answered coldly. Just so you know, my future wife is called Emily. Shes twentysix, from a long line of doctors. A very respectable young lady.
My goodness, and youre so sure of her worth? Margaret rolled her eyes. Show me a picture.
Edward produced his phone and displayed a photograph. Margaret pursed her lips and shook her head in disapproval.
So this is the future mother of my grandchildren? What a horror!
The girl in the picture had an unmistakably Eastern European look.
Thats not Emily, thats a Gulchata, not an Emily. Why call her that?
Emily is halfKorean, Edward explained patiently.
Even better, Margaret snorted. Like a bulldog crossed with a rhinoceros.
Youll come to like her once you get to know her after the wedding, Edward smiled.
Margarets breath caught at his words.
After the wedding? Youre really going through with this? Just to spite me?
Why would I do it for spite? For my own happiness, Edward grinned, flagging a waitress to place the order.
She sat in stunned silence, trying to picture the grandchildren this unlikely pair would produce. The prospect was downright dreadful.
At the wedding Edward turned to his mother and warned, No riots, please. If Emily leaves me because of you, I will never forgive you, understand?
Margaret was forced to keep quiet, to sit like a mouse beneath the rug. She watched the radiant bride, smiling genuinely, as Edward received congratulations, danced, and exchanged passionate glances with his new wife.
The next day the newlyweds came bearing a gift for Margaret, but she would not let them cross the threshold.
So, son, I have obeyed all your wishes. Now listen to me. Do not bring that mixedblood woman into my sight again. Do you realise what youre doing? You could have a thousand wives, but a mother is only one.
The couple left, and Margaret, in a fit of anger, tossed the gift into the rubbish bin.
I will take nothing from this halfbreed, she hissed.
Soon after, Margaret fell ill often, and Emily tended to her, sometimes hiring a night or day carer so the old lady would not be left alone. Margaret could never accept the daughterinlaw she despised, especially after Edward had likened her to his mother in a less than flattering way.
You said youd find someone who looked like me. Where does she resemble me? Margaret muttered, realizing she now depended on Emilys care, which irritated her beyond measure.
When the phone rang, Margaret answered in a melodic tone, Hello, darling Emily. How are you? My blood pressures spiking a bit. Could you pop over and have a look? Splendid, see you soon
