Take off your wedding ring, my girl needs it more, demanded Margaret Clarke at the family dinner, her voice slicing through the clatter of cutlery.
Ian tapped his fingers nervously on the tabletop, his eyes flicking to Eleanor with a barely concealed irritation. We cant put this off any longer, Eleanor! Either you see a doctor, or Ill book an appointment and drive you there myself, he said, his tone sharp.
Eleanor ran a tired hand through her hair. Dont start again, she sighed. Its only been three months. The doctor said we should wait six before raising any alarms.
Three months? Ian snorted. Weve been married two years. Two! And still nothing. My mother asks every day when shell be a grandmother.
Eleanor turned to the cupboard as if searching for something invisible. Talks about children always ended in a flareup. She longed for a baby, but the pressure from Margaret only thickened the fog.
Changing the subject, Margaret reminded her, Dont forget, theyre arriving for dinner tomorrow. We need provisions.
Ive already bought them, Ian muttered, cooling down. Mum asked for roast duck with apples, just like at Christmas. She says your cooking is the only thing she misses from her own kitchen.
A faint smile tugged Eleanors lips. At least one person appreciated her culinary skills, unlike Margaret, who seemed to find fault in everything Eleanor did.
Will Lucy be coming too? Eleanor asked, meaning her younger sister.
Of course. And not alone, Ian brightened. Mum says shes got a new suitora serious fellow, a doctor.
Eleanor felt a pang of envy. Lucy, at twentytwo, already had her third serious boyfriend in a year. Margaret constantly held her up as the perfect daughterbeauty, brains, a soaring careerwhile Eleanor, at thirty, had neither children nor notable promotions.
Im sorry, Lena, Ian said, slipping behind her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders. I didnt mean to pressure you. Im just anxious.
I know, she placed her hand over his. Itll be fine. Ill make your favourite duck tomorrow and everyone will be pleased.
He kissed her cheek and drifted to the living room to watch football, leaving Eleanor alone in the kitchen, her mind racing through the tomorrows checklist: polish the festive china, iron the tablecloth, shine the silverwareany slip would be seized upon by Margaret. She also had to decide what to wear: elegant yet not gaudy, because no matter how she tried, Margaret always found something to nitpick.
The next morning Eleanor rose before the sun. Ian still slept, so she slipped out of bed silently, careful not to wake him. The day ahead stretched long and demanding.
By three oclock the flat gleamed; the duck was humming in the oven, filling the rooms with a warm, sweet scent, and the table was set as if awaiting distinguished guests rather than relatives. Eleanor inspected her reflection in the hallway mirror. A deepblue sheath with a high collar slimmered her silhouette; a light touch of makeup refreshed her face. On her finger sparkled a modest platinum band with a tiny diamondher wedding ring, a modest gift from her parents.
You look lovely, Ian murmured, wrapping his arms around her from behind. As always.
Thank you, she replied, trying to steady the flutter in her chest. Each encounter with Margaret felt like an ordeal. I hope your mother likes the dinner.
Of course she will, he winked. No one can resist your duck.
The doorbell rang precisely at five. Margaret was never late.
My dears! she exclaimed, stepping in and planting a kiss on Ians cheek. Eleanor received only a dry handshake. How Ive missed you!
Behind her followed Robert Clarke, Ians fathera tall, silverhaired man with a kindly expression. He embraced Eleanor and whispered, It smells wonderful, love. My mouth is watering.
Eleanor smiled gratefully at her fatherinlaw; they always got along.
Wheres Lucy? Ian asked as he helped the older couple hang their coats.
Shell be here shortly, Margaret replied, scanning the hallway with a meticulous eye. With Arthur. Theyre stuck at the clinic.
Arthur? Eleanor asked.
Her fiancé, Margaret announced proudly. A neurosurgeonsuch a promising young man!
Ian blinked. Mum, you never mentioned they were engaged
Theres no official engagement yet, Margaret waved off his concern. But its only a matter of time. Hes already hinted he wants to ask hers hand.
Eleanor caught the look from Robert, who rolled his eyes slightly, as if to say the mother was turning fantasy into fact.
Come on, lets get the dining room ready, Eleanor said, stepping back into the kitchen. Ian, could you help me, please?
Ian opened a bottle of wine. Dont let Mum get to you, he whispered. She always blows things out of proportion, especially when Lucys mentioned.
I know, Eleanor forced a smile. Just hand me the salads.
Half an hour later Lucy burst ina brightblonde with a trendy bob and immaculate manicureaccompanied by a tall darkhaired man in a crisp suit, clearly in his midthirties.
Hello, everyone! Lucy chirped, hugging her brother. This is Arthur. Arthur, this is my brother Ian, his wife Eleanor, and you already know the parents.
Pleasure, Arthur said, shaking Ians hand and nodding at Eleanor. Thanks for having us.
Its a family dinner tradition, Eleanor said, smiling. Once a month.
A lovely tradition, Arthur replied. Family is what matters most.
Margaret beamed at Lucy and her guest. See, Ian, your little sister has found a fine match. Arthur is head of the neurosurgery department, by the way.
Lucy rolled her eyes. Were just dating, Mum. No need to embarrass Arthur.
Nothing to worry about, Margaret patted Lucys hand. I see how you look at each other. Meanwhile, Eleanor and Ian have been married two years and yet no nest, no children.
Mum! Ian snapped. Weve already talked about this.
What did I say? Margaret feigned innocence. Just stating the facts.
Conversation drifted to news, politics, and recent family happenings. The duck with apples was a hit; even Margaret praised it. Eleanor relaxed a little, hopeful the evening would pass without incident. But the calm shattered when desserthomemade tiramisuwas about to be served.
Lucy suddenly clutched her finger and winced. My ring is digging into my skin, she complained, pulling off a thin gold band with a tiny stone. I think my finger swelled from the heat.
Margaret snatched the ring, turning it over. Thats cheap costume jewellery! she declared. Lucy, you deserve something better.
Its a gift, Lucy protested, trying to retrieve it.
From whom? Margaret pressed.
A colleague, Lucy answered reluctantly. For my birthday.
Kiril? Margaret narrowed her eyes. I knew it! Still seeing that rogue?
Mum! Lucy exclaimed. Hes not a rogue, just a good friend.
Margaret huffed and turned to Arthur. Dont mind me, Arthur. Lucy had an illadvised fling with that colleague, but she realised he wasnt right for her.
Arthur shifted uncomfortably, evidently unaware of the backstory. Margaret, sensing his unease, tried to smooth things over.
Eleanors right not to wear cheap trinkets, Margaret said, gesturing at her daughterinlaws hand. A married woman should have a proper ring.
Eleanor instinctively crossed her left arm over her right, as if shielding her own ring. Margarets insinuations made her skin crawl.
Ian chose that one, Margaret continued, nostalgic. I remember him flipping through catalogues with us
It was a gift from my parents, Eleanor whispered. A family heirloom.
A heavy silence fell. Margarets lips tightened into a thin line.
So, you see? she finally said. I thought Ian had bought it.
Eleanors right, Mum, Ian interjected. Its from her parents. They wanted her to wear itmeans a lot to them.
Margarets displeasure was evident. How sweet of them, she said dryly. In our family we have traditions too. I wore my motherinlaws ring, hoping to pass it on one day to Ians wife.
Ive never heard that before, Robert muttered, but his wife waved him off.
And Lucy could use a proper ring now, Margaret added, shifting her gaze from her daughter to Eleanor. Especially with such a serious boyfriend on the horizon.
Eleanor froze, realizing where this was heading. Do you want me to give my wedding ring to Lucy? she asked, voice flat.
Why not lend it temporarily? Margaret replied, feigning generosity. Shell look respectable for any upcoming engagement. You dont need to wear something so valuable every dayyoure already married, after all.
A tense hush settled over the table. Eleanor felt heat rise to her cheeks. She looked at Ian, expecting him to defend her, but he stared vacantly, unwilling to confront his mother.
Enough, Mum, Lucy finally said, her voice shaking. I dont want anyone elses ring.
Its not anyone elses, Margaret snapped. Its a family ring. Take it off, my dear. Your fiancé deserves something decent, not a cheap trinket from a scoundrel.
Redness spread across Eleanors face, Lucys, and even Arthurs, while Margaret remained eerily composed, oblivious to the boundaries shed crossed.
Eleanor rose slowly. Excuse me, I need to check the dessert, she whispered, retreating to the kitchen.
She pressed her back against the fridge, trying to steady her trembling hands. Six years with Ian had taught her to expect Margarets dramas, but tonight had eclipsed every previous affront. Demanding her wedding ringa gift from her own parentsto be handed over to a sisterinlaw who might never marry? It was beyond any line.
The kitchen door opened and Ians father entered.
Give her a break, Eleanor, he said gently. Margaret can be particular, especially about Lucy.
Its more than being particular, Robert, Eleanor replied, her voice shaking. Its disrespectful to me, to my family, to our marriage.
I know, he said, guilt lining his shoulders. Ill talk to her. Dont take it to heart, love.
Eleanor gave a faint nod, though she knew no conversation would change Margaret. She retrieved the tiramisu from the fridge and began plating it.
Ian entered the kitchen then, looking weary.
Lena, how are you holding up? he asked without meeting her eyes.
How do you think? she replied quietly. Your mother just demanded I hand over my wedding ring to your sister, and you said nothing.
I understand, he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. You know how she is. Its easier to let it pass.
Pass? Eleanor stared at him, disbelief flashing. Shes not making a suggestion. Shes ordering me to surrender something I cherish. And you want to pretend it never happened?
No, of course not, Ian said, stepping closer, attempting an embrace. Eleanor pulled away. I just dont want a scene. Lets finish the evening, then Ill speak to her seriously.
Remember the last time? And the time before that? Eleanor sneered. You keep promising, but nothing changes.
Ill Ill try, Ian began, but Eleanor cut him off.
Hand the dessert out yourself and Ill go lie down. My head is throbbing, she said, stacking the plates onto a tray.
She walked past the living room, nodding to the guests. Sorry, Im feeling unwell. Ian will bring the dessert. Enjoy your meal.
She shut her bedroom door behind her.
An hour later the guests filtered out, their parting voices hushed and strained. When the last footsteps faded, silence settled over the flat.
Ian knocked softly on her bedroom door. Lena, may I come in?
She did not answer, and he peeked inside. Eleanor sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window.
Did they leave? she asked without turning.
Yes, Ian sat beside her. Lucy apologised for her mother, and Arthur did too. They felt awful.
And you? Eleanor asked, turning toward him. Did you feel awful?
Of course, he said, lowering his head. I should have stopped her. I should have said something.
But you didnt, Eleanor said flatly. Just like always.
I didnt know what to do, Ian admitted. You know how she is. If I argue, it only gets worse.
Worse? Eleanor laughed bitterly. Your mother publicly humiliated me, demanded a family heirloom, and you stayed silent. As usual.
She rose and walked to the window, looking out at the dim city lights.
Ive been thinking, she whispered, watching the street below. What will happen when we have a child and your mother decides she knows better how to raise it? Will you stay mute?
Lena, dont dramatise, Ian said, slipping his arm around her from behind. She just loves Lucy too much and wants whats best for her.
At our expense? Eleanor snapped. Thats not love, Ian. Thats selfishness. And you enable it by keeping quiet.
They stood facetoface, and Eleanor saw clearly that Ian would never stand up to his mother. He would always excuse her, always put her comfort above her feelings.
Im tired, Ian, she said softly. Im tired fighting windmills. Six years Ive tried to belong to your family, and your mother will never let me in. Never.
What are you saying? fear flickered in his eyes.
Eleanor looked at her wedding ring. The tiny diamond caught a streetlamps glint and sparkled like a solitary tear.
I think we need to consider the future, she said. Whether theres any future for us together.
Ians face went pale. Lena, you cant
I dont know, she admitted. But tonight I realised youll never defend me against your mother. I cant live like that.
She slipped the ring off and placed it on the nightstand.
Im going to my parents for a few days. I need to think.
Lena, please, Ian grasped her hand. Lets talk. Ill change. Ill confront my mother, I promise.
Youve promised that a dozen times, Eleanor replied sadly. Nothing changed. Nothing will.
She gently released his hand and began packing. Ian lingered by the window, unsure what to say, watching the ring glint on the nightstanda mute accusation of his weakness, of his failure to protect the one thing he loved most.
He picked it up, holding it tightly. It wasnt too late to make things right, to finally say noeven to his own mother. But the choice loomed, heavy and surreal, like a dream that refused to end.
