Hand over the wedding band, my daughter could use it more, demanded the motherinlaw at the family dinner, her voice cutting through the clink of cutlery.
Ian drummed his fingers on the table, eyes flicking to his wife with a thinly veiled irritation. We cant put it off any longer, Eleanor! Either you see a doctor, or Ill book an appointment and drive you myself.
Eleanor sighed, running a tired hand through her hair. Dont start again. Its only been three months. The doctor said we should wait six before raising any alarms.
Three months? Ian scoffed. Weve been married two years. Two! And still nothing. My mother asks every day when she can expect grandchildren.
Eleanor turned toward the kitchen cupboard, pretending to search for something. Conversations about children always ended in a clash. She wanted a baby herself, but nothing was happening, and the constant pressure from Margaret only thickened the fog.
Speaking of your mother, she shifted the topic. Remember, theyre arriving for dinner tomorrow. We need groceries.
Already bought them, Ian muttered, cooling down. Mum wants duck with apples, like at New Years. She says dad misses your cooking.
Eleanor managed a faint smile. At least Ian appreciated her culinary flair, unlike Margaret, who could find fault in every spoonful.
Is Lucy coming too? Eleanor asked, meaning Ians younger sister.
Of course. And not alone, Ian brightened. Mum says shes got a new beau. A serious fellow, a doctor.
Eleanor felt a sting of envy. Lucy, twentytwo, already had her third serious boyfriend this year. Margaret constantly held Lucy up as the perfect blend of beauty, brains, and a soaring career, while Eleanor, at thirty, was childless and stuck in a middling job.
Ian slipped his arms around her from behind. Im sorry, love. I didnt mean to pressurise you. Im just worried.
I know, she placed her hand over his. All will 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 the football match, leaving Eleanor in the kitchen to catalogue the tasks for the next day: washing the festive china, ironing the tablecloth, polishing the silver until it gleamedany slip would be seized upon by Margaret. And then, what to wear? Something elegant but not gaudy. No matter how hard Eleanor tried, Margaret would find a snag.
At dawn Eleanor woke before the alarm. Ian was still asleep, and she slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb him. The day ahead stretched long and demanding.
By three oclock the flat sparkled with cleanliness, the duck roasted slowly, its scent filling every room, and the table was set as if awaiting not relatives but distinguished guests. Eleanor scrutinised her reflection in the hallway mirror. A deep navy dress with a high collar elongated her silhouette, and a light touch of makeup freshened her face. On her finger glimmered a platinum wedding band set with a modest diamond a simple yet graceful family heirloom.
You look stunning, Ian said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. As always.
Thank you, she replied, smoothing the tremor of nerves. Each meeting with Margaret felt like an exam. I hope your mum enjoys the meal.
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!
Trailing behind was Thomas Clarke, Ians father, a tall silverhaired gentleman with a kindly smile. He embraced Eleanor and whispered, Smells heavenly, dear. My mouth is watering.
Eleanor smiled gratefully at the fatherinlaw; they always got along.
Wheres Lucy? Ian asked, helping the elders with their coats.
Shell be here a bit later, Margaret replied, scanning the hallway. With Andrew. Theyre stuck at the clinic.
Andrew? Eleanor asked.
Her fiancé, Margaret announced proudly. A neurosurgeon. What a promising young man!
Ian blinked. Mom, you never mentioned they were engaged
Not officially yet, Margaret waved it off. But its only a matter of time. Hes hinted at asking her hand.
Eleanor caught Thomass eye; he rolled his eyes subtly, signalling the usual maternal embellishment.
Come in, everyone, Eleanor said, stepping into the living room. Ill set the table. Ian, could you help me, please?
She exhaled and began arranging the appetizers. Ian uncorked a bottle of red.
Ignore Mums dramatics, he murmured. She always blows things out of proportion, especially about Lucy.
I know, Eleanor forced a smile. All right, lets carry the salads.
Half an hour later Lucy arriveda bright blonde with a chic bob and flawless manicureaccompanied by a tall, darkhaired man in a crisp suit.
Hi everyone! Lucy chirped, hugging her brother. Meet Andrew. Andrew, this is Ian, and this is Eleanor, my sisterinlaw.
Pleasure, Andrew shook Ians hand and nodded at Eleanor. Thanks for having us.
Its a family dinner tradition, Eleanor replied. Once a month.
A lovely tradition, Andrew said. Family is what matters most.
Margaret beamed at Lucy and her companion. See, Ian, Lucy may be younger but shes found a worthy match. Andrew runs the neurosurgery department, by the way.
Mum, Lucy rolled her eyes, were just dating. Dont embarrass Andrew.
No trouble at all, Margaret patted Lucys hand. I see the chemistry. Meanwhile, you two have been married two years without a nest or children.
Mum! Ian snapped. Weve already discussed this.
What did I say? Margaret feigned innocence. Just stating facts.
Conversation drifted to news, politics, and recent family happenings. The duck with apples was a hit; even Margaret offered praise. Eleanor relaxed a fraction, hoping the evening would glide without incident. Then, dessert arrivedhomemade tiramisuand Lucy suddenly clutched her finger.
Whats wrong? Andrew asked.
The ring is rubbing, she complained, removing a thin gold band with a tiny stone. My finger must be swelling from the heat.
Margaret snatched the ring, turning it over. Thats cheap jewellery! Lucy, you deserve better.
Mum, its a gift, Lucy tried to retrieve it, but Margaret held firm.
From whom? Margaret demanded.
From a colleague, Lucy admitted reluctantly. A birthday present.
From Kelvin? Margaret squinted. I thought so! You still see that scoundrel?
Mum! Lucy protested. Hes a good friend.
Margaret huffed and turned to Andrew. Ignore her, dear. Lucy had a failed fling, but she quickly learned he wasnt right for her.
Andrews face tightened; he clearly didnt know about the good friend. Margaret, noticing his discomfort, moved to smooth things over.
See, Eleanor does the right thing by not wearing cheap trinkets, she said, indicating Eleanors hand. She has a proper ring for a married woman.
Eleanor instinctively crossed her left arm over her right, as if shielding the band. She disliked Margarets meddling.
Ian chose that one, Margaret continued wistfully. I remember when he consulted us, showing catalogues
Actually, its a gift from my parents, Eleanor corrected quietly. A family heirloom.
A hush fell over the table. Margaret pressed her lips into a thin line.
Really? she finally asked. I thought Ian bought it.
Eleanors right, Mum, Ian interjected. Its from her parents. They wanted her to wear it. It means a lot to them.
How sweet of them, Margaret said, though her tone hinted displeasure. In our family we have traditions too. I, for instance, wore my motherinlaws ring and hoped to pass it on someday.
First time Im hearing that, Thomas muttered, but Margaret ignored him.
Lucy could use a nice ring right now, Margaret added, shifting her gaze between her daughter and Eleanor. Especially with such a serious boyfriend.
Eleanor froze, understanding the direction Margaret was steering.
You want me to give my wedding band to Lucy? she asked directly.
Why not give it now? Margaret pretended to be offended. Just a temporary loan. Soon she might be engaged, and shell need to look the part. Youre married; you dont need to wear an expensive piece every day.
Silence thickened. 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.
Mum, stop, Lucy finally spoke. I dont want anyone elses ring.
Not anyone elses, but a family ring, Margaret retorted. Take it, my daughter needs it for her fiancé. Hes a doctor, after all.
All eyes reddenedEleanor with fury, Lucy with embarrassment, Andrew with awkwardnesswhile Margaret remained unnervingly composed, oblivious to the boundary shed crossed.
Eleanor rose slowly. Im sorry, I need to check the dessert, she said, voice trembling, and slipped into the kitchen.
She leaned against the fridge, trying to steady her shaking hands. Six years with Ian had taught her to brace for Margarets outbursts, but tonights demand was beyond any previous test. To ask a married woman to surrender a family heirloom to a sisterinlaw who might never even marry? It was absurd.
The kitchen door opened and Thomas entered.
Im sorry for her, Eleanor, he said gently. Margaret is a bit eccentric, especially about Lucy.
This is beyond eccentric, Eleanor replied, shaking her head. Its disrespectful to me, to my family, to our marriage.
I know, Thomas said, sighing. Ill talk to her. Dont take it to heart.
Eleanor nodded faintly, though she knew no conversation could change Margarets mind. She retrieved the tiramisu and began plating it.
Ian appeared in the doorway.
Len, how are you? he asked without meeting her eyes.
How do you think? she whispered. Your mother just demanded I hand over my wedding ring to your sister, and you said nothing.
I get it, he rubbed the back of his neck. You know how she is. Its easier to let it roll off.
Let it roll? Eleanor stared at him, disbelief sharp. This isnt a casual comment. Its a direct order to relinquish something precious. And you suggest we just ignore it?
No, of course not, he stepped closer, trying to embrace her, but she pulled away. I just dont want a scene. Lets finish the evening, and Ill speak to her seriously later.
How many times have you said that? Last week? The week before? she said bitterly. Every time you promise to talk, nothing changes.
Len he began.
You know what, she placed the dessert plates on a tray, bring the dessert yourself. I think Ill lie down. My head hurts.
She left the kitchen, keeping her posture straight, and passed the living room, nodding politely to the guests.
Excuse me, Im not feeling well. Ian will bring the dessert. Enjoy.
She closed the bedroom door firmly.
An hour later the guests murmured their farewells, the tension palpable. When the door clicked shut, silence settled over the flat.
Ian knocked softly on the bedroom door.
Len, may I come in?
She didnt answer, so 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 mum. Andrew did too. They were mortified.
And you? Eleanor turned to him. Were you mortified?
Of course, he lowered his head. I should have stopped her. Said something.
But you didnt, she said, as always.
I didnt know what to do, Ian admitted. You know how she is. If I argue, it only makes things worse.
Worse? Eleanor laughed weakly. How could it get any worse? Your mother publicly shamed me, demanded I give up a family heirloom, and you stayed silent. As usual.
She stood and walked to the window, looking out at the dim city lights.
I keep thinking, she said, watching the street below. What will happen when we have a child and your mother decides she knows best how to raise him? Will you stay silent then too?
Len, dont dramatise, Ian said, moving behind her. She just loves Lucy too much and wants the best for her.
At our expense? Eleanor turned sharply. Thats not love, Ian. Thats selfishness. And you enable it by keeping quiet.
They faced each other, and Eleanor saw clearly that Ian would never stand up to his mother. He would always find excuses, always protect her comfort over her own wifes feelings.
Im tired, Ian, she whispered. 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.
She glanced at her wedding band. The tiny diamond caught a streetlamps glow, shimmering like a lone tear.
Im saying we need to think seriously about the future, about whether there is one for us together.
Ians face went pale.
Len, you cant
I dont know, she answered honestly. Im not sure. But today I realized something: 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.
Len, please, Ian grasped her hand. Lets talk. I promise Ill change. Ill speak to Mum
Youve promised that many times, Eleanor said sadly. Nothings changed. Nothing will.
She gently let go of his hand and began gathering her things. Ian stood by the window, speechless, watching her leave. Deep down he knew she was right. His mother had crossed every line, and he had allowed it, time after time.
When Eleanor shut the door behind her, Ian collapsed onto the bed. On the nightstand lay the abandoned wedding band, a mute reminder of promises broken. He clutched it, wondering if it was still possible to mend things, to finally say no to his own mother.
