No, Mum, Im not handing that ring over! Harriets voice trembled with outrage. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Love, understand, it isnt just a piece of jewellery, Helen fidgeted with the cuffs of her woollen cardigan. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Lucy.
Lucy? What does my sister have to do with it? Harriet lunged for the chest of drawers and yanked open the top drawer. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Helen sank heavily onto the edge of the settee. The argument was turning sour, but she refused to back down.
Lucys wedding is approaching, you know. James has proposed, but theyre short of money for a wedding band. I promised wed help.
We? Harriet snatched a small velvet box from the drawer and squeezed it hard. And you never asked me?
Harriet, her mothers voice softened to a pleading tone, its a family heirloom. The ring is supposed to pass to the woman who first walks down the aisle. Lucy is starting a family, and you
So Im the old spinster, then? Harriet sneered bitterly. Does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me that truly meant something. I remember you saying, Keep it safe, darling, it will bring you happiness.
Helen rose and stepped toward her daughter, trying to rest a hand on Harriets shoulder, but Harriet stepped away.
You always favoured Lucy, Harriet whispered, opening the velvet box. The gold band with a modest garnet in the centre caught the evening light spilling through the curtains. She always got the best: gorgeous dresses, pricey toys, your attention
Thats not true! Helen protested. I love you both equally!
Oh, really? Harriet slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Lucy was busy with some school competition? Who did you go to cheer for? Who did you race to the graduation ceremony with? Who did you comfort after her first heartbreak?
Helen lowered her eyes. There was a grain of truth in Harriets words, but she didnt want to admit it.
Lucy is five years younger. She needed more of our focus.
Of course, Harriet agreed. And now she wants my ring.
A sudden knock echoed through the hallway. Harriet flinched; she wasnt expecting anyone. Helen dabbed at the tears forming in her eyes and went to answer.
Lucy, love, come in, dear, her voice instantly turned honeyed and warm.
Harriet clenched her teeth. She wanted to retreat to her bedroom, shut the door, and escape the farce, but she stayed rooted in the living room, fists clenched.
Hello, sis! Lucy barreled in like a tiny whirlwind, her auburn hair a tumble of curls and freckles dusting her nose, looking younger than her twentyfive years. Whats all the fuss? You look like you just bit into a lemon!
We were discussing Grandmas ring, Harriet replied curtly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Lucy flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! James has proposed! Were aiming for a spring wedding. The only hitch is the ringsmoneys tight, and we want something special.
And you think you can take my ring? Harriet stared straight into Lucys eyes.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, Lucy shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first woman who gets married. Youre not opposed, are you?
Harriet glanced at her mother, who stood off to the side, nervously fidgeting with the edge of her cardigan.
I am opposed, Harriet said firmly. This ring was given to me, and Im not giving it up.
But, Harriet, her mother interjected, were family! We should help each other.
Yes, Lucy added. Besides, youve had it gathering dust for years.
A lump rose in Harriets throat. She wanted to answer, but the words stuck. She slipped out of the room, slamming the door shut.
Back in her bedroom, Harriet collapsed onto the bed and buried her face in the pillow. They always decide everything for me without asking, she thought, feeling like a sidenote rather than a full chapter in the family story.
She remembered the day shed received the ring. Shed just turned eighteen, and she and her friends were heading to the local café for a birthday drink. Before they left, Mum had called her into the spare room.
Dear, I have something special for you, Helen had said, pulling out a small velvet box. This was my mothers, your greatgrandmothers. It passes from mother to daughter. Now its yours. She always said it would bring happiness and help you find true love.
Harriet hadnt given the words much weight then; she was just pleased to finally receive something truly valuable. Usually, everything best went to Lucythe younger, favoured daughter.
A knock sounded at the door.
Harriet, may I come in? Lucys voice was unusually gentle.
No, Harriet growled, but the door cracked open, and Lucys auburn head peeked in.
Dont be angry, Lucy slipped inside and perched on the edge of the bed. I didnt realise the ring meant so much to you.
Harriet sat up, eyes red.
Its not just the ring, Lucy. Its that you and Mum always decide everything for me, as if my feelings dont count.
Lucys brow furrowed.
That isnt true. We love you.
Love? Harriet sneered. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why is there always time, money, and attention for you, while I get leftovers?
What are you saying? Lucy snapped. Mum never treats us differently!
Really? Harriet lifted the ring. And now you want to take the one thing that truly matters to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Lucy whispered. Mum just said it was tradition
There is no tradition! Harriet cut in. She made it up to please you, as usual.
Helen entered, looking upset.
Girls, please stop, she pleaded. Lucy, could you fetch the kettle? I need to speak with Harriet alone.
Lucy obliged and left. Helen sat beside Harriet.
Harriet, Im sorry, she took her daughters hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Harriet said, releasing her grip. As always.
Do you really think I love Lucy more? Helens eyes flickered with pain.
I dont think, I know, Harriet stood and walked to the window. Ive spent my whole life feeling secondary. Always Lucy, Lucy, Lucy And now you want to strip away the only thing that reminds me of a rare moment when I felt truly loved.
Helen lowered her head, then whispered,
Youre right. I did give Lucy more attention, not because I love her more, but because you were always independent, strong, and grew up quickly. Lucy needed the extra care, being the younger one.
Thats no excuse, Harriet said.
I know, Helen sighed. I love you both, just in different ways.
A heavy silence settled. Finally, Helen said,
The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Im sorry for the pain I caused.
Harriet turned to her mother.
Mum, does the ring really bring happiness in love?
Helen smiled weakly.
Your greatgrandmother believed that. When she passed it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it and it will lead you to true love. I met your father a month later.
Harriet glanced at the garnet, which glimmered like a drop of frozen blood.
But you and Dad split up, she noted.
Yes, but we had wonderful years, and I have you and Lucy. Isnt that happiness?
Lucy entered with a tray holding three teacups and a plate of shortbread biscuits.
Peace? she asked, glancing between mother and sister.
Harriet took a cup, sipped, and said, Peace.
They settled on the sofa. Lucy chattered about her upcoming wedding the dress, the flowers, the venue. Harriet listened halfheartedly, twirling the ring on her finger.
What about you and James? Do you have a wedding band? she asked abruptly.
No, Lucy admitted, eyes dropping. He proposed, but we cant afford a ring yet. Hes between jobs, and my admin salary cant cover much.
So you came for my ring? Harriet said.
Yes, Lucy confessed. Mum told me about Grandmas ring and I thought But now I see I was wrong. It belongs to you, and I shouldnt have asked.
Lucys eyes welled. Harriet realised that Lucy, beyond the spoiled image, was a young woman genuinely upset about hurting her sister.
You know what? Harriet removed the ring, holding it out, Ill lend it to you for the wedding, just for one day. Then bring it back.
Really? Lucys face lit up. Youre not joking?
No joke, Harriet said, handing over the band. Try it on.
Lucy slipped it on; it was a touch large.
Ill have to have it resized, she noted.
No need, Harriet shook her head. Its only for the day, remember?
Ill remember, Lucy replied, grateful. Thank you, sis.
Helen watched, tears glistening.
Harriet, youre my golden girl, she embraced her elder daughter. Im sorry for being unfair all these years.
Mum, dont, Harriet blushed. Lets not make a fuss.
Evening rolled on with tea and chatter about the wedding. Harriet even agreed to help Lucy plan the ceremony. The tension eased, and the room grew warm.
When Lucy prepared to leave, she took the ring off and handed it back.
Keep it, Im afraid Ill lose it. Ill collect it just before the wedding, okay?
Harriet tucked the ring into its velvet box and slipped it into her bag. She watched Lucy depart, then returned to the living room where Helen was clearing away the cups.
Thank you, love, Helen said, pulling Harriet into a hug. Youve shown such forgiveness and generosity today. Im proud of you.
Dont overstate it, Mum, Harriet chuckled. I only lent the ring for a day, not given it away forever.
Still, its a noble act, her mother insisted.
That night Harriet lay awake, thinking of the ring, of her greatgrandmothers words, and of the fact that in thirteen years shed never found the love the ring was supposed to bring. Perhaps shed never needed to wear it so often.
The next morning her phone rang. It was Lucy.
Harriet, you wont believe it! Lucy babbled excitedly. James has landed a great job with a decent salary! Hes already signed the contract!
Congratulations, Harriet murmured, still sleepy. Im happy for you both.
And guess what? Lucy continued. Yesterday I told James about the ring you let me borrow, and he said he received a call this morning about the promotion. Imagine the timing! Maybe the ring really does bring luck.
Harriet smiled.
Perhaps, she replied. Im glad things are falling into place for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! Lucy urged.
Ill try, Harriet said, thinking of her workload.
After hanging up, Harriet stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted after the argument, as if a heavy stone that had sat on her heart for years was finally moving.
That evening another call came. It was Helen.
Harriet, Ive been thinking, she began without preamble. Maybe you could come over this weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Harriet raised an eyebrow. Mum rarely invited her over without a reason.
Whats up? she asked.
Nothing, just wanted to see you, love. Helens voice carried a hint of lingering hurt. Is that odd?
Not at all, Harriet paused. Alright, Ill come.
The weekend arrived, and as Harriet approached the family home, a flutter of nerves rose. Since moving into her own flat three years ago, visits with Mum had become occasional, limited to holidays and occasional phone calls.
Helen met her at the door, cradling a small jewellery box.
Come in, dear, she said, hugging Harriet. Im so glad youre here.
The house smelled of warm apple crumble. Harriet followed Helen to the kitchen where a table was set.
Mum, whats this about? she asked directly. Why the special welcome?
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Helen laughed. Take a seat, the crumble is still hot.
Over tea they talked about Harriets job, Lucys impending wedding, and Helens health. When the crumble was finished, Helen produced the little box shed been holding.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? Harriet asked, opening the box cautiously.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lay a delicate gold ring with a tiny emerald set in the centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Harriet asked, bewildered.
It was my grandmothers ring, your greatgrandmothers, Helen said, voice catching. I kept it all these years, and now I want you to have it. I love you just as much as Lucy. I simply didnt always know how to show it.
Harriet stared at the emerald, its green depth like a quiet pond. A lump rose in her throat.
Grandma said emerald was a stone of wisdom, Helen continued. Youve always been wise, even as a child. Try it on?
Harriet slipped the ring on; it fit perfectly, as if made for her finger.
Thank you, Mum, she whispered. Its beautiful.
One more thing, Helen said, taking Harriets hand. I apologise. You were right; I gave Lucy more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
Harriet embraced her mother, all the old grievances melting away.
Mum, what about the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Lucy? she asked later.
It isnt really mine, Helen admitted. I bought it when your father and I married, then wove a story about Grandma to make it special. I wanted you to value it.
And the story about love?
Its true, in a way, Helen smiled. It brought me happiness, at least. And now it seems to be doing the same for Lucy and James.
Harriet examined the new emerald ring on her hand.
Did it really belong to greatgrandmother?
Yes, Helen confirmed. She truly believed emerald brought wisdom. I saved it for a moment like this.
They talked late into the night. For the first time in years, Harriet felt truly at home. When she finally left, Helen walked her to the door.
Im so proud of you, Harriet, she said. Youve grown into a wonderful person, despite my mistakes.
Stop, Mum, Harriet blushed. Everythings fine now.
Outside, the night was dark. Harriet walked to the tube station, reflecting on how a quarrel over a ring that could have driven a wedge between them instead stitched them back together. Sometimes, you have to voice old hurts to begin anew.
She looked at the emerald ring glinting on her finger. The emerald was calm and steady, just like her mothers love, while the garnets fiery sparkle seemed more Lucys. Perhaps there was some truth in her greatgrandmothers words after allhappiness in love comes not from a piece of jewellery, but from the willingness to forgive, share, and cherish the people around you.
