Emily could not simply walk away. Despite her mother Margaret Whitakers objections, she married James Hartley.
Sweetheart, you dont need a man like that, Margaret scolded. What are you going to do with your James? He was raised by his grandmother, has no parents, and works in a garage just a hardworking bloke.
Emily tried to defend him. Mum, James isnt at fault for losing his parents when he was a child. Hes finished college, his hands are skilled, he can fix anything.
Margaret sneered. All he can do is fiddle with metal. How will you live on his wages while youre still in your fourth year at university? You must finish your studies. We cant support you without my husbands help.
Emily endured her mothers tirades while James was at work, unaware of the mutterings that tried to drive a wedge between the newlyweds. Margaret could not stand James at all.
James, a steady fellow who had served in the army, loved Emily deeply; she felt the same. Before the wedding he suggested, Lets stay with my grandmother. Its only a twobedroom flat, not the fourbedroom house your parents own, but at least well have a roof. He knew Margaret could never accept him, though she got on well with Jamess father. In the Whitaker household Margaret ruled with an iron fist.
When Margaret decided something, she saw it through by any means. Emily knew this and therefore held her ground, refusing to be swayed, relying mainly on herself. Margaret was irritated by her daughters independence, yet she recognised those traits in herself.
Emily was aware that Jamess motherinlaw annoyed him, but she still persuaded James to stay with her parents for a while.
James, Im still studying, youre the only earner. Itll be hard on one salary, but Mum will always help us.
Fine, well see, James replied.
When James received his first paycheck, he stopped at the supermarket before Emily returned from her lectures. Margaret met him at the door, saw the groceries, and shouted, Who asked you to buy all that?
I bought it myself, James answered calmly. Emily loves that cheese, and I thought Margaret cut him off.
Youre not even a proper member of this house. I tolerate you only because of my daughter, and thats all. She turned cold, leaving James speechless.
Mrs. Whitaker, why insult me? Im speaking to you with respect.
Youll work for me from now on. Every pound you earn goes to me, and Ill decide how its spent, including food. Do you understand?
Why should I give you my wages? Emily and I are a family.
There is no family here. Hand over the money.
I earned it, and Ill give it to my wife.
Then leave my flat at once. I never want to see you again.
James stormed out and did not return for three days. Emily waited anxiously, unable to visit him, though she knew something serious had happenedshe was also pregnant.
He hasnt even called, she thought, he must be with his grandmother Mabel.
Margaret gave Emily a brief account, painting James as the offender, but she omitted the part where she demanded his pay and forced him out.
Mother, you told me the whole truth, didnt you? Emily asked, suspicious. He couldnt just abandon me.
Darling, why would I lie to you? Margaret replied.
On the fourth day, Emily decided to go to Mabels house; James still ignored her calls.
Im heading to James, she told her mother.
Where to?
His grandmothers place. He must be there.
If he hasnt shown up, perhaps youre not needed.
No, he couldnt just leave like that. I dont know what you and Mum argued about, but youre keeping something from me.
Of course my precious James comes first, and you, Margaret, get nothing. I spend my money and energy on you both, and youre both ungrateful.
Im not blaming you, Mum. Thanks for the financial help, but I know you cant stand James. Youre always picking on him, driving a hardpoint into his throat.
Emily grabbed her bag and coat, fled the flat, and tried to sort out what to say to her husband.
You cant act like a petulant child. No matter what Mum says, you must keep calm. Hes an adult, she reasoned, and I should stay composed. Mums nagging is another fire to put out. Im exhausted with my studies.
She convinced herself that James had left because of a fresh remark from Margaret and that he was waiting for her to return. She planned to explain everything and then forgive him generously.
When she arrived at Mabels cottage, the sight that greeted her shocked her. Grandmother Mabel opened the door with a weary, apologetic expression, let Emily in, and gestured to the kitchen table where a halfempty bottle of whisky stood. James sat there, a glass in his hand. Emily was stunned; James had never smoked or drunk before.
He didnt seem surprised by her entrance; he took a modest sip, nodded toward an empty chair opposite, and waited. Emily sat, stared into his eyes, and all the words she had rehearsed vanished, her heart tightening with pity.
What could my mother have said that would make James uncork a bottle? she thought, then whispered, James, lets go home.
No, he answered loudly.
Why?
I cant live with your mother any longer. She tells me how to eat, how to speak, what to wearsoon shell dictate how I breathe. She also wants every penny I earn, and I wont hand that over. We are a family.
Ah, so thats the problem, Emily murmured quietly, realizing how much Margaret had hidden.
What now? James asked.
I dont know. We could stay here with my grandmother.
But we need money. Our baby is due, and a child needs a lot.
I earn well and can work tenhour days, even longer if needed.
Emily replied, You dont see that with my studies and your long hours we wont be able to raise a child properly. Well need to buy food, cook, and I cant drop my course; Im almost finished. Lets return to my parents until the baby arrives, then Ill find work.
No, I wont return to my motherinlaw, James declared firmly.
Then perhaps we should divorce, Emily snapped, frightened by her own words.
If you cant live with me, if you wont give up your parents comfort and become independent, maybe divorce is the only way, James replied sharply.
Emily lunged for the hallway, but Grandma Mabel stopped her.
Sit down, love, calm down. Ive been listening because I knew this would end badly. Ill help you. You dont have to quit your studies; I have a pension, not many funds, but Ill share what I have. I can look after the baby and cook. Please, dont think of divorce. Move in with us.
Emily accepted. The thought of comfort and parental help had always lingered, yet love for James made her willing to give it up. A family of her own, a husband, and an unborn son suddenly seemed far more precious.
James watched his wife, feeling the tension ease as she considered Mabels offer. At last Emily smiled.
Alright, Ill stay, James, she said. Where else would I be?
James leapt up, embraced her, kissed her, and Grandma Mabel smiled, whispering a quiet prayer.
Emily had to endure Margarets harsh words as she packed her things to leave for James. Margaret ranted, Youll starve with James, live in poverty, I dont want that grandchild. Hell grow as stubborn as his father. Emilys hair stood on end from the tirade.
She left with her suitcase, placed a large bag on the doorstep, and James helped her downstairs, the curses still echoing behind them.
Good heavens, even my mother, Emily muttered, horrified, Im glad I left. Now I understand James, I can imagine what she put him through.
Life settled for James and Emily at Mabels cottage. The grandmother took over the household chores, allowing Emily a smooth pregnancy. She gave birth to a healthy boy, Arthur. Mabel, James, and Emily were overjoyed. Margaret never contacted them, and she claimed she didnt want a grandchild. Their grandfather, however, called in secret, asking about Arthur, and Emily sent pictures that made him smile.
When Arthur turned three, he started nursery school, despite Mabels offers to look after him all day. Emily told Mabel, Arthur needs to be with other children; the nursery will help him develop faster. Youll pick him up, its close, and you still need your rest. Were hoping for a daughter soon, too.
Through the trials, Emily learned that true partnership requires standing together against outside pressure, that love flourishes when both partners respect each others independence, and that compromising with kindness can turn a bitter feud into a supportive family. The hardest battles are won not by anger, but by choosing empathy and commitment over pride.
