Emily pulled her car up a street away from her mother-in-laws house. The clock read 5:45shed arrived earlier than agreed. *Maybe this time shell appreciate my punctuality*, she thought, smoothing the creases from her new dress. The gifta vintage brooch shed spent months tracking down through collectorswas carefully wrapped on the back seat.
As she approached the house, she noticed the ground-floor window slightly ajar. Her mother-in-laws voice carried clearly:
No, Margaret, can you believe it? She didnt even bother to ask what cake I liked! Ordered some modern dessert instead. Our William always adored a classic Victoria sponge, and she A pause. doesnt even get it. Seven years of marriage!
Emily froze. Her feet might as well have been glued to the pavement.
Of course, Ive told you beforeshes not right for William. Works day and night at that clinic of hers, barely home. What sort of homemaker is that? I popped round yesterdaydirty dishes, dust on the furniture And her? Tied up with some complicated surgery, naturally!
Everything inside her stilled. Emily leaned against the fence, knees trembling. For seven years, shed tried to be the perfect daughter-in-law: cooking, cleaning, remembering every birthday, visiting when her mother-in-law was ill. And all for nothing
No, I havent said a word, but trulyis that the sort of woman for my son? He needs a proper family, warmth, care And shes always at conferences or on night shifts. Doesnt even think about children! Can you imagine?
Her head throbbed. Mechanically, she pulled out her phone and dialled her husband.
William? Ill be a bit late. Yes, everythings fine, just traffic.
She turned and walked back to the car. Sitting stiffly, she stared blankly ahead. The words shed just heard echoed: *Needs more salt, In my day, women stayed home, William works so hard, he needs looking after*
Her phone buzzeda text from William: *Mums asking where you are. Everyones here.*
Emily took a deep breath. A strange smile tugged at her lips. *Fine*, she thought. *If they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll get her.*
She started the engine and headed back to her mother-in-laws. The plan formed in an instant.
No more trying to please. Time to show them what a *real* daughter-in-law could be.
Emily swept into the house with her brightest smile. Darling Mummy! she trilled, embracing her mother-in-law with exaggerated enthusiasm. Sorry Im lateI popped into three shops to find those exact scented candles you adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, thrown by the sudden energy. I thought she began, but Emily steamrolled on:
Oh, and guess what? I bumped into your friend Margaret! Such a *lovely* woman, always so *honest*, dont you think? Emily locked eyes, watching the colour drain from her mother-in-laws face.
Dinner was a masterclass. Emily heaped the choicest portions onto her mother-in-laws plate, gushed over every word she said, and endlessly sought her domestic wisdom.
Mummy dearest, how long *should* a roast cook? Three hours or four? And the curtainsshould they be washed monthly or weekly? Perhaps I should quit my job? William *does* need a proper family, after all.
William stared. Relatives exchanged glances. But Emily didnt let up.
Ive been thinkingmaybe Ill take a housekeeping course? Give up this silly surgeon business A womans place is in the home, isnt that right, Mummy?
Her mother-in-laws fork tapped nervously against her plate. Her confidence withered by the minute.
And what happened next? Well, some stories are best read to the end
