No, Mother, I wont give you that ring! Marions voice quivered with indignation. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Darling, you must understand it isnt merely a piece of jewellery, Eleanor Pritchard said, nervously smoothing the woollen cardigan she wore. It belonged to your grandmother, and now it should go to Katie.
Katie? What does my sister have to do with it? Marion pulled the top drawer of the old chest and flung it open. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the edge of the settee. The conversation was turning sour, but she refused to back down.
Katies wedding is approaching, you know. Max has proposed, and theyre short of money for a wedding band. I promised we would help.
We? Marion extracted a tiny velvet box from the drawer and clenched it tightly. Did you even ask me?
My dear, her mothers tone softened pleadingly, its a family heirloom. The ring passes to whoever first leaves the nest. Katie is starting a family, and you?
So Im the old spinster now, is that it? Marion laughed bitterly. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me from the heart. I remember you saying, Take good care of it, love, it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and moved toward her daughter, trying to lay a hand on Marions shoulder, but Marion stepped back.
You always chose Katie, Marion whispered, opening the little box. The gold band with a modest garnet at its centre caught the waning light streaming through the curtains. She always got the best: beautiful gowns, expensive toys, your attention
Thats not true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Is that so? Marion slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Katie was busy with that school competition? Whom did you go to cheer for? Who did you race to the graduation ceremony? Who did you comfort after her first heartbreak?
Eleanor lowered her gaze. There was a grain of truth in Marions words, but she could not admit it.
Katie is five years younger. She needed more of my time.
Of course, Marion replied. And now she wants my ring.
A knock sounded at the hallway door. Marion tensedshe wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor brushed away a fresh tear and went to answer.
Katie, dear, come in, her mothers voice softened, honeyed and warm.
Marion ground her teeth. She wanted to retreat to her room, shut the door, and escape this farce. Yet she stayed, fists clenched, in the middle of the sittingroom.
Hello, sis! Katie burst in like a fresh breeze, her red hair a wild halo, freckles dotting her nose. Though she was twentyfive, she seemed younger. Whats that sour look? Did you just bite into a lemon?
We were discussing Grandmas ring, Marion answered flatly.
Oh, Mother told you already? Katie flopped into an armchair, crosslegged. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Well marry at the end of spring. Only thingno money for a proper band, and we want something special.
So youve decided to take my ring? Marion stared Katie in the eye.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, Katie shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first daughter who marries. You dont mind, do you?
Marions gaze flicked to her mother, who stood apart, fidgeting with the cardigans edge.
I do mind, Marion said firmly. It was given to me, and I wont hand it over.
But, Marion, her mother interjected, were a family. We must look after one another.
Yes, Katie agreed. Besides, its gathering dust in that box anyway.
A lump rose in Marions throat. She wanted to speak, but words caught. She rose silently and slammed the door shut.
In her bedroom she collapsed onto the bed, face buried in the pillow. Always deciding for me, never asking what I think, she thought, feeling as though she were a peripheral appendage rather than a true daughter.
She recalled the day shed first received the ring. Shed just turned eighteen, and she and her friends were heading to a café for her birthday. Before leaving, Mother called her into her own bedroom.
Darling, I have something special for you, Eleanor 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.
At the time, Marion hadnt given it much thought. She was simply grateful that her mother, after a long stretch of giving everything to Katie, had finally offered her something of real value.
A soft knock interrupted her reverie.
Marion, may I come in? Katies voice was unusually gentle.
No, Marion grumbled, but the door cracked open just enough for Katies ginger head to peek in.
Dont be angry, Katie slipped inside and perched on the edge of the bed. I didnt realize how much this meant to you.
Marion sat up, wiping her reddened eyes.
Its not the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mother always make decisions for me without asking how I feel, as if my feelings dont count.
Katies brow furrowed. Thats not right. We love you.
Love? Then why does Mother always pick you? Why does she find time, money, attention for you, while Im left with the scraps?
What are you saying? Katie snapped. Mother never favours one over the other!
Really? Marion lifted her hand, the ring glinting. Now you want to take the only thing that truly belongs to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Katie murmured. Mother only mentioned tradition
There is no tradition! Marion cut in. She invented it to please you, as always.
Eleanor entered, her face drawn.
Girls, please stop fighting. Katie, go fetch a kettle. I need to speak with Marion alone.
Katie nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside her daughter, taking Marions hand.
Marion, Im sorry, she said. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Marion replied, freeing her hand. As always.
Do you truly think I love Katie more? Eleanors eyes flickered with pain.
I know I do, Marion said, rising to the window. All my life Ive been the secondary childalways Katie, Katie, Katie And now you want to take the one thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt truly loved.
Eleanor fell silent, bowing her head. At last she whispered, Youre right. I did give Katie more attention, but not because I loved her more. You were always so independent, so grownup. Katie, on the other hand, needed constant care.
Thats no excuse, Marion said, shaking her head.
I understand, Eleanor sighed. I love you both equally; I just show it differently.
A heavy hush settled over the room. Marion stared out the window, refusing to turn toward her mother. Finally, Eleanor whispered, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Forgive me for upsetting you.
Mum, Marion called, does this ring really bring loves happiness?
Eleanor managed a faint smile. Grandma believed that. When she handed it to me, I was still single. She said, Wear it, and it will help you find true love. I met your father a month later.
Marion glanced at the garnet, which seemed a drop of frozen blood in the lamps glow.
But you and Father divorced, she noted.
Yes, but I was happy for a time. We had wonderful years, and I have you and Katie. Isnt that happiness enough?
At that moment Katie appeared with a tray holding three tea cups and a tin of biscuits.
Peace? she asked tentatively, glancing between mother and sister.
Marion took a cup and sipped. Peace, she agreed.
They settled in the sittingroom. Katie raved about the upcoming weddingher dress, the flowers, the venuewhile Marion twirled the ring on her finger halfheartedly.
What about you and Max? Do you have a ring? Marion asked, cutting through Katies excitement.
Not yet, Katie admitted, lowering her gaze. He proposed, but hes currently unemployed and I cant afford a proper band on my modest salary as a school administrator.
So thats why you wanted mine, Marion said, nodding.
Yes, Katie confessed. Mother told me about Grandmas ring, and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
Tears welled in Katies eyes. In that instant Marion understood why shed always felt a jealous stingKatie had been the pampered one, the darling daughter. Yet before her sat not a petulant girl but a young woman truly remorseful for hurting her sister.
You know what, Marion said, slipping the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the weddingjust for a day. Then you return it to me.
Really? Katies face lit up. Youre not joking?
Not a joke, Marion handed the ring over. Try it on.
Katie placed the ring on her finger; it was a little large.
Itll need resizing, she observed.
Dont worry about that, Marion replied. Just remember its only for the day.
Thank you, sis, Katie beamed. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched, tears glistening. Marion, youre my treasure, she whispered, pulling her older daughter into a hug. Im sorry for the years of unfairness.
Dont, Marion blushed. Lets not make a fuss.
Evening drifted on with tea and laughter about the wedding plans. Marion even offered to help with the arrangements, and the tension gradually lifted, replaced by a gentle warmth.
When Katie prepared to leave, she slipped the ring back into Marions hand.
Take it, Im afraid Ill lose it. Ill collect it before the wedding, alright?
Marion tucked the ring into its velvet box and, as the mother cleared the cups, Eleanor embraced her once more.
Youve shown such generosity today, Eleanor said. Im proud of you.
Dont exaggerate, Mum, Marion chuckled. I only lent the ring for a day, not given it away forever.
Its still a noble act, her mother insisted.
That night Marion lay awake, thinking of the garnet and the old family tale. Thirteen years shed owned the ring, yet true love had never quite arrived. Perhaps she ought to wear it more often.
The next morning her phone rang. It was Katie.
Marion, you wont believe it! Max got a good job with a decent salary! Hes already signed the contract!
Congratulations, Marion murmured, still halfasleep. Im happy for you both.
Whats more amazing? Katie continued, excitement bubbling. When I told Max about the ring and how you kindly loaned it for the wedding, he received a call this morning about the job. Imagine thatmaybe the ring really does bring luck!
Marion smiled faintly. Perhaps, she replied. Im glad things are falling into place for you.
Come over this weekend, lets celebrate! Katie urged.
Ill try, Marion said cautiously. Ive got a lot of work.
After the call, Marion lingered in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted since the argumentlike a weight that had finally eased.
Later that day another call came. It was her mother.
Marion, I was thinking Could you come over this weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Marion raised an eyebrow. Mother rarely invited her without a reason.
Whats the occasion? she asked.
Nothing special, Eleanor replied, a hint of longing in her voice. I just want to see my daughter. Does that sound odd?
Not at all, Marion said after a pause. Alright, Ill come.
The weekend arrived, and as Marion approached the old family cottage she felt a flutter of nerves. Shed moved into her own flat three years ago, and her contact with Eleanor had been limited to holidays and occasional phone callsnothing like the closeness of childhood.
Eleanor met her at the door, a small velvet box in her hand.
Come in, love, she said, embracing Marion. Im so glad youre here.
The kitchen was filled with the scent of baked apples. A tea set sat on the table, and a fresh pie cooled on the windowsill.
Whats going on, Mum? Marion asked, eyeing the warm welcome.
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Eleanor laughed. Sit down, the crumble is still hot.
Over tea they chatted about Marions work, Katies forthcoming wedding, and Eleanors health. When the pie was gone, Eleanor produced the little velvet box shed brought.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? Marion asked cautiously.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lay a delicate gold band set with a tiny emerald at its centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Marion stared, bewildered.
It belonged to my mother, your greatgrandmother, Eleanor said, her throat tight. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you, so you know I love you as much as Katie. I simply wasnt always good at showing it.
Marion held the ring, a tear forming in her eye.
Grandma used to say emeralds bring wisdom, Eleanor added. Youve always been wise, even as a child. Try it on?
Marion slipped the band on; it fit perfectly, as if it had been forged for her.
Thank you, Mother, she whispered. Its beautiful.
Eleanor took her hand. I also want to apologise. You were rightI gave Katie more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve far more.
They embraced, and the years of resentment seemed to melt away.
What about the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Katie? Marion asked later, when they were seated again.
That isnt really my ring, Eleanor admitted. I bought it when your father and I married. I invented the story about Grandma so you would cherish it.
And the story about loves happiness?
Thats true, she smiled. At least it brought me joy, and now it looks like its doing the same for Katie. Have you heard about Maxs new job?
Marion nodded, admiring the emerald glinting on her finger.
It really was your greatgrandmothers ring? she asked.
Yes, Eleanor confirmed. She kept it for a special occasion, and this is the one.
They talked late into the night. For the first time in many years Marion felt genuinely at home. When she finally left, Eleanor walked her to the door.
You should be proud of the person youve become, Marion, Eleanor said softly. Despite my mistakes, youve grown into a wonderful woman.
Dont say that, Mum, Marion blushed. Its all right now.
Outside, the street was dark. Marion headed for the tube, reflecting on how a quarrel over a simple ring had almost driven a wedge between them, yet ultimately brought them back together. Sometimes one must voice old hurts to begin anew.
She glanced at the emerald ring glittering on her finger. The emerald was calm and steadyjust like her mothers love. The garnet, bright and passionate, seemed a perfect match for Katie.
Perhaps there was truth in the old saying that a family heirloom can bring happiness in love. Tonight, Marion felt the warmth of her mothers affection, equal to that for her sister, and that was more than enough.
