Drop that ring, Mum, I heard Margaret shout, her voice trembling with outrage. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Eleanor Hughes, her hands nervously smoothing the woollen cardigan she wore, tried to explain. Darling, it isnt just a piece of jewellery. It belonged to your grandmother, and now Kate needs it.
Kate? What does my sister have to do with it? Margaret snapped, pulling the top drawer of the old oak dresser open. Why does she suddenly want my ring?
Eleanor sank onto the edge of the sofa, her eyes hardening. She wasnt about to back down.
Kates wedding is coming up, you know that. Michael proposed, but theyre short of cash for a wedding band. I promised wed help.
We? Margaret lifted a tiny velvet box from the drawer and clenched it tightly. Did you even ask me?
Sweetheart, Eleanors voice softened to a pleading whisper, its a family heirloom. The ring is supposed to pass to the woman who first gets married. Kate is starting a family, and you
So Im the old spinster, then? Margaret sneered bitterly. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only precious 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 tried to place a hand on her daughters shoulder, but Margaret pulled away.
You always chose Kate, she said quietly, opening the velvet box. The gold band with a small garnet at its centre caught the lateafternoon light filtering through the curtains. She always got the best pretty dresses, fancy toys, your attention
Its not true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Is that so? Margaret slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I went to university and Kate was busy with some school competition? Who did you go to support? Who did you run to at the prom? Who did you console after her first breakup?
Eleanor lowered her gaze. There was a grain of truth in her daughters words, but she didnt want to admit it.
Kate is five years younger; she needed more of my time.
Of course, Margaret nodded. Now she wants my ring.
A sudden knock echoed through the hallway. Margaret flinchedshe wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor dabbed at the tears forming at the corner of her eyes and went to answer.
Come in, love, she called, her tone instantly sweet as honey.
Margaret clenched her teeth, wanting to retreat to her bedroom and shut the door on the whole farce. Yet she stayed rooted in the living room, fists clenched.
Hey, sis! Kate burst in like a whirlwind, her auburn hair a halo around her freckled nose. She looked no older than twentyfive. Whats all this? You look like youve just been slapped by a lemon!
We were talking about Grandmas ring, Margaret replied dryly.
Oh, Mum already told you? Kate plopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Michael proposed! Well marry at the end of spring. Only problemthere isnt enough money for a proper set of rings.
So youve decided to take my ring? Margaret stared straight into Kates eyes.
Its Grandmas, not yours, Kate shrugged. Mum said the tradition is that it goes to the first daughter who gets married. You dont mind, do you?
Margaret glanced at their mother, who stood nearby, fidgeting with the edge of her cardigan.
I do mind, Margaret said firmly. It was given to me, and I wont give it up.
But, love, Eleanor interjected, were family. We should look out for each other.
Exactly, Kate added. Besides, youve had it gathering dust for years.
A lump rose in Margarets throat. She wanted to speak, but the words stuck. She turned and left the room, slamming the door behind her.
In her bedroom she collapsed onto the bed, her face pressed against the pillow. They always decide everything for me without asking, she thought, feeling like a peripheral appendix rather than a fullgrown member of the family.
She recalled the night shed turned eighteen. She and her friends had planned to celebrate at a café. Before they left, Mum had called her into her bedroom.
Darling, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a small box. It belonged to my mother, your grandmother. Its meant to be passed from mother to daughter. Now its yours. Grandma always said it would bring happiness and true love.
At the time Margaret hadnt given those words much weight; she was simply grateful that Mum had finally given her something truly valuable. Usually Kate got the best of everything.
A soft knock came at her door.
Margaret, may I come in? Kates voice was unusually gentle.
No, Margaret muttered, but the door opened just enough for Kates auburn head to peek in.
Dont be cross, Kate slipped inside and perched on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
Margaret sat up, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
Its not the ring, Kate. Its that you and Mum always decide for me, as if my feelings dont matter.
Kates brow furrowed. That isnt true. We love you.
Love? Margaret laughed bitterly. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why does she have time, money, attention for you, while Im left with the leftovers?
What are you saying? Kate snapped. Mum never treated us differently!
Really? Margaret lifted her hand, the ring glinting. And now you want to take the only thing I truly cherish.
I didnt know you were so attached, Kate whispered. Mum just said it was tradition
There is no tradition! Margaret interrupted. She made it up to please you, as usual.
Eleanor entered, looking upset.
Girls, please stop arguing. Kate, go to the kitchen and boil some tea. I need to speak with Margaret alone.
Kate nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside Margaret.
Sweetheart, Im sorry, she said, taking Margarets hand. I never meant to hurt you.
You did, Margaret said, freeing her hand. As always.
Do you really think I love Kate more? Eleanor asked, pain flashing in her eyes.
I know I do, Margaret replied, standing and moving to the window. Ive spent my whole life feeling secondary. Kate, Kate, Kate And now you want to take the one thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt like a loved daughter.
Eleanor lowered her head, then whispered, Youre right. I did give Kate more attention, but not because I love her more. Youve always been independent, strong, and grew up fast. Kate needed more of my care because she was the younger, more needy one.
Thats no excuse, Margaret said, shaking her head.
I know, Eleanor sighed. I love you both equally; I just show it differently.
A heavy silence settled. Margaret stared out the window, unwilling to turn to her mother. Finally, Eleanor spoke softly, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Im sorry for the pain I caused.
Mum, Margaret called, does the ring really bring lovehappiness?
Eleanor smiled weakly. Grandma believed that. When she gave it to me, I wasnt married yet. She said, Wear it and it will help you find true love. A month later I met your father.
Margaret glanced at the garnet, which glowed like a drop of frozen blood in the lamp light.
But you and Dad split up, she noted.
Yes, but I was happy for a time, and I have you two. Isnt that happiness?
Just then Kate appeared with a tray of three tea cups and a tin of biscuits.
Peace? she asked, looking between mother and sister.
Margaret took a cup, sipped, and replied, Peace.
They settled in the living room. Kate ranted excitedly about the upcoming weddingher dress, the flowers, the venuewhile Margaret absentmindedly turned the ring on her finger.
What about you and Michaels ring? she asked abruptly, cutting through Kates enthusiasm.
There isnt one, Kate admitted, eyes dropping. He proposed, but we cant afford a band. Hes out of work, and my salary as a school administrator isnt enough.
So thats why you came for my ring, Margaret said.
Yes, Kate confessed. Mum told me about Grandmas ring and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have coveted it.
Tears welled in Kates eyes. Margaret realised that for years shed resented not just the ring but Kates status as Mums favouritepampered, always getting what she wanted. Yet now before her sat a young woman genuinely upset for hurting her sister.
You know what, Margaret said, sliding the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the weddingjust for one day. Then you give it back.
Really? Kates face lit up. Youre not joking?
No joke, Margaret handed it over. Try it on.
Kate slipped the band onto her finger; it was a little big.
Itll need resizing, she noted.
No need, Margaret chuckled. Just remember its only for a day.
Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Margaret, youre my gold, she whispered, hugging her older daughter. Im sorry for being unfair all these years.
Dont, Margaret blushed, pulling away. Lets not make a fuss.
The evening continued over tea, conversations about the wedding, and Margaret even offered to help with the planning. The tension eased, and the room grew warm.
When Kate was about to leave, she took the ring off and handed it back.
Hold onto it. Im scared Ill lose it before the big day.
Margaret tucked it back into the velvet box. As Kate departed, Eleanor cleared the cups.
Thank you, love, she said, embracing Margaret. You showed such forgiveness today. Im proud of you.
Dont exaggerate, Mum, Margaret teased. I just lent the ring for a day, didnt hand it over forever.
Its a noble act, her mother insisted.
That night Margaret lay awake, thinking about the ring, Grandmas words, and the promise of love. In the thirteen years shed owned it, shed never found true love herself. Maybe shed been meant to wear it more often.
The next morning her phone rang. It was Kate.
Sis, you wont believe it! Michael got a new jobgood pay, proper contract!
Congratulations, Margaret murmured, still halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Kate continued, excitement bubbling. When I told Michael about the ring and how you generously let me borrow it, he got the call about the job that same morning. Do you think the ring really brings luck?
Margaret smiled. Maybe, she said. Im glad things are falling into place for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate! Kate urged.
Ill see, Margaret replied cautiously. Ive got a lot on my plate.
After the call she lingered in bed, looking at the ceiling. Something had shifted after the argument, as if a weight that had sat on her heart for years finally moved.
That evening another call came. It was Eleanor.
Margaret, I was thinking maybe you could come down for the weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Margaret raised an eyebrow. Her mother rarely invited her without a reason.
Whats the occasion? she asked.
Nothing, Eleanor said, a hint of stubbornness in her tone. I just want to see my daughter.
Okay, Margaret replied after a pause. Ill be there.
The weekend arrived. Driving to the family home in Surrey, Margaret felt a flutter of nerves. Since moving into her own flat three years ago, her relationship with her mother had grown cool; they met only on holidays or quick phone calls.
Eleanor met her at the door, holding a small velvet box.
Come in, love, she said, hugging her. Im delighted youre here.
The house smelled of warm apple crumble. Margaret followed to the kitchen where a tea set was already laid out.
Mum, whats all this about? she asked, eyeing the tray.
Cant a mother spoil her daughter a little? Eleanor replied with a grin. Sit down, the crumbles still hot.
Over tea they talked about Margarets work, Kates wedding plans, and Eleanors health. After the crumble was gone, Eleanor handed her the velvet box.
This is for you, she said.
What is it? Margaret asked, opening it 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? Margaret asked, bewildered.
It was my grandmothers, your greatgrandmothers, Eleanor said, voice thick with emotion. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you, to show that I love you just as much as Kate. Ive never been good at showing it.
Margaret stared at the emerald, feeling a sting in her eyes.
Grandma always said emeralds stand for wisdom, Eleanor continued. And youve always been wise, even as a child. Want to try it on?
Margaret slipped the ring onto her finger; it fit perfectly, as if it had been made for her.
Thank you, Mum, she whispered. Its beautiful.
Eleanor took her hand. I also want to apologise. You were right I did give Kate more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
They embraced, and all the years of silent resentment seemed to dissolve.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I loaned to Kate? Margaret asked after they sat down again.
It isnt really my ring, Eleanor admitted. I bought it myself when your father and I were newly married. I invented the grandmothers story to make you value it.
The story about happiness in love? Margaret prompted.
Its true, at least for me, Eleanor said, smiling. It brought me happiness, and now it looks like its doing the same for Kate. Did you hear about Michaels new job?
Margaret nodded, turning the new emerald ring over in her hand.
Did the original ring really belong to greatgrandmother?
Yes, Eleanor confirmed. She did say the emerald symbolised wisdom. I kept it for a special moment, and this is it.
They talked late into the night. For the first time in years, Margaret felt truly at home. When she left, Eleanor walked her to the door.
You know, love, Im proud of you, she said. Youve grown into a wonderful person, despite my mistakes.
Dont, Margaret blushed. Everythings fine now.
Outside, the street was dark. Margaret headed for the tube, thinking how oddly everything had turned out. A quarrel over a family ring that might have driven a wedge between them had, in fact, pulled them together. Sometimes you have to voice every old grievance to start fresh.
She glanced at the new emerald ring glinting on her finger. The emerald was calm and deep, just like her mothers love. The garnet, bright and passionate, suited Kate perfectly.
Maybe there was something to Grandmas words after all. In the end, Margaret felt her mothers love for her was as strong as the love she held for her sister, and that was more than enough.
