Mothers ring was the spark of the fight.
No, Mum, I wont hand that ring over! Marions voice trembled with indignation. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Darling, understand, its more than a piece of jewellery, Eleanor Whitmore fidgeted with the woollen cuffs of her cardigan. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Kitty.
Kitty? What does my sister have to do with it? Marion lunged for the dresser and yanked open the top drawer. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the edge of the settee. The conversation was taking an unpleasant turn, but she was not about to back down.
Kittys wedding is near, you know that. Max has proposed, but theyre short of money for a proper band. I promised wed help.
We? Marion pulled a small velvet box from the drawer and squeezed it in her palm. Did you even ask me?
Marion, love, her mothers tone softened to pleading, its a family heirloom. It should go to the woman whos getting married. Kitty is starting a family, and you
So Im the old spinster, then? Marion laughed bitterly. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me that felt genuine, from the heart. I remember you saying, Hold onto it, love; it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and moved toward her daughter, trying to place a hand on Marions shoulder, but Marion stepped back.
Youve always favoured Kitty, Marion whispered, opening the velvet case. The gold band, set with a modest garnet, caught the dim afternoon light that filtered through the curtains. She always gets the best: pretty dresses, costly toys, your attention
Its 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 Kitty was off at some school competition? Who did you cheer for? Who ran to her at the graduation ceremony? Who comforted her after her first breakup?
Eleanor lowered her eyes. Marions words held a grain of truth, though admitting it was hard.
Kitty is five years younger. She needed more of your focus.
Of course, Marion nodded. Now she wants my ring.
A knock sounded at the hallway door. Marion startled she hadnt been expecting anyone. Eleanor dabbed away a stray tear and went to answer.
Kitty, dear, come in, her mothers voice instantly softened, honeyed and warm.
Marion clenched her teeth. She wanted to bolt to her bedroom, shut the door, and refuse to take part in the charade. Yet she remained in the sittingroom, fists tight.
Hey, sis! Kitty burst in like a small whirlwind, her fiery hair a halo and freckles dotting her nose. She looked younger than her twentyfive years. Whats all this serious talk? You look like youve just been bitten by a lemon!
We were discussing Grandmothers ring, Marion replied flatly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Kitty flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Max proposed! Were planning to marry at the end of spring. Only thing missing is a proper set of rings were a bit short on cash, but we want something special.
So youre taking my ring? Marion stared her sister dead in the eye.
Its not mine, its Grandmothers, Kitty shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first woman who marries. You dont mind, do you?
Marion glanced at her mother, who stood off to the side, nervously twisting the hem of her cardigan.
I do mind, Marion said firmly. That ring was given to me, and I wont give it up.
But, Marion, her mother interjected, were family. We should look after each other.
Yes, Kitty agreed. Besides, its been gathering dust in that box for years.
A lump rose in Marions throat. She wanted to answer, but the words lodged themselves. She simply stepped out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a thud.
In her own bedroom she collapsed onto the bed, pressing her forehead into the pillow. They always decide everything for me without asking. As if Im not a proper member of the family, just an afterthought.
She recalled the day shed first received the ring. Shed turned eighteen, and she and her friends had gathered at a modest café to mark the occasion. Before they left, her mother called her into the upstairs sittingroom.
Sweetheart, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a small velvet box. Its my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. Its meant to pass from mother to daughter. Now its yours. Grandmother always said it would bring happiness and guide you to true love.
Marion hadnt given those words much weight then; she was simply pleased that mum, after years of handing everything to Kitty, had finally given her something of real value.
A knock came at her door.
Marion, may I come in? Kittys voice was unusually soft.
No, Marion muttered, but the door creaked open a crack, and Kittys auburn head slipped inside.
Dont be angry, Kitty whispered, settling on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
Marion sat up, wiping the colour from her eyes.
Its not just the ring, Kitty. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me, as if my feelings dont count.
Its not true. We love you.
Love? Then why does Mum always pick you first? Why does she always have time, money, attention for you, while Im left with the scraps?
What are you saying? Kitty snapped, hurt flaring. Mum never showed favour.
Do you think Im lying? Marion lifted her hand, the ring glinting. You now want the only thing I truly cherish.
I didnt realise you were so attached, Kitty said quietly. Mum just mentioned the tradition
No tradition! Marion cut in. She made it up to please you, as always.
Eleanor entered, looking upset.
Girls, please stop this, she pleaded. Kitty, go to the kitchen and put the kettle on. I need a word with Marion alone.
Kitty nodded and slipped out. Eleanor sat beside her daughter.
Marion, Im sorry, she took Marions hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Marion said, freeing her hand. As always.
Do you really think I love Kitty more? Eleanors eyes glistened with pain.
I dont thinkI know, Marion stood and walked to the window. All my life Ive felt like the secondborn, always hearing Kitty, Kitty, Kitty Now you want to take the one thing that reminds me of the rare moment I felt a mothers love.
Eleanor lowered her head, silence hanging heavy. At last she whispered, Youre right. I did give Kitty more attention, but not because I love her more. You were always the strong, independent one, growing up too fast. Kitty needed constant care, like a child.
Thats no excuse, Marion said, shaking her head.
I know, Eleanor sighed. I love you both deeply, just in different ways.
The room fell quiet. Marion stared out the window, unwilling to turn back to her mother. Finally Eleanor spoke softly, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Forgive me for the hurt.
Mother, Marion called, does the ring really bring love happiness?
Eleanor managed a weak smile. Grandmother believed it would. When she gave it to me, I was still unmarried. She said, Wear it, and it will help you find true love. A month later I met your father.
Marion glanced at the garnet, which glowed like a drop of frozen blood in the lamplight.
But you and Father divorced, she noted.
Yes, but that doesnt mean I wasnt happy. We had wonderful years, and I have you and Kitty. Isnt that happiness enough?
Kitty appeared with a tray holding three teacups and a vase of biscuits.
Peace? she asked, eyes shifting between mother and sister.
Marion took a cup, sipped, and nodded.
They settled in the sittingroom. Kitty raved about the upcoming wedding, the dress shed chosen, the flowers shed picked. Marion listened halfheartedly, turning the ring over on her finger.
What about you and Max? Do you have rings? she asked abruptly, cutting through the excitement.
None yet, Kitty lowered her gaze. He proposed, but hes currently unemployed, and my modest salary as a shop manager wont cover a proper set.
So you came for my ring, Marion said.
Yes, Kitty admitted. Mum told me about Grandmothers ring, and I thought But now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
Tears welled in Kittys eyes. Marion realised that all these years her jealousy had a point Kitty had indeed been the pampered one, the favourite child. Yet before her sat not a petulant girl but a young woman genuinely remorseful for hurting her sister.
You know what, Marion said, removing the ring, Ill lend it to you for the wedding, just for the day. Then give it back to me.
Really? Kittys face lit up. Youre not joking?
Im not, Marion handed over the ring. Try it on.
Kitty slipped it onto her finger; it was a little big.
Itll need resizing, she observed.
Dont worry about that, Marion warned. Just remember its only for one day.
Thank you, sis, Kitty beamed. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched her daughters, tears brimming.
Marion, youre my treasure, she whispered, pulling her older child into a hug. Im sorry for the years of unfairness.
Dont, Marion blushed, lets not make a fuss.
Evening drifted on with tea and chatter about the wedding. Marion even offered to help with the preparations. The tension eased, the atmosphere warming.
When Kitty was about to leave, she removed the ring and handed it back.
Keep it, Im afraid Ill lose it. Ill take it back just before the ceremony, okay?
Marion nodded, slipping the ring into its velvet box once more. As Kitty departed, Eleanor cleared the cups from the table.
Thank you, darling, she said, embracing Marion. Youve shown such generosity today. Im proud of you.
Dont overstate it, Mum, Marion chuckled. I just lent it for a day, not given it away forever.
Still, a noble deed, her mother insisted.
That night Marion lay awake. She thought of the ring, of Grandmothers words, of the promise of happiness in love. In the thirteen years shed owned it, true love had never found her. Perhaps she should have worn it more often.
The next morning the phone rang. It was Kitty.
Marion, you wont believe it! Maxs got a new jobgood pay, a solid contract!
Congratulations, Marion murmured, still halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Yesterday I told Max about the ring, about how you graciously let me borrow it for the wedding. He said the same morning he got the call about the job. Imagine the coincidence! Maybe the ring does bring luck.
Marion smiled despite herself.
Maybe, she replied. Im glad things are falling into place for you.
Come over this weekend, well celebrate!
Ill try, Marion said cautiously. I have a lot of work.
After the call, Marion stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted after the quarrel, as if a stone that had sat heavy on her heart for years finally moved.
Later that day another call came.
Marion, love, Ive been thinking, Eleanor began without preamble. Would you like to come down for the weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Marion raised an eyebrow. Her mother rarely invited her over without a reason.
Whats up? she asked.
Nothing particular, Eleanor replied, a hint of wistfulness in her tone. Just wanted to see my daughter.
Alright, Marion said after a pause. Ill be there.
When the weekend arrived, Marion felt a flutter of anticipation. Since moving into her own flat three years ago, her relationship with her mother had grown cool. They met on holidays, exchanged occasional calls, but the closeness of childhood had faded.
Eleanor met her at the front door, a small box in her hands.
Come in, love, she said, enveloping Marion in a warm hug. Im so glad youre here.
The flat smelled of freshly baked apple crumble. Marion followed her to the kitchen where the table was already set.
Mum, whats this about? she asked, eyeing the invitation.
Cant a mother just treat her daughter to a treat? Eleanor replied with a grin. Sit down, the crumbles still warm.
Over tea they talked about Marions job, Kittys forthcoming wedding, and Eleanors health. When the crumble was finished, Eleanor produced the little velvet box she had carried in.
This is for you, she said, handing it over.
What is it? Marion asked cautiously.
Open it and youll see.
Inside lay a delicate ring set with a tiny emerald at its centre.
Mum, what does this mean? Marion asked, bewildered.
It was my mothers ring, your greatgreatgrandmothers, Eleanor said, her throat tightening. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you, so you know I love you just as much as I love Kitty. I simply didnt always know how to show it.
Marion stared at the emerald, feeling a sting in her eyes.
Grandmother used to say emeralds bring wisdom, Eleanor continued. And you have always been wise, even as a child. Try it on?
Marion 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 need to apologise. You were right I did focus more on Kitty, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
Marion embraced her mother, and years of buried resentment seemed to melt away.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Kitty? she asked later, as they sat again at the table.
It isnt really mine, Eleanor confessed. I bought it when your father and I married. I fabricated the story about Grandmother so youd value it.
The story about happiness in love?
Yes, that part is true. It brought me happiness, at least for a while. And now it seems to have helped Kitty toodid you hear about Maxs new job?
Marion nodded, watching the emerald glint in the lamplight.
The ring really belonged to GreatGreatGrandmother?
Yes, Eleanor affirmed. She kept it for a special occasion, and this is the one.
They talked until late, and for the first time in many years Marion felt truly at home. When she finally left, Eleanor walked her to the door.
You know, Marion, Im very proud of you, she said. Youve grown into a wonderful woman, despite my mistakes.
Dont be ridiculous, Mum, Marion blushed. Were all alright now.
Outside it was dark. Marion walked to the tube, reflecting on how a fight over a ring that could have driven a wedge between them instead forged a new bond. The quarrel, once a threat of deeper division, had become the catalyst for reconciliation. Sometimes one must voice all the grievances to start afresh.
She glanced at the new ring, its emerald calm and steady, like a steady river. The garnet that once shone bright now seemed more suited to Kittys fiery spirit.
Perhaps Grandmothers words about the ring bringing happiness in love held a grain of truth after all. In that moment Marion realised her mothers love for her was as strong as for her sister, and that was more than enough.
