Dont you dare dress like that in my house, hissed the mother-in-law in front of the guests.
Emily, have you seen my glasses? I think I left them on the coffee table, Margaret peeked into the kitchen, where her daughter-in-law was putting the finishing touches on a salad.
Check the case, Margaret. I tidied the lounge and put them there, Emily replied without looking up, carefully arranging each slice of cucumber with precision.
Margaret pursed her lips but said nothing. In her world, no one touched her thingsnot even with good intentions. Especially not her things. But scolding Emily now, with guests due any minute, would only sour the evening. Today was importantthirty years since Margaret had moved into this grand, high-ceilinged house with its antique furniture, inherited from her own mother-in-law. Every corner was steeped in memory, every object had its place. And though the house technically belonged to her son Daniel now, Margaret still ruled it like a queen.
Emily had only lived there two years. To Margaret, the marriage had been an unpleasant surpriseDaniel had brought home a woman hed known for barely three months. Bright, university-educated, and with what Margaret considered far too modern ideas about life.
Salads nearly done, Emily announced, arranging it on a serving platter. I just need to change before everyone arrives.
Youre not wearing that red dress, are you? Margaret remarked airily, smoothing her immaculate silver bob.
Emily paused mid-motion, then slowly lifted her eyes.
Actually, yes. Daniel picked it out for our anniversary.
Its hardly suitable for a family dinner, Margaret snipped. Far too revealing. What about that lovely blue dress I gave you for Christmas? The one with the Peter Pan collar?
Emily exhaled. That blue dresswhich belonged on a schoolgirlhad been worn exactly once, to avoid offending Margaret. Since then, it had languished in the back of the wardrobe.
Margaret, at thirty-two, I think I can choose my own outfits, she said evenly.
Of course, Margaret replied with a tight smile. Just remember, my friends are coming tonight. People of a certain generation. They have standards.
Without waiting for a reply, she swept out, leaving Emily simmering in the kitchen.
Upstairs, Daniel was buttoning a crisp shirt. All set for the grand soirée? he teased when Emily walked in.
Almost, she said, pulling out the red dress. Your mums already critiqued my wardrobe.
Daniel sighed. Ignore her. Shes just worried about what her friends will think.
About us? Or just me? Emily held up the dress. It *was* a bit daringlow-cut with a thigh slitbut hardly scandalous.
Em, not tonight, alright? He wrapped his arms around her. This means a lot to her. Thirty years in this houseits her whole life.
And my self-respect means a lot to *me*, Emily muttered. Im not a teenager being told what to wear.
Daniel hesitated, torn between wife and mother. Finally, he sighed. Wear what you want. Youre gorgeous in anything.
Emily kissed his cheek. The irritation lingered, but for his sake, she swallowed it.
By six, guests arrivedMargarets oldest friends from her days at the architecture firm, plus neighbours like sharp-tongued Doris. Daniel and Emily played host, taking coats and exchanging pleasantries while Margaret held court in the lounge, arranging canapés and reminiscing about her travels.
When Emily slipped into the kitchen to fetch the main course, Margaret intercepted her.
Couldnt find something more modest? she hissed, eyeing the dress.
Weve discussed this, Emily said calmly. Its perfectly appropriate.
In *my* day, family dinners didnt involve parading yourself about. Margaret slammed a pie onto a tray with unnecessary force.
Emilys cheeks burned, but she bit back a retortnot here, not now.
Back in the lounge, laughter bubbled as Daniel told a work anecdote. Emily set down the food, but Margaret cut in: Emily, darling, could you fetch more bread?
A liethe basket was full. Emily nodded but returned empty-handed, catching Margarets whisper to a friend: Honestly, young people todayno sense of decorum.
Emily clenched her fists, then exhaled. Theres plenty of bread, Margaret, she announced, reclaiming her seat.
Margaret glowered but stayed silent. The evening rolled ontoasts, gossip, polite small talkbut the tension thickened like custard left out too long.
Over dessert, Doris piped up, Goodness, Emily, that dress is divine! Straight out of *Vogue*!
Margarets smile was brittle. Yes, shes quite the trendsetter. Though modesty never goes out of style.
Doris waved a hand. Rubbish! If I had your figure, dear, Id wear sequins to the shops!
Emily mouthed *thank you* just as the kettle screeched from the kitchen.
Ill get the tea, she offered.
Margaret followed, shutting the door with a snap. How *dare* you humiliate me like this? she seethed. That dress is vulgar, disrespectful
Emily blinked. Its a cocktail dress, Margaret. Not a swimsuit.
Youre mocking me! Flaunting your
Daniel appeared, frown deepening as he took in the scene. Whats going on?
Nothing, Margaret said sweetly. Just discussing fashion.
I heard enough, Daniel said quietly. Emilys my wife. I wont have you speaking to her like that.
This is *my* house! Margaret gasped.
*Our* house, Daniel corrected. And we *all* deserve to feel at home here.
Silence. From the lounge, Doriss cackle floated in.
Emily sighed. I never meant to upset you. If Id known
Margarets face twistedanger, hurt, then something like shame.
Mum, Daniel said gently. Emily spent all day making sure your party was perfect. She respects you. Cant you respect her choices too?
Margarets shoulders slumped. Perhaps I overreacted, she muttered. But in my day
Times change, Emily said softly. But kindness never goes out of fashion.
The kettle boiled again, a reminder of waiting guests.
Shall we? Daniel prompted.
Margaret hesitated, then touched Emilys arm. Wait. I owe you an apology. You *do* look lovely. And Doris is rightyouths for wearing bold things.
Emily stared. In two years, Margaret had never admitted fault.
Thank you, she said simply.
Back in the lounge, no one seemed to notice their absenceexcept Doris, who winked.
By nights end, Margaret even asked where Emily bought the dressfor my friend Beatrice, shed adore something like that.
As guests left, Doris lingered. Fifty years Ive known you, Maggie, she whispered. Never heard you apologise. Till tonight.
Margaret feigned confusion.
Oh, stop, Doris chuckled. Thats a good girl youve got there. And your boys happy. What else matters?
Later, as Emily and Daniel cleared plates, Margaret waved them off. Leave it. Tonight was nice. Lets not ruin it with chores.
They gaped.
But you always say Daniel began.
Rules, Margaret said with a rare grin, are made to be broken. Right, Emily?
Emily smiled back. Something had shifted. Something good.
Daniel hugged them boththree generations, three stubborn hearts, but one family.
Then Margaret nudged Emily. You know I saw a dress just like yours. But in blue. Think itd suit me?
And for the first time in ages, they laughed togetherreally laughedno bitterness, just joy.
