Go to your mother, said her future father-in-law.
So you two know each other? asked Mary.
No, well, yes Not really her fiancé, Henry, answered after a short pause.
But Mary had pieced it together in a flash: this was the great love Henry never liked to talk about.
Mary, darling, I think Im going to get married! her fathers voice rang out with happiness on the phone. What do you think?
Youre all grown up now, and very well settled with a wonderful, reliable chapmy soon-to-be son-in-law!
Its been ten years since your mother passed away. Its hard being alone, and a house needs a womans touch! Besides, Julie is lovely; youll like her. I think you might even become friends!
Then, hesitating a moment, her father added, Shes almost your age!
How much younger than you is almost? Mary teased, knowing her father had always been quite the charmer in his own day, rather like the legendary George in their town, with his captivating voice that made spinsters sit up straight and younger women fuss with their hair when he entered the room. Little girls would stop whinging, and the ladiesno matter their agecouldnt help but like him. It was no wonder hed waited so long to remarry.
The name Julie wasnt unfamiliar to Mary eitherthat was the name of her fiancés ex, the very one hed never liked to mention. Mary had learned about it only by chance, when her future mother-in-law alluded to it the first time they met: So, are you marrying my son for real, or going to leave like Julie did? Shed added, That was the sort of love you only read about!
It turned out Julie had left Henry behind. But why? He had good looks, brains, a stable job, and was all-around decent. You dont run from good catches like him!
Henry claimed he and Julie parted amicably, simply because of different personalities and priorities, but if it werent for his mothers slip, Mary would never have suspected otherwise.
So, it took you three years to figure out you werent right for each other? Mary had asked later, seeking clarity.
Sometimes it takes a lifetime to realise that, Henry had replied, as if he were quoting Shakespeare.
Did she cheat on you? Mary askedHenry was nothing but honourable, so the thought puzzled her.
No.
Did she want more than you could give, or complain about your job, or the work at home?
No, all that was fine.
So why did she leave?
Henrys face darkened. I havent the faintest, he spat, his patience clearly wearing thin. Why all these questions? Were good, arent we? Why dig up the past?
Mary let it be. After all, their wedding was in a month, their families were getting along, and Henrys mum seemed to like Mary.
Soon, Marys father invited them over to meet his new love interestwho, it turned out, was also named Julie. When the door opened, a bright, vivacious woman of about thirty-five greeted themnearly twenty years younger than Marys dad. Mary was thirty herself; Henry was just past forty. Both couples seemed perfectly matched.
You? Henry blurted, staring at the woman whod soon be his future mother-in-lawa woman younger than he was.
So youve met? Mary repeated.
Well, yes, sort of Henry stammered.
The truth flickered in Marys mindthis was THAT Julie, the one he could never forget.
Did you set this up on purpose? Henry demanded after a moments awkwardness.
Julie looked confused. Set what up?
This wedding charade!
Julie bristled. Mind your words, fine sir! What charade, and why would I do it?
To get back at me and my mum! Henry burst out. Found out about Marys dad and made your move. Easy for a bright girl like you to draw in a lonely man!
Julie shook her head incredulously. I forgot you and your mother the next day, Henry. Why would I want vengeance?
Dont try and fool me! Henry cried.
Mary watched in shock as the kind, composed Henry she thought she knew vanished, replaced by a small, red-faced man, spluttering insults.
Suddenly, her father entered the hallway. Here you all are! Come, lets eateverythings ready!
Im not coming, Henry screeched, making everyone cringe except him. Not after seeing this!
He gestured dramatically at Julie. Such low cunninghow could you stoop to this, Julie? How will I tell my mother?
Is this the legendary lad who cant let go of his mothers apron strings? Marys father asked with a chuckle.
You keep silent if you dont know, Henry snapped back.
Oh, I know plenty. Julie told me the lot, countered Marys dad, unruffled.
Thats her version! Mum and I have our side! Henry insisted, his voice rising.
Well then, lets hear it! the father urged. All sides should be listened to. You never know, Mary dear, maybe your own wedding wont happensee the way things are going?
Mary, love, shall we let your Henry have his say? her father teased. Come on, sonny boy, tell us all that dreadful Julie did.
After some spluttering, Henry began, She always cooked unhealthy food, and my mum always made me nutritious meals!
You all lived with your mum, then? Marys dad probed.
No, but I told her every day when we called, Henry confessed sheepishly.
Marys father interrupted with a chuckle, Theres a clue!
She never liked me going to visit mum on weekends! Henry went on.
And she was supposed to be happy about it? Marys dad pressed.
Yes, she should have been! If she loved me, shed have loved my mum too! And Julie never listened to her advice, even though my mums been through so much!
Henrys grievances tumbled out, detail after detail. Julie stood silent, not defending herself.
Mary felt as if she were in a strange dreamfor the first time, she saw her beloved with different eyes. How had she not noticed before?
It became obvious: Henry and his mum had put on their best faces for Mary so she wouldnt flee before the wedding as Julie had once done. At forty, it was time for Henry to have his own family, but she could now see why he was still single.
All this happened in the hallway. No one made it as far as the dining tableemotions had spilt over.
If Henry had only contained himself, perhaps it might all have been fine. Perhaps Mary would have married him.
But he couldnt, and as her grandfather used to say, Every cloud has a silver lining.
Finally, Marys father broke the silence. I get it. But what next? Yes, Julie and your mum never got along, but thats all in the past. Julies got her own life now, and so should you. The weddings nearly herewhy not focus on that instead?
He suggested everyone act with a little decency and leave resentments behind; there was so much more they could talk about.
But Henry was having none of it. How am I meant to tell my mother that Julie is now your wife?
With words, Henry! Mary finally burst out. Just say the words, as people do!
You dont understand, Henry barked at her. Julie will be at our wedding with your father as his wife! My mother wont like it!
Then your mother doesnt have to come if it bothers her that much, Marys dad said, matter-of-factly. Well somehow survive the sorrow.
Henry was boggled. How can my mother not come?
Who shouldnt come then, Henry? Julie? Marys father asked mockingly.
Well yes, Henry answered.
Marys fathers patience snapped. Dont you think you and your mother ought to grow up?
Mary finally understoodJulie should have left Henry much sooner. She was grateful for the warning.
So, you wont give in to us? Henry asked flatly.
Give in to what, exactly? her father replied.
Well, because of bad feelings, its best we stay apart!
I agree, her father said gently. Youre rightperhaps you shouldnt see each other again. Mary, shall we give Henry and his mother the peaceful life they seek?
Mary nodded silently.
Her father continued calmly, Go to your mother, Henrymarry her if you must, and be happy together!
Henry fell silent. He hadnt expected this turnhe was being shown the door, along with his mother! Unthinkable!
He tried one last time, Are you really kicking me out?
You left us no choice, Marys dad replied cheerfully. Cutting ties is for the bestmuch healthier for all involved.
Henry hadnt counted on this. He expected Julie to get the boot, not him and his mother. After all, they were the victimswerent they?
Mary, eyes averted, silently agreed with her father. After everything, she felt her love for Henry vanish, replaced only by a deep, opposing wave of shame and regret.
Julie stood by her husbands side, her loyalty clear.
Henry left, casting Mary dramatic glances. Will you let our happiness go so easily?
But no one budged. Julie was there to stay.
After Henrys departure, the group gathered at the table. The celebration felt hollowa wedding lost on what should have been a joyous meal.
But Mary could only hope her fathers and Julies relationship would fare better.
Mary was at her lowest. But her father comforted her, Dont worry, love. You always have to push off from the bottom to resurface. And besides, if youd stayed with Henry, he and his mother would have dragged you down for good. At least you threw off that weight in time!
True, Mary agreed sadly. Her dreamsand her weddingwere gone. And for a woman her age, a wedding had meant everything.
Better that you never got as far as tying the knot or having a little one, her dad concluded. His mum would have made your life a misery!
Absolutely, Julie added knowingly.
So they raised a glassto freedom from shackles and illusions of love. Was there even love? There was love for his mother, thats for sure, but for otherswho could say?
Some questions are better left unanswered. So, good luck to you, Henry. With your mother, of course.
In the end, Mary realised: letting go of unhealthy attachments, and standing up for your own happinesseven when its painfulbrings you the freedom to start anew. And perhaps thats the most important lesson of all.
