They had taken great care to keep their newly purchased holiday cottage a secret from the family. Everything had to be set in order at oncegrab the spades and begin digging in the garden. Now, it seemed, they werent coming after all.
The ring of the telephone shattered the mornings quiet so suddenly that Emily jolted in her seat. The screen flashed: Aunt Margaret.
Emmie, darling! came the cheerful voice down the line. Youll never guesswere on our way to your country house!
Her teacup hovered mid-air. Aunt Margaret was the very one who had popped in for a short stay during her own home repairsthree endless months of questions like, Why ever would you choose that? or Thats not how its done, alongside her favourite refrain: Back in my day
How are you coming? Who is we? Emily managed to choke out.
Oh, were bringing the girls! A little holiday, just a week, her aunt replied, laughter and the clinking of glasses audible in the background. Whats the trouble? Were family!
That wordfamilyhad always been Aunt Margarets master key, unlocking any door. After the flat incident, Emily and William had vowed never to mention the cottage. Yet someone had let slipeven given them the address.
Aunt Margaret, we cant Emily began, striving to steady her voice.
Were already on the train! her aunt trilled. See you soon!
A sharp beep ended the call. Emilys pulse quickened. She dialled her husband.
William, Aunt Margaret and the girls are coming.
Good Lord, not again, he sighed. Cant you just not answer the door?
They wont just leave, Emily fretted, twisting the hem of her apron. Theyll camp by the gate, shaming us before the neighbours. Remember the flat? Our own niece turned her dear aunt out into the cold!
By luncheon, Aunt Margaret and her entouragethree middle-aged cousinshad commandeered the kitchen. The terrace, where Emily had relished solitude that morning, was cluttered with unfamiliar luggage. The fridge brimmed not only with homemade jams but also with their groceries, and beside them, neatly stacked bottles of wine.
Emily, where are the towels? called Alice from the bath.
And fetch some loo roll! added Beatrice.
Your shampoos odd, Judith sniffed, wrinkling her nose at the lavender bottle. Havent you got a proper one?
Emilys nails dug into her palms. Her shampoo was exactly as she likedhers alone, not meant for a gaggle of guests. It was past time she learned to say no, even to family.
And my, youve done well for yourselves! Aunt Margaret declared, settling into the wicker chair William had brought back from France. A fine plot, a sauna Why keep it to yourselves? Were still family!
Precisely why, Emily said quietly, though a restrained edge crept into her voice.
What was that? Aunt Margaret cupped her ear theatrically.
Precisely why! Emilys voice rose sharply. Because youre the sort who barges in, takes over, and treats our home as your own!
Emily! Aunt Margaret gasped, half-rising as if braced for battle. How can you
Quite easily! Something long suppressed surged within her. Remember the flat? Just a few days, you saidthen three months! Each day worse than the last: telling us how to live, what to change
At that, the girls appeared in the doorwaysome clutching towels, others wineglassesstaring in bewilderment.
And anyway, were leaving on holiday soon, Emily said, though her voice wavered. Our trains already booked.
Oh, dont fret, well manage! Aunt Margaret waved dismissively, sinking back into the chair. Off you go!
No, Emily replied, knees trembling but voice firm. Youre not staying. Not now, not for a week. This is our home, and we wish to be left in peace.
Aunt Margaret pretended not to hear.
They endured three days. Three endless days of strained civility. Mornings brought unfamiliar voices in the kitchen; afternoons, relentless remarks: Why ever do you do it like this? or Most people dont Evenings drowned in guitar strumming and songs, heedless of the neighbours peace. Emilys petunias wilted from neglect. Sophies toys vanished from the terracefar too much clutter. Even the cat fled to the neighbours to escape the din.
But on the fourth morning
Aunt Margaret, Emily said, setting the suitcases before them. Today, you must go.
Must? We agreed on a week!
No, Emily shook her head. You decidedjust like with the flat. Enough. We leave tomorrow, and theres packing to be done.
The nerve! Judith cried. We
Family, yes, Emily cut in bitterly. But that doesnt grant you leave to invade our lives. You never askedjust arrived.
Whats the harm? Alice sniffed. A short visit never hurt!
Short? Emilys temper flared. Youve made yourselves at home. Issued orders, criticised, rearranged everythingdo you recall how often I wept during those three months in the flat?
Aunt Margaret froze, glass in hand.
Emily, we meant no harm
She remembered it vividly, as if it were yesterday. The knock, Aunt Margaret on the doorstep, tearful: Emmie, love, the builders are in! Just a few days And those days stretched into months.
At first, it seemed harmless enough. A brief visitwhat of it? They had only just settled into the flat, each corner carefully arranged, every detail chosen.
Then
Emily, why such dreary curtains? Aunt Margaret fretted, reorganising the china cabinet. Look at Judithslovely frills, floral patterns
Theyre not dreary, theyre modern, Emily explained.
Modern? Looks like a funeral parlour! And who arranges plates this way? Let me sort it properly
Day by day, their sanctuary became a strangers lodging. The kitchen sprouted gaudy napkinscheers the place up! The bathroom overflowed with lotionsthe girls need their things! The hall piled high with coatsone mustnt turn away family!
Then came the girls evenings.
Emily, dear, shant be late! Aunt Margaret sang, setting out wineglasses. Just a little supper!
Yet supper stretched past midnight. William retreated to the bedroom, headphones clamped on. Emily locked herself in the bath, stifling sobs.
Love, why hide? Aunt Margaret tapped at the door. Come join us! Judiths brought her famous pie
Mornings brought fresh critiques, odd habits, unsolicited advice.
Emily, why is your fridge so bare? Aunt Margaret sighed. Back in my day
That phraseback in my daywas a death knell. In her day, women cooked endlessly, entertained freely, followed unspoken rules. Each morning, Emily resolved: Today, Ill tell her to go. Yet the words stuck in her throat.
Bear with it, William whispered at night. Its temporary
But temporary lasted three months. Three months of foreign scents in her kitchen, strangers belongings in her cupboards, another womans order imposed upon her home. Three months of comparisons: Judith does it this way or Most people wouldnt
And when the day finally came
Darling, how shall I manage without you? Aunt Margaret fretted, clutching her bag. Perhaps just a little longer?
Aunt Margaret Emily said gently. The builders have finished, havent they?
The builders? Emily, were family!
For weeks afterward, they restored the flat. Banished the frilly napkins, reclaimed their space. They swore: never again. No uninvited guests, no just dropping in, no family without warning.
Yet here she stoodsuitcases in tow, the same old plea: But were family
In the heavy silence, the clock ticked on the terrace, bees hummed over the blooms, a distant train whistled by.
Very well, Aunt Margaret said at last, strangely calm. Youre right. We overstepped. Girls, pack up.
An hour later, they were gone. No scenes, no slammed doors. Just gone.
That evening, Emily sat on the terrace with her tea, reflecting. Perhaps this was the wayplainly saying no. No excuses, no pretence. Sometimes the hardest thing wasnt learning to refuse, but finding the courage to do so when it mattered most.
