Come on, get moving and make a good impression on the guests, said James, his grin wide as his relatives arrived at Emilys flat to discuss the wedding.
Now youre truly one of us, our beloved daughterinlaw, Margaret Smith wrapped her arms around Emily once more. James had just proposed, and the couple had announced their upcoming marriage to both families. James already knew Emilys parents, but for Emily this was her first meeting with her future motherinlaw.
Emilys parents, Michael and Susan Smith, had spent their whole lives in London and were comfortably well off. They had provided their daughter with everything she might need: a flat, a car, a prestigious university education, a solid job, and they expected her to choose a husband who matched their social standing.
James seemed a decent enough fellow. By twentyfive he already held a respectable professional post, earned a good salary at a large firm, and lived in a nice part of town. It later emerged, however, that his flat was a rented house. Emily managed to convince her parents that, since she already had a roof over her head, James didnt need to take out a mortgage straight away.
Well live in my flat first, then buy something together, James suggested.
Do you realise that anything bought together will be split fiftyfifty? Michael asked, his brow furrowed. He was uneasy about the fact that Jamess only dowry seemed to be a large extended family.
Were not planning on getting a divorce, Dad! What are you talking about? Emily retorted.
Anything can happen
But not us! James and I love each other. He earns enough to put money into a joint household! she pleaded.
By some standards thats decent, but still less than yours. Its not ideal, Michael replied.
Emily earns above average, so you set the bar too high, Michael, Susan intervened. Let them be. Hes not a bad sort, and Emily loves him.
Let them be, but theyre already planning a wedding, Michael continued. Its good that the lad has serious intentions; otherwise you know how it goesten years together, kids, and the Registry Office never gets around to it.
Those serious intentions are only serious when theres a flat in London, Michael muttered.
Dad! What are you saying?! Mum, tell him! Emily burst into tears. His words had struck a nerve. She thought her father doubted her ability to attract a good match, so she stormed out of the room.
What kind of man are you, Michael? Why are you hurting her? Susan whispered. Michaels retort was cut short; later Susan convinced him that Emily was free to choose her own husband and that James was not a terrible option. Michael gave his blessing, and James invited Emily over to meet his parents.
Why dont we meet at a restaurant? Your relatives can travel by train, theres no problem with the commuter line, James suggested.
My dear, you know I have a huge family. Where will they all stay if they come? Emily asked.
In a hotel, she answered tentatively.
They cant afford hotels or restaurants; theyre ordinary folk. I cant house everyone at my own expensesome of the wedding budget has to be saved. Lets go to my hometown instead. Ill show you where I grew up. Its only a train ride, so we avoid the traffic jam.
Emily thought the couple didnt really need to save anything, because her own father could afford a splendid wedding, but she didnt argue and agreed.
She felt nervous travelling to strangers homes, yet Jamess encouragement steadied her. That weekend Michael and Susan saw Emily and James off to his familys village. Michael was displeased, but after a word with his wife he kept his thoughts to himself. Susan wasnt thrilled about the trip either, but the custom was that the bride visits the grooms side, and not going would be rude. So only Emily travelled.
Emily, a courteous young lady, stocked up on presents after finding out what Jamess relatives liked. For her future motherinlaw she bought a beautiful tablecloth and a set of towels; for the others she brought sweets, tea and coffee.
Ready for the introductions? James asked.
Honestly, Im a little frightened, Emily admitted.
Dont worry, theyre simple folk. Dont expect London luxury or fancy bathrooms, James laughed.
The village looks a bit outdatedold cottages, a broken road, overgrown gardens, Emily observed as they arrived. Jamess house stood out with a tidy garden and a freshly painted fence, clearly livedin.
A large dog lay in a kennel at the gate. When the guests arrived it barked loudly, startling Emily.
Out of the way! James commanded, pulling the dog away from his future wife.
Why is it so angry? Emily asked.
Its guarding the house. This isnt London, where dogs are pampered.
A woman burst from around the corner, shouting, My son, my dear! and wrapped the newcomers in a hug. Emily, unused to such exuberant displays, felt out of place. Her future motherinlaw only calmed down after kissing Emily and her son, then finally let them enter.
Inside, the reception was equally enthusiastic. Emily was hugged countless times, introduced to aunts, sisters, uncles, cousins, neighbourseveryone crowded around the bashful bride and began interrogating her.
How did you get here? Why keep such a lovely girl hidden from the family? When will the children arrive? Where do you live? What do you do? Who are your parents? How did you meet? Where will you live after the wedding?
The questions seemed endless, and Emily found it hard to count the lipstick marks left on her cheeks.
Let us rest; were tired from the journey, James said, sensing her discomfort, and gently led her away from the tightening circle of relatives.
Take a twentyminute break, then well sit down. We want to know everything, every detail! his mother announced.
Dont worry, theyre only nervous at first. Theyll settle down, James whispered.
Do you really think theyve already brought you home? Emily asked, halfjoking.
No, I just know my family, James replied. Now lets change into something nicer and go to the table. Mum made dumplings especially for your visit. Please praise her cooking.
Emily nodded. They were seated at the head of the table. The food was so hot Emily barely noticed the chipped plate at the edge. Looks like theyre eating from broken crockery, she thought, noticing a small crack in the tablecloth she had gifted. Probably a centuryold cloth.
The relatives peppered her with questions about her upbringing, childhood, ambitions, even her blood type. When James suggested she needed to eat, his mother called out, Eat, dear guests! I made everything from my mothers recipe. Do you have any family recipes, Emily?
No, Emily replied.
Really? No signature dish from your mother or grandmother? the aunt asked.
My grandmother died when I was three. My parents have a housekeeper who cooks and cleans, Emily said, feeling a sting at the judgmental look from her future motherinlaw.
Were used to homecooked meals, so youll have to learn to cook yourself, Sarah, Margarets sister, interjected.
The family recipe is passed down through generations, Margaret continued. You should be able to make those dumplings; James loves them.
Emily didnt know what to say.
Its time to try what everyones talked about, James nudged his plate toward her. Otherwise the conversation will die and the night will go cold.
She took a cautious spoonful. The broth was scorching and overly salty.
What do you think? the relatives stared at her, from the youngest to the oldest.
Its delicious, she lied, not wanting to seem rude. James patted her hand approvingly, and Emily smiled, hoping the evening would end soon so she could escape the endless curiosity.
Can we leave today? she asked when a chance arose.
What? Mum will be upset. No, I promised wed stay until tomorrow, James replied.
Then well leave first thing in the morning. I still have work to finish, Emily said.
You work too much, Emily. Its the weekend, you should relax, James warned.
She invented a new excuse to leave early. By morning she claimed she felt unwell, and James cancelled breakfast, lunch and dinner together.
Too bad youre leaving so soon, we barely got to know each other, Margaret sighed.
Come back sometime, Emily replied politely.
Well try, dear. Apart from my son we have no one else in London, Margaret added.
Emily smiled at the farewell and followed James out.
How did you find my family? he asked.
Lovely people, she answered, keeping her discomfort to herself.
Thanks for being kind to my mother, it means a lot, James said.
Youre welcome honestly, those dumplings were terribly salty! Emily blurted.
So you lied when you said you liked them? James looked disappointed.
You said I should like them even if I didnt, Emily replied.
I didnt think youd criticize something made especially for us, James muttered.
Emily had no retort. She was stunned by his words.
Lets pretend that incident never happened, James suggested. Emily nodded, not wanting to argue, and decided that the mishap was a trivial thing not worth a fight. In the end she didnt choke on the oversalted dumplings.
But when my relatives visit, youll really have to learn to cook. I cant impress guests with storebought salads, James warned. My family loves plenty, so well need to be well prepared.
Youre saying theyll actually come? Emily asked, surprised.
You invited them, remember?
I only invited your mum, James replied.
She cant travel alone family ties are everything for us. This isnt a big city where everyone looks after themselves, he added.
Emily swallowed his words, hoping the meeting wouldnt happen soon; she still had work and other commitments, and the weeks flew by.
We need to pick a wedding cake. The top baker is booked half a year in advance, but I managed to get a tasting tomorrow, Emily reminded James when he returned from work.
Well deal with the cake later, not this weekend, he said.
Why?
Because we have guests coming.
But I hadnt planned that Emily protested.
We agreed last week. Tomorrow at noon were meeting relatives at the station. Ask your father for a company car.
Cant they just take a taxi? she asked, reluctant to involve her dad.
First, theyre our guests, not just yours. Second, no, imagine the cost of shuttling everyone in cars, James replied.
How many are coming? Emily asked, anxiety rising.
Im not sure, but three cars should be enough, plus ours.
Where will we put them? Should we book a hotel?
Theyre not proud folk; they could even sleep on the floor.
Emily felt her head spin. She called her mother.
I dont know what to do! I have a meeting, a mountain of work, and he hasnt even told me how many people are coming! she vented.
Dont worry. Tomorrow Claire, our housekeeper, will have everything ready and delivered, Susan said. If needed, we can house some of them at our place.
Emily exhaled in relief, grateful for her mothers help. By the appointed time the dining room was set, the finest tablecloth spread, and everything was ready for the arrival.
Will your mum be leaving? James asked as he came home.
No she wants to meet your mum, Emily replied.
Id rather not introduce them before the wedding, but theres no avoiding it. We also need to discuss dowry, rites and traditions.
What rites? James asked.
The wedding bread, the ceremony, Margaret said.
Emily didnt answer. At that moment the doorbell rangher inlaws had arrived.
More embraces and greetings followed. When the grooms side filled the hallway, Emily realised she was meeting half of them for the first time.
Alright, host, tell us where to go? Margaret asked. Emily ignored Tatianas (now Margarets) comment, but Susan was upset that the flat suddenly seemed owned by someone who wasnt even on the lease.
Mum, will the food be enough? Emily whispered.
Do they think theyre a whole farm arriving? Do you know all of them? Susan replied.
No, Emily admitted.
Fine, well manage somehow, Susan said.
The guests shuffled to the table. Though Emilys flat was spacious, the living room was cramped, and the children had to be seated at a separate table.
Cheers to the happy couple! Margaret toasted, pouring herself a glass of vintage wine from a plastic bottle she had brought.
Only Emilys mother drank the wine; Emily herself sipped water, feeling out of place in her own home.
Such sophistication what is this? a guest asked, holding a bruschetta with duck liver. We dont eat that. Whats for the main?
Emily, help the guests, James whispered. It looks bad that you sit while Claire does everything. Mum will think youre not pulling your weight.
Emily found herself clearing plates. In her nervousness she knocked a dish to the floor, and Margaret shook her head disapprovingly.
We wanted to talk about the wedding, James interjected, steering the conversation away from the broken plate.
Yes, its tradition that when theres a wedding the whole village celebrates. The second day will be held at our place.
Do you have a café? Susan asked.
Well set tables outside, thatll be fine, James replied.
Catering, then? Margaret suggested.
Catering? Were simple folk, not like the capital. Well make jellied meat, dumplings, and a fruit jelly
Jelly for a wedding? Emily frowned. She hated jelly and didnt want dumplings or jelly at her own wedding. The idea of an outdoor feast with haycovered benches didnt appeal to her urban sensibilities. Many of her friends favoured a classic, elegant ballroom, not a rustic barn.
The menu will be discussed. By tradition the bride must help set the table, so youll need to arrive the day before and assist. The more people we feed, the richer the celebration, Margarets sister added.
Wed like to travel after the wedding, Emily said to James.
Of course, well leave after the second day. We must honor centuriesold customs. A oneday wedding isnt a proper celebration. We marry once, so let it be memorable, James replied.
Will the brides help on the second day mean any assistance for the first? Susan asked.
What do you need?
Just an estimate of how many guests will come from your side, Margaret said.
About one hundred fifty we havent counted precisely, James guessed.
All close relatives? Susan asked.
We dont split family into close or distant; everyone is family in our village, James replied.
So well split the banquet costs proportionally. Ten per cent from us, ninety from you? Margaret suggested.
We could pay fifteen per cent, depending on the total, James said. But we wont pay for the delicacies; well bring our own.
No, I mean proportionally. If ninety per cent of the guests are yours, you cover ninety per cent of the bill, Margaret clarified.
Strange maths, arent you? Trying to make a profit? James muttered.
Susans expression changed; she could no longer smile politely.
What do you mean by profit? James asked.
Our relatives will bring more gifts than yours. Ninety per cent of the gifts will come from us, thats obvious, Margaret replied.
How did you figure that? James asked.
Because youre only bringing about ten people, were bringing ninety. Even a hedgehog could see that, she said.
Our guests are welloff, James retorted.
Were not poor either! Or are you being biased because were simple folk? Margaret snapped.
Emily felt she might disappear into the floor. She was embarrassed by her mothers involvement in this argument while James sat quietly, sometimes nodding at his mother, sometimes glancing at Emily. Finally he leaned toward her and said firmly, Calm down, Emily. A wedding is a partnership; you both have to compromise.
Could we serve the cake with tea? Claire asked, trying to rescue Emily from fainting. She recalled the cake tasting and changed the subject.
We were supposed to go to the cake tasting today, but the patissier brought a few samples on his own, James explained.
Will the cake be expensive? his sister asked.
Its a unique baker, the price is high, but its a gift from my friend, so dont worry, James replied.
Why are you giving money for a cake? Isnt that pretentious? Margaret asked.
Its just how we agreed, James said.
My friend is a scammer, trying to save money. The cake costs about three thousand rublesabout thirty pounds here. In our village Sonya bakes cheap and tasty. No fancy ingredients, Margaret added.
Agreed! Jamess mother exclaimed. In the end, Emily learned that true partnership is built not on extravagant plans or family demands, but on mutual respect, honest communication, and the willingness to grow together.
