Give it back, Mum! I wont hand you that ring! Marigolds voice cracked with outrage. You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday!
Darling, understandthis isnt just a piece of jewelry, Eleanor Whitmore fidgeted with the folds of her woollen cardigan. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Katie.
Katie? What does my sister have to do with it? Marigold lunged for the chest of drawers and flung open the top drawer. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the arm of the sofa. The conversation was taking a sour turn, but she refused to back down.
Katies wedding is coming up, you know. Maxwell proposed, and theyre short of money for a wedding band. I promised wed help.
We? Marigold pulled a tiny velvet box from the drawer and clenched it hard. Did you even ask me?
Sweetheart, her mothers tone softened to pleading, its a family heirloom. The ring passes to the one who first gets married. Katie is about to start a family, and you
So Im the old spinster, then? Marigold sneered, a bitter smile curling her lips. What does it matter that Im over thirty and still single? This ring is the only thing you ever gave me that truly mattered, from the heart. I remember you saying, Keep it safe, love, it will bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and stepped toward her daughter, reaching to place a hand on her shoulder, but Marigold pulled away.
You always chose Katie, Marigold murmured, opening the velvet case. The gold band, set with a modest garnet, caught the fading evening light filtering through the curtains. She always got the best: gorgeous dresses, expensive toys, your attention
That isnt true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Do I? Marigold slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Katie was busy with that school competition? Whom did you go to support? Whom did you rush to the graduation? Whom did you comfort after her first heartbreak?
Eleanor lowered her eyes. There was a grain of truth in her daughters words, but she didnt want to admit it.
Katie is five years younger. She needed more of your focus.
Exactly, Marigold nodded. Now she wants my ring.
A sudden knock echoed through the hallway. Marigold flinchedshe wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor dabbed at the tears that had escaped and went to answer.
Katie, love, come in, her mothers voice melted into honeyed softness.
Marigold clenched her teeth, yearning to bolt to her room, shut the door, and escape this charade. Still, she stayed rooted in the living room, fists balled.
Hey, sis! Katie burst in like a whirlwind, a lithe figure with a tumble of ginger hair and freckles across her nose, looking barely twentyfive. Whats all the fuss? You look like youve just sucked a lemon!
Were talking about Grandmas ring, Marigold replied flatly.
Oh, Mum already told you? Katie plopped onto the sofa, crossing her legs. Im thrilled! Maxwell proposed, and were planning to tie the knot at the end of spring. Only problemrings. Were short on cash, but I want something special.
Youre planning to take my ring? Marigold stared straight into Katies eyes.
Its Grandmas, not yours, Katie shrugged. Mum said tradition says it goes to the first bride. You dont mind, do you?
Marigold glanced at her mother, who was fidgeting with the edge of her cardigan.
Im against it, Marigold said firmly. That ring was given to me, and I wont surrender it.
But, love, Eleanor interjected, were family. We should help each other.
Yes, Katie agreed. Besides, you never wear it. Its been gathering dust in that box for years.
A knot tightened in Marigolds throat. Words stuck, so she slipped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
In her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, pressing her forehead into the pillow. They always decide everything for me, never asking what I think. Im just an appendage, not a real part of the family.
She recalled the day shed received the ring. Shed turned eighteen, and she and her friends were about to celebrate at a café. Before they left, her mother called her into her own room.
Darling, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a small box. This is my mothers ring, your greatgrandmothers. It passes from mother to daughter. Now its yours. She always said it brings happiness and true love.
Marigold hadnt thought much of it then; she was simply glad her mum had finally given her something of real value. All the best things usually went to Katie, the younger, favoured daughter.
A soft knock came at the door.
Marigold, may I come in? Katies voice was unusually gentle.
No, Marigold growled, but the door creaked open a sliver, and Katies reddish head poked through.
Dont be angry, Katie slipped in and perched on the edge of the bed. I didnt know the ring meant so much to you.
Marigold sat up, wiping her reddened eyes. Its not just the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me, as if my feelings dont exist.
Katies brow furrowed. Thats not true. We love you.
Love? Marigold laughed bitterly. Then why does Mum always pick you? Why is there always time, money, attention for you, and I get the leftovers?
What are you saying? Katie snapped. Mum never favoured one over the other!
Is that so? Marigold lifted her hand, the ring glinting. And now you want the only thing that truly belongs to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Katie whispered. Mum just said it was tradition
Theres no tradition! Marigold interrupted. She invented it to please you, as always.
Eleanor entered, looking upset. Girls, please stop. Katie, go fetch the kettle. I need to speak with Marigold alone.
Katie nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside her daughter.
Marigold, Im sorry, she took her hand. I never meant to hurt you.
You did, Marigold said, freeing her hand. As always.
Do you really think I love Katie more? Eleanors eyes glistened with pain.
I dont thinkI know, Marigold rose and moved to the window. All my life Ive felt secondary. Katie, Katie, Katie And now you want to take the only thing that reminds me of the one rare moment I felt like a beloved daughter.
Eleanor lowered her head, silence stretching heavy. Finally she whispered, Youre right. I did give Katie more attention, but not because I loved her more. Youve always been independent, strong, grown up early. Katie was the child who needed constant care.
Thats no excuse, Marigold shook her head.
I understand, Eleanor sighed. I love you both equally, just in different ways.
The room fell into a heavy hush. Marigold stared out, unwilling to meet her mothers gaze. At last, Eleanor spoke softly, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Im sorry for upsetting you.
Mum, Marigold called, does this ring really bring love happiness?
Eleanor smiled faintly. Grandma believed it did. When she passed it to me, I was still single. She said, Wear it, and it will guide you to true love. A month later I met your father.
Marigold glanced at the garnetset stone; it glowed like a drop of frozen blood.
But you and Dad split, she noted.
Yes, but that doesnt mean I wasnt happy. We had wonderful years, and I have you and Katie now. Isnt that happiness?
A tray appeared with three teacups, scones, and a vase of biscuits. Peace? Katie asked hesitantly, looking between mother and sister.
Marigold took a cup, sipped, and replied, Peace.
They settled in the lounge. Katie raved about the upcoming weddingher dress, the flowers, the venuewhile Marigold turned the ring over on her finger, halflistening.
What ring will you and Maxwell have? she asked, cutting through the excitement.
None yet, Katie lowered her eyes. He proposed, but were short on cash. I work as a school administrator, and hes currently unemployed, so a proper band is out of reach.
So thats why you came for mine, Marigold said.
Yes, Katie admitted. Mum told me about Grandmas ring, and I thought I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have claimed it.
Tears welled in Katies eyes. Marigold realised the jealousy had long rootsKatie had always been the pampered one, the favourite. Yet now she saw a young woman, genuinely remorseful for hurting her sister.
You know what? Marigold slid the ring off and held it out. Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for the day. Then give it back.
Really? Katies face lit up. Youre not joking?
No joke, Marigold said, handing it over. Try it on.
Katie slipped it onto her finger; it was a touch large.
Well need to adjust the size, she noted.
No need, Marigold waved. One day only, remember?
Ill never forget, Katie whispered, gratitude flooding her. Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched, tears streaming, and embraced her elder daughter. Marigold, youre my treasure. Im sorry for being unfair all these years.
Dont, Marigold blushed. Lets not make a fuss.
Evening drifted on with tea and chatter about the wedding. Marigold even offered to help with the plans. The tension melted, warming the room.
When Katie prepared to leave, she removed the ring and handed it back. Hold onto it; Im afraid Ill lose it before the ceremony.
Marigold slipped it into its little velvet case. As she watched Katie go, Eleanor cleared the cups from the table.
Thank you, love, Eleanor said, hugging Marigold tightly. Youve shown such forgiveness today. Im proud of you.
No exaggerate, Mum, Marigold teased. I just lent the ring for a day, not given it away forever.
Its a noble deed, her mother insisted.
That night Marigold lay awake, the rings story looping in her mind. Thirteen years shed owned it, yet still no true love had appeared. Perhaps she should have worn it more often?
At dawn her phone rangKaties voice bubbling with excitement. You wont believe it! Maxwell got a great job with a proper salary! Hes signed the contract already!
Congratulations, Marigold murmured, still halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Katie continued. When I told Maxwell about the ring you graciously loaned, he got the call about the job the same morning. Everything aligned. Maybe the ring really does bring luck!
Marigold smiled. Perhaps, she replied. Im glad things are working out for you.
Come over this weekend, lets celebrate!
Ill see, Marigold said evasively. Im swamped at work.
After the call, she lingered in bed, staring at the ceiling. Something had shifted after the argument, as if a weight that had pressed on her heart for years finally moved.
Later that afternoon another ringtone sounded. It was her mother. Marigold, I was thinking why dont you come for the weekend? Ill bake your favourite apple crumble.
Marigold raised an eyebrow; Mum rarely invited her without a reason.
Whats up?
Nothing, Eleanor replied, a hint of wistfulness in her tone. Just want to see my daughter.
Alright, Marigold said after a pause. Ill be there.
The weekend arrived. As Marigold drove to her parents cottage in the Cotswolds, a flutter of anticipation rose. Since moving into her flat three years ago, contact with Eleanor had been limited to holidays and occasional calls. The distance felt both familiar and strange.
Eleanor met her at the gate, a small velvet box in hand. Come in, love, she said, enveloping Marigold in a warm hug. Im delighted youre here.
The house smelled of freshly baked apple crumble. The kitchen table was set, steam rising from a pot of tea.
Whats happening? Marigold asked, halfsmiling. Why this reception?
Can I not spoil my daughter? Eleanor laughed. Sit, the crumbles still warm.
Over tea they talkedMarigolds job, Katies upcoming wedding, Eleanors health. When the crumble vanished, Eleanor produced the little velvet box shed brought.
This is for you, she said, extending it.
What is it? Marigold opened it cautiously.
Open and see.
Inside lay a delicate gold band set with a tiny emerald.
Mum, what does this mean? Marigold asked, bewildered.
It was my grandmothers ring, your greatgrandmothers, Eleanor said, a lump forming in her throat. I kept it all these years, and now I want to give it to you. I love you just as much as Katie. I just didnt always know how to show it.
Marigold stared at the emerald, its green depth catching the light. Grandma said the emerald is a stone of wisdom, Eleanor added. Youve always been wise, even as a child. Try it on?
Marigold slipped the ring onto her finger; it fit as if it had been waiting for her all along.
Thank you, Mum, she whispered. Its beautiful.
Eleanor took her hand. I also need to apologise. You were right I gave Katie more attention, and that was unfair. You deserve more.
They embraced, and years of unspoken hurt seemed to dissolve.
Did you ever use the ring I gave you to Katie? Marigold asked later, as they returned to the table.
It wasnt really my ring, Eleanor admitted. I bought it myself when your father and I married. I invented the story about Grandma to make you cherish it.
And the tale of happiness in love?
Its true for me, Eleanor smiled. It brought me joy, and now it looks like its doing the same for Katiedid you hear about Maxwells new job?
Marigold nodded, admiring the emerald glinting on her hand.
Was it really my greatgrandmothers? she asked.
Yes, Eleanor confirmed. She truly believed emeralds bring wisdom. I saved it for a special moment, and this is it.
They talked deep into the night. For the first time in years, Marigold felt genuinely at home. When she left, Eleanor walked her to the door.
Youre my pride, Marigold, Eleanor said, eyes shining. Youve grown into a remarkable woman despite my mistakes.
Dont, Marigold replied, blushing. Were okay now.
Outside, the night was dark. Marigold walked to the tube station, reflecting on how a quarrel over a ring nearly tore them apart but ended up stitching them together. Sometimes one must voice all the grievances to begin anew.
She glanced at the emerald ring on her fingersteady and deep, like a quiet lake. The garnets fire seemed more suited to Katies vibrant spirit.
Perhaps Grandmas words about love and happiness held a grain of truth after all. In that moment Marigold felt her mothers love for her as strong as for her sister, and that was more than enough.
