for @stjamcs
It wasn't often that they spent time with Mark's family so it was no surprise that Elise suggested they stay for the week. Margaery could hardly deny her mother-in-law this request--after all, it had been far too long since she had seen son, much less her grandchildren. The last time they had made a visit to the St. James estate, Avanna had been in diapers. Now, she ran more often than she walked and spoke more than even her brother did.
They had breakfast in the garden that morning at Elise’s insistence. Years after her relationship with Mark started, it seemed that the original Mrs. St. James had learned much of her daughter-in-law’s likes and dislikes. It was a beautiful little oasis, not nearly that of the gardens of her childhood home but lovely nonetheless. Margaery and Elise watched the children as they played, exchanging gossip once the men went inside to talk business.
“They’ve grown so much,” Elise said, smiling as Jr. and Avanna ran past their patio table.
“That they have,” Margaery mused. “Oftentimes, I wish they would slow down and be little for just a while longer.”
“Enjoy it while you can. These little moments and frustrations are precious. It doesn’t exactly get easier.” Her mother-in-law chuckled at her own comment, as if there was a hidden joke within it, and the smile slowly disappeared from her face. “How is my son? Is he treating you well?”
The question caught Margaery off-guard. She knew that Elise worried about her son but didn’t expect the concern to be directed towards her instead. “He treats me very well. We have our moments--as all couples do--but our affections run deeper than that, I can assure you.”
Elise gave her a troubling look, one of concern and disbelief. “I’m glad to hear that.” She looked up for a moment, as if to make sure their husbands weren’t in earshot. “I’ll admit, I worry about him at times--both of you, really. Parenthood can put strain on a marriage, cause tension wehre there previously was none.”
“Mark has...taken to it much better than I first expected. He’s grown into the responsibility, I think. Loves the children in his own way and they clearly adore him.” Margaery frowned a little. “Forgive me, Elise, but I have to ask: what brought this on?”
The woman held her gaze intently, as if hand picking each word before she said them. “I know my son, dear, whether he believes I do or not. I know that he can be charming, loving, and loyal just as easy as he can be prideful, hurtful, and cold. I also know that he is too much like his father.” She paused again, glacing towards the door. “You may not believe it now, but our marriage was not always as it is. I knew love and passion and adventure, just as I’m sure you do. But something changed when I became pregnant--whether it was him or me, I can’t be entirely sure. All I know is that our relationship turned cold. I don’t want that for you.”
Margaery could only stare at her for a moment. She’d known that there was little love between Elise and Mark Sr, presently at least. She’d known some of their past and the events that had driven them apart but she didn’t like to dwell on it, if only to keep herself from dreading the same. Of course, she knew that Mark hadn’t wanted children--he’d made that perfectly clear--but she did not believe fatherhood would drive him to become his father. And yet, I fear it all the same. “I appreciate your concern--truly, I do--but Mark is less like his father than you may believe. He loves me. He loves his children. I can’t believe that he would give up on his family just because it isn’t easy.” I can’t allow myself to believe it, she thought, lest I go mad.
“I meant no offense, dear,” Elise said, sipping on her tea. “I just hope you know that I have grown ever-more fond of you, that I love you like I do my own daughters. I just don’t wish to see you or the children hurt.” Her face was a cool, calm mask--as always--but Margaery could see a flicker of fear in the woman’s eyes.
She nodded. “Of course. Thank you, Elise. That means a lot to me.” From there on, they delved into lighter topics and were content with watching the children play. And yet, her mother-in-law’s words still struck her uneasy. Almost by chance, Margaery caught a glimpse of Mark through the back window. He looked solemn and serious, so much like his father that it instilled fear in her, a fear that was strengthened when his eyes met hers and he frowned. I won’t be doomed to a lifetie of unhappiness. I won’t. Avanna’s voice broke her trance, redirecting her attentions, and all her worries were put away for another time.
