There was silence in the air. Elizabeth felt that one inappropriate word could destroy all efforts to find herself in this family. But something in her broke-not in anger, but in inner determination.Family vacation packages
– I know I’m not perfect. I don’t do everything the way you do. But I’m really trying. I want to be part of this family, not just Tom’s wife.
Marianne raised her eyebrows as if the words surprised her more than she wanted to show. After a moment she said quietly:
— It’s not easy … accepting that your son no longer belongs to you.
Helena, hitherto silent, rose from the table.:Family vacation packages
– Mom, if you don’t accept Lizi, you’re gonna lose Tom, too. He loves her. And you love him, don’t you?
Marianne didn’t say anything, but there was a glint in her eyes. That evening, when they were preparing dinner, she asked Elizabeth:
– Why don’t you have some tea tonight?
A small gesture-but it meant more than any word.
Day three: subtle changes
The next few days brought subtle changes. Marianne no longer corrected every little thing. Instead, when Elizabeth cooked the broth, she praised:
– It smells like my mom’s. Good job.
Elizabeth smiled sincerely. She gathered courage:
– Maybe one day you’ll show me how you make those famous mince pies?
“Maybe even tomorrow,” Marianne replied, turning away with a half — laugh.
That afternoon, Tom and Elizabeth went for a walk in the park where Tom had played as a child. They talked about the future, about the children, about Christmas. It was quiet. Normally. Like family.Family vacation packages
Day 5: unexpected revelation
On the fifth day, there was a knock at the door. Marianne opened it and turned pale.
– Mr. Voivode! What a surprise!
– Good Morning. I won’t take much time. I bring documents for Mr. Poplawski. I take it that’s Mrs. Elizabeth’s father?
The House froze. Tom came out of the kitchen, and Elizabeth stepped back a little.
– Your father is a … a viceroy? Marianne asked in disbelief.
– No. He is a personal advisor to the governor. Manages regional projects. But I didn’t want it to matter. I wanted to be accepted for who I was — not who I knew.
In the evening, Marianne sat in a chair with a cup of tea. Helen sat next to her.
– See, mom? She didn’t say it with pride. Just so you know, she had her reasons to keep quiet.
– Yeah… and now I feel terrible. Because she never tried to convince us by force. She was just herself.
Day 6: Reconciliation
The next morning Marianne was waiting for Elizabeth in the kitchen.
– Are we making mince together tonight? she asked, this time with a real smile.
– I’d love to.
While they were both chopping onions and kneading meat, they talked about recipes, children, holidays. The ice cream is broken.
At dinner, Tom took a picture of Marianne and Elizabeth standing together at the table. Helena laughed, saying:
– We need to fix this! Historic moment!
Last day: farewell
When it came to packing the suitcases, Elizabeth felt sorry. She didn’t think she could live with this house like this. Marianne went up to her, took her hand.
– Elizabeth, thank you. You have more strength and humility than many people. I’m sorry I didn’t see it right away.
– Thank you, too. To chance.
On the way to the train station, Tom hugged his wife.:
– I told you they’d love you. They just had to get to know you for real.
Elizabeth looked through the glass at the house, which had seemed cold before, but now throbbed with heat. She smiled to herself.