A Bride of the Wrong Stock: How One Father Nearly Ruined His Son’s Happiness
No new flat in the heart of London nor a promising career could lift James’ spirits. He had grown quiet and withdrawn. His parents, Margaret and Edward Harrington, noticed at once but couldn’t fathom the reason.
“He still hasn’t moved on from Emily,” Margaret murmured to her husband one evening. “Perhaps I should speak to her? Why did she turn away from our son? He’s utterly heartbroken without her.”
Edward bristled.
“Margaret, have you lost your mind? She’s Geoffrey’s daughter!”
“And what of it?” his wife countered. “Emily is a lovely girl. Does it truly matter who her father is if they love each other?”
“It matters,” Edward snapped.
Geoffrey had been his school rival—quiet, poor, always lagging behind. Edward, on the other hand, was the top student, ambitious, destined for success. He’d married the prettiest girl in school, Margaret, earned respect, built a career, and provided for his family. Men like Geoffrey—weak, without drive—were beneath him.
When Edward learned his son was dating the daughter of the very man he despised, he was furious. He hadn’t raised James to bind himself to a girl from a struggling family, let alone one with such “pedigree.”
From that day, Edward took action. He remembered Emily’s first visit to their home.
“Hello, is James in?” she had asked, hesitant.
He let her in, pretending courtesy while silently seething. “You’re not good enough for my son,” he wanted to say. “He has bigger plans. Don’t fool yourself.”
But before he could speak, furious pounding shook the door. Edward recognized the voice—Geoffrey.
“Open up! I know she’s here! The cheek of her, running off to see your boy! Told her he wasn’t home, but no, she had to come anyway!”
Emily paled.
“Don’t let him in,” she whispered. “Dad… he started drinking after he lost his job. They dismissed him unfairly. He’s not usually like this, but—”
Geoffrey bellowed outside.
“Open this door or I’ll break it down! Your precious Emily’s in there, isn’t she? Think I won’t tell your boy what you’re doing together?”
Edward wrenched the door open. Geoffrey stumbled in, grabbing Emily’s arm. She cried out, reeled back, and tumbled down the steps.
Chaos erupted—shouts, confusion. Edward called an ambulance.
Later, Emily told the doctors she’d fallen on her own. But Edward knew the truth would haunt him. Guilt gnawed at him, so he visited her in hospital with an offer.
“Stop seeing James. Believe me, it’s for the best.”
“Why do you reject me? What have I done?” Emily asked, meeting his gaze.
“Because I know how it’ll end. You’re not right for him. He needs to move forward…” Edward replied, leaving an envelope on her bedside before walking out.
Once discharged, Emily cut all ties. She told James she’d lost interest, that it had all been a game. But James didn’t believe her. He tried reaching her, waiting outside her appointments, lingering by her door. She turned away. No new flat, no promotion could lift his melancholy.
Margaret saw his pain.
“Should we speak to Emily? Why is she treating our son this way?”
“She’s Geoffrey’s daughter,” Edward repeated like a mantra.
“So what? Geoffrey was quiet, reserved. But he wasn’t a bad man! No one ever helped him—not even you, his classmate.”
Edward fell silent. The words stung. He remembered how he, too, had once faced resistance when courting Margaret. Her parents had been wary but hadn’t interfered. He’d been grateful for that. And yet, what had he done?
Days later, without a word, Edward went to Geoffrey’s home.
The man was surprised, but Edward spoke first.
“It’s time we let the past go. Our feud was foolish. Our children are suffering. James loves Emily. May I speak to her?”
Geoffrey hesitated, then nodded, calling his daughter.
Emily appeared, her gaze guarded. Edward couldn’t meet her eyes at first.
“Emily… I was wrong. Forgive me. What I did was cruel. James is a good lad—he’s miserable without you. And… I’m ashamed. Let me make it right. I promise to be a proper father-in-law… and grandfather,” he added with a stiff smile.
Her expression softened.
“May James come round tonight?” he asked, hopeful.
She nodded.
Late that evening, James burst through the door, radiant.
“Mum! Dad! Emily and I are back together! She thought she’d be a burden, that I’d struggle because of her. Can you imagine? I’ve never been happier!”
Edward stiffened—had she told James the truth? But his son continued, beaming.
“And she thanked you, Dad! Said you helped her, supported her. I’m so proud of you!”
He hugged his father. Edward could only nod, thinking, *How wise she is…*
Wedding preparations bridged the old divide. Geoffrey, it turned out, was skilled with his hands—his home was filled with handcrafted furniture. Quiet, humble, but dependable. Edward helped him secure a job where his talents were finally recognized. They became friends.
Now, they await grandchildren.
“Just as long as they inherit the best from both grandfathers,” Edward says.
“No doubt,” Geoffrey replies with a smile.
Because love prevailed. And even mistakes can be mended—if one has the courage to admit them.
