The Nanny’s Secret

Nannies have a habit of dying in my husband’s family.

His family: The Percivals live in a grand fourteen-acre estate in the Cotswolds, with tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool and several cottages — or ‘lodges’ as they call them. I’m only surprised they don’t have a helipad.

My family: Mum’s a florist, Dad’s a kitchen-fitter. They live in a modest maisonette in Gloucester. I’m a hairdresser. My ambition is to own my own salon.

I recently married the man of my dreams. The difference in our backgrounds was never an issue. Until now.

My husband persuaded me to move into his parents’ home while we save for our own place. It’s the worst mistake I ever made.

I don’t really fit in. My father-in-law has a twinkle in his eye I don’t like. My effortlessly chic mother-in-law intimidates me. My sister-in-law’s husband bullies her. They make no secret of their amazement that my husband chose me.

And now they’ve hired a new nanny for his sister’s kids.