Summary

The short story “The Sweet Business” by Mary Griese starts with a family trip to a waterfall. The Welsh main character, along with her English husband, two children, and in-laws travel there by car. 

The main character wants a break from renovating the old farmhouse which she and her husband have recently bought in Wales. The in-laws are helping them renovate but she does not like the very English routine her in-laws impose on her every day. She particularly does not like her mother-in-law and her habit of constantly offering meals and sweets. Therefore, the main character proposes to go on this trip. Still, even on this trip, she must put up with her mother-in-law’s constant conversation.

The family reach the place where they are supposed to begin their descent down the cliff to the waterfall. However, after they begin to climb down, the mo...