Richard has always held the prized position in Emily’s heart, first as the first-born son, and secondly, as her claim to power, privilege and status in Emerald Hill. She doted on him when he was a child and made sure that he had everything planned for him: from his schooling at the exclusive Anglo-Chinese School, to his university education in “a famous college in London”, to the job he will be getting at Mr. Chan’s law firm when he returns from his studies. However, it is ironic that it is exactly this smothering and domineering kind of ”love” that drives Richard away from her. He attempts to escape her influence when he is in London by running away from university to pursue his dreams in Salisbury but is stopped by Emily. The destructive relationship met a tragic end when Richard takes his own life.
Doris held a more humble position in the beginning as girls probably would in those times. Ironically, Emily treated Doris with the same kind of disdain as she herself was accorded as a child. Not much mention was made of her at all, other than her idle chatter about her dance classes, implying her lack of importance to Emily, especially when juxtaposed with her incessant mention of Richard and his antics.
However, that changes after Richard’s death. Emily changes her tone and learns to respect her children’s wishes, offering support instead of commands and threats. Strangely, letting go pulls Doris closer to her and Emily eventually receives a card from a much more stable Doris who confesses that “Especially, most of all” she misses her mother – Emily.
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