With damp hands still wet from cleaning, she winced at the ache in her back and hurried to answer the door.
Eleanor rose from the sofa, discomfort nagging at her spine, and shuffled forward as the hesitant doorbell rang a third time. Shed been polishing the windows and hadnt made it in time at first. On the other side stood a young woman, weary-eyed but with a gentle smile.
Mrs. Eleanor, I was told you might have a room to let?
Oh, those neighboursalways sending strangers my way! But I dont let rooms, never have.
They said youve got three bedrooms
So? Why would I rent them out? I like my peace and quiet.
Im sorry. They mentioned you were a churchgoer, and I thought
The girl turned to leave, tears welling.
Hold on, love! I didnt say you had to go. Young people todayso quick to cry over nothing. Come in, lets talk. Whats your name?
Emily.
Lovely name. Your father a sailor?
I never knew him. Grew up in a childrens home. No mother eitherI was left on a doorstep as a baby, handed over to the police before I was even a month old.
Oh, pet, dont fret. Tea and a chat will sort you out. What do you say? Fancy a bite?
No, I had a pastry earlier
A pastry! No wonder youngsters have dodgy stomachs by thirty. Sit down, have a proper bowl of vegetable soup. Then well have tea. Ive still got jars of jam I made before my Henry passedfive years ago now. After, you can help me finish the windows.
Mrs. Eleanor, could I do something else? Im feeling faintcant risk a fall. Im expecting.
Expecting?! Well, thats just the cherry on top! Married, are you?
Yes. To Williamwe grew up together. Hes been called up for service. The landlady kicked me out when she found out. Gave me a week to sort myself out. Had nowhere else to go.
Hard times, love And what am I to do with you? Suppose you can have the spare room. And dont you dare offer rentI wont hear of it. Fetch your things.
Theyre not farjust left them by the flats next door. Week ran out this morning, been carrying my bags while searching.
So they lived together. Emily studied fashion design, while Eleanor, retired since a rail accident years ago, knitted lace to sell at the local market. They tended the garden together on Saturdays, selling fruit and veg for extra coin. Sundays, Eleanor went to church while Emily stayed home, reading and writing to William, waiting eagerly for his replies.
One Saturday, as they prepped the garden for winter, Emily, exhausted, went inside to rest. Eleanor was burning dry branches when a cry rang out: Mum! Quick! Heart pounding, Eleanor dashed in, forgetting her aching legs. She found Emily clutching her belly in pain. A neighbour drove them to hospital in his old Rover. Emily groaned, terrified it was too soon.
At hospital, they wheeled her away. Eleanor spent the night praying. By morning, a call confirmed Emily and the baby were finebut shed need weeks of rest.
While Emily recovered, Eleanor learned more about William through long talks, moved by their love. Emily showed a photo, proudEleanor thought him handsome, though her outdated glasses blurred the details.
On Christmas Eve, they prepared supper, chatting about the Christ Child, waiting for the first star. Emily grew restless, then begged for an ambulancethe baby was coming.
On January 6thTwelfth Nighta little girl arrived, filling Eleanors heart with joy. She telegrammed William the news. They named the baby Eleanor, a gesture that brought the new grandmother to tears.
Weeks passed in blissful exhaustion. Emily and Eleanor doted on the baby, even through sleepless nights. Eleanor found fresh energy, tending house and granddaughter alike.
One crisp winter day, Eleanor returned from shopping to find Emily pushing the pram in the garden. She left them to it, starting lunch. Entering the parlour, she spotted a framed photo of her late Henry on the sideboard. Smiling, she called, Emily, howd you find these pictures of my Henry?
I dont know what you mean, Mrs. Eleanor.
That photo there she pointed.
Oh! Thats William. Asked him for a proper picture next time I see him.
Stunned, Eleanor picked up the frameand there was young William, smiling back, the very image of her Henry. Suddenly, she wondered if fate had brought family to her unknowingly.
Emily, fetch the album she murmured.
Flipping through old photos, Emily gaspedWilliam and Henry shared an uncanny likeness. Is that William?
Tears in her eyes, Eleanor whispered that perhaps destiny had woven them together. Emily, overwhelmed, hugged her tight as they wept, bound by a love neither had expecteda family found where none had been before.
Sometimes, the heart knows what the eyes do not seeand the greatest blessings come when we least expect them.
