With her hands still damp, she winced at the ache in her back and went to answer the door.
Eleanor rose from the sofa, feeling the stiffness in her spine, and shuffled toward the entryway as the hesitant doorbell chimed a third time. She had been cleaning the windows and hadnt made it in time to answer at once. On the other side stood a young woman with weary eyes but a gentle smile.
Mrs. Eleanor, I was told you might have a room to let?
Ah, those neighboursalways sending people my way! But I dont let rooms. Never have.
They said youve got three
So? Why should that mean I must let them? I like my peace.
Im sorry. They mentioned you were a churchgoer, and I thought
The girl turned to leave, tears welling.
Wait now, lass! I didnt say you had to go. Young folk these daysso quick to weep! Come inside, lets talk. Whats your name?
Emily.
Pretty name Your father a sailor?
I never knew him. Grew up in a childrens home. No mother either. I was left on a doorstep, not a month old, and handed over to the police.
Oh, duck, dont fret. Lets have some tea and a proper chat. Hungry?
No, I had a bun earlier
A bun! No wonder youngsters have stomach troubles by thirty. Sit down, have a hot bowl of soup. Tea after. Ive jars of jam left from before my Harold passedfive years now. Once weve eaten, you can help me finish the windows.
Mrs. Eleanor, might I do something else? I feel lightheadedIm expecting.
Expecting! Just what I needed! Married, are you?
Yes. To William. We grew up together. Hes been called up for service. The landlady turned me out when she found out. Gave me a week to sort myself. Had no choice but to leave.
Hard times, indeed And what am I to do with you? Suppose you can have the spare room. And dont speak of rentitll only vex me. Fetch your things.
Theyre not far. Left them round the corner. Spent the week searching, bags in hand.
So they lived together. Emily studied dressmaking, while Eleanor, retired after a railway accident, knitted lace and sold it at the village market. They made extra from the vegetables grown in the garden, tending it side by side on Saturdays. Sundays, Eleanor went to church, while Emily stayed home, reading and replying to Williams letters, which she awaited eagerly.
One Saturday, as they prepared the garden for winter, Emily, exhausted, went inside to rest. Eleanor was burning dry branches when she heard a cry: Mum! Hurry! Heart pounding, she ran, forgetting her aching legs. She found Emily clutching her belly in pain. A neighbour drove them to hospital in his rattling old car. Emily moaned, fearing 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 well, though shed need weeks of rest.
While Emily recovered, Eleanor learned more of William through long talks, moved by their love. Emily showed a photo of himproudwhile Eleanor thought him handsome, though her old spectacles made it hard to tell.
On Christmas Eve, they prepared supper, speaking of the Christ child, waiting for the first star. Restless, Emily grew pale and asked for an ambulancethe baby was coming.
On the seventh of January, a girl was borncoinciding with Twelfth Nightfilling Eleanors heart with joy. She sent a telegram to William with the news. They named the baby Eleanor, a gesture that brought the new grandmother to tears.
Weeks passed in tender care for the little one. Emily and Eleanor doted on her, even through sleepless nights and worries. Eleanor found fresh energy, keeping house and tending the baby.
One mild winter day, Eleanor returned from shopping to find Emily pushing the pram in the garden. She left them to it while she cooked lunch. Entering the parlour, she spotted a framed photo of her late husband on the sideboard. She smiled, wondering how Emily had found it.
Emily, where did you get that picture of my Harold?
I dont know what you mean, Mrs. Eleanor.
That one there she pointed.
Oh, thats William. I asked him for a proper photo when hes back.
Stunned, Eleanor lifted the frame, seeing at last the young Williamgrinning back, the very image of her Harold. Suddenly, she wondered if fate had brought kin to her unknowingly.
Emily, fetch the old album she murmured.
As she turned the pages, Emily gaspedWilliam and Harold shared an uncanny likeness. Is this William? she whispered.
Eleanor, trembling, said perhaps they were bound by some twist of fate. The young mother, tearful but smiling, hugged Eleanor tight. Together they wept, knowing an unexpected family had been made whole.
