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 rang for the third time. Shed been cleaning the windows and hadnt made it in time to answer straight away. On the other side stood a young woman with tired eyes but a gentle smile.
Mrs. Eleanor, I was told you rent out rooms?
Oh, those neighboursalways sending people my way! But I dont let out rooms, never have.
They said youve got three
And what of it? Why would I rent them? I like my peace.
Im sorry. They mentioned you were religious, and I thought
The girl turned to leave, tears welling up.
Wait now, love! I didnt say go. Young people these daysso quick to cry over nothing. Come in, lets have a chat. Whats your name?
Daisy.
Pretty name Your father a sailor?
I never knew him. Grew up in a childrens home. No mum, either. They found me on a doorstep and handed me to the police. Not even a month old.
Oh, duck, dont fret. Lets have some tea and a proper talk, eh? Fancy a bite?
No, I had a pastry earlier
A pastry! No wonder youngsters have stomach troubles by thirty. Sit down and have a proper bowl of vegetable soup. Tea after. Still got jars of jam I made before my Arthur passedfive years gone now. Once weve eaten, you can help me finish the windows.
Mrs. Eleanor, could I do something else? I feel a bit faintwouldnt want to topple. Im expecting.
Expecting?! Well, thats just the ticket! But how? You married?
Yes. To Williamwe grew up in the same home. Hes been called up for service. The landlady turned me out when she found out about the baby. Gave me a week to sort myself. Had no choice but to leave.
Ah, tough luck What am I to do with you, then? Suppose you could take the spare room. And dont mention moneyI wont have it. Fetch your things.
Not far. Left everything next door. My week was up this morning, been carrying my bags around looking for a place.
They settled into life together. Daisy studied fashion design while Eleanor, retired after a railway accident, took up lace-making and sold her work at the local market. Extra income came from the gardens fruit and veg, which they tended together on Saturdays. Sundays, Eleanor went to church while Daisy stayed home, reading and replying to Williams letters, which she awaited eagerly.
One Saturday, while preparing the garden for winter, Daisyexhaustedwent inside to rest. Eleanor was burning dry branches when she heard a cry: Mum! Hurry! Heart pounding, Eleanor ran, forgetting her usual leg pains, and found Daisy clutching her belly in pain. A neighbour drove them to hospital in his rattling old car. Daisy groaned, terrified it was too soon.
At the hospital, they whisked her away on a trolley. Eleanor spent the night praying. By morning, a call confirmed Daisy and the baby were well, though shed need weeks of bed rest.
While Daisy recovered, Eleanor learned more about William through long talks, touched by their love. Daisy proudly showed a photoWilliam was handsome, even through Eleanors outdated glasses.
On Christmas Eve, they prepared for the celebrations, chatting about the Nativity and waiting for the first star. Daisy grew restless, then asked for an ambulancethe baby was coming.
On the 6th of January, Twelfth Night, a little girl arrived, filling Eleanors heart with joy. She sent William a telegram with the news. They named the baby Eleanor, a gesture that moved the new grandmother deeply.
Weeks passed in a haze of devotion. Daisy and Eleanor doted on the baby, even through sleepless nights and worries. Eleanor found fresh energy caring for the house and her granddaughter.
One chilly winters day, Eleanor returned from shopping to find Daisy pushing the pram in the garden. She left them to it while she made lunch. Entering the parlour, she spotted a framed photo of her late husband on the sideboard. Smiling, she called out, Daisy, howd you find this picture of my Arthur?
I dont know what you mean, Mrs. Eleanor.
That one on the table she pointed.
Oh, thats William. I asked him for a proper photo when hes back.
Stunned, Eleanor picked up the frame, finally seeing the resemblanceyoung William smiled back, the very image of her late husband. A thought struck her: had fate unknowingly brought family back to her?
Daisy, let me see the album she said hesitantly.
Flipping through old photos, Daisy gaspedWilliam and Arthur shared the same striking features. Its him, isnt it? she whispered.
Overcome, Eleanor murmured about destinys strange twists. The younger woman, dazed but moved, hugged her tightly as they weptbound by a connection neither had imagined, certain now that an unexpected family had been forged.
