Back in those days, when the hearth still held warmth and the kettle hummed softly on the stove, Alexander approached his wife, Catherine, as she fed their youngest daughter.
“I must step out on business, love,” he said, adjusting his coat.
“Very well,” Catherine replied, smoothing the childs hair. “On your way back, could you stop at the shops? Ill jot down a list.”
“Just send it by message.”
With that, he gathered his things and left. Catherine watched him go, then called out, “William, have you finished your lessons? Suppers ready!”
Their nine-year-old son bounded into the kitchen and clambered onto a chair. “Just maths left. Wheres Father gone?”
“Eat first, then finish your work. Your fathers gone on businesshell be back soon.”
William ate quickly, tipping his chair back and forth before playing with his toddling sister. Then, peering out the window, he gasped. “Mum, Mum, whos Father walking with? Some girl…”
Catherine, mid-sip of tea, stiffened and followed his gaze. Indeed, beside her husband strode a young girl, clinging to his hand. “Not this,” she thought, her stomach tightening. She knew at onceit was his daughter from his first marriage. Theyd met once before, though usually Alexander saw the child elsewhere.
When Alexander returned, little Margaret trailing behind, Catherine stood waiting in the hall. He gave her an apologetic look and nodded at the girl.
“Catherine, I know I shouldve warned youforgive me. There wasnt time.”
“Has something happened?”
She had no intention of scolding him. If Alexander had brought the girl home, it must be urgent. Besides, Margaret was quiet and well-manneredno trouble at all.
“Elizabeths been taken to hospitalbed rest. Her husbands away on business. She rang in a panic. I didnt know it would come to this. Margaret had nowhere to go, and shes too young to be left alone.”
“I see,” Catherine said slowly.
She exhaled, resigning herself to the girl staying for days. Then, forcing a smile, she turned to Margaret. “Are you hungry?”
“I could eat too!” Alexander chimed in, relieved by Catherines calm.
“Wash your hands, thenall of you.”
Margaret relaxed. Shed been afraid of coming here, fearing Catherine might resent her. And she missed her mother terribly.
“Mum, whos this?” William gaped from the doorway.
“Im Margaret,” the girl said brightly, taking charge.
“Im William. Whatre you doing here? Are you staying with us?”
Catherine shot Alexander a glance and intervened. “Margaret will be with us a few days, love. Why dont you show her your toys?”
“Alright. Wheres she sleeping?” William wasnt jealousjust curious.
“In the parlour, on the settee.”
As Margaret and Alexander ate, William hovered until Catherine finally sighed. “Have you finished your lessons?”
“NoI need help. I dont understand the sums.” He looked at her hopefully.
Just then, little Emily began to cry, and Catherine scooped her up. “Later, perhaps.”
She left to soothe the baby. William made to follow, but Margaret spoke up. “Father, pass the biscuits, please.”
William froze, then turned slowly. “*My* father! Dont call him that!”
Margaret flushed. Alexander stepped in. “William, dont shout. Im your fatherand hers.”
“How?” The boy frowned. “Did you adopt her?”
“For girls, its fostered,” Alexander corrected. “No, we didnt. I was married to Margarets mother before I married yours. Understand?”
“So… shes got another mum?”
“Yes, and another father,” Margaret added. “Ive two fathers.”
Alexander hid his joy at her calling him “Father.” Hed always done his dutyweekend visits, support paid on time. Though he and Elizabeth had parted soon after Margarets birth, he loved the girl dearly.
“Thats brilliant!” William suddenly beamed. “So youre loved twice as much!”
Alexander smiled at the boys innocence but didnt correct him. Life would teach its own lessons soon enough.
“Come on, Ill show you my room!” William bounced on his toes.
Alexander often marvelled at his sons boundless energy. He and Catherine were steady folk, their youngest quietbut William? A whirlwind.
“Dyou have building blocks?” Margaret asked eagerly. She adored constructing things.
“Loads!”
The children vanished down the hall. Soon after, Alexander found Catherine.
“Sorry for the surprise. I didnt know myself till I saw Elizabeth. William seems to like her, though.”
“Hes friendly with everyone,” Catherine said, waving a hand.
“Open as a book,” Alexander chuckled.
He sat beside Emily and held out his arms. “Come to Papa, sweetheart.”
As the girl toddled over, Catherine asked, “How long will Margaret stay? Whens her stepfather back?”
“Hard to say. Elizabeth mentioned hes away a week, and shes in for who knows how long.”
“So, a week at least.”
Catherine bit back her frustrationnone of this was the childs fault. Then she startled. “Where are her things? Whatll she sleep in? Wear to school?”
Alexander reddened. “Sorryit all happened so fast.”
She shot him a glare. “Give me her mothers number.”
“Elizabeths?”
“Yes, *Elizabeths*. Dont fretIll only ask what Margaret needs. Men never think of these things.”
He handed over his phone. Ten minutes later, Catherine returned, smiling.
“Sorted. Elizabeth and I have it arranged. Well fetch Margarets things now, visit her mother at the weekend.”
“You two got on quickly,” Alexander said, amazed.
Catherine murmured something, equally surprised. Elizabeth had been gracious, apologising for the inconvenience. No wonder Margaret was so sweet.
Peeking into Williams room, she found the children bent over his workbook. A year older, Margaret was explaining the sums.
“Mum!” William looked up. “Margarets smashing at mathsbetter than school! Can she come often?”
“Well see,” Catherine said. “Margaret, love, fetch your coat. Well pop round for your things.”
“Ive pyjamas you can borrow!” William offered.
Margaret wrinkled her nose. “No, ta,” and they both giggled.
Catherine noted how William tidied himself in her presenceeven his hair lay flatter.
“Margaret, hurry nowits getting late.”
“Can I come?” William pleaded, as if it were a grand expedition.
“If you behave, and if Margaret doesnt mind.” Catherine winked at the girl.
Margaret lifted her chin, then laughed. “Course you can.”
Her fears had melted. Aunt Catherine was kind, and Williamjust as shed imagined: cheeky, but good-hearted.
When Elizabeth returned from hospital, Margaret realised shed grown fond of her fathers home. Shed had fun with William, adored baby Emily. Though she missed her mother, leaving felt bittersweet.
“Come again soon!” William begged. “Mum, say yes!”
“Of course, Margaret,” Catherine said. “Ring your fatheror meanytime.”
Shed found no reason to refuse. The quiet, clever girl had even softened Williams rough edges.
“Thank you,” Margaret said suddenly, hugging her.
Catherine hesitated, then embraced her back, smoothing her hair. “Youre always welcome.”
Never had she imagined growing fond of her husbands first child. Yet now, she was glad hed brought her home. After all, they were brother and sister. Blood or notthat couldnt be changed.
