With her hands still damp, she winced from the ache in her back and went to open the door. Eleanor rose from the sofa, feeling the stiffness in her spine, and shuffled toward the entrance as the hesitant doorbell chimed a 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, her eyes weary but her smile gentle.
Mrs. Eleanor, I heard you might have rooms to let?
Oh, those neighboursalways sending strangers my way! But I dont let rooms, never have.
They said youve got three bedrooms
So what? Why would I rent them out? I like my peace and quiet.
Im sorry. They told me you were religious, and I thought
The girl turned to leave, tears threatening to spill.
Hold on, love! I didnt say you had to go. Young folk these daysso sensitive, crying at the drop of a hat. Come inside, lets talk. Whats your name?
Emily.
Pretty name Your father a sailor?
Never had a father. Grew up in a childrens home. No mother either. Found on a doorstep and handed to the police before I was even a month old.
Oh, duck, dont fret. Lets have a cuppa and chat. Fancy a bite?
No, I had a scone
A scone! No wonder you youngsters have stomach trouble by thirty. Sit down and have a proper bowl of vegetable soup. Tea after. Still got jars of jam I made before my Harold passedfive years now. Once weve eaten, you can help me finish the windows.
Mrs. Eleanor, could I do something else? Im feeling dizzydont want to fall. Im expecting.
Expecting?! Just what I needed! But how? You married?
I am. To Williamwe grew up in the same home. Hes been called up for service. Our landlady kicked me out when she found out about the baby. Gave me a week to sort myself out. Had no choice but to leave.
Well, tough times And what am I to do with you? Might as well stay in the spare room. And dont mention moneyI wont hear of it. Fetch your things.
Its not far. Left everything in the building next door. The week ran out, and Ive been carrying my bags all morning, looking for somewhere.
They began living together. Emily studied fashion design while Eleanor, retired after a railway accident, knitted lace and sold it at the local market. Extra income came from the fruit and veg they grew together in the garden on Saturdays. Sundays, Eleanor went to church, while Emily stayed home, reading and replying to Williams letters, which she waited for desperately.
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! Quick! Heart pounding, Eleanor ran, forgetting the pain in her legs. She found Emily clutching her belly in agony. They convinced a neighbour to drive her to hospital in his battered old car. Emily moaned, terrified it was too soon for the baby.
At the hospital, Emily was wheeled away on a stretcher. Eleanor spent the night praying. By morning, a call confirmed both mother and baby were well, though Emily needed weeks of bed rest.
While Emily recovered, Eleanor learned more about William through long chats, moved by their love. Emily showed her a photo of him, beaming with pride, though Eleanors outdated glasses made it hard to see.
On Christmas Eve, they prepared festivities, talking of the Nativity and watching for the first star. Restless, Emily grew uneasy and asked for an ambulance, saying the baby was coming.
On January 6th, a girl was bornright on 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 a haze of love and sleepless nights. Emily and Eleanor doted on the little one, even through the challenges. Eleanor found new energy, tending the house and her unexpected granddaughter.
One chilly winter day, Eleanor returned from shopping to find Emily in the garden, pushing the pram. She left them to it while she made lunch. Entering the parlour, she spotted a framed photo of her late husband. Smiling, she wondered how Emily had found it.
Emily, howd you get hold of my Harolds picture?
I dont know what you mean, Mrs. Eleanor.
That photo on the table
Oh, thats William. I asked him for a proper one when he gets back.
Stunned, Eleanor picked up the frame, finally seeing young Williams faceidentical to her Harolds, smiling back at her. It dawned on her thenperhaps fate had brought family to her without her knowing.
Emily, let me see the album she murmured.
As they flipped through old photos, Emily gasped at the uncanny resemblance between William and Harold. Is this William? she whispered, bewildered.
Tearful, Eleanor whispered that perhaps they were kin, bound by some twist of destiny. The young mother, confused but overwhelmed, hugged Eleanor as they wept, certain now that an unexpected family had been woven together by unseen hands.
