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 answered the hesitant third ring of the doorbell. Shed been cleaning the windows and hadnt made it in time at first. 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 rent rooms, never have.
They said youve got three spare
So what? Why would I? I like my peace and quiet.
Im sorry. They mentioned you were religious, and I thought
The girl turned to leave, tears welling up.
Hold on, love! I didnt say you had to go. Young people these days, so quick to cry. Come in, lets talk. Whats your name?
Emily.
Pretty name Your father a sailor?
I never knew him. Grew up in an orphanage. No mother, either. I was left on a doorstep as a baby, not even a month old.
Oh, love, dont fret. Lets have a cuppa and a chat. Fancy a bite to eat?
No, Ive had a pastry
A pastry! No wonder youngsters have stomach trouble by thirty. Sit down, have a proper bowl of hot soup. Tea after. Ive still got jam I made before my Henry passed, five years ago now. Once weve eaten, you can help me finish the windows.
Mrs. Eleanor, could I do something else? I feel a bit faintdont want to fall. Im expecting.
Expecting?! Good heavens! Married, are you?
Yes. To James. We grew up in the same home. Hes been called up for service. Our landlady turned me out when she found out about the baby. Gave me a week to sort myself. Had nowhere else to go.
Hard times, indeed And what am I to do with you? Suppose you could stay in the spare room. And dont you dare offer me rentthatll only cross me. Fetch your things.
Theyre not far. Left them next door. The week was up this morning, so Ive been carrying my bags, looking for a place.
They began living together. Emily studied fashion design while Eleanor, retired after a railway accident, knitted lace and sold it at the local market. They made extra from the veg patch where they worked Saturdays. On Sundays, Eleanor went to church, and Emily stayed home, reading and replying to Jamess letters, which she awaited eagerly.
One Saturday, while preparing the garden for winter, Emily, exhausted, went inside to rest. Eleanor was burning dry branches when she heard a cry: Mum! Come quick! Heart pounding, Eleanor ran, forgetting her stiff knees. She found Emily clutching her belly in pain. A neighbour drove them to hospital in his old Rover. Emily groaned, fearing it was too soon.
At the hospital, they wheeled her away. Eleanor prayed all night. By morning, a call confirmed Emily and the baby were fine, but shed need bed rest for weeks.
While Emily recovered, Eleanor learned more about James through long talks, touched by their love. Emily showed a photo of him proudly, though Eleanors outdated glasses made it hard to see.
On Christmas Eve, they prepared festivities, speaking of the Nativity and waiting for the first star. Emily, uneasy, asked for an ambulance, saying the baby was coming.
On the 6th of JanuaryTwelfth Nighta little girl was born, filling Eleanors heart with joy. She sent James a telegram with the news. They named the baby Eleanor, a gesture that moved the new grandmother deeply.
Weeks passed in devotion to the newest family member. Emily and Eleanor doted on her, even through sleepless nights and worries. Eleanor found fresh energy caring for the house and her granddaughter.
One crisp winter day, Eleanor returned from shopping to find Emily pushing the pram in the garden. She left them to it while making lunch. Entering the parlour, she spotted a framed photo of her late husband on the sideboard. Smiling, she wondered how Emily had found it.
Emily, whered you dig up that old picture of my Henry?
I dont know what you mean, Mrs. Eleanor.
That one on the table she pointed.
Oh, thats James. I asked him for a proper photo next time we meet.
Stunned, Eleanor picked up the frame, finally seeing the young man clearlyJames, smiling back at her, the very image of her Henry. Suddenly, she wondered if fate had brought family back to her unknowingly.
Emily, fetch the album she said hesitantly.
As they paged through old photos, Emily gaspedJames and Henry shared an uncanny resemblance. Is this James? she whispered, bewildered.
Tearfully, Eleanor explained they might be connected by some twist of destiny. The young mother, overwhelmed, hugged her as they both wept, bound by an unexpected kinship, certain now that family could be found in the most unlikely places.
