With her hands still damp, she winced from the ache in her back and went to answer the door.
Eleanor rose from the sofa, feeling the stiffness in her spine, and made her way to the entrance after 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 rent rooms. Never have.
They said youve got three bedrooms
So? Why would I rent them out? I like living alone.
Im sorry. They mentioned you were religious, and I thought
The young woman turned to leave, tears welling up.
Wait, love! I havent sent you off yet. Young people these daysso sensitive, crying over anything. Come in, lets have a chat. Whats your name?
Emily.
Lovely name Your father a sailor?
I dont have a father. Grew up in an orphanage. No mother, either. I was found on a doorstep and handed to the police. Not even a month old.
Oh, love, dont fret. Lets have some tea and talk. Fancy a bite to eat?
No, I had a pastry
A pastry! No wonder young folk have stomach trouble by thirty. Sit down and have a proper bowl of hot vegetable soup. Tea after. Ive still got plenty of jam I made before my husband passedfive years now. Once weve eaten, you can help me finish the windows.
Mrs. Eleanor, could I do something else? I feel dizzydont want to fall. Im expecting.
Expecting?! Well, thats just the cherry on top! Married, I hope?
Yes. To Danielwe grew up in the same childrens home. He was called up for military service. Our landlady kicked me out when she found out. Gave me a week to find somewhere. Had no choice but to leave.
Hard times What am I to do with you? Maybe you can stay in the spare room. And dont mention moneyI wont take a penny. Thatd just cross me. Go fetch your things.
Its not far. Left everything in the building next door. The week ran out, so Ive been carrying my bags around this morning, 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. Extra income came from the gardens fruit and veg, which they tended together on Saturdays. On Sundays, Eleanor went to church while Emily stayed home, reading and replying to Daniels letters, waiting anxiously for news.
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 usual leg pain, and found Emily clutching her belly in pain. A neighbour drove them to hospital in his old car. Emily moaned, terrified it was too soon for the baby.
At the hospital, Emily was wheeled away. Eleanor spent the night praying. By morning, a call confirmed both mother and baby were well, though Emily needed weeks of rest.
While Emily recovered, Eleanor learned more about Daniel through long talks, touched by their love. Emily proudly showed a photo of himhandsome, even through Eleanors outdated glasses.
On Christmas Eve, they prepared for the holiday, chatting about the Nativity and waiting for the first star. Emily grew uneasy, then asked for an ambulancethe baby was coming.
On January 6th, a girl was born, right on Twelfth Night, filling Eleanors heart with joy. She sent Daniel a telegram with the news. They named the baby Eleanor, a gesture that moved the new grandmother to tears.
Weeks passed in devotion to the little one. Emily and Eleanor cared for her tenderly, even through sleepless nights and worries. Eleanor found fresh energy, keeping house and doting on her granddaughter.
On a crisp winter day, Eleanor went shopping. Returning, she spotted Emily in the garden, pushing the pram. She left them to it while preparing lunch. Entering the living room, she noticed a framed photo of her late husband on the sideboard. Smiling, she wondered how Emily had found it.
Emily, whered you get this photo of my William?
I dont know what you mean, Mrs. Eleanor.
That picture on the table Eleanor pointed.
Oh, thats Daniel. I asked him for a proper photo next time I see him.
Stunned, Eleanor picked up the frame, finally seeing the resemblanceyoung Daniel smiling back, the spitting image of her late husband. Suddenly, it struck herthe chance that fate had brought family to her without her knowing.
Emily, let me see the album she murmured, hesitant.
Flipping through old photos, Emily gasped at the uncanny likeness between Daniel and William. Is that Daniel? she whispered, confused.
Tearful, Eleanor explained the astonishing possibility they were kin through some twist of fate. The young mother, bewildered but moved, hugged Eleanor as they both weptcertain now that an unexpected family had been woven together.
