Inheritance
A tall, boisterous woman burst out of the compartment, instantly dispersing everyone who was causing a nuisance and keeping the passengers from their rest. I have to say, even the pushiest and most bull-headed men fell into line without a word, as though shed barked a military order.
She had fair hair twisted around her head in plaits, bright blue eyes, and a healthy, rosy complexion. She glanced toward the lavatory, just as a wiry, rather short man darted out. His hair was as white and soft as dandelion fluff, and his face had a touchingly innocent, almost childlike look.
Michael! I thought Id lost you! I hear all the commotion, the guards scared to come near, and Im thinking, Wheres he got to, bless him? If anyone were to pick on you, you wouldnt even defend yourself! she said, a touch exasperated.
Oh, Annie! Id have shown them a thing or two! What are you doing out here, Annie? Youre a proper lady! he replied with a nervous smile, sliding past her into the compartment.
The woman quickly swept her gaze over me and a couple of other languid, bored passengers. She clearly sized us up, found no threat to herself or her companion, and promptly vanished too.
Later, we ran into each other in the buffet car. With no tables free, I slid in opposite her. Her husband was nowhere to be seen. After polishing off her roast and potatoes, she announced in a rolling, clear voice:
My names Ann Edwards. Just call me Annie.
Are you travelling solo? Will your husband be coming down later? I asked.
Hes resting. Wont be coming. I wrapped his throat up warm with a scarf, brewed up some cranberry cordial. Can you believe it, off we go on our journey and Michael comes down with something! Out on the platform in just a jumper! I turned my back for one minute! she declared.
You must care for him very much, I ventured. Earlier, you dashed out thinking he was in trouble, ready to fend off any ruffians. Now you talk of him so tenderly, I see.
Oh, but Michael is only with me because of an inheritance. Hes not my husband, strictly speaking. We do live together though. Hes still grieving. His first wife passed away recently such a wonderful soul, so kind Annie sighed.
How do you mean, inheritance? I asked.
So Annie told me.
Michael used to be married to Lydia. Theyd been sweethearts since school, then university, then married right afterwards. He was an ingenious fellow could dream up just about anything. A real brain. Firms would fall over themselves to commission work from him; they lived comfortably enough. Trouble was, Michael was lost with the everyday things. Hed forget his change at the shop, cross at the wrong place, never knew what you could buy where, or even how to get by. Restlessly naïve. Would happily hand out money to absolute strangers.
Your mans not of this world, their friends would say to Lydia. As if hes been dropped onto earth by mistake! We battle and save every penny, and hes so clever that money just appears for him!
Lydia never grumbled. She had enough energy and sense for two. She dressed him for work herself, kept an eye on gloves and scarves, and later bought a car so she could chauffeur him in. Hed once got into a taxi and was so lost in thought he gave the wrong address. They complemented each other perfectly in the oddest way.
Once, Lydia landed in hospital for a week. On returning, she was shocked to find Michael had survived entirely on dry spaghetti and water, not even boiling a kettle. Everything she left stocked in the freezer was untouched.
Didnt feel like it without you. Lost my appetite! Michael grinned.
Their son, Andrew, was just like his father: astoundingly clever, but astonishingly shy and scattered. Andrews intelligence stood him in good stead, though, and when he found himself a wife from the country a gentle, quiet Ellen everyone knew Lydia would always be the one in charge. With Andy and soon a grandson, Alex, she was prepared to carry them all. But then, quite without warning, she fell ill.
The household faded to gloom. Michael had no idea what to do or where to turn. He found the best doctors and was ready to pay whatever they asked, but no treatment could save Lydia.
Lydias heart bled, not for herself but for her hapless husband and son. Theyll never manage without me! she thought. Like planting an orchid in the autumn and hoping for flowers. She prayed, not for her own healing, but for God to look after her husband, son, and little grandson. And then Annie came along.
Annie was working as a carer and happened to be related to Lydias doctor. The first time Annie set foot in the house, she was met by a frail little man, aristocratic in bearing but so soft-spoken she could barely hear him. There was desolation everywherepiles of filthy laundry, a stack of dirty dishes (despite a dishwasher), and stale, hopeless air.
On the bed in the back room was Lydiafeeble, slender, but still smiling at Annie. Annie rolled up her sleeves with a sigh.
By evening, you wouldnt have recognised the place. It sparkled with freshness, and wonderful smells of shepherds pie and roast chicken drifted from the kitchen. Lydia drifted off to sleep in clean sheets, while Michael, whod planned to slip out in just his thin windcheater, was intercepted by Annies formidable voice:
Where do you think youre off to, love, dressed like its July? Youll catch your death! Your wife needs you fit and healthy. Here, pop this jacket on. Let me wrap your scarf for you. Hat, too cover those ears! There you go. Off you go, and mind yourself!
Tears sprang to Lydias eyes. The flat, once in chaos, now shone with order and warmth. Annie, this big-hearted Annie, clattered about like a bull in a china shop, but all was well in her hands.
Thank you, Lord, Lydia whispered, Now theyre in safe hands.
As things got worse, Lydia decided to speak with Annie. She began cautiously, asking after Annies life. Annie lived with her mum and her sisters family in a cramped two-bed flat, making herself scarce as often as possible so as not to get underfoot. She was forty-five, plain about her age, never married. Thered been a few love affairs, never anything serious. Still, she didnt worry plenty of women lived alone.
At last, Lydia said, Annie, look after him for me when Im gone. Im leaving you my husband my most precious bequest! Hes so trusting, he catches colds just by looking out the window.
Annie was lost for words. But as Lydia pleaded, Annie eventually promised, more out of pity and kindness than anything else.
Lydia slipped away soon after. Annie thought, No, this isnt for me. People will just say Im after his flat. He didnt appeal to her, not reallywhat sort of person was he? Like sunshine, perhaps.
Still, she felt the weight of her promise, so she went round. When no one answered the door, she nudged it open to find Michael in the old sitting room, holding Lydias dressing gown, weeping into it like an abandoned dog. His grief shook the walls. Annie hurried over. Seeing her, he clutched her hand and sobbed anew.
Oh, you poor thing, she said. Lydia was right. Youre lost without her. Never mind Ill put the kettle on, lets have some tea.
Annies heart was as soft as her voice was loud, and she was good down to the marrow.
The house filled with life again. Michael would wait excitedly at the door for her visits.
Eventually,” Annie told me, “I moved in. I thoughtwhy leave him alone, poor soul? All I really inherited was a big child, not a husband. But a clever one! Money was never an issue. He made me give up workcaring for people all over townsaid hed handle the rest. Some busybodies started gossip, but I soon sorted them out. People rescue stray cats and dogs, dont they? So why not a lost person? Helpless and overturned like a stranded tortoisewhat sort of life could he have on his own? Id help where I could. Michael was gentle. And the truth is, we do need each other. Now were off to see his son. Hes asked for help with the little one and Im happy to oblige. I could raise ten if need be! she finished warmly.
Just then the buffet car door swung open, and in shuffled her Michael, scarf trailing, holding a bunch of wildflowers.
You shouldnt be up! Youre still not wellcant leave you alone for a minute! Youre sweating, time for a change! Annie fussed, guiding her living inheritance towards the door.
Michael leaned close, murmuring, Annie, I bought you these from the old ladies on the platform. Do you like them?
Annie coloured deeply, placed her firm hand on his shoulder, and together, they left a little before our stop. Annie lugged a huge suitcase, Michael his small bag; Annie kept a tight grip on his parka, ushering him through the flow of disembarking passengers presumably, so he wouldnt wander off. They smiled at one another like twin suns, warmly filling the station. Watching them, I understoodshe would be a loving second wife to her most unusual inheritance.
