With my hands still wet, I winced at the ache in my back and went to answer the door.
Eleanor slowly rose from her armchair, feeling the familiar twinge in her lower back, and shuffled towards the hallway as the doorbell rang for the third time, hesitant but insistent. She had just been polishing the sitting room windows, and hadnt managed to reach the door straight away. On the doorstep was a young woman, tired-eyed but with a gentle smile.
Mrs. Bennett, I was told you rent out rooms?
Oh, these neighbours! Eleanor tutted. Theyre forever sending folk my way! But Ive never let out any rooms, never once.
They said you have three bedrooms
So what if I do? Why should I want to let them? I like having the house to myself.
Im sorry. Someone mentioned youre religious, and I thought
The girl turned to leave, tears already shining in her eyes.
Wait, love, come back! Ive not told you to leave, have I? Young people, so quick to take offence these daysthey cry at the drop of a hat. Come in, lets have a word. Whats your name?
Alice.
Thats a lovely name Is your father a sailor, by any chance?
I dont have a father, or a mother either. I grew up in a childrens homeI was found abandoned on a doorstep and taken in. I wasnt even a month old.
Oh, my dear, dont fret yourself. Lets put the kettle on and have a chat. How about something to eat?
No, I had a scone earlier
A scone, is that all! No wonder young people have so much trouble with their digestion by thirty. Sit yourself down and have some homemade vegetable soup. Then well have a nice cup of tea. Ive still loads of jam I made just before my husband passed, itll go nicely on a bit of toast. Afterwards, if youre up for it, you can help me finish those windows.
Mrs. Bennett, could I perhaps help with something else? I feel a bit faint, and Id hate to fallIm expecting.
Expecting? Well, thats the icing on the cake! Are you married?
Yes, I am. I married Tom, who grew up in the same childrens home. Hes been called up for National Service. The landlady at our old place turned me out as soon as she found out I was pregnantgave me a week to move on. I really had no choice but to go.
Tough situation, that Well, what am I to do with you? Perhaps you could stay in the spare room, and not a word about rentthatd only put me out of sorts. Go and fetch your things, then.
Theyre close, next door actually. The week ran out, so I was left with my bags this morning, looking for somewhere else.
So, after that, the two of us began living together. Alice was studying to become a fashion designer, while I was long retired after a railway accident. I kept myself busy with crochet work for the craft market, and some of my income also came from selling fruit and veg from my gardenAlice and I would work out there together on Saturdays. On Sundays, Id go to church while Alice stayed home writing letters to Tom and reading, always waiting for his replies with a smile of hope.
One Saturday, we were out in the garden, turning the beds for winter. Alice, flagging, went indoors to lie down. I stayed behind, burning garden clippings, when suddenly I heard, Mum! Quick, come! My heart leaptforgetting my aching legs, I rushed in to find Alice doubled over, hands clutching her belly in pain. A kindly neighbour drove us to hospital in his battered Vauxhall. Alice wept, fearing it was far too soon for the baby to come.
At hospital, they rushed her in on a trolley, leaving me to pray in the cold waiting room all night. By morning, the hospital rang to say that both Alice and the baby were doing fine, but shed need to rest for several weeks.
While she was in hospital, I learned more about Tom from her stories, and marvelled at how devoted they were to one another. Shed show me his photograph, beaming with pride, and though my eyesights never been the same, I could tell he was a handsome ladnot unlike my late Arthur.
On Christmas Eve, Alice and I decorated the front room and chatted about the Nativity, keeping an eye out for the first star. Alice started fidgeting, feeling uneasy, and then suddenly asked me to ring for an ambulancethe baby was on the way.
On the 6th of January, little Grace was born, right on Epiphany, filling our house with joy. I sent a telegram to Tom straight off with the news. Naming the baby after meEleanorbrought tears to this old Nannas eyes.
The following weeks were a flurry of caring for the tiny new arrival. Alice and I both fussed over Grace, sharing sleepless nights and worries. I found renewed purpose in caring for my home and this precious, unexpected grandchild.
One balmy winter afternoon, I popped out for groceries. Coming home, I saw Alice in the front garden, gently rocking the pram. I left them while I started preparing lunch. Back in the sitting room, I noticed the old photograph of Arthur on the mantle and smiled, wondering how Alice had come across it.
Alice, where did you find that picture of my Arthur? I called from the kitchen.
Im not sure what you mean, Mrs. Bennett.
That framed photo, on the table over there, I pointed out.
Oh, thats of Tom. Im hoping hell take a new one for me when we see each other again.
A silence fell as I walked over, picking up the frame and peering at the young mans face. Suddenly, my heart skippedthere was Tom, and yet, it was as though Arthur himself were smiling at me again. The realisation dawned that wed unknowingly brought someone from our own family back home.
Alice, fetch the old photo albums I asked, barely believing it.
As she flicked through, Alice gasped at the likeness between Tom and Arthurit was uncanny. Is that Tom? she whispered, baffled.
I explained, through happy tears, that perhaps fate had woven our lives together once more, through the most marvellous twist of destiny. Laughing and crying, we embraced there in the parlour, feeling a bond neither of us had ever expecteda family, found anew.
With Her Hands Still Wet, She Groaned from Back Pain and Went to Open the Door
