In the quiet halls of the maternity ward, they told her the child had not survived. Years later, she would learn the truthher son was alive, living with the family of his father.
William had adored Eleanor since their schooldays, and they dreamed of marrying one day. His mother, Margaret Whitmore, who oversaw the maternity ward at St. Bartholomews Hospital, disapproved. She had long favoured a nurse named Charlotte, a girl from a respected family of physicians, well-liked by staff and patients alike.
After graduation, William began his studies in medicine, while Eleanor pursued languages at university, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, both accomplished translators. Their classmates gathered to celebrate at Williams family cottage in the Cotswolds.
They lingered there nearly a month, reluctant to return to the bustle of city life. But term was approaching, and preparations had to be made.
Come autumn, Eleanor confided in Will:
Im expecting. What will you say to that?
What do you imagine? He grinned. Ill carry you straight to the registrars office.
Im hardly light, you know.
You think that frightens me? I was a rugby lad at school. Youre no trouble at all, he teased, overjoyed.
But what about our studies?
Aye, Ellie, youll likely need a year after the birth.
Ill switch to correspondence courses, like Mum did. She had me at nineteen and managed just fine. But listen, Willafter we marry, youre moving in with us. Respect your mother from afar. Ive always known shed never accept me.
If it eases your mind, love, he agreed.
They filed their notice at the registrar and parted ways for the evening. Eleanor returned home to find guests in the parlourher fathers old friend, his wife, and their son, Thomas, sixteen but tall for his age.
Meanwhile, William broke the news to his parents, urging them to prepare for the wedding. Margaret was furious. That night, she stormed to Eleanors flat, ringing the bell insistently. Inside, the family was setting the table, the chime lost beneath laughter and music. Thomas, fresh from the bath with a towel about his waist, finally answered.
Margaret, momentarily stunned, recovered swiftly. She raised her mobile, recording the boy in the doorway.
Here for Mrs. Hartwell? Thomas asked, puzzled.
Not anymore, she snapped, retreating down the stairs.
At home, she showed William the footage, insinuating deceit. Recognise the hallway? Who knows whose child she carries?
I see, Mother. You were right about her.
William sent a bitter message, then switched off his phone. Eleanor, bewildered, tried calling, but when she couldnt reach him, she hurried to his flat despite the late hour.
Margaret, watching from the window, intercepted her at the door.
What do you want with William? Hes asleep. Off you goback to your other admirers, two-faced girl. With that, she slammed the door.
Eleanor collapsed onto the step, weeping, before stumbling home. Her mother, washing dishes, embraced her.
Ellie, whats happened? The weddings soonyou should be happy.
There wont be one, Mum. Only the baby. His mothers poisoned him against me. She showed the cruel message accusing her of infidelity.
If he believes such things, hes not worth grieving. Well raise this child ourselves.
The rift left Eleanor heartsick, her pregnancy fraught with difficulty. When her time came, she was rushed to hospital while her parents were at work. The birth, performed under anaesthesia, was all she remembered. Later, she was told her son had not survived.
The paperwork done, her parents buried the child while she lay recovering. Soon after, Williams family sold their flat and vanished from the neighbourhood.
Its for the best, love, her mother said. Youve suffered enough running into him.
I hope I forget him quickly, Eleanor murmured.
Eight years passed.
Eleanor worked as a translator in a modest firm when William walked into her office.
Why reappear now? Ive moved on.
Im sorry, but tragedy brings me here.
How odd. Run to your mother, thennot me. Leave.
Ellie, please. Our son is ill. He needs a donor.
A joke, Will? Our son died. My parents buried him.
Hes alive. Eight years old.
How?
Remember the day we filed our notice?
I remember your vile words.
William repeated his mothers tale of the boy in the flat.
Eleanor explained Thomass presence, and William paled. He had never married, nor had sheafraid to endure such loss again.
Will, what did your mother do?
When you were in labour, she was there. She suspected the child was mine. Tests proved it, but she refused to let you have him. I was too bitter to question it. Now our boy, Oliver, is sick.
Take me to him.
At the clinic, Eleanors hands shook as she saw her son.
Oliver, weve found your mum, William said softly.
Mum, Ive waited forever, the boy whispered.
Darling, Im here. Ill make you well, she wept, holding him.
Let her speak to the doctor, son.
Eleanor was a match, and Oliver recovered. William sold his flat to settle the medical costs, and they moved in with Eleanors parents.
Ellie, forgive me, but we must marry. The doctor says siblings make better donors. For Olivers sake, we should have more children.
Ive read as much. For their health, Ill do anything.
They wed, and now, besides Oliver, they raise two morea son and a daughter.
