Margaret wiped her damp hands on her apron and, wincing from the ache in her back, shuffled to answer the door. The bell had chimed politely, but this was the third ringshed been elbow-deep in window cleaning and hadnt made it to the hallway in time. On the doorstep stood a slight, pale young woman with tired eyes that somehow still managed to look hopeful.
Margaret, they told me you might have a room to let?
Good heavens, those nosy neighbours! Ive never let a room in my life. Why does everyone assume Im running a B&B?
But youve got three bedrooms
And what of it? Must I rent them out just because theyre there? I like my peace and quiet.
The girls chin trembled as she turned to leave, her shoulders hunched like a scolded puppy.
Oh, come back, loveI didnt say no! Young people these days, so quick to wilt. Come in, lets chat. Whats your name?
Poppy.
Poppy? Bet your fathers a poet or something, eh?
I wouldnt know. Grew up in care. Left on a church step as a baby.
Right then. Tea first, tears later. Hungry?
I had a scone earlier.
A scone! Lord help you, thats not a meal. Sit downtheres proper leek and potato soup on. And jamloads of it. My Harold passed six years back, but I still stock the pantry like hes coming home any minute. Eat first, then you can help me finish those windows.
Margaret, could I do something else? Heights make me dizzy, andwell, Im expecting.
Oh, brilliant. Just what I neededa pregnant tenant. Very principled, I am. Did some rogue leave you in this state?
No! Im married. Harrysame childrens home as me. Hes in the army now, came home on leave a while back. My landlady found out about the baby and booted me out. Got till Friday to find a place. Harrys things are all packed in a duffel by the kerb.
Well, thats that, then. Suppose Ill shift my things to the spare room. And dont you dare offer rentIll box your ears if you try. Go fetch your bags.
So they became two. Poppy studied fashion design while Margaret, retired after a railway accident years ago, knitted lace and baby clothes to sell at the village market. Her work was gossamer-light, selling like hotcakes. Money wasnt tight, especially with the veg patch doing well. Saturdays were for gardening; Sundays, Margaret went to Mass while Poppy reread Harrys letters.
One Saturday, Poppy turned green after ten minutes of weeding, so Margaret sent her inside to rest. Later, as Margaret burned garden rubbish, a shriek cut through the air: Mum! Mum, come quick! Forget the arthritisMargaret sprinted like an Olympian. Poppy was doubled over, clutching her belly. A neighbours rattly Vauxhall got them to hospital just in time.
Mum, its too soonIm due in July! Pray for me, please!
Margaret wept through her Hail Marys all night. By morning, the hospital rang: Poppy was stable but needed rest.
When she came home, they talked for hours. Poppy spoke of Harryhow theyd grown up together, fallen in love. He writes every week. Want to see his photo? Heresecond from the right, grinning like a loon.
Very handsome, Margaret lied. Her glasses were ancient, and the photo was the size of a postage stamp.
Margaret whyd you call me mum back then?
Ohhabit. In care, everyone was mum or dad. Still slips out when Im scared.
Ah. Margaret hid her disappointment.
Later, Poppy asked, Why no photos of your family?
Lost my boy as a baby. After the accident, no more children. Harold was my world. When he died, I packed the pictures awaytoo painful. But ask Harry for a proper photo. Ive frames somewhere.
On Christmas Eve, as they decked the halls, Poppy winced. Call an ambulance. Its time.
Little Annie arrived on Christmas Day, and Margaret sent Harry a telegram.
One mild winter day, Margaret returned from errands to find Poppy and the pram gone. Inside, she spotted a framed photo on the sideboard. Found Harolds picture, did she? Picked the youngest onetypical.
But when she picked it up, her hands shook. It wasnt Haroldit was a young soldier, smirking at the camera.
Poppy, where did Harry grow up?
London, I think. He was brought to the home after a train crash. No family left.
Margarets voice cracked. My Michael they showed me a body in his clothes, but his faceI couldnt tell. Poppy, does Harry have a birthmark? A star above his right elbow?
Poppy went white. He does. Oh, Margarethe does!
They clung to each other, weeping, while little Annie wailed for attention next door.
