Through Thick and Thin
Eleanor was widowed early, at forty-two. By then, her daughter, Jane, had already married a decent lad from the neighbouring village and moved off with him to Manchester to try her luck and earn some real money.
Every now and then, Jane would spoil her mum with a phone call, always insisting not to worry about herthat she was getting on just fine, settled with work, new friends, and her husbands family. But in those moments, Eleanor realised just how far her daughter had drifted; she felt like shed lost a piece of herself.
There wasnt any work left for Eleanor in her village. The only local school where shed worked as a kitchen assistant had closed down.
Left unemployed, Eleanor didnt lose hope. Instead, she started taking the bus twice a week to the next village over, selling her milk and cheese to her regulars.
The few pounds she made barely covered her expenses, but she didnt really see much to complain about. She lived on her own, eating the very milk, cheese, and vegetables she grew in her garden.
Eleanor was far too busy to dwell on loneliness, though. Her yard was always bustlingchickens, geese, ducks, and in the barn, Daisy the cow. And Marmalade the cat was always weaving under her feet. By the time shed fed, cleaned, and sorted everyone, another day had flown by.
Once a day, usually after lunch, Eleanor would take a little break at her window. She had a stool set up there and would just sit and admire the view.
And what a view: silver birches standing peaceful against the wide English sky.
Behind those birches, a spring bubbled up from the ground, supplying the purest, coldest water. It filled a small pond that glimmered prettily, a real local treasure.
So, it wasnt that surprising when one morning Eleanor was woken by the racket of vehicles pulling up outside her house.
Yawning, she pulled on her late mothers favourite flannel dressing gown and went out onto the doorstep.
Stretching her neck to get a better look, she saw a group of people, clearly sizing up and discussing the area. She wandered over to one of them, a distinguished chap in a smart coat.
Morning there. Mind if I ask whats going on?
He turned to her and eyed her cottage. You live here? Ive just bought the plot next door. Planning on building a house, so looks like well be neighbours.
Neighbours? Eleanor echoed.
She hurried back to her house, feeling a bit blindsided. She needed to find out more about whod decided to build right by her, so she quickly dressed and headed for the shop.
The shopkeeper, chatty Barbara, always knew the village gossip. She told Eleanor some wealthy businessman had bought the plot and was planning to build a housefor his twin brother, apparently, whod been unwell and needed fresh air and peace. We’ve got lovely countryside, after all. Clean woods, spring watercant beat it!
Eleanor mused, A businessman, eh? Maybe hell take a real liking to the village, and who knows, open a shop. We could do with more jobs about.
Barbara laughed. Oh, dont get your hopes up too much!
As Eleanor left, she ran into Gareth, the bread van driver. He was lugging in a massive tray of fresh loaves.
Morning, Eleanor. Can you hold the door for me?
She grinned, propping the door. Gareth paused at the threshold, glanced back, and said, Where you rushing off to? Here, take a hot loafjust out of the oven.
Eleanor blushed, grabbed a loaf, and called, Barbara, add it to my tab, Ill settle up later!
And, well, she was blushing because Gareth had been after her for years, though shed kept her distancesix years her junior, and folks around had whispered that she wasnt exactly a spring chicken for him. Shed kept those kinds of thoughts out of her mindlet him find someone his own age!
But Gareth hadnt married either, kept casting glances Eleanors way, sometimes even fumbling attempts to court her until shed firmly shut him down.
He just sighed and watched her from afar.
***
They wasted no time with the build.
Before long, a grand new house was up on the meadow, its windows glowing in the evenings. Curiosity got the better of Eleanor so she popped over with a homemade apple pie.
Swinging open the shiny new door, she stepped inside and called out, Hello there, neighbours, good afternoon!
She was met with the scent of fresh paint and timber. A bit awkward at first, she stood with her pie as two men and some women in overalls appeared from the kitchen.
Can we help you?
OhI’m your neighbour, I live just there, next door. Baked some pies and thought Id bring one over for you as well.
Thank you, one of the women said, taking the tray.
Also, I was wondering if you needed a hand with anything? I can do a bitwallpapering, touching up ceilings, painting?
One of the builders gave a shrug. Weve got a whole crew here for that. Youll have to ask the ownerhell be by in a couple days.
Oh, right Eleanor said, trying not to sound too disappointed. She left, feeling deflated.
Back at home, Eleanor eyed her own cottage. It was in desperate need of fixing up tooold, draughty, and going a bit green at the edges. What stung most was this feeling she was of no use to her new neighbours. In her day, when someone moved in or built a house, first thing theyd do was pop in and introduce themselves. But this new owner? Hadnt so much as knocked.
***
But things changed soon enough. First, the new house was twinkling head-to-toe in Christmas lights, and then one day, the movers and vans pulled in with furniture and boxes.
Eleanor peered out from behind her lace curtains as a young woman, chic in a pale coat, strode confidently into the house.
Look at her, Eleanor thought. She must be a beauty queen. Who else would turn up at a house built by a businessman?
She never did see the owner’s brother that Barbara had mentioned, no matter how much she peeked out the window. Oddly, he never seemed to leave the house, though Eleanor did occasionally spot the young woman heading to the shop.
A few times Eleanor tried to chat when they crossed paths, but the neighbour would just flash a sour look and speed off with a clipped, frosty Hi.
Eleanor couldnt help but feel a bit upsetthe girl clearly thought herself above regular village folk.
A year went by this way. Eleanor gave up trying, hardly even noticing their guests anymore. Once a week, a fancy car would roll up, a well-dressed man would lug bags into the house.
But then, everything shifted.
One day, the neighbour turned up on Eleanors doorstep.
Ive noticed youve got a cow, some chickens, all sorts of animals. Any chance youd sell me some meat? Ill pay, of course. And if youve cheese, butter, spudsId gladly buy those too.
Yes, of course! Eleanor perked up and bustled about her larder.
The meat in the shops just not right. And the cream’s no good either, the neighbour mumbled apologetically.
Eleanor fetched some fresh beef from her freezer. Its good stuff, you wont need to stew it for hours.
How long, exactly? the neighbour asked, sheepishly.
Hour and a half, perhaps.
That long?
Oh love, sometimes it takes even longer. You dont know your cuts of beef, do you? Dont worry, Ill show you.
What if I dont want to stew it? Cant I just fry it in a pan?
Of course you can.
But Im no good at cooking, the neighbour admitted. Ill ruin the lot. Would you fry the meat for me? With potatoes? I could just pick up the meal when youre done?
Eleanor sized her up; the girl was younger than shed thought, pampered and perfectly manicuredclearly never chopped a carrot in her life.
You ever cooked at all? Eleanor asked.
The girl shrugged. Not really, no.
Whats your name?
Alice. And you?
Eleanor, but you can call me Ellie. If you like, I could prepare your dinners and suppers, for a small fee.
Id really appreciate the help! When could you start?
How about now?
Lets not waste timecome on round, Ill show you everything.
Eleanor packed up supplies, locked her door, and off she went.
The neighbours house stunned herproper swish, all modern finishes and brand new furniture.
In the lounge, a dour-looking man sat reading a book. He stared at Eleanor and barked, Whos this? Is something wrong?
Eleanor was taken abackhe was much older than Alice, probably about forty-five.
Alice hurried over. Love, this is Eleanorshes going to be our cook.
Eleanor clarified, Well, I am your neighbour, really. Live just next door. Nice to meet you.
He barely acknowledged her.
Alice led her to the kitchen, Right, make us something, would you?
Eleanor was surprised by how brisk Alice was, but there was no time for hard feelings. She got to work, and within an hour, dished up beef stew and potatoes.
That was how Eleanor landed herself a much-needed job.
The master of the house, Alexander, barely spoke at first, but with every good meal she cooked, he softened. Good food works wonders.
Still, Eleanor noticed Alice never lifted a fingerdidnt wash dishes, never made a bed. Eleanor sighed, picked up a mop, and cleaned the whole place herself.
Alice pouted, and Alexander shot her an annoyed look. Did we ask you to clean? I wont be paying for your little flights of fancy. We didnt mind the dust! Im only paying for your cookingnothing else.
Alright, Eleanor muttered, but finished cleaning anyway.
It wasnt long before Alexanders brother stopped visiting, and Alice no longer went to the shop herself. She grew increasingly frosty.
Soon enough, she snapped, Dont bother with the washing up. In fact, no more beef. Just potatoes, eggs, and milk from now oncook what you can from that.
Eleanor couldnt help remarking, Is something wrong?
Alice huffed, I cant stand this village! No shopping, no coffee shopsnothing to do! Nothing!
A few days later, Eleanor, still dutiful, popped round and found the door unlocked. Inside was a scenea jumble of clothes, candles, and trinkets everywhere, books scattered in the lounge, curtains ripped from their rods.
What on earth happened? she called out. Alice?
Shes not here, came Alexanders slurred reply from the kitchen.
Eleanor made her way in and found the place in chaos. Alexander sat among empty bottles.
Whats happened, Alex? Have you and Alice fallen out?
Dont say her name. Shes left me, ran off and left a note: village life isnt for her.
He looked up at Eleanor, desperate. Ellie, have you got any beef? Please, fry it up for me.
Alright, Ill fetch some.
Eleanor obeyed, and whilst the food cooked, she straightened up the place.
The smell of frying wafted into the sitting room, rousing Alexander. He shuffled over to the hob and started eating straight from the pan with a knife.
Alex, thats no way to eat. Here, sit at the table, Ill plate it up for you.
He sat down and said, Youre wonderful, Ellie. I adore you.
Eleanor froze. She hadnt felt like a woman in ages, hadnt heard words like that in years.
Dont go, Ellie, have a drink with me.
I dont drink, she replied, realising Alex was half-cut. She thought of leaving, but he hung onto her arm suddenly, pulling her close.
I never realised how interesting you are, Eleanor, he hummed.
Married Life
Eleanor felt the eyes of the village on her whenever she went to the shop; folks whispered, but never openly questioned her. Only Barbara the shopkeeper was bold enough.
Ellie, you buying cigarettes for someone else? And all this cheese and hamyou never eat that stuff.
For the neighbour, who else? Eleanor replied, Told you I was working for him.
Barbara raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. Since when have you been staying over at his place then? Eating with him? Ellie, love, that chaps no fit for you. Hell drop you as soon as he gets bored.
Eleanor went quiet, glancing over her shoulder at the quiet shop, feeling the villagers listening in.
You spying on me?
Barbara smirked. Whole village is talking about you two.
Eleanor lifted her chin. So what? Ive nothing to hide. Yes, Alex and Iwell, were in love.
Barbara shook her head. Love, is it? That young woman left, and suddenly hes onto you! Open your eyes, Elliecant you see what hes after?
Eleanor held her ground, gathered her bits, and muttered, Just give me my change, Barbarabefore I write you up for bad service.
She stomped out, raging inside. People are so cruelall they do is gossip and pull others down!
Outside, she nearly tripped over Gareth lugging bread. She didnt help with the door, and he didnt ask; they hardly even looked at each other.
Thats that, then, Eleanor thought. He wont even say hello anymore. Well, let him.
Still, it hurt inside. When Gareth used to blush and fumble about her, she felt alive. Now, he wouldnt even meet her eye.
***
Eleanor set off down her lanenot to her own house, but to Alexanders. Hed promised theyd wed soon, and shed practically started running the new house. Only, she still had to nip home in the mornings to stoke her fire and feed what was left of her livestock.
But Alex promised, once they were hitched, hed build her an enclosure for all the animals, so she could keep them all together.
***
He did as promised. On the big day, Alex booked a cab to take them to register at town hall. He slipped a ring on Eleanors finger.
Its gorgeous. Is it gold?
Of course. Dont go losing it!
Back home, Eleanor set the table for a little celebration, but Alex quietly settled in to have a drink.
Dont you think youre drinking a bit much lately, darling? she cooed, stroking the ring.
Im celebrating! Fetch some beef, will you, fry it up for us.
But theres none left, I made salad
What do you mean, none? Theres Daisy mooing away in the shed.
But shes our milkershe pays our bills.
Alexs face darkened. Forget those pennies. Youve got a rich husband now! I want beef, not bloody chicken.”
“But slaughtering a cow is a full day’s work…”
Alex banged his fist on the table. I said, get me beef!”
The Beef
Eleanor scoured the whole village for a butcher, but none of her usual helpers would oblige. It was freezingno one wanted to be outside for hours.
At last, Gareth agreed, if a little coldly.
Why are you selling your cow?
Eleanor looked away, shamefaced. She couldnt say it was just because her new husband fancied steak. So she lied.
Too much for me now. Costs a fortune to feed.
But youre married now, isnt your husband helping with the hay?
Hes a townie, doesnt know one end of a cow from the other.
Gareth snorted, but promised to come.
Back at home, Eleanor set up everything for Garethwater heated, fire goingAlex didnt even poke his head in to help. Her heart ached when Daisy looked at her so trustingly, not knowing her fate.
Within an hour it was done, and Gareth was portioning up the beef while Eleanor ferried the cuts inside.
Why hasnt your man come out to help? Gareth grumbled.
Hes not one for country work, Eleanor muttered.
She handed Gareth a tub of beef. For your help. Thank youI dont know what Id have done otherwise.
Its a lot youre giving, Gareth said softly. He stared intently at her, strict but gentle, and Eleanor hesitated.
Just then Alex appeared on the step, swaying drunk. Wife! he shouted. Who are you out there with? Dont forget me! I want my beef, and you still owe me a wedding night!
Gareth stiffened. Did you two get married?
Eleanor just nodded, shivering and blowing on her hands.
Gareth threw the meat in the snow, grabbed his tools, and walked off into the cold.
Daughter
Married life quickly lost its shine for Eleanor. Alex did little but drink and eatand his favourite meal was nearly always beef. Hed even learned to cook it himself, he ate so much of it.
Eleanors yard was empty nowexcept for Marmalade, who mewed piteously at her feet.
Im sick of that cat. Why did you bring him here? Chuck him out, let him fend for himself, Alex moaned.
Jane came home for a visit, looked at her new stepfather, slumped drunk at the table, and scolded her mother.
You call this married life?
Dont judge, love. Alex is a good man, just stressed. Hes from the citythis lifes hard for him.
Oh, Mum, dont make excuses! Hes always been a drinker, hasnt changed at all. And youre just his servant, ring or not.
At least look at this lovely house Im in. Never thought Id live in a place like this!
Mum, sorry, but that house isnt yours. And youre not the lady here. Youve left your own cottage for this user. What if he throws you out? Finds someone youngerwhere will you go?
Jane left in disgust. Here, take some meat for your journey, Eleanor called, running to the store cupboard, only to find it locked.
Baffled, Eleanor tried to wake Alex. Whys the cupboard locked? Wheres the key?
Alex pulled a face. Why do you need it?
To give Jane some meat for her journey.
Lets agree on no children in future.
What on earth are you saying?
Eleanor rummaged through his pockets, found the key, but Jane, hearing the exchange, wrinkled her nose.
Enough, Im off. Dont worry about the meat. Im not coming back.
That night, Alex sobered up and announced, Listen. My brother died not long ago, and this house was still in his name. Now, his wife is the rightful owner.
Eleanor gasped, covering her mouth.
Shes told me to clear out.
So what do we do, Alex?
He shrugged. What do you country people do in these situations? Use your head. Dont let her take the house. Have a child or two, lock yourself in, fight for it.
Eleanor shook her head. I cant, Alex. Im not that kind of person.
He poured himself another, slamming the glass down. Well, if you wont fight for it, pack your things, were moving to yours.
He fetched some cold beef from the pot and gnawed on it. That Aliceshe legged it as soon as she found out what was going on here. Lived fine as long as my brother kept sending money, but once he died and the cash dried up, off she went.
So thats why you stopped paying me
Thats right. You, I just calledand you came running.
Eleanor shuddered.
Dont speak to me that way.
Dont act so innocent. Youre my wife, for better or for worse. Now pack up. Well take everything that isnt nailed down. Call your butcher-friend to help with the furniture.
Eleanor stared at him. So you didnt marry me for love? It was just for somewhere to stay?
Alex just smirked. Come on, Ellie. Youre old enough to know how the world works.
You never loved me.
Nor did you. You just wanted the house.
He polished off the beef, fished out another bottle from the fridge, and started in. Eleanor left, and with shaking hands, unlocked the larder for the last time. Shed decidedit was time to file for divorce.
Why stay with a man who treated her like cheap hired help? She was exhausted by his demands. He really was a parasite.
The barrel and chest where she kept the meat were nearly empty. Eleanor rooted through everythingno sign of it. Back inside, she demanded, Wheres the meat, Alex? Whatve you done with it?
Not your concern. Swapped it for some bottles.
So thats what those crates are in the cellarones you think I cant see? We couldve lived off that meat a yearand you got rid of it for booze! What are we supposed to live on now?
Alex just shrugged. Youll think of something. You always do.
Go to hell, Alex. Im off to the solicitor. I want a divorce.
Epilogue
Eleanor quickly got her divorce. But Alex didnt give uphe tried breaking into her cottage one night, slipped into her bed while she slept. She woke with a shock.
Oh heavens, whos there?!
Dont shout, Ellie, its meyour Alex.
Get off me!
She screamed and ran out, barefoot through the snow, down the lane to Barbaras. She banged on the window.
Barbara peeped out. Whos there?
Its me, Barbaralet me in.
Eleanor?! Whats going on? Is the house on fire?
Worse, Babs. Please, lock the door! Before that wretch comes.
Barbara dragged her in. Who?!
My ex Oh Babs, you were right. We were never right for each other. Big mistake.
Eleanor stayed hidden away with Barbara for weeks until Alex finally abandoned the village for good.
Even after that, Eleanor was afraid to go home, thinking Alex might try again. But he was gone.
Her cottage was a sorry sightall the cupboards bare, fridge empty, even the root cellar and pantry picked clean. Not a grain or packet of pasta, not a single potato or pickle jar left.
Eleanor sat at the mucky table and buried her head in her hands.
So thats marriage, is it? she thought. No animals, no cowwhat now?
Suddenly Gareth slipped in, not alonehe carried Marmalade the cat.
EllieI had a word with Alex, told him to get lost. Ive had your cat at minehes a cracker. Brings a mouse every day from the shed.
Eleanor hugged Marmalade and burst into tears.
Oh Gareth, thank you.
Youre upset I chased him off?
He was flogging your firewood for pennies around the village
She sobbed even harder.
Im sorry, Ellie.
Youve nothing to be sorry forI was the one who let you down. Who turned my nose up at you.
Ill put the kettle on. And Mums heated the bathhouse. Come, stay at ours for a while. No sense freezing here on your own.
***
Before too long, Eleanor and Gareth were married. Jane came back round, forgiving her mum, even bringing her husband to visit.
As for Alex, word was hed gone back to the city and married an older widow there.
The businessman’s widow who owned the grand house came down in the summer, andsurprise, surpriseshe was lovely. Called in on Eleanor with a pie, and they became friends.
Eleanor asked about Alexs health, and the woman smiled wryly. Alex? Ill? Dont make me laugh. Hes a big brutejust cant keep away from the bottle. My late husband tried to help him, put him up here in the countryside, hoping it would sort him out. But hes just as bad as ever!
And so, with a simpler life, good friends, a loving husband and cat, Eleanor started againmaybe not the way shed planned, but, as shed often say, Thats life for you, isnt it?One golden evening, Eleanor sat at her own kitchen table, Marmalade purring on her lap, the windows thrown open wide to hear the birds in the birch trees. Gareth bustled about, humming as he kneaded dough for a batch of bread meant for the village fete. In the garden, the hens clucked contentedly, and Janes laughter floated in from outside where she chased her own little boy round the orchard, breathless and bright and whole.
The world, Eleanor realized, had shrunk and widened at onceshed lost so much, but in the empty space, better things had quietly grown. She wasnt lonely anymore. There were visits from neighboursold and new. There were shared cups of tea, stories, small kindnesses. There were church bells, cakes rising in the oven, cats paws on her pillow in the night.
One day, Barbara and Jane teamed up to mend the tattered old bunting from the attic. You need colour round this cottage again, Mum! Jane declared, draping it above the door. Eleanor watched their laughter and the sun-bright flags fluttering, and her heart, after so many years, felt truly light.
When the village fete arrived, with tables groaning under bread, cheese, jams, and plump fruit, Eleanor was there, right in the midst of things, a smile on her lips. Gareth pressed her hand beneath the table and winked. Told you it would turn out alright, Ellie.
And for the first time in a very long while, Eleanor believed her own words, too: Whatever comes, well managetogether. She raised her glass to the good people around her, feeling the joy and the warmth of belonging.
It wasnt the life shed imagined in her youth, but it was full, and honest, and hers. Through thick and thin, shed found her way home.
