Without luck, there would be no happiness
How could you let him take advantage of you, you foolish girl! Who would want you now, with a baby on the way! And how do you expect to look after it? Dont think youll get any help from me! I raised you, but Im not carrying your burden as well. Get out of my house, pack your things and dont let me see you again!
Mary listened to Aunt Margarets shouts, staring at the floorboards, her last hope that her aunt might let her stay, at least until she found a job, slipping away with every word.
If only Mum were here
Shed never known her father, and her mother had died fifteen years ago, knocked over by a drunk driver at a crossing. The council had talked about sending her to a childrens home, but then a distant cousin Mums third cousin, or so they said had turned up out of nowhere. Shed taken Mary in, with her own home and a steady enough wage to make it official.
They lived on the outskirts of a small town in the West Country, where summers were stifling and winters always damp and grey. Mary had never been really hungry, always had decent clothes, and work seemed never-ending in that house there were always chickens to feed, dogs to walk, something to fix in the garden. Maybe she missed her mothers love, but did anybody care?
She worked hard at school. After sixth form, she went off to study education at university. Her student years flew by, and now, degree finally in hand, she was back in her old town but her heart was heavy.
Leave now, I dont want to see your face!
Please, Aunt Margaret, just
Ive said my piece!
Mary picked up her battered suitcase and stepped into the sticky heat of the day. How had it come to this? Alone and rejected, her small bump just showing she hadnt been able to hide her pregnancy, nor could she lie about it.
She needed a place to stay. Bowing her head, lost in thought, she trudged along the lane, until a voice called out:
Would you like some water, love?
A sturdy woman in her early fifties was watching her with curious, warm eyes.
Come in, if youre not in any trouble.
She handed Mary a jug of cool water. Mary sat on the bench in the shade, drinking greedily.
May I sit here a while? Its so hot
Of course, dear. Where are you from? Youve got your whole life in that bag of yours, havent you?
Ive just finished university, Im looking for a teaching post. But Ive nowhere to stay Do you know of anyone renting out a room?
The woman, whose name was Rose, observed her carefully. She was clean, if a little drawn around the eyes.
If you like, you can stay here. I wont ask much for rent, as long as you pay on time. If you agree, come and see the room.
Rose, glad of company and a bit of extra income in such a quiet town, showed Mary into a small room overlooking the apple trees. A bed, an old wardrobe, a table enough.
Over the next few days, Mary settled in, helping Rose with housework and their small flock of hens. Each evening, they sipped tea under the grapevine, nattering about all sorts.
Her pregnancy was going well. She confessed her story: Peter, her university boyfriend, a rich professors son, whod run for the hills when she told him her news. Hed left some money behind she would need it.
You did the right thing not to you know, said Rose quietly. An innocent child will bring you joy one day.
In February, the pains began. Rose took her straight to hospital. Mary gave birth to a healthy baby boy William. In the ward, she heard about a baby girl abandoned by her mother after delivery.
Can someone feed this little one? Shes so fragile, said the nurse.
Mary picked up the baby, tiny and pale as the winter sky.
Ill call you Lily, she murmured.
When Captain Henry George, the baby girls father, appeared, everything changed. On the day Mary was discharged, a car adorned with blue and pink balloons was waiting. The soldier helped her inside, handing her two parcels: one blue, one pink.
The town talked for months about the wedding that followed. The Captain, moved by her kindness, asked for her hand. And Mary, with William in her arms and Lily to love as her own, stepped into a new life.
Who could have imagined that one scorching summer day, with a simple jug of water, all their fates would change? Thats how life is turning the page to stories you never imagined youd read.
