Good Intentions
Tess! Finally! Ive been beside myself! Margaret Parker opens her front door and pulls her older sister into a brief hug. My heads spinning, I dont know what to do any more.
Calm yourself first! Tess Parker, big as life and twice as unflappable, floats into the hallway like a stately ocean liner. Is she at home?
No! She took the kids this morning and left. Wont listen to a word I say. She says shes in love!
Well, what can I tell you, Mags? You let the girl slip through your fingers, so whats the use of crying now? Sit down, make the tea, tell me everything, and well take it from there.
Tess marches straight to the kitchen and sits, observing critically as her sister fiddles with the kettle.
Rinse it first with hot water! How many years have I said the same?
Margaret winces, grabs the kettle, and manages to burn her fingers on the spout, cursing under her breath and clutching her earlobe to soothe the sting.
Oh, for heavens sake, youre as clumsy as ever. Sit down, let me do it before you really injure yourself in a flap.
Tess stands, gently nudging Margaret to the table, and sorts the tea like a proper Englishwoman.
There we are. Now, start from the beginning. Whos this man? And whats Eleanor thinking?
Margaret clasped her mug. How to explain to her sister? Even she didnt fully understand why this situation had got so under her skin. The man that Eleanor, her youngest, had brought homewell, there wasnt really much to fault. He wasnt a drunk. He was polite, decent, steady, with his own (albeit small) garage business. Hed even fixed their leaky tap, after Margaret despaired over the plumbers failed attempt. And yet, Margaret couldnt shake the ingrained worryshed come to see her youngest daughter as a walking bundle of potential trouble, as Tess always said. A good impression wasnt enough to convince her this was right for Eleanor. The whole story raised questions. Who ever heard of a man making a living fixing cars just stopping to help a stranded woman and her kids, in the dead of an English winter, for free? And then checking back in, week after week? Six months hed been popping round. Eleanor seemed smitten, blind to everything but him. Marriage, already? Hadnt once been enough?
Margaret lays it all out for Tess, who listens, arms folded, then pronounces her verdict. Margaret trusts Tess with everythingalways has. Their dad died young, and their mum, Catherine, struggled on, doing her best for two girls. Tess, eight years older, pretty much raised Margaret. Mum worked every hour God sent and expected Tess to step up: Tessie, youre the big sister now. Help me.
Catherine had nearly keeled over when she found out she was pregnant with Margaret. It wasnt the easiest of times, but her husband and Tess both said, Well manage! Margaret arrived fragile, in and out of hospital, glued to Tesss side the whole while.
Youre her guardian angel. I dont know what Id do without you, Tess, Catherine would say, plaiting little Margarets hair before dashing to work. Tess walked her to the nursery on the way to school, made sure she was always ready for class, even tutoring her so the first year would be a breezeeven more vital when Margarets frail health kept her home more often than not.
By the time Margaret was off to secondary, things had finally improved. Catherine had grown ill, though, just as Margarets life started taking shape. Shed just confided, blushing, that there was a boy, when the diagnosis came.
Tess! What should I do?
You? Get your exams done with top marks. Mum doesnt need to know you know, let me handle her.
Margaret just managed to say goodbyeher last week at home. She grit her teeth through the worst of it, unable to cry, sometimes biting on an old spoon their dad had left her to keep silent. Tess kept a level head through it all, setting to whatever was needed, snapping at Margaret if she dissolved.
Mum doesnt need your hystericslet her go peacefully, if we cant help.
Catherine died one dawn, holding Margarets hand. Only then did Margaret finally cry. The sisters sold the family flat, Margaret moving into a small one-bed close to Tess.
Best this way, youre round the corner, Tess declared, checking every wall for cracks. No need for anyone else. Ill sort itgirls from work will help.
Tess had long since become a crack hand at everything buildingher crew were trusted across the county. Those who hired them always recommended them on. When times changed, Tess started her own firm alongside her studies.
Theres never enough time! If only Alex could pitch in, but hes got his own affairs. Well, one day itll all calm down.
It never really did. Business got harder with every downturn; staff didnt have her patience or standards, so she was left to smooth feathers.
Cant lend everyone my brains and hands, can I? Anyway, how are things at your end? How are the kids?
Margaret always gave a full account. Since marrying (to an unapproved man, much to Tesss annoyance), she lived with a constant pang of guilt. Tess had always been the authority. It was years before Tess thawed towards Max, who eventually won her over with dogged patience. He loved his girls and was a reliable, gentle presence, bringing home every last penny. Just once, Tess scowled at his rapport with the girls: weekends devoted to them, every moment.
Thats not right. Hell spoil them, youll never get them to stand on their own.
Margaret agreed out loud, secretly wondering if Tess was just a smidge jealousher Alex could barely be convinced to spend time with their own kids. When Tesss eldest son got into trouble, first at school, then with the law, she was left to handle it. Alex would only grunt, You raised him, you sort it. I just provide for him. Upbringings yours.
She sent her son into the army, at a clients suggestion.
Itll toughen him. Teach him discipline.
He flourished there, soon joking: Had a general for a mumno wonder the army feels right.
Tess, finally, started sleeping easier about her sonuntil her daughter shocked her.
Mum, Im pregnant.
Tess sank onto the sofa. How can that be? You only just turned eighteen!
Im an adult. Please, Mum, spare me the lecture.
Whats the use? Well have to plan a wedding, then.
No wedding. He wont marry me.
Tess pulled herself together. That wont happen. My grandchild wont grow up fatherless. Dont worry, Ill sort it.
Her daughter never doubted for a moment. Only Tess could untangle such messes. The wedding happened a month later, and Tess sorted the young couple a little flat.
Live quietly, you two, all right?
Whether it was her stern approach, or her unstinting support, things soon calmed down. The couple settled in, Tess exhaled. The kids were squared away, time to breathe.
But, of course, trouble never stays away. Soon enough, drama started with her nieces.
Margarets girls were both healthy and spirited, nothing like Margaret at that age.
Thank heavens! Look at them! Not a cold all year, if you can believe it.
Excellent. If only they were bright too, thatd be perfect.
They are, thank goodness. Swings, school, after-school clubsthe works. Though, youd never know they were sisters. Sophie takes after meplain, quiet. Eleanor is all Maxsparkling and stubborn as they come.
Keep an eye out with her, then. Shes a firecracker.
Margaret put both in the same year at schoola practical move for Sophie, who struggled a bit, but Eleanor thrived and helped her along. Max adored his daughters.
Best girls in the world!
Those happy years were cut short when Max was in a fatal car crash. Margaret and the girls barely left the hospital. Strong as he was, his injuries were too much, and within the week, he was gone.
Oh, you poor things, Tess sobbed, clutching the shattered girls to her. Itll be all right. Youve got an auntie left, havent you?
Sophie and Eleanor barely dared look at their mother. Margaret faded, went sallow, and became snappy. The girls took to sleeping with her, clinging for comfort, desperate for the smiles she once had.
And so Tess intervened once again, giving her sister the full force of her temper.
Whats the matter with you? The girls have lost their father, and youd have them lose their mother as well? Are you the only one suffering here? Look at them! At their age, theyre in need.
Margaret sat blankly, not caring. She still half-expected Max to come in, drying his hands, winking: Whos hungry?
Tess saw this and, sighing, hugged her:
Hes gone, love. But you still have the girls. Remember how he loved them? Imagine what hed say if he saw you like this.
Slowly, things righted themselves. Margaret returned, in part, to lifeher smile, though shadowed, returned.
By their final year of school, both girls fell in love. Sophie, after a good talking-to and a shoulder to cry on, decided it wasnt for herTess is right. Plenty of time.
Eleanor, though, dug her heels in. But I love him!
Good thatll do you! Tess raged. What kind of husband would he be? Neither of you know a thing. Just answer meis there anything more than holding hands?
Thats my business. Eleanor stared, defiant. Shed had enoughfirst her mother, browbeaten into submission, and now her aunt muscled in? Enough!
For all her bluster, it hit home: nothing had happened yet, but Eleanor knew it wouldnt stay that way. She sat her boyfriend down and stated:
What do you want from me? Just a bit of fun?
No, I love you!
Then prove it. Marry me.
Fine, I just need to talk to my folks
Sergeparents. No more just popping round. Tell them everything, and until you do, were done.
If her mum had seen Eleanor just then, shed have thought, Spitting image of Tess.
So determined was she that Serge just stared. She shrugged off his hand.
They married a year later. At the wedding, Margaret cried the whole day, while Tess struggled to hide her annoyance at Eleanors happiness.
Why so young? Whats the rush?
Her suspicions were wrongEleanors first son arrived two years later. Shed started university by then, juggling her studies with raising a family, with help from her mum and sister, and didnt take time off. It was hard, but she managed. Serge was also studying part-time, working at his fathers firm. Together, they just about managed, with a little help from the parents. Things brightened when Eleanor graduated and her father-in-law offered her the job of company accountant.
Smart, responsible, and familywhat more could we want?
Eleanor knew it was the best she could do with limited experience and accepted. By the time she found out she was pregnant again, shed been made head accountant, and Serge started his own firm. Together with her father-in-law, they more than tripled the family income. Margaret beamed at how her youngest was managing. The only person stoking her worry was Tess.
Lifes sailing too smoothly. If she gets something wrong, youll end up picking up the pieces.
Margaret kept quietthere was no sense updating Tess, whod become more critical with each year, perhaps because her own kids lives were less settled. Any question drew a gruff, Theyre fine! Mind your own!
So Margaret tried, but disaster found them all the same. Serge, now always busy with business, began an affair. Eleanor found out in the worst possible way. His sudden distance, which shed put down to the newborn, turned out to be something else. She tried everythingromantic nights, time alone, but, after repeated questions, he said nothing.
One spring afternoon, watching her sons play, a heavily pregnant woman dropped onto the bench beside her.
Youre Eleanor, arent you? The womanbrisk, unfriendlystared at her.
A flash of uneasiness hit Eleanor.
Yes
Im Lisa. Serges partner. Your ex-husbands.
Eleanor was briefly stunned, then huffed a laugh. Really. And the babys his, I suppose?
Of courseour son! Lisa patted her bump.
Congratulations. Why are you telling me this?
Arent you getting divorced?
Not yet. Why?
Because my son needs a father!
And the two Serge already hasdo they not?
Dont muddy the waters! Lisa shrilled, heaving herself up. Sort things out with Serge. Im due next month!
Eleanor watched her go, determined not to cry in front of her children. Her eldest ran up.
Mum, are you crying?
No, sweetheart, just something in my eye. Carry on, lunch soon.
Serge didnt deny anything.
Youre strange now, always busy with kids or work. Im a bloke, love.
If you say so
The divorce was painful. Serge became a stranger overnight, fighting over every penny and detail in court. By the end, Eleanor barely recognised him. They divided the flat, set up child support. She was free, in every sense. Her exs father, mortified, asked her to resign:
You understand why
She almost laughed. She understood. You can see the boys when you like.
She left without a backward glance, ignoring the embarrassed, Im sorry.
She left things be with her ex-in-laws, for the boys sake, who were still spoilt rotten by their grandparents, even if their father faded from view.
Margaret bustled, helped with the kids, while Eleanor job-hunted and picked up the pieces. Tess gave both barrels about child-rearing and late nights.
Theyre young, theyll learn. Eleanors working, Margaret would say.
At nine at night?
Sometimes. The pays good, and her careers taking off.
And where are the children supposed to be thenmind you, shell bring another man home soon, and theyll be left to your care!
Oh, Tess
But Tesss warnings echoed later, when Leonard appeared. Margarets every fear returned.
What now?
Time for tough love! Shes got two childrenshe wants romance? Is he even trustworthy? Shes not a poor relationshes got a flat, car, good money. Maybe hes just a chancer?
Tess
It needs checking!
How?
Start by talking to Eleanor.
She wont. Ive tried. She just smiles and insists hes good.
Hopeless. Grown up, but not got any sense. Give me your phone.
Why?
She wont brush me off. Gimme. Tess dials, and when Eleanor answers, briskly says, Your mothers in a bad way. Youre to come at once.
Eleanor hangs up and panics. Leosomethings wrong with Mum! I have to go!
Shall I drive you?
No, Ill go alone. The boys
Leave them to me. Ill feed them, put them to bed. Go.
She barely registers the drive. Just let Mum be all right. She considers whether to ring Sophie, but shes pregnant and already on bed restbetter she doesnt worry.
Margaret answers the door, hiding her face.
Mum!
Im fine!
Then why
Come inside. Tess appears behind her, and Eleanors face tightens. Or we can shout out in the corridor?
Eleanor sits on the edge of a chair, stunned by Tesss tirade.
If you dont get your act together, Ill have to sort the children myself! Imaginetheir mother running off, and theyre left to watch it all!
Something quietly snaps within Eleanor. She stands, adjusts her skirt.
Aunt Tess, have you really nothing better to do than run my life? Am I your child to scold as you like? Im an adult nowas grown up as anyone.
Then start behaving like one!
Fine, I will. From today, thats it. No more reports. Pretend I dont exist. Try interfering in my family and see just how grown up I am. My life, my children, none of your business. Maybe youd do better sorting your own children. At least they play along, right? Easier to manage. Good for you.
How dare you! Tess is on her feet now, furious. Cheeky girl! Who gave you the right to talk to me like that?
I did. And Im keeping it. Im not your scapegoat anymore.
What are you babbling about? Margaret looks confused.
A scapegoat! Except, you know, Im not a ramIm a nanny goatthe familys walking sin sponge, Eleanor snaps.
Youre not right in the head, Tess mutters.
Its not me thats lost, Tess. Think about how much damage youve done, trying to control everything. You too, MumIm no perfect specimen, but Im perfectly capable. Im tired of living to your recipe. Good intentions
Maybe I really should check up on you, Tess goads.
Stop it, Tess, Margaret cuts in, suddenly pale. Enough, thats enough Stop now! Eleanor
Margaret clutches her chest, sags to the floor. Eleanor rushes to her, yanking out her phone to dial for an ambulance. Tess opens her mouth, then hesitates, suddenly seeing her little sister again, stubborn at the breakfast table.
Eleanor, call 999!
Eleanor ignores everything but her mother, as paramedics arrive. Margaret is taken to hospital.
The next day, the whole family gathers in A&E. Tess approaches, at a loss for words. Eleanor gives her a long look, then nods.
All right. Apology accepted.
Eleanor
Dont. If youve learned something, good. But what matters now is Mum.
Margaret recovers, and she and Tess make peace before shes discharged. From then on, Margaret refuses to hear a word said against her daughters. Tess, for all her opinions, is changed, though she never admits it aloud.
On Eleanor and Leonards wedding day, its Tess who yells Kiss! first, then hugs her niece and, with genuine feeling, whispers, Forgive me.
Life settles into place. When Tess needs two surgeries later, its Eleanor who cares for her. Leonard chauffeurs Tess to appointments, helps her get about. The two strike up a bond. When things grow dire, Tess grabs Eleanors hand, squeezes it.
Youve found a real man, Eleanor. Hold onto him. Never let go, you hear?
I know, Aunt Tess, Eleanor smiles.
And its Eleanor still holding Tesss hand bravely as she slips away. Tesss last word for her is a soft, heartfelt:
Thank you.The funeral is held on a blustery afternoon, the church filled with faces old and newbuilders Tess once commanded, women she guided through thick and thin, nieces, nephews, and children grown tall. Eleanor stands with Leonard and her boys, seeing Sophienow steady with her own little onebeside Margaret.
When the hymns drift away and the last shovelful of earth lands on the casket, Eleanor feels Margaret grip her hand. Her mother, once frail and uncertain, stands quietly strong.
Im proud of you, Margaret whispers, voice low but sure.
Eleanor glances into her mothers facelined, softened, finally at peace. For what?
For taking what I never could. For surviving.
Its only later, in the soft hush of their kitchen, that Sophie wraps her arms around her sister. The boys nap on the worn rug, and Leonard decants the tea, laughing gently when Margaret swats his hand for being too slow.
You know, Sophie says, Tess wouldve liked this. The lot of us. Tea, bickering, a bit of warmth.
Eleanor looks aroundthe battered furniture, the old photograph of Max smiling over the mantle, the riotous, noisy life Tess always scolded and secretly cherished. She finds herself smiling through unshed tears.
I think she had good intentions, Sophie adds. They just squeezed sometimes.
They kept us upright, Leonard says softly. Sometimes you need someone stubborn at your back.
Margaret raises her mug in silent toast. To good intentions. And to the lot of you. The next generation can do as they likeIve done enough meddling for three lifetimes.
Outside, the late sun spills gold across the garden, warming the old flagstones. The house, for the first time in years, feels lightsomething lifted, shadows chased out by the memory of a stubborn guardian finally at rest.
Eleanor catches her own reflectionolder, wiser, perhaps. She smiles, wraps an arm around her mother, and pulls Sophie close so their heads touch.
Aunt Tess was right about one thing, she says quietly. Family holds on. Even after everything.
They fall into laughter, voices rising in a riot of gentle sound, echoing through the houseproof that, for all the storms and mistakes, love remains. And so, with cups draining and the dusk drawing in, the family, at last, sits togethersafe, stubborn, tangled, whole.
