Oh, really? Youve chosen Emily said to her sister, a hint of irritation curling her words. Have all the eligible blokes vanished from this world?
But James isnt married.
Thats not the point! He has a oneyearold daughter, Lucy, in his arms. Hes already got a free housekeeper and a nanny, and youre still flapping your ears!
We love each other.
You may love him, but he
Emily was two years younger than Clara, yet she treated her with a patronising smile, convinced she understood life and people better.
Clara, the picture of calm, responsibility and an almost naïve kindness, was the sort of girl Emily imagined needed a gentle push toward romance. Shed never rushed into marriage herself, chuckling at Emilys attempts to set her up.
Then, at twentyfour, Clara announced she was to wed widower James, cradling little Lucy on the doorstep of a modest flat in Camden.
Oh, really? Youve chosen Emily repeated, sighing. Have all the eligible blokes vanished from this world?
But James isnt married.
Thats not the point! Hes not free with a toddler! Hes taken on a free housekeeper and a nanny, and youre still wagging your tongue!
We love each other.
You may love him, but he
Emily, stop! Clara snapped, unusually stern. If you dislike it, thats your business. Dont stick your nose where it doesnt belong.
Emily knew when to quit, especially in spats with the sister she adoredmutual love was the glue.
Soon enough she saw that James was genuinely kind, caring, steady, and truly adored Clara. She felt no jealousy toward him or Lucy, who quickly began calling her Mum.
Emily herself grew fond of the cheeky little girl, tucking her into the role of a niece, especially since Emily had no children of her own.
The sisters lived in adjoining streets of Hackney, popping over for tea and keeping daily contact by phone.
When, four years after the wedding, James met his end, Emily was there.
At first she kept quiet, watching Clara stumble through chores, heading to work, and cradling Lucy with a tenderness that made Emilys heart ache.
Thank heavens I adopted her long ago, Clara whispered when the two were alone. If I had to fight for guardianship now, Id never survive.
I know, Emily replied, pity softening her voice. You deserve the best, why must you suffer?
That injustice gnawed at Emily, and a year after Jamess death she resumed her matchmaking schemes.
Life goes on. Raising a child alone is a heavy load. You must understand that! Why cling to one forever?
Lucy and I are fine together, Clara brushed her off.
When Emily finally begged Clara to attend a friends birthday, where a very interesting man was promised, Clara finally gave in.
The interesting man turned out to be Peter, a chatty manager a shade older than Clara.
His endless chatter gives me a headache, Clara complained to Emily.
Hes just nervous, Emily laughed. Besides, Peter isnt usually talkative, but he recently inherited a tidy sum, bought a flat, a car, and earns decently.
He had an exwife and a son, yet at his age finding a man without a past seemed impossible.
Peter didnt win Clara over completely, but she agreed to see him. Their dates were few; he travelled for work, and Clara worried more about Lucy than about spending time with him.
Three months later, Clara overheard Peter on the phone and broke things off.
He isnt on business trips; he lives with his exwife and son. She learned of the inheritance and turned from anger to generosity. Why would I matter to him? she told Emily.
Hes been divorced two years now I never imagined hed act like that! Well find someone else.
Could you stop playing matchmaker? All I get are headaches.
I promise, next time Ill be pickier.
Clara refused further invitations or online encounters, but then disaster struck the kitchen tap, flooding the flat and spilling into the neighbours corridor. A plumber from the blocks management arrived swiftly.
A lanky, serious man a touch older than Clara introduced himself as Thomas, insisting the tap needed replacing and even fetched a new one himself. He refused any payment.
And wheres your daughter? he asked, blushing slightly, pulling a chocolate bar from his pocket.
Why? Clara startled, stepping back.
She recalled seeing Thomas watching Lucy from the courtyard a few times, his gaze lingered a little too long.
Please leave, she said firmly. Thank you for the work, but thats all.
No need to be frightened, Thomas replied gently. Your child is lovely; I just wanted to cheer her up.
He placed the chocolate on the table, sighed, and left, muttering, Its not poisoned.
Lucy continued her play, oblivious to the mans presence.
The next day Thomas waited at the lift, a modest bouquet in hand.
Forgive me, he stammered. I didnt mean to startle you. I I like you, and your daughter too.
Clara took the flowers reflexively. Though she was wary, a part of her liked Thomas, and his odd declarations intrigued her.
From then on he courted her in a peculiar fashion, bringing sweets and flowers for both mother and child, fixing everything in the flat, and strolling with them as a trio.
Within a month their bond deepened, but Clara kept it from Emily.
Emily, busy with her husband returning from another flight, mostly chatted with Clara by phone, but eventually she discovered Thomas when he suddenly appeared at Claras door.
Who is this? How long have you known him? Where did he come from? Emily bombarded her with questions as Thomas left.
Curious you are, Varvara, Clara teased, using Emilys old nickname. Hes my fiancé, or at least I hope he is.
She recounted how shed met Thomas.
He worked up North, then decided to come back. No family left his mother died two years ago.
And now hes a plumber?
Oh, quit it. He spent years in harsh conditions; a little rest is fair. He treats me and Lucy wonderfully thats what matters!
Still feels shady, Emily persisted. Are you sure he has no wife or a brood of kids?
Im sure. Ive seen his passport.
Hmm.
A week later Emily burst in, eyes alight.
I told you Thomas wasnt plain! Did you know hes been in prison?
No why?
Who cares? Stay far from that convict!
Clara, though, had truly fallen for Thomas and was planning to marry him. She asked him directly.
Yes, he sighed. Ive been unable to tell you everything. Theres much I must confess
Nows the time.
I worked on a construction site up North. Because of my mistake, an accident happened. Thankfully no one died, but I was sentenced. I got out on licence after two years.
Clara stared silently, sensing he had more to say.
And Thomas paused. Lucy is my daughter. Her mother was my partner. I was drinking, partying, and when I learned she was pregnant, I fled North.
There I kept drinking, which led to the mishap. Yet I had time to think.
So you returned to claim my child? Claras voice trembled with anger.
Its not that simple, Thomas breathed deeply. Ive realised my daughter is the most important thing in my life, not the wild nights.
Finding her was easy I knew where her mother lived with her husband. I just didnt expect such a kind stepmother.
Leave.
Clara, wait! Thomass voice cracked. I truly love you. No one else matters to me but you and Lucy. Ill do anything for you both!
That day Clara sent him away, but later forgave him. They wed three months later, Thomas secured a good job, and two years on, they welcomed a son together.
