Eleanor Green had taken ill quite unexpectedly. Strangely, none of her daughters visited her during those weary weeks she lay abed. Only her granddaughter, Alice, stayed at her side, tending quietly to the old woman. The daughters, as it happened, showed up only as Easter drew near, arriving just as always for the country treats their mother was renowned for preparing.
Eleanor made her way to the front gate to meet them, her eyes clouded with disappointment.
What brings you here? she asked with a chill in her voice.
Her eldest, Margaret, stood dumbfounded.
Mother, whats the matter with you?! she gasped.
Oh, nothing at all! Thats it, my dears! Ive sold the whole farm now
What? And what about us? Her daughters gazed at her in shock, failing to grasp what had happened.
Life in Little Ashton was always dull and the days spun on in monotonous circles. So anything, no matter how small, that could spice up the sleepy landscape, became a much-talked-about occasion.
The arrival of Alice, the granddaughter of the former village shopkeeper, caused quite the sensation.
Its said that the women of the village, particularly the more sensitive souls, would sigh and clasp their hands every time she appeared.
Oh, that Alice! the locals would say. Clever girl! Shes outshone them all in one go. Let them envy her now!
Indeed, the villages more distinguished families couldnt disguise their resentment as they watched Alice cruise down the lanes in her gleaming, lacquered motorcar a luxury four-wheeler the likes of which Little Ashton had never seen.
Most of the villagers lined the roads when she arrived, eager to see and remember such a momentous sight.
Even the older ladies dabbed at their moist eyes with their hankies.
Isnt it just like a fairy tale? Just like Cinderella!
Aye, you could say it was meant to be. Why, Alice has had the nickname Cinderella since she was a tot!
Now, Alice could look with cheerful condescension upon those same villagers who once openly mocked her.
She spotted the village musician, Mr Paulson, and gave him a bright wave from her open window.
Mr Paulson, lovely to see you! How are you keeping?
Oh, well enough! Alice, do come along to our practice at the village hall!
I shall, I promise!
Her splendid car disappeared around the bend, and the impromptu crowd began, slowly and with no great hurry, to trickle back to their cottages. With satisfaction, Mr Paulson settled onto the bench outside the hall.
Good girl, Alice, he said, as if to himself. Shes got what she wanted, at last. Now our doctors need their turn!
Old Mrs Partridge overheard and asked,
And what have they to do with it, then?
Why, Mrs Partridge, today therell be a fair bit of envy about! That feeling creeps up on many a body. You know the one!
Mrs Partridge tsked, waved him off, crossed herself in the old way, and hurried home.
Mr Paulson wasnt bothered; he knew her words were free from malice.
He let out a sigh and, feeling hed done his bit, sat contentedly, his mind rolling back over the years, remembering Alices younger days.
In Alices fate, Mr Paulson, the village musician, had played a pivotal role literally and metaphorically speaking.
The girl had been orphaned young, with her mother dying of illness, and her father gone from the family even earlier. None of the kin, though numerous, wished to be saddled with an extra mouth, so Alice was left to languish for almost two years in a childrens home.
Then something twanged in Eleanor Greens heart, and she brought her granddaughter back.
The villagers praised the old shopkeepers action. She was still working at the time and her supervisor sang her virtues.
If everyone were like Mrs Green, she declared at staff meetings.
But there were others who whispered that Eleanors act was more self-serving.
These days the state pays a neat sum for looking after a child. ‘Kindly Mrs Green just thought to line her pockets, thats all. Who really believes shes got a drop of genuine kindness in her? Shes always had a sharp tongue, that one.
Indeed, Mrs Greens reputation as the village shopkeeper was far from spotless. Shed sold a short measure or two to any whod let her and people tended to keep mum, as it was considered impolite to air ones grievances.
She was also infamous for quarreling with her neighbours.
She reserved her warmth only for her son and two daughters. The son was a doctor in town. Her daughters lived in the capital.
All three visited regularly, not so much to see their mother as to replenish their supplies from her pantry.
And in that regard, Mrs Green wanted for nothing. Her larder and smallholding were the envy of any local farmer.
She kept dozens of ducks and hens. Her shed was filled with contented pigs, grumbling as the goats jostled them for feed.
Managing all this was no easy task for a single lady growing older by the day. Hiring help was costly, so she thought of Alice.
During her lunch break one afternoon, Eleanor confided in her friend Joan, whod shared her schooldays.
Ill take Alice in no need for her to be carted about from home to home. And folks are starting to judge me for letting the child go to the home.
Joan, always quick to agree she depended on Eleanor for her job in the same village shop replied, Youre quite right, Eleanor. Ive heard as much myself! Besides, the lass is growing up shell be a fine help around the place.
Joan, youve given me an idea. While Im out working, Alice can keep an eye on things at home, Eleanor mused.
But what about school? Todays curriculum is a beast my own grandchildren struggle late into the night, what with lessons, clubs, and whatnot for their development.
Shell manage without clubs! Ill feed her, wont I? Thats good enough!
Little Alice was glad to be home. She cheerfully did whatever her grandmother asked. Before long, the villagers had taken to calling her Cinderella.
Most disapproved of Eleanor for this. Soon, the women felt free to say to her face what they thought.
Mrs Green, for shame! That girl of yours is all skin and bone! How can you bear it?
Shed cut them short at once.
Mind your own! Youd best see to your own houses before judging mine! Alice enjoys the work. Shell finish school, then off to vet college with her.
Eleanor had the future mapped out, and perhaps it might have gone just so, had it not been for one fortuitous event.
A new director arrived at the village hall one bright summers day. Lucy had only just finished at the county arts college and come to run the hall.
Within days, shed walked all about the village, seeking out hidden talents. Mr Paulson was quick to volunteer his own services.
Lucy, if only I had a new instrument, Id be game for great feats, you know! Wed take music to the fields before, lift the spirits of everyone during harvest!
Lucy needed little convincing and invited him the next day.
Try this one, Paul its not the best, but it works all right!
Splendid! Paul took the old accordion and cheerful tunes soon rang out.
He quickly formed a local choir of village women, but was missing a key part a soloist. He told Lucy.
Lucy, an ensemble without a soloist is like stew with no potatoes! Where can we find a young lass with a good voice?
Lucy pondered, then smiled.
Ive just the idea! Bring your accordion lets go!
A casting call at the village school was an unusual event. Youngsters lined the hallway, nervously awaiting the assessments of their singing talents. The form teacher urged Alice to give it a try.
Alice, dont be difficult! Ive heard you sing!
Alice was close to tears.
Miss Jenkins! I cant I need to get home or Gran will be cross!
I promise, she wont mind. Ill have a word. Imagine, Alice maybe its your lucky chance come at last!
With fear and hope mingling in her eyes, the girl nodded, Very well, but lets be quick.
Without delay, Alice sang all she knew.
Shed always loved singing: her audience usually the farm animals, or a blackbird in the hawthorn while she bent over grandmothers acres.
Her modest repertoire spanned English folk songs and pop ballads, but she put heart and soul into every tune.
Lucy could not contain herself.
A natural! Beautifully sung, not a note wrong!
It was a triumph. After a firm word from the teachers, Mrs Green finally relented on Alices chores.
Yet the prospect of Alice getting above herself disturbed the old woman, as she confided in Joan.
So Im just to keep Alice for nothing now? Theyll drag her to events, and Im to manage on my pittance?
But you get assistance for her, dont you?
What of it? It counts for little! And clothing her, eh? Thought shed work over summer and earn a bit. Whats all this local performing to bring?
Joans eyes took on a dreamy cast.
Dont quarrel, Eleanor just think, in ten years your Alice might be famous! On television, her pictures in the papers!
Eleanor scoffed,
And whats that to me? Ive children to help, a farm to manage!
Joan gave Eleanor a look as if seeing her for the first time.
Folk say youre the wicked stepmother and anyone can see why! Just look at that child, always so tired!
After this talk, the friendship faltered, and Eleanor lost her only champion.
Alices success flourished quickly. With the ensemble, she toured every Dorset village, delighting tractor drivers and dairymaids alike.
She won top marks at the countys competition. The new-found fame even if only local never changed her nature.
She remained devoted to her grandmother. When Eleanor fell ill, Alice cared for her day and night.
But neither of the daughters came to their mothers side. They arrived only for Easter and for their mothers famous hot cross buns and meat pies.
Eleanor found them at the gate.
What have you come for? she asked coldly.
Margaret was shocked,
Mother, whats the meaning of this?
Simple. Ive sold the lot.
What and us?! they gaped.
Go to the shops and buy what you need! Ive no strength left to play housekeeper.
And Alice what about her?
Eleanors patience snapped.
Alice isnt a servant, nor is she obliged to fetch and carry for you! Wasnt one of you here while I was sick! You only appear when you think youll benefit! No more of it! Id like some peace in my old age as well!
As for Alice let the girl study. Who knows, maybe shell truly become an artist!
Her daughters left empty-handed. Eleanor hurried to see her old friend.
Thank you, Joan, for opening my eyes! I nearly ruined Alices life. Now, help me Im selling off all the meat!
What meat, Eleanor?
All of it, except Im keeping one goat for myself!
Splendid plan. And your daughters?
Theyll manage they know my doors closed. Theyre only ever here to take. Ive no faith in them now
Years passed before Alice returned to Little Ashton. She rang her grandmother often and sent pounds when she could. Touring and teaching consumed her days, but finally she managed a weeks visit.
On the back seat of her car, a rustle, then a sleepy voice:
Mum, are we nearly at Grannys?
Were here already, Henry! Look, here she comes!
Despite her age, Eleanor was spry. She lifted her great-grandson, showering him with kisses.
My golden sunshine! I thought Id not see this day!
She kissed Alice, careful not to spoil her hair.
Ive seen your concerts on telly, and I swear, youre the finest of them all!
Alice hugged her.
Youre exaggerating! Im just plain Alice, and I dabble at singing!
Modest as ever but youre a real artist!
If not for you and Mr Paulson, Id still be little more than Cinderella!
But in the fairy tale, it was magic and a pumpkin that made the future your future, you crafted all on your own
Alice hid her roughened hands, but Eleanor noticed.
The old woman buried her face in Alices shoulder, weeping softly, asking her forgiveness but Alice had let go of all past hurts long ago.
For her, the most important thing in the world was that she still had someone of her own to cherish and care for.
