She looked me up and down then asked to speak with Eleanor in the hall.
“Who is this man in your house?” I heard the niece whisper.
“He’s a friend, Marlene.”
“A friend… I hope you count the silver after he leaves.”
***
After Marlene left, Eleanor sat at the kitchen table and sighed. “Don’t mind her. She worries.”
“Who is this man in your house?”
“About you?”
“About money,” Eleanor said. “Among other things. It’s a smaller worry, but it makes a louder noise.”
***
Three months after I first met her, Eleanor made me a shocking offer.
We were drinking tea when she suddenly set her teacup down and folded her hands.
“Daniel,” she said, “I’d like you to marry me.”
I nearly choked on my tea.
Eleanor made me a shocking offer.
“This won’t be a romantic relationship,” she added. “But you need money, and I have it. I’d like to use it to help you.”
