Eleanor had this old, a bit odd tradition. Every year, on the night before NewYears, shed pop over to a fortuneteller. Living in London made it easy to find a new seer whenever she needed one.
The thing was, Eleanor was single. No matter how hard she tried to meet a proper young gentleman, nothing worked. Turns out all the decent lads were already spoken for
This year youll meet your destiny! the dimeyed mystic announced, gazing into her glittering crystal.
Where? When? I get the same line every year, Eleanor snapped, impatient. People keep telling me the same thing, and Ive never actually met my fate.
I was told youre the best in the business. I need the exact spot, or Ill give you some nasty publicity, she warned, teeth clenched.
The fortuneteller rolled her eyes, realizing she wasnt dealing with a rational client. She knew she couldnt just brush Eleanor off.
On a train! she said, eyes shut tight. I see him tall, blond, properlooking. A reallife prince.
Eleanors face lit up. Which train? When?
Right before NewYear, the seer chirped. Head to the station. Your heart will tell you which direction to buy a ticket.
Thanks! Eleanor grinned, hopped into a cab and sped to Kings Cross. By the time she reached the ticket window her excitement had dimmed a notch. She stared at the schedule, utterly clueless about which service to pick.
Can I help you? the harried clerk barked.
London 30December. A sleeper berth, please, Eleanor muttered.
She could already picture herself in a cosy compartment, sipping tea, when the door would swing open and her fiancé would stride in.
Back home she threw together the essentials for the journey, because the train was due late that evening. She didnt think about what shed do in a strange town on NewYears Eve; she just wanted the prophecy to come true as quick as possible.
It felt terrible to be the one left out during the holidays. Everyone else was gathering with family, buying presents, sharing feasts except her.
A few hours later Eleanor was settled in the carriage, tea in hand, exactly as shed imagined. All that was left was to wait for the prince to appear.
An elderly lady lugging a massive suitcase shuffled in.
Good afternoon! Wheres the other seat? she asked.
Eleanor, flustered, pointed to the opposite bunk. Is this really your carriage?
No, dear, Im right where I should be, the lady chuckled, dropping onto the free berth.
Excuse me, could I get off? Ive changed my mind, Eleanor blurted, suddenly aware of the foolishness of it all.
Hold on, Ill stash my bag, the old woman said, puzzled.
The train lurched forward. Eleanor sighed heavily.
Why did you want to get off? Forget something? the lady inquired.
Eleanor turned to the window, realising the woman was innocent shed brought this mess on herself.
Meanwhile, Margaret, the ladys name, pulled out warm homemade scones from her bag and offered them.
I was visiting my daughter, but now Im heading home. My son and his fiancée will be here for NewYears, so well be celebrating together, she explained.
Eleanor muttered, I guess Ill spend NewYears at the station then.
She spilled the whole story to Margaret.
Youre a bit daft, love! Chasing these charlatans wont help. Your destiny will come in its own time, Margaret scolded gently.
The next day Eleanor stepped onto a platform in a town shed never seen before. She helped Margaret off the train and stood there, unsure what to do next.
Thanks, Eleanor! Happy NewYear! Margaret called out.
And to you! Eleanor replied with a wistful smile.
Seeing her guests downcast mood, Margaret suggested, Why dont you come to my house? Well put up the Christmas tree, set the feast
Its a bit awkward, Eleanor hesitated.
Is it comfortable sitting at a station? Margaret laughed. Come on, its not up for debate!
Eleanor finally agreed. Outside a snowstorm was raging, so staying at the station made no sense.
Sasha and Lily are already home, Margaret said.
Sasha, watching from the window as his mother arrived by taxi, rushed to help with her heavy suitcase.
Hey, Mum, and this is my guest, little Eleanor, he said with a wink.
Great! he added, ushering her inside.
Eleanor blushed at the tall, handsome blond shed imagined on the train. Fate, it seemed, loved playing jokes.
Margaret asked, Wheres Lily?
Saras not coming, and never will, Sasha muttered, frowning. I dont want to talk about it.
Margaret looked bewildered.
That evening everyone gathered around the table, ringing in the old year.
Eleanor, staying long? Sasha asked, tucking a salad onto her plate.
Ill leave in the morning, she said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
She didnt really want to dash off from such a cosy home. It felt as though shed known Margaret and Sasha forever.
Why rush? Margaret pressed. Stay a bit longer.
Sasha chimed in, Weve got a lovely icerink tomorrow night. Dont head off so fast.
Youve convinced me, Eleanor smiled, Ill stay.
And so the next NewYear they celebrated togetherMargaret, Sasha, Eleanor, and little Arthur.
Do you reckon NewYears miracles are real?
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