The Somerton Man

Turning The Corner

Eleanor was feeling very self conscious as Daniel slid his arm lightly around her waist, and they began to move along to the music. She found herself concentrating on her feet , just to make sure she did not tread on Daniel's toes.

"Y-you will have to forgive me, but the only time I have danced the waltz is in the schoolroom with my cousin" she then explained daring to glance up at him almost apologetically

"Yes, so I believe," Daniel replied with a faint smile, "To be honest is has been quite a while since I have danced the waltz myself, I just hope I can keep up and do not make a fool of myself also" he then admitted

"Oh dear," Eleanor looked a little troubled, "I don't know what Clara has told you, but I had no desire for her to make you feel like you had to attend to me like this, or make you feel foolish in the process, you must be rather vexed with both of us"

"Not at all," Daniel assured her, "Besides, it seems despite your lack of experience and my lack of practice lately, I think we are doing quite well together, so let us just enjoy the occasion" he suggested kindly, suddenly wanting to put her at ease.

He was rewarded with one of her shy smiles, and now that they were allowing the music to lead them, whilst putting aside their first unease, it was becoming more natural as they danced together.

"I hope you have enjoyed your time in York these past few days, my aunt seems quite taken with you," Daniel now decided to converse with her, suddenly feeling a little guilty that his family knew more about his wife than he did, and this was a good time to rectify the matter

Her expression became more animated much to his relief, "Oh it has been a wonderful two days, and I have also become quite fond of your Aunt she is so kind and thoughtful, I just wish my own aunt Elizabeth was more like her" Eleanor replied

"Yes, unfortunately we cannot choose our relations, though at one time I thought my aunt and uncle interfered too much in my business, but now I realise it was just because they were concerned about me, and I am only starting to appreciate that now" Daniel admitted

"Well it is good you came to that conclusion, believe me it is better to have interfering family that care, than family that don't really care at all" Eleanor replied

"Yes, I suppose that is true," Daniel agreed "You have had not had much luck with having caring relations, or for that matter a very caring husband in the beginning" he finished a little ruefully

Eleanor had the grace to blush and look uneasy again, and Daniel suddenly wished he had not spoken his thoughts aloud, realising she would probably become more withdrawn from him again at this reminder of the beginning of their married life together.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to spoil the mood with such talk, only that I wished to convey my regrets that your experienced such an uncomfortable time when I married you at first, and I want you to know how much I appreciate the effort you have out in, especially with my daughter Clara, She has become extremely fond of you, and I am glad that you have such a close relationship with her now. It has made me realise what an asset you have become in our lives''

He watched her cheeks flush red from receiving such a compliment from him, and for a moment she was lost for words again before she finally replied, "Thank you, it is gratifying to know that you have come to such a realisation" then she hesitated uncertainty, not sure if she should continue, but then looking into his face, she overcame the uncertainty.

"To be honest, I do not think you should feel so bad about making me your wife in the end. Because now it has made me realise that since my parents death I had become rather withdrawn into myself. I was happy and content with my aunt and Uncle making all the decisions for me to a certain extent, and to live in the family's shadow, so I did not have to think very much about my future." she started to explain with a small frown