It has been forty days since Martha laid her husband to rest.
Forty days had passed since Martha buried her husband. On the forty-first day, she heard a knock on the door of her cottage. It was Charles.
Martha, Id like to have a word with you, he began, sounding uncertain.
What word is that, then? Martha replied, not bothering to mask her frosty tone.
Martha had never cared much for Charles, her neighbour. He was hot-tempered and more than a little quarrelsome. If it hadnt been for her late husband, Henry, shed never have let the man step foot inside her home. But Henry always had a warm welcome for Charles, for reasons Martha never quite understood. Her late husband was generous to a fault, friendly with every soul in the village, never mind their temperament.
I didnt want to bring this up at the gathering yesterday, you understand, Charles continued awkwardly, didnt want folks whispering about anything untoward…
And whys that? Martha asked, now on guard.
Ill come to it… Well, its just that Henry ought to have a proper headstone at the graveyard…
I dont need reminding! Martha flared up at once. The children and I have talked it over. Whats it to you, anyway? Mind your own matters, Charles, and stay out of ours!
Now, wait, Martha, Charles tried to calm her. A headstones dear these daysvery dear indeed. I went over to the churchyard and found out.
Were not hard up. My sons earn good money in London. Well put up a headstone and a nice iron railing, as is proper. No need for your reminders.
Just listen a moment! Charles temper was starting to fray as well. You dont ever let a man finish. Your lads must have plenty to spend their money on, as do you. But I wantif youll hear me outto put up Henrys headstone with my own money. All of it. Do you understand?
What? Martha eyed him with suspicion. What on earth makes you so generous all of a sudden?
Just as I told you. I respected your husband. Its only right
Your opinions dont concern me! Martha nearly shouted. Dont you need money yourself? Or are you some sort of secret millionaire? Nobodys seen you living high. Dont be ridiculous, Charles. And you have a wife! If she finds out youre spending your own money on a headstone for Henry, shell make sure I regret it.
She wont, Charles nearly stamped his foot. Shes already agreed. No quarrel at all.
Oh, has she? Well, I havent agreed! He was my husband, and it falls to me to set up his stone. I will do it. Thats final! Now, thats quite enough. Off with you.
Martha, have you lost your senses? Charles was at a loss. Im only offering to help you. Freely! Why must you make such a fuss?
I dont need your help, Charles, Martha replied with wounded pride. Im not a beggar in need of charity!
What a stubborn woman you are! Charles growled in frustration. How did Henry put up with you all his life? If you were my wife, Id have straightened you out long ago!
Oh! Now you mean to insult me? Martha drew herself up near the hearth, glaring. Be off with you, before I fetch the poker and teach you a lesson!
All right, have it your way, Charles snapped, pulling a fat envelope from his jacket and slapping it on the table. But firsttake this! Do what you like with itthrow it in the fire if you want!
Have you taken leave of your senses, Charles? Martha gasped, staring at thick fifty-pound notes. Why fling money about for nothing? Have you gone mad? I could just hand this straight to your wife. She can deal with you herself!
She wont take it. Do you hear me?
And why ever not? Have the two of you stolen it, and now you want rid?
Oh, Martha, Charles was almost speechless. Youve backed me into a corner. I Id promised Henry Id not breathe a word. But what choice have you left me? God rest him if he can forgive me. Im returning a debt. Do you hear me?
A debt? What debt?
A plain one. Money. Henry lent it to me nearly ten years ago, when I truly needed it…
Henry? To you? Money? Martha scarcely believed her ears.
Indeed he did. Ive wanted to return it for years, but he always refused, saying he had no need just then. When Im gone, help Martha, he used to say. No need to return it in cashdo some good for her. Goodness me, Martha Im not well myself these days. Yesterday it struck meif someday you needed help and I was no longer here, the debt would remain. It would be a burden, you see. Thats why I thought to use the money for a headstone. Better to make it right, before its too late. Do you understand now?
Youre talking nonsense! Martha still didnt believe him. If Henry had lent anyone so much, Id have known.
As if hed tell you. Youd have had his hide for lending so much. Theres two thousand pounds here, altogether.
How much? Martha gaped, eyes fixed on the notes. How could I not have noticed so much missing from our coffers?
Because Henry worked harder than anyone. Look at the home he built for you, the way he raised your childrenall fine folk now. He was a golden man, Martha. Golden.
But still, Id have realised … two thousand pounds was a small fortune in those days … and he just gave it, plain as that …
He didnt help only me, Charles confessed. He lent a hand to a good many in the village, swore each to keep it from you.
But why would he do that? Martha wondered, shaken.
You know how it is, Martha. Wives dont like husbands handing out loans. My wifes just the samesays its easy enough to lend but the devil to get it back. And shes not wrong. But Henry was Henry. Hed say, return it to Martha when Im gone.
Oh Lord… Martha sank onto her chair. No wonder all the neighbours have been acting odd Michael brought us firewood for the bathhouse without charge; George turned over my garden last week, wouldnt take a penny. And John promised to bring ten sacks of chicken feed, no questions asked.
Thats Henry for you. So you use this money however you see fit. But itd be right to set it aside for a headstone. Still, its your choiceits a family matter. Ill take my leave.
Charles let out a heavy sigh, turned, and headed for the door.
Charles Martha called softly. Forgive me for snapping. And thank you.
No need to thank me. Thank your Henry. May he rest in peace. Charles gave her a gentle smile and slipped out.
Martha remained at the table for a long time, turning the money over in her hands, sighing deeply as memories flooded her heart.
