George Tremaine was leaving a restaurant after having lunch with a friend. Suddenly, two little girls ran into him. "Sowy misto," the red-head said.
"That's alright," George said, "where are your parents?"
"Daddy is gone and mommy needs help," the brunette answered.
"She fell," the redhead added.
"Take me to her," George said and followed the girls to a woman who was lying on the ground in an alley. He crouched down next to her, "are you aright?"
The woman looked at him, "who are you?"
"My name is George and your daughters found me."
"I'm Eleanor," she said.
"Are you hurt, Eleanor?"
"I don't think so, but I can't get up."
"Then you're probably hurt."
"No, I have an illness that does this to me sometimes."
"I'll help you up." George was very gentle as he helped the woman to her feet. He could tell that she wasn't in the best condition. "I'll give you a ride home."
George led the little family to his coach. The footman lifted the girls into the carriage. He then took ahold of Eleanor while George climbed in and lifted her into the carriage. "Thank you," Eleanor said softly.
"You're quite welcome." He turned to the girls, "I don't believe I got your names."
"I'm Anastasia," the redhead said.
"I'm Drizella," the brunette said.
When the carriage arrived at Eleanor's house, George was saddened by the sight. It was a tiny hovel. The footman got the girls out of the carriage and George helped Eleanor. "Are you positive that you'll be alright here? Just the three of you?"
"Yes, George," Eleanor said, "you've already done more than enough."
George helped her to sit on the couch before leaving. "Mommy," Anastasia and Drizella walked into the room, "hungwy."
Eleanor tried to stand, but she couldn't. Tears formed in her eyes. It took all of the little strength she had left to get to her feet and make dinner.
The next day, Eleanor was on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor when there was a knock at the door. Anastasia went to ask who it was and opened it when she recognized the voice from the other day. The girls left the room and George approached Eleanor. He crouched down. She still hadn't looked at him, "you'll get your suit dirty and wet."
"It's just a suit."
"What are you doing here, George?"
"What are you doing on the floor, cleaning?"
"I have a four-year-old and a two-year-old. Who else is going to clean?"
George placed a hand over Eleanor's to stop her from scrubbing. "I can't stop thinking about you or your girls."
"Give it time. It's only been a day."
"I have three extra rooms. Why don't you and the girls come to stay with me for a while?"
"I don't think that would look right."
"Then marry me."
"You're insane," Eleanor went to stand but slipped. Luckily, George caught her in his arms. The two stared into each other's eyes before kissing. "This is crazy," Eleanor said after the kiss ended. "We met only yesterday."
"I know my heart."
"You will regret marrying me."
"What makes you think that?"
"My husband did."
"I thought he had passed?"
"He did, but not before he left me. When the doctor told him how much help I would need around the house, he decided that our marriage was a mistake. He left me and was found dead just days later."
"I know it's wrong to speak ill of the dead, but he was despicable for that. I already know and it doesn't bother me."
"Why now? Why can't we get to know one another?"
"I guess I'm just impulsive."
"I don't know."
"We don't have to get married right now, but I'd love nothing more."
"Okay," she whispered.
"Okay?"
George helped Eleanor and the girls get their things together and into the carriage. The coachman took the belongings to the chateau before returning for them. George had Eleanor pick out a dress and then paid for it without seeing it. They went to the courthouse where Eleanor changed in the bathroom. George waited with the girls in the judge's chambers. After the ceremony, George filed paperwork to adopt Anastasia and Drizella, and the new family headed home.