The Forgotten Orphan: The heartbreaking and gripping World War 2 historical novel

by Glynis Peters

  The kitchen was filled with delicious smells and Maisie’s stomach grumbled.

  ‘Load up those tins and I’ll send some lads down. The new sleeping and eating quarters are in House Two. This looks good enough to eat, so’s best get it over to them fast!’

  An hour after enjoying her own meal alone in the kitchen, Maisie made a start on the washing up. Although the day had come with some strange moments, she’d enjoyed each and every one of them. There there were a lot of people in the house once again, no one humiliated her, no one shouted at her, and not one person had bullied her into work. She’d been a free agent. To someone else, everything she’d done that day would have felt like a chore, but for Maisie she saw it as a sign of moving forward and doing her bit … and it made her feel good inside.

  Jim marched down the corridor towards the kitchen. She knew it was him because his boots had a distinctive click, unlike the others.

  ‘Leave those. We have spare hands for washing up. You’re wanted in House Two. By the march, left, right.’

  Maisie giggled. She removed her pinafore and patted her hair into place.

  ‘Move it, soldier,’ Jim quipped, and Maisie followed him across the yard and into what was once a ground floor dormitory. Beds no longer filled the space in row after row; instead, their place was taken by long tables pushed together. When she entered the room, a loud cheer went up and many of the soldiers bashed their cutlery against their plates or stomped their feet.

  Will, the most senior of the men, held up his hand for silence.

  ‘Miss Reynolds, we’d like to thank you for our meal. An unexpected night off for some, and the meal went down a treat. Here’s to Miss Reynolds’s bully beef teaser!’

  Unsure what to do with such praise, Maisie gave a little curtsey and a grin.

  ‘You’re welcome.’

  Will gave orders for his team to clean up and go about their duties. He instructed Maisie to join him in the room now known as the quiet lounge.

  ‘We’ll be heading off back to barracks soon and I wanted to thank you personally. We’re a mixed bag, and some of the lads are overseas tomorrow, hence them hanging around camp and needing a distraction. You gave them a homecooked meal, and they’ll not forget it when they’re eating from an old tin can and dodging bullets.’

  A shiver went through her and a sadness swept over her. She didn’t know the men, but their friendly banter didn’t deserve to be ripped apart by enemy bullets. She wondered how many of them were leaving loved ones behind or if, like her, they went to war with no one to lie awake thinking of them.

  ‘Who is coming here to run the place? I’m still waiting to find out what’s happening about my position.’

  ‘Medical teams will arrive tomorrow. It’ll be quieter than today and you’ll have a few nurses to chat with – and a new boss, no doubt.’

  Outside in the corridor she met Jim and he smiled and gave her another jovial salute.

  ‘I’ve put a few things aside for you in a box. Lock them away. Good luck, Maisie, and thanks.’

  Walking into the kitchen, she was sad to see the soldiers had left, but pleased to see all the pots and pans gleaming on the table. The box Jim had mentioned sat on her desk and on top of that sat a copy of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, a book she’d not read. She flicked through and saw mention of an orphan girl. She smiled and held the book close. It was a gift, a treasured gift. The book might have come from the library, but Jim had selected it with her in mind. She’d never part with it. She also had no intention of parting with the four bars of chocolate and a packet of biscuits she found inside the small box underneath the book. Those, along with the china cups, would be stored in her bedroom for safe keeping. In the silence of the house, she mused over the strangeness of the day. She also thought of Jim’s words about her having a new boss. How could she have a boss when she wasn’t employed by anyone yet? With the orphanage closed she had no income coming her way. Tomorrow she’d have to sort out the situation once and for all.

  CHAPTER 10

  Peering through the window through which she’d once watched children leave to enjoy new lives, Maisie sat in awe watching uniformed nurses arriving. There were four in the first vehicle and three in the second. She loved the crisp whiteness of their aprons, and the swish of the capes they wore, and they had her admiration for keeping the tall, starched white caps from falling from their neatly coiffured heads.

  Unsure as to what was expected of her, she remained seated. She stretched and yawned, all the while watching the efficient activity below.

  Another yawn forced her away from the window. She needed fresh air to stay awake. The bombers had attacked with full force overnight, and listening to their constant drone and bombing distance, Maisie knew Southampton had fallen victim yet again.

  Not wanting to get under the feet of the new arrivals, she pulled on her coat, grabbed her bag and headed downstairs and into the kitchen. Upon opening the kitchen door, she was greeted by excited chatter and all eyes turned towards her. The chatting stopped abruptly. Maisie felt slightly intimidated and held back from entering.

  ‘Ah, you must be our civilian housekeeper. Come in. Don’t stand in the doorway.’

  A robust woman in uniform stepped forward and addressed Maisie. Before Maisie could reply the woman thrust out her hand in readiness for a handshake. Maisie winced when the firm grip of the woman crushed hers and shook it with great enthusiasm.

  ‘Captain Bloom. Senior sister,’ she said, her voice deep, firm, and commanding respect.

  ‘Maisie Reynolds,’ Maisie said and eased her hand away from Captain Bloom’s.

  ‘Apologies for not arriving yesterday when the hard work fell your way. The bombs blocked a few roads,’ the captain tutted, then gave a brief smile. ‘I must say, I’ve had a quick look around and you’ve done a wonderful job. We were informed of your hard work and we’re grateful. You’ve made it homely. Just what is needed. You will find we are a mix of staff. Some navy, some army, but we’re all here to do a job. To care for our confused and bewildered. We’re not here for long, just long enough to establish the running of the place and then others will step into the breach. The Red Cross, I believe.’

  ‘What am I supposed to do?’ Maisie asked.

  ‘Just your job, as you do. Keep house.’

  ‘Cook and clean?’

  The captain shook her head.

  ‘We all cook and clean for ourselves until the first patients arrive. I then requisition the appropriate staff for those jobs.’

  Still unable to think what her position in the house really was, Maisie said nothing until a nurse started clearing items away from Maisie’s desk.

  ‘That’s mine.’

  ‘Beg pardon?’

  ‘The desk, it’s mine. Until the window blew out, it had the best light. The things on it, they’re mine.’

  Not wanting to sound like a needy child, Maisie desperately wanted to keep the desk. She knew her days of quiet reading in the kitchen were over, judging by the giggles and squeals coming from two of the young women who were stocking baskets to take to the other buildings now known as Two, Three, and Four. Aside from the one they stood in, Maisie only knew of two other buildings and so assumed Four was the tiny cottage on the edge of the land, once lived in by the gardener and his wife, before both took up military posts at the start of war.

  ‘Nurse Drage. When our male support arrives, see to it Miss Reynolds’s items are taken to House Four.’ Captain Bloom barked out her instructions to a petite blonde woman.

  ‘Yes, Captain.’

  Maisie went to raise her hand for attention, such was the effect the captain had on her, but when it came to it, she managed to speak firmly and clearly.

  ‘I’ve lived in this building nearly all of my life. My room is upstairs, and I …’

  Pulling off her cape and draping it over her arm, the captain spoke in an even firmer tone.

  ‘Then it is time you had a change of environment. Change does one good.
I have been shown the plans and I’ve made decisions about the way this place will work best for all concerned. Four will be your home from now on. We will not disturb you whilst going about our duties. Your bedroom will become mine. For the best. For the best. Take the time to pack your things, and they’ll be moved by the end of the day. Now, where to start …’

  Knowing the captain’s speech was her dismissal, Maisie left the kitchen and went to her room. Life had become extremely confusing.

  She apparently had a job, which no one had actually given her and no one had told her what was expected of her, nor whether she would be paid. If she’d guessed correctly, she was to move into a tiny one-up-one-down cottage with a small outhouse built onto the side for good measure. She had no idea what it looked like inside as she’d never been in there. How exciting to have a place of her own! Somewhere to retreat to after a day’s work. She’d grown accustomed to being alone over the past months and after hearing the giggling from the new residents she felt maybe the captain had done her a favour. Once again, her thoughts went to the opinions of a Norah and Gloria on the matter. They would have had something to say for sure. Bemused, she began folding her clothes into a linen basket when a knock on the door disturbed her train of thought.

  ‘I’ll be busy for the rest of the day, Miss Reynolds, but would appreciate it if you could find fresh linen for the staff bedding. I noticed they are not made up yet. Tardiness is not tolerated, but I’ll let it go just this once.’

  There it was. The voice of authority belittling her yet again. A sharp retort trapped itself in Maisie’s throat. The woman’s tone was one of disapproval and reprimand. She responded in a polite voice.

  ‘They are airing. The mattresses haven’t seen the light of day for some time. I didn’t want the bedding to be damp for the new residents.’

  The captain took a step backwards. Maisie could see she was struggling with how to treat Maisie. She was a civilian and the precise rank and hierarchy of the situation had not been made clear, but it hadn’t been a request, as far as Maisie could make out.

  ‘Thoughtful. I must say, I am surprised you were employed for this job at your age, but I can see why going by the quality of your work elsewhere, hence my surprise at the lack of made up beds.’ The captain spoke in a much friendlier manner and Maisie knew she’d earned herself a modicum of respect.

  ‘I’m just as surprised,’ Maisie said, not adding that she still didn’t know who’d employed her, where her salary was coming from, or what she was supposed to do. She was not prepared to rock the boat just yet; she’d wait until she’d made herself too useful to remove. Maisie was in survival mode.

  ‘I tell you, Charlie, the woman landed me with a job. The cottage was a mess. It’s taken me days to clear the cobwebs. Don’t get me wrong, I love the little cottage. It’s incredible to be given my own home, but when I asked for help with the cleaning, they were busy elsewhere and had no one to spare. After all I’ve done for them!’

  Perched on the step of the entrance hall, Maisie watched Charlie inspect the fire hoses for cracks. He’d listened to her rant on for a good five minutes, not interrupting her once. Finishing his inspection, he turned to her and gave her a beaming grin.

  ‘Finished?’ he said.

  Maisie let out a loud sigh.

  ‘I’m sorry, I’ve run on a bit, haven’t I?’

  ‘Just a little. You are fired up today, but I think I can understand why. It isn’t Captain Bloom, is it? Is there no clue as to who your employer is yet?’

  With a quick shake of her head, Maisie jumped to her feet and began pacing.

  ‘None. The official chap still hasn’t turned up. I telephoned but their building is out of action and switchboard couldn’t help. The new people have assumed I’m the housekeeper, as I said earlier. It’s all very confusing. That said, I am getting better food and I love having my own home. I daren’t say anything in case I get kicked out, and then where would I go? My income no longer exists so I can’t save for anywhere. It’s all rather odd.’

  ‘Strange affair, Maize. Strange. My dad said my Auntie Vi has a room if ever you need it. She’s nice, my Auntie Vi.’

  ‘That’s sweet of her. Please thank her and I’ll bear it in mind if I need help. Oh, talking of sweets, here. Mints from the army lads who came the other day.’ Maisie handed Charlie a small twist of greaseproof paper with six sweets inside.

  ‘Thanks. By the way, I’ve heard there’s to be a party for some of the local kiddies and as you’re good with children, perhaps you’d like to come along to help. I think nurses are in cahoots with the lads at the garrison and arranging it. The Canadian chaps have been very generous by all accounts. We got an invite to bring a couple of children from our street. Come along. Your nurses are bound to be going.’

  Maisie thrilled at the thought that she might see Cam again. Even fully dressed … Maisie smiled to herself.

  ‘I’ll be there. I have no one to ask. I’ll check and grab a lift with the nurses if I can. If not, I’ll beg a lift from you.’

  For the first time in her life, Maisie realised she really was a free agent, and could make her own decisions. The war had certainly brought changes to her life and she wasn’t sorry about them. All Maisie could think of now was the party and what other surprises might be around the corner.

  CHAPTER 11

  Over-excited chatter greeted Maisie when she entered the main building where the party was to be held. The noise came from children and adults alike, and Maisie’s heart went out to a couple of the little ones who were standing together, no smiles on their faces, just a look of bewilderment.

  She rushed over to them and ushered them into the hall. She knew what it was like to be on the outside of everything and she wanted them to know that it was their party too and they had a right to have fun. Her heart went out to them. Thanks to the severity of the enemy bombings, their little lives were to be uprooted and they were to join the ranks of the other evacuees around the country. She smiled when they didn’t need a second telling and ran off to join the other children who were receiving treats from groups of men and women.

  Amongst the group, she spotted the face of Harry Cameron and everyone else in the room no longer mattered. She watched as he laughed and smiled with the little ones. He was so at ease with children and it sent shivers through her body. He didn’t care what the other soldiers thought as he raced around playing chase with them. To Maisie it said a lot about his personality; he had a caring soul. She resisted the urge to run to him and beg him to chase her, to add fun into her life, to be her friend always. Charlie and Joyce joined her, and Charlie nudged her arm.

  ‘It’s rude to stare,’ he teased.

  ‘Stare? I’m watching the kids enjoy themselves.’

  Joyce giggled and Maisie gave her a swift glance.

  ‘What’s so funny?’ she asked.

  ‘I think it’s one big kid who’s caught your attention, Maisie.’

  ‘I don’t have a clue what you’re on about. Go and play with the children and leave me alone. Go, shoo.’

  Maisie thought about what they’d said, and knew she’d watched Cam for longer than was proper, but the image of him part-naked at the sink simply would not go away.

  She shifted her attention to the nurses from the house. They flirted, flicked their hair, giggled, and preened in front of the soldiers. Their intentions were clear. They were husband hunting. She watched their moves and smiled as each one gained a partner for the evening. Maisie moved towards the refreshment table loaded with glass bottles, jugs, and cups.

  She selected a bottle, flipped off the lid with an opener, and poured it into a glass. The brown cola liquid hissed and fizzed. She watched the bubbles settle and she sipped it, watching Charlie and Joyce dance with some of the children skipping around them. The couple made every attempt to look elegant, but his gangly limbs and her short ones made it impossible for an onlooker not to smile.

  Suddenly Cam was beside her, and he raised his he
ad and jutted his chin to indicate her friends.

  ‘They’re a fun pair to watch.’

  Maisie’s stomach flipped and turned with excitement that he’d noticed her, but she dared not look his way, so continued sipping her drink and pretended to be focused on the dancefloor.

  ‘They are, and the kiddies love them,’ she replied.

  ‘Have they been a couple for long? Married?’ Cam asked and reached across her for her bottle to top up her glass, forcing her to look his way. Her hand shook and the liquid fizzed and spilled over the rim onto her hand. Maisie lifted her hand to her mouth to remove the drips.

  ‘No. They met a year ago, but I’ve a feeling Charlie is like the cat that’s got the cream. He’s the happiest I’ve seen him since we left school. Joyce is lovely. All heart. Goodness knows what she’ll do when he joins up. I’ve an inkling they’ll marry.’

  ‘Good to hear. There’s a seat over there. Come join me,’ Cam said and pointed to a table to their left. He touched her elbow and Maisie nodded.

  ‘So long as I don’t cramp your need to be alone and stare at the ceiling,’ Maisie said, and gave him a grin.

  Cam led the way into the shadow of the stage and she heard him laugh.

  ‘Sorry about that. I was a little homesick that night.’

  Cam pulled out a seat and waited for her to get comfortable before sitting next to her.

  ‘It must be hard to be so far away from your family.’

  A loud scream of laughter filtered above the music and distracted them. Excited children raced around chairs in the hope of not losing their chance to grab a seat. A memory caught Maisie with unexpected force, and she gulped her drink creating a choking event. Cam jumped from his seat and rushed to her side to begin patting her back. Tears coursed down Maisie’s cheeks. Some for the memory, and others at the courtesy of the extra fizz racing into her windpipe.

  The last time she’d played a game of Musical Chairs was with her brother Jack before he left. They’d raced around as the final two with just one chair to claim between them. As the music stopped and Jack raced towards it, he’d slowed down to allow Maisie to win. Everyone had cheered him and both had earned a lollypop. It was the only party they’d had together and the last one she’d been allowed to attend. It seemed like a lifetime ago and Maisie felt the urge to try and track Jack down strengthen inside her.