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

by Glynis Peters

  Back at the patient’s bedside, Maisie looked down in wonder. She’d held his insides and he’d survived. She stroked his brow and smiled at the nurse tending to his care. Leonard King was a man she’d never forget and she wished him strength to get through the weeks ahead, before heading home to shake off the horrors of the morning.

  To this day it always amazed Maisie how strong her stomach was and how tolerant of blood and death she’d become. She moved through her duties without flinching, comforting those with gruesomely burned faces, limbless bodies, and men whose bodies were pumping out blood faster than it could be replaced. Her strength usually held until she closed the door of her little cottage and was safely in the privacy of her bedroom, curled up like a baby, sobbing for every life lost, and for all the pain inflicted on those who had given their lives and their very souls for her.

  As kind as she hoped she was, Maisie had no sympathies for the enemy; she didn’t have the time nor the energy. She did, however, have time to be shocked and horrified by the attacks on the Jewish people. Gas chambers and camps were all she heard people talking about and eventually, Maisie had to tune it out and focus upon patient care for the sake of her sanity. It wasn’t because she wanted to hide from the news, but it felt like her mind would explode at the horror of it all. She also carried the responsibility of holding onto the secrets that the dying whispered into her ear, but despite how hard she found it, Maisie knew her duty and calling was to ease the pain of others.

  CHAPTER 27

  News on May 13th, created an excited buzz around the wards when they were told the Germans had surrendered to British and American forces out in North Africa. Although everyone knew the war was far from over, it brought hope that progress was being made.

  Sadly, it also brought about a surprise air raid on Bournemouth, with the planes appearing before anyone could sound the sirens. It unnerved the residents of other cities and towns and drowned out any positive news that came their way.

  It also brought with it a dark mood for many, and Maisie wept for those they couldn’t save at Holly Bush House, but after several days of sore eyes and heartache, she chose to climb from the pit of despair. She continued her job to the highest standard, knowing any death was beyond the medical team’s control and Hitler would not take away the strength and courage of the British people.

  When June brought more news of German concentration camps, whispers of the country creating new bombs, and the successes and losses of American bombers targeting Germany, Maisie’s heart sank. The house discussed the news of the gas chambers and the diabolical treatment of the Jewish people, until she could bear to hear no more but out of respect for those suffering, she listened. How had human beings become so cruel and hateful towards their fellow man? The war was exhausting her ability to comprehend such cruelty, yet strengthening her commitment to tend to the wounded and feel in some small way she’d thrown her own form of ammunition at the enemy.

  News came through in July, the British and Americans had razed the German city of Hamburg to the ground and with it the fear of another retaliation attack for Southampton and other British cities.

  Although these were victories, Maisie quietly thought of the innocent victims suffering the same across the water as they were in Britain. She’d taken to leaving conversations which hinted at gloating. Too many lives around the world were caught up in the disasters. Would anyone find peace at the end of it all? How many men, women, and children would be rendered homeless, injured mentally and physically all for one man’s greed. She celebrated the victories with her colleagues but lived with a new fear. The fear of their own deaths.

  Maisie’s ears tuned into sounds during the night as she sat beside her patients, forever waiting for the sirens to send out their alarm. Her nerves tingled with the thought of having to move such sick people to safe areas, where their chances of survival weakened.

  Every day someone read out news of successes and disasters, and more than ever Maisie wanted Cam to be part of her life; to return to her whole and happy, ready to start the rest of their lives free from the war.

  In August she found relief from the dark thoughts when she joined Charlie’s family as they celebrated Archie’s first birthday. It was a day of joy where everyone laughed and giggled with him for two carefree hours. Archie was their sunshine during the dark days of war, his innocence gave them back a small piece of theirs and Maisie left their home with a better outlook on life.

  In November, Joyce confessed that she had met another man and that she had feelings for him. Life for Joyce was moving along but Maisie felt like hers was static. Only the determination to give the best of herself to comfort others kept her from being bored of her life. One she described to Joyce as static, but every sensation of boredom brought with it feelings of guilt when so many others were clinging to their lives by a thread.

  Letters from Jack arrived which contained snippets about his upbringing. She noted how sensitive he was about always apologising for being adopted and having had a good life when she had had to endure Holly Bush. Eventually, she had to write and tell him to stop feeling so guilty. The past was behind them and they had to focus on what they did have, not what they’d missed out on. They had an opportunity to rebuild their relationship and they had to be grateful for that.

  She was touched when he arrived unannounced for a brief visit while his ship docked for a swift turnaround. He brought with him a gold St. Christopher necklace for her and wore a matching one underneath his uniform. It was a symbol that they travelled together, no matter how far apart they had been pulled, and she loved it.

  Stepping outside into the sunshine, Maisie felt like embracing the outdoors to reflect on her brother’s all too brief visit. She touched her necklace and sent up her usual prayer to keep Cam and Jack safe. She lay on a blanket under the shade of the old walnut tree to rest. She’d worked through the night and past dawn to help a young severely disfigured pilot transition from pain to peace, and she was exhausted.

  Her heart ached for Cam’s return and she longed for the day when they would be able to enjoy adventures together. She wanted to fish for salmon, to taste maple syrup, to kayak and swim in warm waters, or trek snowy mountains, all the things Cam told her were waiting for her to experience. Now another year older, Maisie was ready for the ties of Holly Bush House to be ripped away, but as she lay watching the branches above sway in the breeze and birds dip and dive while snatching at insects, Maisie knew her commitment to the injured servicemen was her priority until the war ended. As her mind unwound from the frantic activities of the night, she accepted that chasing adventure was a thing of the future, and for now she must focus on the present.

  She closed her eyes and allowed the warmth of the ever-rising August sun to tingle her skin. Her thin cotton blouse and skirt were too warm for the time of year, but decency forbade her to strip down to her underwear. Trickles of perspiration crossed her brow, but Maisie was determined to enjoy the listening to the birdsong in the sunshine. The soft breeze blew away city noises and the tinny anti-aircraft sounds which normally drifted on the air. Today, all was peaceful and even if it was to be only for an hour, Maisie was determined to allow the pressures of life to drift away. One cynical nurse spoke about the quiet before a storm and was shot down with terse remarks from the others. In the garden, they all found their own space to breathe and recuperate.

  A shadow fell across her, blocking out the sun, and Maisie squinted to see who’d disturbed her. But when she peered through the shimmer, she saw Cam smiling down at her. In one swift movement, she jumped up and into his arms with a delighted squeal, careless of the others and their peace.

  She and Cam laughed when a ripple of applause and shouts of encouragement for Cam to kiss her came from the others in the garden. A loved one visiting or returning from duty was always something to be celebrated.

  In response to their excited instructions, Cam’s lips found hers and Maisie didn’t care who watched their lingering kisses. W
ithout speaking a word, they gathered up her things and walked hand in hand to her home. The chickens scattered across the garden, then regrouped around Maisie’s legs.

  ‘Poor things. They need feeding.’

  Cam put his head back and burst out laughing. He scooped her into his arms and squeezed her close.

  ‘Here I am flying halfway around the world for you, jumping out of planes into enemy territory and hitching rides back to England, grabbing a quick shower and begging a lift before dawn to be with you as soon as possible, and the first words you say are related to feeding chickens.’ Cam kissed her cheek. ‘I love you Maisie Reynolds. I truly love you for grounding me.’

  Although Cam couldn’t tell her where he was headed after his six-day embarkation leave, Maisie knew it must be into the thick of things because he asked if he could leave a few personal items with her including letters for his family. It frightened Maisie but she pushed it to the back of her mind, determined to treasure the time they had left §in the best way possible.

  She applied for leave and it was granted. Maisie taking time out was a novelty and her shifts were covered quickly with no argument.

  She and Cam planned days out together where they went walking and talked for hours. They planned their future and curled up in each other’s arms.

  As they lay in bed together, there was no shame or embarrassment; they both agreed marriage was what they wanted. Cam warned her he wasn’t sure when he’d be free again, and it might take a while to book leave in order to marry, but as soon as he knew, he’d get word to her so she could make arrangements. Maisie only had to inform her senior and request the day off and although both were eager for it to happen sooner rather than later, they agreed they would have to leave it to fate.

  Cam told her more tales of Canada, and of where he’d like them to settle and Maisie expressed her fears about leaving England – and Jack – behind. Cam suggested that Jack might enjoy a good life there too, perhaps setting up a fishing business that Cam had always dreamed of owning. Maisie loved him all the more for his considerate offer.

  One afternoon, they took a bus to Bournemouth and to Cam’s delight came across many serving Canadians which made him feel closer to home. The beach was surrounded by barbed wire and heavily patrolled. To Maisie’s surprise, despite this, it was extremely busy with people enjoying the opportunity of a sunny day at the seaside. A group of GIs threw a ball about, and several young women urged them on from the sidelines. Maisie and Cam found a quieter spot and sat on a blanket together away from prying eyes. They continued their conversations about their future together in the comfort each other’s arms, watching seagulls dip in and out of the water. Cam let out a heavy sigh and Maisie moved herself around to look him in the face. She was taken aback by the sadness on his face. He bit his bottom lip to stop it trembling before he spoke.

  ‘I wish I could take you with me, to let you fly free, to float or spin without a care in the world, but not today, not tomorrow … not until the war ends. To fly over what I’ve seen, to drop into the world I have to deal with … the danger, the cruelty … I could not wish that for you, Maisie.’

  Maisie opened her mouth to speak, but Cam put a finger to her lips to prevent her from responding.

  ‘Hear me out. If we can’t make wedding vows, I want you to hear my words before I leave you again. I fly into dangerous situations and cope because I know I’ve got the most beautiful girl in the world waiting for me. Her red hair glistens in sunshine, her smile brightens up the darkest day. I could never wish you the fear I’ve witnessed or felt; to experience the non-physical pain is not easy. I want only the peace and comfort of love in a peaceful world. I want you to cut and taste my mom’s apple pie hot from the oven on a minus ten day. I want you to see my pops whittle wood. I want you to open your eyes on a summer’s day and see a tiny hummingbird hovering for nectar. I want only those things for you. It scares me that I have nothing in England to give you. I have only Canada to offer you and I’m afraid you will be too scared to come with me when the time comes, especially now that Jack has returned into your life.’

  Maisie waited with patience while Cam finished talking. She knew there and then that she’d follow him wherever he wanted to go.

  She reached out and touched his cheek. Wedding vows couldn’t have been expressed with any more passion and she wanted him to know how she felt too.

  ‘I have nothing in England to offer you either, except myself and my memories of this place. Jack is back, but after all these years apart, I cannot give up my love for you for my ties with him. And anyway, he’s a traveller, so we’ll not be apart forever.

  Our time has come, Cam – Harry Cameron – my dark-eyed man of the skies. I want to be the woman who drives you forward, who climbs from her bed to work by your side, to feed our children. I want Canada. I want my life to start with you. We can do it; we can build our lives together. And if it isn’t meant to be, then we will mourn one another, for in my mind, here in my heart, I cannot imagine sharing my life with another man. You are the beat, the rhythm that gets me through the days when my heart wants to stop, when I want to give up. I want us, Cam. You’ve made me the woman that I have become. And the sad, lonely girl of the past? Her real life is just about to begin …’

  CHAPTER 28

  1944

  ‘Any news from Cam?’

  Joyce greeted Maisie with her usual question whenever Maisie visited. Hooking her coat onto a peg by the door, Maisie took a moment to reply. She’d not heard from Cam since several letters had arrived at once in December.

  ‘No. Nothing since he sent Christmas wishes and asked if I could knit him gloves and socks, so he’s somewhere cold.’

  Joyce pulled her in for a hug and Maisie relaxed into her arms.

  ‘I’m sorry, my lovely, it must be so hard for you. I’m sure they’ll come in a large sack of their own one day and you’ll have a reading feast,’ Joyce replied, moving Maisie back and offering a soft smile.

  Maisie shrugged.

  ‘I sent some to the barracks, but I’m not sure whether his parcel arrived. I hope so. You? Any news on your man?’ Maisie asked, eager to change the subject. The lack of communication from Cam unsettled her and she’d rather not talk about it for fear of crying.

  Joyce’s relationship with her new fellow had developed, and it was obvious to everyone that she was ready to settle and marry again. Charlie’s parents had taken a while to come around to the idea, but insisted that she stay with them until her new marriage and life were finalised. Archie was their pride and joy, and Maisie knew they would do all they could to ensure he and his mum had a happy life.

  Joyce poured tea from the pot and handed Maisie a cup.

  ‘Not much milk, I’m afraid.’ She pulled a face as she took a sip. ‘He’s coming home in two weeks. I received word from his sister this morning. We’ll be getting married in Bournemouth, where he’s from, and then we’ll be moving two doors up from here. The landlady spoke with Charlie’s dad last week and wondered if he knew anyone interested in renting because her tenants were moving to live with family in the Midlands. The wedding will be a quiet affair out of respect for Charlie’s parents. I’ll let you know where and when next week.’

  A shiver ran through Maisie when she recalled Joyce’s first wedding day and Charlie’s funeral, two such contrasting events.

  ‘That’s wonderful news, Joyce. I can’t wait to plan mine and Cam’s wedding, but it feels like it will never happen. Just like the end of this damn war.’

  The friends gave each other a half-smile.

  ‘It must be so hard for you not knowing where he is. At least I can keep track of Fred’s ship thanks to Dad and Eddie. I still can’t understand your Cam wanting to jump out of airplanes. What kind of craziness is that? Especially when he has someone to live for now. Surely he needs to think about transferring to something else?’

  Maisie put down her cup.

  ‘It’s who he is, Joyce. I’m not sure I’d want him to
do anything else. He loves his job. Yes, he loves me, but I am not crucial to getting this blasted war over with. I’ll not have him change for me.’

  ‘Any news from Jack?’ Joyce asked, wise enough to steer the conversation away from Cam and weddings.

  Maisie pulled a dog-eared letter from her pocket.

  ‘I got this last week. I think he might have sailed to the Mediterranean because he mentioned that he’d left his ship and swam in beautiful blue water, and I remember Eddie saying much the same in a letter to you.’

  Joyce nodded. ‘Did you know that Eddie’s home?’

  Maisie shook her head. ‘No. Is he injured? Is the ship back quayside?

  ‘No, it’s still out there, near Sicily. That’s where Jack’s enjoying his swim. Eddie finished training for submarines and is joining a new crew next week. Why on earth anyone would want to be cooped up inside a tin can is beyond me. It worries me to the point that I have to stop thinking about it – a bit like you with Cam, I suppose. I wouldn’t be surprised if your Jack is possibly heading this way again soon; they’ve been out there a long time.’

  ‘We’ll see. I still pinch myself that we found each other. I just wish this war would end so we can all focus on rebuilding and living our lives in peace again,’ Maisie said with a sigh. ‘I still find it hard to accept where we came from though.’

  Joyce’s eyebrows lifted and dropped.

  ‘I can’t get my head around it either. What a story you will have to tell your children.’

  ‘There are some things they’ll not be told. My parents died, and we grew up as separated orphans; that’s all they’ll need to know.’

  The door flew open and Archie staggered in dragging a cat by its tail. Both Maisie and Joyce jumped to their feet to rescue the poor creature from the clutches of the toddler.

  ‘See the things you’ll have to deal with later on down the line! Yesterday, it was next door’s dog getting a few tugs of the ear. Good job it’s a patient old thing.’