Molly Green - An Orphan in the Snow

‘Bet you haven’t seen snow like this in London.’

‘I must admit I’ve never seen it as thick.’

Iris glanced at June’s shoes that Aunt Ada had bought her. ‘You need boots for our northern winters,’ she said. ‘Those shoes won’t do at all.’

‘I didn’t bring any.’ And had no money to buy them, June wanted to add.

Iris considered for a few moments. ‘We need to fix you up with some proper footwear right away so I’ll have a word with Matron. What say we go into town this morning? I have a few hours to spare as I’m on evening shift this week. But you’ll have to brace yourself. We had a very bad raid in May and parts of Liverpool are in a terrible state. They usually aim for the docks but I think they enjoy giving the civilians a good fright as often as they can as well.’

‘Don’t worry about me – I’m used to London, which you wouldn’t believe the terrible hammering it’s taken …’ She stopped, realising she sounded as though she was making light of Liverpool’s hardship. ‘Though I read Liverpool is a close second,’ she added quickly. ‘I suppose it’s because it’s a port.’

‘A major one,’ Iris said. ‘The docks have taken the brunt of Hitler’s planes because its position is convenient for American ships to bring us crucial supplies. Not just American but Canadian and Australian ships deliver here as well. If the Germans have their way and smash the docks to pieces we’ll have had it. Nothing will get through – food, fuel, arms – everything we depend on. It’d be a disaster.’

June shivered. She could tell by Iris’s upset expression that her friend was not exaggerating.

‘Anyway, enough of that,’ Iris said smiling. ‘Are we on? Our jaunt into town?’

‘But what about the twins in the sick bay?’ June asked. ‘Don’t you need to see to them?’

‘Kathleen’s here to look after them.’

‘I don’t know …’ June hesitated. It might not look right if she wasn’t there to learn the ropes on her first full day and she felt guilty that Matron still hadn’t appeared after she’d finished cleaning her bedroom yesterday. She’d spent the rest of the time until supper in the library. ‘Matron hasn’t told me yet exactly what she wants me to do. I thought she’d have given me a list of jobs by now.’

‘She’s not the most efficient,’ Iris said. ‘But I’m sure she’ll let you know soon enough. But as far as going into town, leave it to me. We might be able to get a lift with Harold – he’s the only one here with a car and more or less acts as a chauffeur. We have to take advantage when he goes in, which is usually only once a week as fuel’s rationed, of course. Anyway, I’ll have a word with the Fierce One.’ With a chuckle Iris vanished.

June had told Iris not to worry – that she was prepared for a city that had borne the brunt of constant bombing attacks – but she hadn’t expected the sights that met her. Whole streets were razed to the ground, and when they turned a corner they saw flames burning in what had obviously been a sizeable commercial building. They watched a group of firemen trying to bring it under control.

‘Jerry were busy last night,’ said one of the firemen, nodding in their direction.

‘Lewis’s department store,’ Iris said with dismay. ‘It’s my favourite shop – or was. But that’s nothing compared with so many of the wonderful old buildings – our landmarks – vanished or standing like empty shells. Most of it happened in May when they blitzed us. They even managed to hit the cathedral but it wasn’t damaged too badly so if it comes through the war, they’ll repair it. It’s so ghastly.’ She turned her face to June, her eyes moist. ‘Let’s go, June. It makes me feel sick looking at it. Oh, I’m so fed up with this bloody war.’

The scene was so terrible that this time June didn’t even cringe at Iris’s swear word. And it was bloody. Men and women were dying in England, in France, and of course in Germany, and though she couldn’t feel quite so sympathetic about the enemy, it was still a tragic waste of lives. A shiver of horror ran down her spine as she saw an old man lying on his back by the side of the road, still and pale, his eyes open. A woman came out of one of the shops and put a blanket over the figure, pulling it right over his head.

‘Don’t look,’ Iris said. ‘He’s dead. Probably had a heart attack. It’s happening quite a bit to the elderly. I had to give some first aid to an old lady the last time I was in town. Thank goodness she came round but there’s nothing we can do here. Someone will see to what needs to be done.’ She took June’s arm and moved her away.

‘So many people have lost their homes,’ June said, her eyes pricking with tears. ‘Look over there – those poor people picking through all those bricks for their belongings.’

Her stomach sickened at the sight of houses where their owners’ once precious belongings had been proudly on show to their visitors, and now spilled out of blown-out walls and down smashed-up staircases – beds, mattresses, tables, washstands, stoves, pictures, clothes – all looking as though they were ready for the rag-and-bone man.

‘We’re not going to be sad,’ Iris said firmly. ‘We’re going to get you the best boots you’ve ever had. And then we’ll go and have tea in one of the cafés.’

Iris led her down one street and then another, June’s feet becoming colder by the minute. She wished she had a street map to see where she was going. Maybe she could pick one up in a stationer’s or a bookshop.

‘Here we are,’ Iris said. ‘One of my favourite shoe shops – they don’t have quite the choice these days but they’re bound to have something suitable.’

‘They’re too expensive,’ June said, peering in the window at the price tags.

Iris laughed and practically pushed her inside.

‘Try these.’ Iris held up a pair of sturdy leather boots with a fur lining. June could tell at a glance they’d be dear.

‘They’re too big.’ June shook her head but Iris ignored her and asked a smartly dressed lady if she would measure her friend’s foot.

‘You have very small feet, Miss,’ the saleswoman said, scrutinising the measurement. ‘Only a three-and-a-half. I’ll see if I have them in your size.’ She unbent with a wince and threw back her shoulders. ‘Back in a jiffy.’

True to her word she was back with another box and a shoehorn. When she was satisfied June’s foot was in the correct position she said, ‘Now try walking in them.’

They felt as though they’d been made for her.

‘How do they feel, June?’ Iris looked down and gave a satisfied nod.

‘They’re lovely and comfortable, but—’

‘But you can’t afford them,’ Iris finished. June reddened. ‘I’ll lend you the money. Pay me back when you can. You just need six coupons. Have you got your ration book with you?’

‘Yes, but—’ She didn’t want to admit she’d used up most of her yearly allowance of sixty coupons already when she’d been offered the job. Aunt Ada had insisted she buy a desperately needed coat, and the shoes that she’d just taken off, as well as a skirt and blouse, camiknickers and stockings. June bit her lip, mentally adding them up. Six more for the boots. That would only leave eight to last until the end of May.

‘We’ll take the boots, thank you.’ Iris walked over to the lady at the till and fished out her purse.

‘But—’

Iris put her hand up. ‘Stop! Those shoes you’re wearing will let in all the wet. In fact’ – she turned back to the lady at the till – ‘my friend will wear the boots straightaway.’

There was nothing June could do. She could tell Iris was determined and used to taking charge. She had to admit the boots were warm and the soles thick enough to practically skim over the snow.