by Molly Green
Maxine’s heart had plummeted. Her parents’ dream wasn’t her dream. But they’d been so good to her, sending her to grammar school when they could ill afford it. Yes, she’d won a scholarship but it hadn’t paid for many of the books, nor the uniform and shoes, which had to be Clarke’s. Mickey had turned out the biggest disappointment to them. He was nothing but a waster. And now they were pinning their hopes on me, she’d thought.
That first year as a trainee nurse had been a shock but the worst was over now – so the other nurses had told her when she’d been tempted to pack it all in. She was now in her third year and looking forward to continuing her studies and taking her finals, knowing she’d be needed, what with the war on – the same as Johnny with his medical skills. So why did he think he could wave her nurse’s training on one side? He, of all people, knew what a commitment she’d made.
‘Give up my training, do you mean?’ she demanded. ‘When I’ve worked so hard.’
‘Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to finish it,’ Johnny said, his eyes fixed on hers. ‘But there’s no need to continue when you’ve got your certificate.’
‘Johnny, why does being married have anything to do with my nursing?’
‘Because you’re my wife, and I don’t want you working. What would the lads say? “Can’t support your wife, Johnny-boy?” No, I’m not having that.’
‘I’m not interested in “the lads” and what they think,’ Maxine flashed. She tried to keep the bubble of irritation pressed down. ‘We’re talking about me. My parents nearly killed themselves to pay for my training. Think what a waste that would be. What am I supposed to do all day long? It’d be different if we’d been married longer and I had a child to look after.’
‘We can easily remedy that right away.’ Johnny gave an exaggerated wink, but if anything it made her even more cross. It wasn’t a joking matter and she knew she needed to stand firm. ‘You could help your mum … especially as your dad isn’t well,’ he continued. ‘That’s where your nursing will come in handy.’
‘Mum wouldn’t want that at all. She prides herself on looking after Dad. They’ve sacrificed everything for me, and if I left they’d be terribly upset.’
‘We’ll talk about it some other time.’ Johnny drew in the last puffs of his cigarette as though it was the end of the conversation as far as he was concerned. He was sitting on the edge of the bed and reached over to stub his cigarette into the ashtray on the bedside table. ‘Come over here, Mrs Taylor.’ He spread his arms.
‘No, Johnny, it’s too important. We’ll talk about this right now.’
‘Let’s not spoil our first night, Max.’ Johnny looked across at her, his bright blue eyes afire with anticipation. ‘We haven’t got much time together.’
Maxine hesitated. She didn’t know what to do. If she let this go she’d be paving the way for him never taking her seriously – that his needs and wants were more important than hers. That his decisions didn’t invite even discussion. After all, she had only a few hours ago promised to love, honour and obey him. She sighed, trying to dispel the little spurt of anger. No, she was sure her vows hadn’t meant he could make all the decisions that concerned her.
Or was she being unreasonable now they were married?
‘Johnny, I know women leave work when they get married but this is different. The war’s started. We don’t know how long it will last but I want to do everything I can to help. Everyone who can will be doing the same. Mum’s even talking about organising knitting circles to make socks for the soldiers.’
‘My mum never worked another minute when she married Dad. You’ll be doing your bit by helping your mother to look after your father.’
“Doing your bit”. He made it sound almost inconsequential. She remembered learning at school about the women in the last war – the one that was supposed to have ended all wars. It hadn’t mattered what class the women had been, they’d all risen to the occasion. Most of the rich had never lifted a finger before, and those girls in service in grand country houses, desperately needing the money to help their families survive, would rarely have mixed with any other but their own kind. It was amazing what they’d achieved in so many different walks of life, and nursing was one of them.
Johnny had changed. Or was it her? But she knew without any doubt that even if war hadn’t been declared she would have still carried on with her nursing. She gritted her teeth. Maybe now was not the time. Johnny was waiting only a few yards away … waiting expectantly for her.
She only hoped their first night together would not be as painful or embarrassing as Linda at the hospital had warned her.
About the Author
MOLLY GREEN has travelled the world, unpacking her suitcase in a score of countries. On returning to England, Molly decided to pursue her life-long passion for writing. She now lives and writes in Tunbridge Wells. An Orphan in the Snow is the first of a series set in Liverpool during the Second World War.
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