Free War Orphans by Lizzie Lane

become something of a battle and was now the bane of his life.
    At first when the more intimate part of their life had ceased, he’d been philosophical, but as time went on he sorely missed the physical side of their relationship. He still wanted that intimacy but had to content himself with fantasies or, on those rare occasions when she let him out, he would go to the seedier side of the city where what they called ‘French Fancies’ were hidden beneath the counter, black-and-white photographs of naked women.
    It was all he could do to feed his yearnings. In the meantime she was his wife and he would stick by her.
    However, there were times when he thought about what he would do when she was gone – as she inevitably would. The doctors had assured him of that.
    Sally had gorgeous auburn hair and his wife was dark, but ultimately they were out of the same mould. They were both tall and graceful. If ever he should wish to remarry, Sally Hadley would be the woman he would propose to. They were of the same profession, both intelligent and well educated. She would be his soulmate.
    Sometimes he dreamed of her at night until his wife nudged him in the ribs, demanding a glass of water or assistance to be taken to the toilet.
    He continued to gaze at Sally’s face, tuning himself back into what she was saying.
    ‘The father is away fighting, of course, but I’m not sure Mrs Ryan is spending her time keeping the home fires burning. She’s not that type.’
    Arnold placed its cup back in the saucer. ‘Are you sure you’re not letting your prejudices get the better of you?’
    ‘Absolutely! Joanna has gradually looked more and more neglected since her father went away and I’m sure she’s not being fed half the time.’
    Arnold fingered a cigarette from a tin case and regarded her as he lit it. Sally didn’t smoke so he didn’t bother to offer her one.
    ‘Perhaps we should be contacting the children’s welfare officer up at the council offices. If the case is proved, the child might have a better life placed with foster parents.’
    Eyes downcast and looking thoughtful, Sally fingered her teacup. ‘I’m not sure if that would be the right course, Arnold. I’m just not sure.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘Goodness. Look at the time. I have to go.’
    She fumbled for the clasp of her handbag so she could pay for her tea. Arnold’s hand touched hers.
    ‘Please. Let me.’
    She looked up at him, saw his expression and immediately knew how he felt about her. She kept her voice calm as though she’d noticed nothing. ‘Are you sure?’
    He nodded. ‘Although times are hard I can just about manage to buy a colleague a cup of tea.’
    Again the warm smile, the kindness in his eyes, plus the other look, the one she couldn’t truly read but didn’t quite trust.
    Sally headed for the door first, Arnold right behind her.
    ‘You really are excellent company,’ he said to her, at the same time patting her posterior.
    Sally froze. ‘I’d rather you didn’t do that.’
    He blushed profusely. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to.’
    She glared at him. Of course he had. ‘Please don’t do that again.’
    Once outside he walked her a few hundred yards along the main road.
    At first they both remained silent. So much for professionalism , thought Sally, her cheeks burning.
    It was him who broke the silence, mentioning the likelihood of him landing the job of air-raid warden for Jubilee Road.
    ‘I do have to run it past Miranda first, as it does mean her being left alone a lot at night.’
    ‘Very commendable of you,’ said Sally a trifle sarcastically.
    ‘My age, my job and the fact that my wife is an invalid means I won’t be called up. Still, I have to do my bit somehow.’
    ‘I understand you fought in the last war,’ said Sally, glad to change the subject.
    A haggard, haunted look suddenly dimmed Arnold’s customary cheerfulness.
    ‘Gallipoli.’
    ‘Was it bad?’
    His expression turned grimmer. ‘A blood bath. I