Lily’s War by June Francis

heard his quick intake of breath. The next moment he had lowered his head and their lips met. He removed the basket containing the eggs from her gloved fingers and placed it on the ground, bringing her against him. This time he made a thorough job of kissing her and she responded wholeheartedly.
    Eventually he lifted his mouth and said against her ear, ‘I’ve never felt like this about a woman before. Never thought I could demand the sacrifice living my kind of life involves. But it’s different with you. I feel you could cope with anything. You’re wonderful, Lily.’
    She was trembling after his kiss but tried to calm herself, though desire to have him repeat the performance was like a plant inside her putting out leaves. ‘There’s nothing so marvellous about me,’ she murmured. ‘God made me the way I am.’
    ‘He knew what he was doing.’ He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. ‘Don’t let life ever sour you.’
    ‘I’ll try not to.’ A small laugh escape her. ‘I can’t believe the way you make me feel!’
    ‘Perhaps it’s love? Marry me, Lily.’ He lifted her chin and kissed her again.
    She felt as if she’d stopped breathing. Marry him! Leave Liverpool and go to Australia! She remembered her dream of those faraway places and without a second thought, as soon as she had breath, said yes.

Chapter Four
    ‘I don’t know if I’m going to enjoy today,’ said Ben, shrugging on an old tweed overcoat.
    ‘Why? What’s different about today?’ asked Daisy, lifting her gaze from the
Red Star
propped against the teapot.
    He ignored the question and nudged Lily, who was staring into space. ‘What time did he say he’d get here?’
    ‘What?’ Lily’s eyes slowly focused on her brother’s face. She was wondering what had come over her yesterday. Was she in love with Matt? Did he love her? Neither of them had actually said the words: I love you.
    ‘Matt! You saw him last. What time’s he coming?’
    ‘Half-eight. Is that all right?’
    ‘It’s fine by me. I don’t know how Dad’ll feel. Despite the cold he wants to come with me again.’ He pulled on his cap. ‘By the way, was anything said about the replacement cow? Bluebell’s running dry now.’
    ‘Sorry, I forgot to ask.’
    ‘You forgot! That’s not like you.’ He groaned. ‘I’ll mention it to Uncle William again.’
    ‘She forgot to wash my best blouse, too,’ said Daisy, shaking her head. ‘I don’t know what’s got into her.’
    Lily came completely down to earth and said crossly, ‘I do have a lot on my plate! I can’t be remembering everything!’
    ‘All right, all right! Keep you hair on,’ said Daisy, folding her women’s magazine and shoving it in her bag. ‘It’s not like you to lose your rag. You’re not sickening for something, are you? Because I can’t afford to stay off work.’
    ‘You might have to if I wasn’t here,’ said Lily, placing the porridge pan on the stove as she heard Ronnie’s feet thudding down the stairs.
    Brother and sister stared at her. ‘Where were you planning on going?’ they said in unison.
    Immediately Lily wished the words back. ‘Nowhere! I was just thinking you should never take people for granted.’
    ‘Ahhh! You poor thing.’ Daisy placed an arm around her. ‘You mustn’t let Dad or the weather get you down. If only wishes had wings we could fly off to the sun.’
    ‘Don’t talk so daft,’ said Ben, raising his eyes ceilingwards. ‘She fancies herself in love! That’s what’s wrong with her.’
    Lily’s nerves jumped. If it was so obvious to Ben, it must be love but she was not ready to admit it. ‘I do not!’
    ‘Yes, you do! You’ve got your best dress on under your pinnie because Matt’s coming.’
    Before she could give a different reason for wearing her best frock, Ben had opened the door and closed it again.
    Daisy stared at Lily, her expression lively and curious. ‘Who’s Matt?’
    ‘He’s someone connected with the church,’ she