He let go of her right hand and watched her massaging it with her left, cheeks still flushed. But she did not answer, merely crossing the road and joining the other churchgoers whilst Snowy, his face lit by a satisfied smile, continued on his way. He told himself that Marilyn need no longer bother him, that he had already begun to tire of her all those years ago, and that he need have no regrets, because for all her careful upbringing and undoubted beauty the language she had used proved she was as common as muck and would never have been a suitable girlfriend for someone such as himself, a university student who would one day earn a salary, not a wage, and would hold an important position in the community. In fact, he was well rid of her.

Snowy smiled to himself. Tess Williams was bright and intelligent, though in his opinion not at all beautiful. Her soft fawn-coloured hair framed elfin features, but her large hazel eyes regarded the world steadily, and he had no doubt that she too would one day become a pillar of the community. And when that day dawns, he told himself, I shall want to be a part of Tess’s life.

The thought made him smile more broadly than ever. Funny little Tess, who faded into insignificance when compared with beautiful, golden-haired Marilyn, how strange to think that one of these days she might become a force to be reckoned with. But he had watched with increasing interest as the pet shop became a reality and not just a dream. Tess, despite never having had any experience in business matters, was learning by leaps and bounds.

As he got nearer the Pier Head Snowy saw Tess ahead of him, making for the pleasure boat at the quayside. She had tied her hair back from her face with a piece of ribbon and was wearing a blue gingham dress which he recognised as part of her school uniform. It was not at all glamorous, but Snowy knew it was far more suitable for a river trip than the clothing which had adorned Marilyn Thomas. He reached Tess’s side and put an arm round her. ‘All right?’ He jerked a thumb at the large basket she was holding. ‘Is that our picnic? We can buy a drink aboard, but food’s bound to be expensive, and anyway the ship lets us off for an hour around lunchtime so we can eat our picnic then. Guess who I saw on my way here?’

Tess pulled a face. ‘I don’t have to guess, I know. Marilyn, of course.’ Snowy saw that she was trying to repress a giggle and thought how pretty she looked when the dimple beside her mouth came and went. ‘Did you speak to her?’

‘Of course,’ Snowy said, doing his best to sound surprised. ‘After all, we’re old friends, wouldn’t you say?’

‘Old friends, but new enemies,’ Tess said. ‘Or didn’t she realise she’d been stood up? You might have told her she’d got the wrong day or the wrong time; didn’t she ask where you were?’