He scowled, looking confused. ‘What do you mean? What things?’

‘I mean us … I think we’re too young to rush into marriage. We’ve both worked really hard to get where we are in our careers and I’ve decided I want to concentrate on that for a few more years before I even think of settling down.’

She saw the stricken look on his face and hated herself, but hardening her heart she went to the drawer and withdrew the box containing the diamond ring he had given her. ‘I think you should give this to a girl who will be prepared to love you as you deserve to be loved.’ She held the box out to him.

‘But I … I don’t understand,’ he faltered. ‘I thought you loved me.’

It was the hardest thing she had ever had to do but she stared back at him coldly. ‘I thought I did too but then I realised we would be making a mistake.’

He stared at her for what seemed an eternity as if he didn’t know her any more then slowly shook his head as he stared at the ring she was holding out to him. It had been meant to be a symbol of their love but now here she was calmly telling him that it meant nothing.

‘Keep it,’ he said in a husky voice. ‘You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved enough to give a ring to. I won’t be needing it.’ Turning abruptly he clattered away down the stairs slamming the door resoundingly behind him. Crumpling to her knees, Holly sobbed as if her heart would break.

Holly didn’t go to work the next morning. She knew she wouldn’t be able to bear it if she bumped into Richard and there were things she needed to do. She had lain awake all night with her mind whirling, but today she was calm.

As soon as the shop was open she went downstairs and asked Miss May if she might use the telephone.

‘Why, of course you can, dear. But is everything all right? You don’t look well,’ the kindly woman said with concern.

‘I’m fine but I need to ring my mother and go home for a few days.’

‘Then I’ll leave you to make your call in private.’ Miss May pottered away as Holly lifted the phone and the operator put her through to the house in Nuneaton.

‘Hello.’

At the sound of her mother’s voice, Holly had to stop herself from bursting into tears again. ‘It’s me,’ she said quietly. ‘I was thinking of coming home for a few days today. Is that all right?’

‘Holly, you should know you don’t even have to ask, this is your home and your bedroom is always ready for you,’ her mother scolded gently. ‘But are you all right, sweetheart? You don’t sound right.’

Holly almost laughed. She didn’t sound right! Well she wasn’t right. She would never be right again but her voice was level when she answered, ‘I’m fine, but there’s something I need to speak to you about so I’ll see you later. I’m going to get the first train out of Euston.’