‘Well, you’ve got to do something,’ Frank persisted. ‘Marriage is a commitment, so you can’t just walk away from this.’

‘That’s exactly what I feel like doing,’ Evan grunted. ‘I’ve stuck it out for six years, but I honestly don’t know how much more I can take.’

‘You can’t blame it all on her,’ Frank said. ‘Me and your mum had our fair share of fights over the years, and there were plenty of times when I could have given up and walked away. But you work your way through these things, if you’re willing to put the effort in.’

‘I’ve made plenty of effort,’ Evan replied wearily. ‘But I can’t seem to do right for doing wrong these days.’

‘So, that’s it?’ Frank raised an eyebrow. ‘You’re giving up?’

‘I don’t know.’ Evan shrugged. Then, sighing, he lowered his arms, and said, ‘I’ll talk to her again when she’s had time to calm down, but it might take a few days.’

‘What about work? You can’t risk driving to Manchester every morning in this weather.’

‘I’m not in again till Monday, and my boss said I can keep the fourby till I get my own car fixed, so I’m sorted.’

‘OK,’ Frank relented. ‘You can stay for a few more days. But you need to figure out a way to get your marriage back on track while you’re here, and I don’t want you making a nuisance of yourself with Irena.’

‘As if,’ Evan scoffed.

‘I mean it,’ Frank said, lowering his voice when he heard footsteps on the floor above. ‘She’s had a rough time, and she doesn’t need you coming on strong and making her feel uncomfortable.’

‘She was fine last night,’ Evan reminded him, giving him a questioning look. ‘Are you sure it’s not you who’s uncomfortable, because you’ve taken a shine to her?’

‘For the last time, there is nothing going on between me and Irena,’ Frank hissed, aware that she was on her way down the stairs and would be here within seconds. ‘I just don’t want you putting your marriage in jeopardy because you think you’ve got a chance with her. She’ll be gone as soon as the snow clears, and you’ll have lost everything – your wife, your house, possibly even your job, for nothing.’

Evan looked at him as if to say That’s what you think, old man, but Irena walked in at that moment, so Frank was forced to drop the subject.

‘Morning.’ Evan greeted her with a grin, as if he’d already forgotten – or dismissed – every word Frank had said. ‘Sleep well?’

‘Yes, I have nice sleep, thank you,’ she said, returning his smile before turning to Frank. ‘Shall I make tea?’

‘Sorry, I meant to put the kettle on, but we got talking,’ Frank said, pushing his chair back.