We were interrupted by Melissa, who was heading out of the café and barrelling towards us with a polystyrene cup in her hand. ‘Hello, ladies,’ she said, and looked pointedly at our held hands. Embarrassed, I moved away from Daphne, although she was wearing a defiant expression. I know she would have continued to hold my hand, not caring what Melissa thought. Melissa could have been no older than late forties yet she was so old-fashioned in her outlook on life. She’d never understand our relationship.

‘Rose, I’m glad I caught you,’ she said, ignoring Daphne completely. ‘A man came into the café on Monday looking for you.’

My heart stopped. ‘Really? Did he . . . give a name?’

She shook her head. ‘No. He just asked if I knew you.’

‘What did he look like?’

She seemed to consider this for a few seconds. ‘Well, handsome, I suppose. Dark hair. Tall.’

Victor. It had to be him.

‘Did you tell him . . .’ I swallowed, my throat dry ‘. . . anything?’

She gave me a pitying look. ‘No, of course not.’

‘Thank you,’ I said, in a rush of fondness towards her. ‘Thank you so much.’

She patted my arm reassuringly. ‘Seemed very charming too. But,’ her expression clouded ‘he appeared determined to find you, Rose.’

I fought back tears. I sensed Daphne moving closer to me. ‘Please,’ I said, my voice shaky. ‘Please don’t tell him anything about me.’

Melissa searched my face with her currant-like eyes. ‘Of course I won’t,’ she said seriously.

I thanked her and walked off before I could hyperventilate in front of her.

‘Do you think it’s Victor?’ Daphne whispered by my shoulder. She had to run to keep pace with me.

‘Who else is it going to be?’ I snapped, then felt guilty at the hurt on her face. ‘Sorry, I’m sorry. It’s just . . .’ I let out a sob ‘. . . he’s found me. After three fucking years he’s found me.’

‘Rose, calm down, you’re scaring me. Stop!’ She grabbed my arm. ‘Stop,’ she said again, gentler this time. By now we were halfway up the hill towards the cottage. There was nobody else around but I shuddered as though Victor was behind us. ‘Listen, it was two days ago now. He’s probably gone home. Where does he live?’

‘Yorkshire,’ I said, wiping away tears. It was where Audrey and I had lived, to be near her family. I’d been happy there until I met him.

‘Right. So maybe he came here, but nobody said anything so he went home again.’

‘I – I don’t know, but that doesn’t sound like Victor. If he thinks I’m here he won’t give up.’

She took my hand. ‘Come on, let’s get home and talk about it. If you want me to pick Lolly up later I will. He won’t know what I look like, will he?’