Morgan’s spirits fell. ‘Don’t you like me?’

‘I do, I like you a lot . . .’ Dawn’s shoulders slumped. ‘But . . .’ Her words were choked by a sudden, heart-wrenching sob.

Morgan pushed back her duvet, opening her arms as she took Dawn in an embrace. ‘Hey, what is it? You can tell me. Because you’re not getting rid of me that easily.’

‘Really?’ Dawn sniffed, wiping her tears with her sweater sleeve. ‘Because I wouldn’t blame you if you ran for the hills . . .’

Taking Dawn’s face in her hands, Morgan pressed her lips tenderly against hers. ‘You’re the one good thing about this place,’ she said with a smile. ‘Whatever’s bothering you . . . you can tell me.’

‘Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time you knew.’

‘Let it out,’ Morgan soothed. ‘Whatever it is, we’ll face it together. I’m not going anywhere.’

Dawn thumbed away the mascara stains beneath her eyes. ‘It’s so good to hear that. I never thought I’d meet anyone I could trust with the truth.’ She nodded to herself, as if affirming the sentiment. She took a deep breath to speak. But the blast of a car horn shattered the moment.

‘Shit!’ Dawn jumped from the sofa and peeked out the window. ‘That’s Dad. Oh God. He’s going to be pissed off about this.’

‘Then stay here,’ Morgan said, watching her grow agitated. ‘We’ve got plenty of room.’

‘I can’t.’ Dawn began winding her scarf around her neck. ‘And don’t say anything. You’ll only make things worse.’

Three loud knocks were followed by the lilt of Naomi’s voice as Dawn’s father was allowed in. But Reverend Humphries wasn’t as frightening as Morgan had anticipated. Flustered, yes, but there was no malice on his face. If anything, this stout, balding man looked like a typical vicar, with his snow-dappled anorak and sensible shoes. There was a mildness about him as he gave a little bow of the head.

‘Dawn is grounded. She should be at home,’ he continued, profusely apologetic for the intrusion. His eyes danced around the dark corners of the room, as if something was about to jump out on him.

‘I was just telling Morgan that I wasn’t allowed to see her,’ Dawn said, her irritation evident.

‘Very well.’ He beckoned her to his side. ‘Morgan, I hope you feel better soon.’ He delivered Naomi a hasty glance. ‘Once again, apologies for the disruption. I’ve got a church fundraiser to prepare for. Dawn has lots to do.’ Giving another little bow of the head, he turned to leave. He lightly placed an arm around Dawn’s shoulder, asking if she was all right.

‘Of course I’m all right.’ Dawn’s voice trailed behind her as they left. ‘You’re so embarrassing.’

As the door shut behind them, Morgan shook her head. Not for the first time, she couldn’t make Dawn out.