Again he interrupted her. ‘On your own?’ And then, realizing she might take offence at his incredulity, he said hastily, ‘I think that is admirable and having tasted your goods I am sure it will be a great success.’

She inclined her head. ‘Thank you. But clearly I shall be very busy so . . .’

‘Yes, of course, I understand.’ After an ensuing few seconds of silent embarrassment he walked across to the chair at the side of which he had placed his hat and greatcoat. ‘Please forgive me for disturbing you this evening and may I wish you a Happy New Year and every success with the bakery.’

Again she said, ‘Thank you. Let me see you out.’

After opening the front door she stood aside for him to pass her and as he did so he paused for a moment, looking down at her. ‘May I ask just one more thing of you before I leave? What is your name, your Christian name?’

He was so close she could see the black bristles on his cleft chin and a tiny nick where he must have cut himself shaving. The blood thundering through her veins, she said faintly, ‘Rose. My name’s Rose.’

‘Rose.’ He turned her name into a caress. ‘It suits you, if I may say so. A winter rose, the most beautiful and delicate kind.’

She didn’t move or reply, her large green eyes with their thick black lashes set in skin so fine as to appear like a child’s staring at him, her mouth slightly moist.

He had never felt such burning desire as that which raced through him now, making him as hard as a rock, and he turned swiftly away before he took her into his arms and kissed her until she succumbed to his lovemaking. He didn’t look back as he left the house and once he had climbed into the horse and trap he saw she had shut the front door.

He sat for a moment, breathing hard, his eyes shut, and for the first time in years he uttered a prayer. ‘Let this be. Somehow, let this come to fruition,’ he said to a God in whom he had not believed since he was in the army and had witnessed what men could do to each other in the name of religion. ‘I’ll do whatever it takes and I’ll take on the lot of them’ – his social circle, his friends and family, and especially his mother – ‘if You mellow her feelings towards me.’