‘Told you he was nice,’ said Mabel. ‘Follow me and I’ll show you what’s what – not that there’s a lot to it – and I’ll introduce you to the girls whilst I’m about it.’

Roz’s first day in the laundry simply flew by and she couldn’t believe it when Mabel came to tell her that it was time for home.

‘It can’t be!’ said Roz. ‘It doesn’t seem like five minutes since we had lunch!’

Mabel grinned. ‘They say time flies when you’re having fun! Come on!’

Getting their coats, they bade the rest of the girls goodbye. As they made their way outside Roz was delighted to see that Felix was waiting for her. He held up a bag and grinned.

‘What’s that?’ she asked, eyeing the bag inquisitively.

‘A picnic!’ said Felix. ‘I thought we could take it to St George’s Hall, and you could tell me all about your first day in the laundry.’

‘What a lovely idea,’ said Roz.

Mabel tied the belt on her coat. ‘I wish someone would whisk me off for a romantic picnic. See you tomorrow, Roz; ta-ra, Felix!’

Roz very much wanted to correct her friend, to reaffirm that she and Felix were just good friends, but Mabel had gone, and Felix was holding out the crook of his arm expectantly. With no one to explain to, she threaded her arm through his, and together they made their way through the streets of Liverpool.

‘So,’ said Felix, ‘how was your day?’

‘Wonderful!’ replied Roz. ‘The girls are so friendly and cheerful, and everyone has a good natter whilst they work. It’s completely different to working with the Haggartys. I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time I was there, and I couldn’t believe it when Mabel came to tell me it was time to go home.’

‘Good. You deserve a break after all you’ve been through, and whilst you live with me I’m going to make sure that you smile every day.’ Felix indicated the gates leading into the grounds of the hall. ‘Do you remember the first time I brought you here?’

She nodded. ‘It was after all that business with my necklace. We’d been to see Goodbye, Mr Chips – it was the first film I’d seen since I left Germany – and when it finished you treated me to fish and chips, and after that we went for a stroll through the grounds. I remember thinking how sad it was that Suzie would probably never go to the cinema, or enjoy a moonlit stroll.’

‘Always thinking of others,’ said Felix, ‘that’s what I lo … like about you.’

Roz faltered mid-step. It sounded very much as though Felix had been about to say love then changed it to like. She looked up at him, but his face remained impassive and she decided that she must have misheard and allowed him to lead her over to the bench by the stone lions where they sat down. Felix opened the bag and shot her an inquisitive glance. ‘Sarnie or pasty?’