Dear Roz

I’m so sorry we didn’t tell you about the Dunera, but we had no idea whether Felix had been involved in any of the unpleasantness and didn’t wish to upset you unnecessarily. With hindsight we should have realised you would find out eventually, which of course is worse than if we had just been straight from the start. We have been as worried as you, but hoped that no news was good news, and as luck would have it, it turned out we were right. We received a letter from Felix just two days ago, saying that he would be returning to serve in His Majesty’s army! Of course we were over the moon to hear that not only was he alright, but that he was coming home! I have written back with your address but it’s quite probable that he will be halfway back to Blighty before it reaches him. However, he knows where we are, and we’re certain he’ll pop round as soon as he docks, so we’ll pass it on to him then.

I hope this brings you some comfort, and I’m terribly sorry if we worried you unduly. We know you’ve heard about the bombings, but thankfully they aren’t as bad as they are in other parts of the country …

Having read the most important part, Roz tucked the letter back into its envelope. She would read the rest later in bed. A small, happy smile formed on her cheeks. Felix was coming home!

CHAPTER SIX

December 1940

When Felix arrived at Alan and Bill’s house he already knew that Roz was no longer living at the flat, and was hoping he might find her back with the carters, so was disappointed to learn that she was living on a farm in North Wales.

‘How far away is that?’ he asked, his brow furrowing as he tried to place Wales on the map of Britain in his mind’s eye.

Alan laughed. ‘Far enough, and Roz is smack bang in the middle of the mountains, so not easy to get to, although I’ve only ever been to Rhyl myself, so maybe I’m no expert.’

‘Do you think I’d have time to get there and back before my training?’ said Felix, his voice laced with hope.

Alan looked to his father, who had a better knowledge of the Welsh countryside.