‘Wrong?’ said Joyce, looking surprised. ‘Why would it be wrong? You can’t help who you’re attracted to! If you acted upon your feelings without sorting things out with Felix first, then that would be out of order, but looking? Nah, there’s no harm in that.’

‘Then why do I feel like there is?’ said Roz miserably. She looked up guiltily. ‘I remember my mother talking about a woman who lived down our street. Her husband had been having an affair and my mother said he couldn’t have loved her in the first place otherwise he’d not have eyes for anyone else. That’s why it’s wrong!’

Seeing tears begin to form in her friend’s eyes, Joyce hastened to Roz’s side. ‘Don’t be so silly,’ she soothed. ‘There’s a world of difference between finding someone attractive and being in love with them. I wish I hadn’t opened my big mouth; I didn’t realise you felt so strongly …’

‘That’s the problem,’ said Roz, fishing her handkerchief from her trouser pocket. ‘I love Felix with all my heart, but every time I see Bernie, my feelings get brought into question. I love being with him, spending time together; he makes me laugh, and he’s so caring, Joyce,’ she put her head in her hands, ‘which is why I’m so confused.’

Joyce eyed her sternly. ‘I like Bernie, very much so, but I can’t help thinking he has a hidden agenda, first casting aspersions on your relationship with Felix, which was none of his business, especially as he barely knew you, then making sure he spends as much time with you as possible so that he can get his feet under the table as it were!’

Roz rolled her eyes despairingly. ‘Only how can he cause me to doubt my feelings for Felix if I really love him?’

‘Because he’s used to getting what he wants, and he wants you!’ Placing her arm around Roz’s shoulder, she softened her tone. ‘Don’t let him get under your skin, Roz.’

‘What should I do?’ Roz sniffed.

‘Stop listening to Bernie for a start.’ Joyce jerked her head in the direction of the pigs. ‘We can figure this out whilst we see to the pigs.’ They got the wheelbarrows and forks and headed for the pigsties. Opening the door, Joyce held up the board which stood beside the wall and herded the pigs into an empty pen so that they might continue their work interrupted.

‘Whoever thought having the affections of two men would be so difficult?’ said Roz as she sifted the manure out of the straw.

Laughing, Joyce pointed at herself. ‘Me!’

‘I often wish I’d never met Bernie,’ Roz admitted. ‘I was happy with Felix before, or at least I thought I was.’