‘Yes, I am!’ said Roz. ‘Because I know that me and Bernie don’t stand a chance, because I’m in love with Felix, speaking of whom, Felix would be furious if he thought I was leading Bernie on.’

‘He’ll never find out,’ said Joyce. ‘It’s not for ever, you’ll be able to tell him the truth …’

Roz pointed an accusing finger, cutting Joyce off mid-sentence. ‘The truth! So you admit I’d be lying!’

Joyce shuffled awkwardly in her seat. ‘Fibbing, or if you prefer, a white lie,’ she said, keeping her eyes averted from Roz’s, ‘but one little fib might mean I get my daughter back, because once she’s learned the ropes, she’ll have had time to calm down, and she might even forgive me.’ A tear rolled down her cheek. ‘Please, Roz, I know it’s not the right thing to do, but it really is only a little fib, and Felix will never find out. What can be the harm?’

‘Bernie,’ said Roz simply. ‘It would be unfair to lead him on when I know there will be nothing between us, deceitful even.’

Adele looked at Joyce, then Roz. ‘It won’t be for long, and think of the good that could come of it. That poor girl has lost everything, her grandmother, her father. She’s only just got her mother back – does she really need to lose her too?’

Hearing Suzie being described as a poor girl would normally not sit well with Roz, but under the circumstances? Sighing heavily, she nodded, causing Joyce to clap her hands with joy. ‘Only I’m not promising anything,’ said Roz. ‘I’m no liar, nor a fibber, and if he sees through me it’s not my fault, never mind the fact he might not even go for it!’

Leaping up from her seat, Joyce went round the table, gripped Roz in a firm embrace and kissed her on the cheek. ‘All you can do is try.’

Nodding ruefully, Roz walked into the bedroom. ‘I’ll put my things away, then get straight on to it.’

Outside Rose Cottage, Suzie beat a hasty retreat before she was caught eavesdropping. She had wondered how she might get her revenge on Roz, and the answer had fallen straight into her lap. She wasn’t too sure what she would do with the information yet, but hearing how upset Felix would be if he knew Roz was lying to another man about their relationship was certainly a good starting point.

Knowing that Bernie would be on his way back from the milk round, Roz walked down the drive to greet him. If she was going to fib, she’d rather nobody else witnessed it. Hearing the familiar clip-clop of Goliath’s hooves against the tarmacadam road, she peered round the corner. Seeing her watching him, Bernie called out as he waved enthusiastically. ‘Did you miss me?’

She smiled. ‘Whatever gave you that idea?’

‘You’re waiting for me, so I’m guessing you just couldn’t wait to see my handsome face,’ chuckled Bernie.