Roz looked at the ceiling, blinking back tears of embarrassment. ‘It started as a little white lie to help a friend, but Bernie got hold of the wrong end of the stick and since then it’s just got worse, and I feel terrible. As for Felix, I’ve considered ending our relationship, I feel so bad about lying to him.’

Walking over to Roz, Mabel put her arms around her friend’s shoulders. ‘Don’t be daft. There’s no need to go that far – it’s not as if you and Bernie are in a relationship, or kissed or …’ She hesitated. Roz wasn’t agreeing with her. ‘Roz?’

Roz hastily shook her head. ‘I haven’t kissed him, but he does peck me on the cheek every now and then, and he takes me out for the odd meal and he doesn’t do that with anyone else.’

Mabel pulled an awkward face. ‘Oh dear, it sounds as if he’s taking things slowly, which means he’s serious about you.’ She squeezed Roz’s shoulders.

Roz looked even more miserable. ‘He is, and that’s what makes this even worse. He’s just assumed that me and Felix are over and that he’s the only suitor around.’ She sighed heavily. ‘What am I going to do, Mabel?’

‘Christmas!’ said Mabel.

Roz looked up, confused. ‘Sorry, what?’

‘Come and stay at the farm for Christmas – Felix can come too if he likes. Heulwyn said I should ask you both before I left, she said it would be fun, like last year, only this year Gethin will be there too. It’ll give you time away from Joyce, Suzie and Bernie, and when you go back you can tell Bernie that I invited Felix without your knowledge and you and Felix got reacquainted and as a result you’re now back together.’

Roz brightened. ‘That would be perfect, and it would look natural too.’ She smiled thankfully at her friend. ‘I knew you’d come through for me, you always do, just like Felix.’

Looking shy under such praise, Mabel gave a dismissive wave. ‘Don’t be daft. It’s easier to think when you’re on the outside looking in.’

‘Do you want to come to Hollybank and meet everyone?’ said Roz, feeling better about the situation.

Mabel laughed as she shook her head. ‘I think seeing me might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back as far as Suzie’s concerned.’

Roz grimaced. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. It’s a shame, though. Have you told your mum about Joyce?’

Hearing the kettle boil, Mabel got to her feet. ‘She was thrilled to hear that Joyce was alright, but worried about Suzie, especially after the bombings.’

‘I can understand why, it was terrible. I saw the coal merchant’s the morning after and it was still burning fiercely.’ Roz shuddered. ‘Do you think there was anything left of Lilith?’

Mabel gave a horrified gasp. ‘Roz! The thought hadn’t entered my mind, and I rather wish it hadn’t yours, because now I shan’t stop thinking about it …’ She stirred the tea in the pot, transfixed by the tea leaves. ‘What on earth made you think something so gruesome?’