‘No!’ snapped Roz. ‘I did it for Joyce,’ she hesitated, ‘but now you mention it, then yes, I also did it for Suzie. I know she can be spiteful, horrid, vicious even, but I also know what it’s like to lose your parents, and if I had the slightest chance of finding mine I’d be over the moon, but Suzie’s too immature to know what’s good for her, which is why I stepped in, because I knew that given time she’d change her mind but we’re at war, so it might be too late by then…’

‘When are you going to stop thinking of others and start thinking of yourself?’ said Felix. ‘And what about me?’ he added bitterly. ‘Did I even cross your mind, or didn’t I matter?’

Roz stared at him aghast. ‘Of course you crossed my mind, and you matter more than anyone else!’

‘Well, you’ve a funny way of showing it …’ Felix began, before the guard calling for all passengers to get aboard cut him short. With an exasperated sigh, Felix headed for the carriage, with a relieved Roz following close behind. At least he was still coming to Betwys-y-Coed, and she could explain everything in greater detail once they were on board.

They entered the carriage and Felix stowed her luggage beneath the seat before taking his own bag and slinging it over his shoulder. Seeing the look of despair on her face, he shook his head. ‘I’m sorry, Roz, but I can’t come with you, not under the circumstances.’

Fresh tears brimming in her eyes, Roz pleaded with him. ‘Please, Felix, don’t do this. I love you.’

Smiling ruefully, he cupped the side of her cheek with his hand. ‘And I love you too, that’s why it hurts so much to know you ever doubted your love for me.’ He kissed her on the top of her head, the tears shining in his eyes. ‘I get why you did what you did, but I have to ask myself whether you’d have done that if you really loved me.’ He placed a finger to her lips as she opened her mouth to protest. ‘I have to make sure in my heart, Roz, and I can’t do that if I’m with you.’ He kissed her softly on the lips as the tears rolled down her cheeks. ‘I’ll be in touch’ were his final words as he left the carriage.