‘I think my toes have turned to ice,’ said Mabel as she removed her wellies and headed for the fire. ‘I’m going to have chilblains on chilblains at this rate.’

‘It wouldn’t have been so bad had you not jumped into that drift,’ said Roz, wagging a reproving finger, although she was smiling as she did so. ‘How old are you?’

Mabel grinned. ‘Young enough to have a bit of fun, but too old to get this cold!’ She glanced at Gethin who had come into the kitchen, stamping his feet to get rid of the snow, something which Heulwyn strongly objected to.

‘Do that outside the house, not in!’ she exclaimed. She was carrying a tray containing three mugs of cocoa.

Roz grinned as she saw Mabel hastily stowing her wellingtons out of sight.

Heulwyn placed the tray on the table and instructed them to help themselves to a mug. ‘The chicken’ll be another half-hour yet, so you’ve time for a wash and change before I serve up.’

‘Cocoa first, though,’ said Mabel. Taking a long sip, she smacked her lips with satisfaction. ‘Ooh, that hits the spot.’

‘Best cocoa in Wales,’ agreed Gethin. Sitting down on one of the chairs which flanked the fireplace, he gestured for Mabel to sit on his knee.

Taking the seat opposite, Roz held her triple-socked toes up to the fire. ‘I wonder what Felix is doing right now.’

Mabel was about to speak when someone knocked on the door. Grinning, she jumped off Gethin’s lap and headed over to the small window at the side of the parlour door, lifting the curtain slightly so that she could see without being seen. The smile instantly vanished from her lips. ‘It’s a woman! I’ve never seen her before.’

The woman knocked again.

‘Are you going to open the door, or do you want me to?’ said Gethin, as Mabel continued to peer through the gap in the curtains. ‘It’s hardly in keeping with the Christmas spirit to leave someone on the doorstep.’

Roz got to her feet. ‘We’re never going to know who she is if we don’t answer the door. Honestly, Mabel, there are easier ways to find out who’s calling …’ As she spoke she opened the door. The woman, who looked as though she was about to walk away, turned to face her.

Much to Gethin and Mabel’s alarm, Roz staggered back from the door, her hand clasped to her mouth.

‘What’s wrong?’ said Mabel. ‘Is it summat to do with Felix? Is it …’ She got no further, for Roz, to Mabel’s astonishment, had rushed forward, taking the stranger in a tight embrace.

Tears flowing down her cheeks, they heard her say just one word: ‘Mama!’ before collapsing.

When Roz came to, she was surprised to find herself lying fully clothed on her bed, with Mabel looking down at her, with concern.