Inge sighed ruefully. ‘We decided it would be best if we travelled alone, under false identities. Your father was meant to board the same train as me but not at the same time, only when I got off in Holland there was no sign of him. I searched the platform, but nothing.’ Inge gave her daughter a reassuring smile. ‘The Nazis are always pulling people off trains, just to be awkward, which is why we had a backup plan. If either of us got left behind they would return to the farm, whilst the other continued on to England.’

Roz breathed again. ‘So what now?’

‘He’ll lie low for a few days then try again.’ She smiled. ‘Wild horses won’t stop him from seeing his bubala. You mark my words, your father will be with us before the year is out.’

Roz nodded thoughtfully. ‘I see, only how did you meet Felix?’

‘The plan was to head straight for Liverpool, so that’s what I did. It was in Lime Street Station that I met this one.’ She smiled at Felix.

Felix locked eyes with Roz. ‘I was waiting for the train when I thought I saw you standing a little further along the platform, only instead of being in wellies and dungarees you were dressed in a smart suit. I walked over to get a better look, and it was you, just a few years older. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Then it struck me, either you had a doppelgänger, or I was looking at your mother.’

Inge placed her arm around Felix’s shoulders. ‘He came over and asked if I was Mrs Sachs. At first I was reluctant to answer, for obvious reasons, but there was something so honest about him and he spoke with such urgency and concern, I decided to be truthful, and what a good job I did, because Felix knew exactly what to do. He took me straight to the Liver Building, where we spoke to Mr Garmin. He was wonderful. A real godsend. He said he’d keep an eye out for your father and let him know where we were, should he turn up.’

Felix took up the rest of the tale. ‘Seeing as we’d missed the train for Wales, he arranged for us to get a lift with a pal of his, and here we are.’

It was at this point that Heulwyn called them down for their dinner. As the others left the room ahead of them, Felix held a hand across Roz’s path, his brow raised. ‘A quick word?’

She nodded. ‘Me first. I’m so sorry, Felix …’ She hushed as he placed a finger to her lips.

‘Let’s not dwell on the past. If anyone should be sorry, it’s me for letting my stupid pride get in the way.’