She shook her head sadly. ‘The Nazis, Kristallnacht …’ she placed the remainder of her bun back onto the plate, ‘… they were forced out, nothing left, and no one’s seen the Abrahams – they were the owners – since.’

‘Perhaps they tried to escape, like you and your family?’ Felix suggested.

‘Maybe,’ agreed Roz, before polishing off the rest of her bun. Feeling fuller than she had in a long time, she gazed around her. Blacklers was very much like many of the department stores she once knew in Frankfurt, or at least how they used to be before the soldiers and their dominating presence took over. ‘They’ve got no idea, have they?’ she said, looking at their fellow diners. ‘What it’s like to live under the Nazi regime, I mean.’

Felix followed her gaze to a group of women, chattering away and laughing happily. ‘Let’s hope they never do,’ he said solemnly, before turning his attention back to Roz. ‘They’re lucky, and I don’t know what will happen to our friends or family, but I do know that I’m very grateful to be here, with you.’

Roz blushed a little. ‘Me too, and stuff that silly saleswoman. I’ve dealt with Nazi soldiers, so the likes of her don’t even register,’ adding, ‘or at least, not when you’re with me.’

He grinned at her. ‘That’s how it should be. Ignore the ones who look down their noses at you, their opinion is worthless.’ He drained the last of the tea in his cup and stood up. ‘Ready?’

Roz nodded. ‘This has been lovely, Felix, thank you.’

Taking her arm in his, he placed his hand over hers. ‘My pleasure. We’ll have to do this more often, and next time you come it won’t be in dungarees but a pretty frock.’

Her brow furrowed with uncertainty. ‘I haven’t got a pretty frock.’

He patted her hand. ‘You will have. Come on, I’ll take you to the market on Great Charlotte Street.’

Roz shook her head. ‘There’s no point. How will I explain to the Haggartys where I got it from? Besides, Callum’ll only make me hand it over and go and sell it down the pub.’

Felix stuck his chin out in a determined manner. ‘No, they won’t! Because I’m coming back with you, and I shall tell them that I bought it for you, and if they even think about taking it from you, they’ll have me to answer to!’

Roz looked doubtful. ‘I appreciate what you’re saying, but Callum’s not the sort to scare easily, and I wouldn’t want to see it comes to blows over a dress.’

‘You could always keep it at mine, or at Mabel’s. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.’