The other man shrugged. ‘I have no idea. They haven’t been seen together outside the Anchor before yesterday.’ The heavy hand again pressed down on Ron’s shoulder. ‘Look, I’m sorry, old pal, but you must see that a good-looking woman like Rosie is bound to have her admirers. Perhaps she only went out with him because she wanted to get her own back on you seeing Gloria yesterday.’

‘I did not go to the Crown to see Gloria,’ Ron protested. ‘I was there drinking with Frank and the boy.’

‘Aye, that might be the case, but gossip has it you and Gloria were sparking like fireworks.’ Bert leant closer. ‘We both know there’s no love lost between Gloria and Rosie, and the very fact you were in there would be enough to cause trouble. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, Ron. You should know that by now.’

‘That’s not Rosie’s way,’ Ron muttered, although he was beginning to have his doubts. ‘If she had something to say she’d come out with it straight – not go off with another man behind me back.’

He could see from Bert’s expression that he wasn’t convinced. Heaving a sigh, he shook his head. ‘I rather liked Major Radwell. Thought he was a decent sort. It goes to show how wrong I was, doesn’t it?’

‘Don’t jump to conclusions, Ron,’ the other man cautioned. ‘It’s never wise and often makes things worse.’

‘I suppose I’d best go home then,’ Ron mumbled.

‘See that you do,’ warned Bert. ‘I don’t want to hear there’ve been fisticuffs between you and the Major.’

‘You and Rosie might not think much of me at the moment, but I’d never stoop that low,’ Ron said bitterly.

‘I know you wouldn’t dream of it usually, Ron. But when matters of the heart are involved, common sense flies out of the window.’

‘To be sure, Bert, I’m thinking if I had an ounce of sense I’d not be in this predicament now.’ Ron shook his head dolefully and then brightened with hope. ‘I don’t suppose anyone’s reported seeing two ferrets, have they?’

‘Sorry, Ron. I’d have told you if they had.’ He looked suitably sympathetic. ‘It seems you’re having a rather bad day, old chum.’

‘You can say that again,’ muttered Ron.

He dragged a reluctant Harvey out of the alleyway and headed back towards Beach View, aware that his old pal was watching his every move. Yet, as he reached the junction, he couldn’t resist looking down towards the seafront – and saw Rosie walking up the steep hill with Monty and the Major.

Slipping into the deep shadows of the bombed-out house on the corner, he stilled Harvey and held tightly to his collar to stop him rushing off to greet his pup.