‘Oh, I know all that,’ Mo said impatiently. ‘But you’re going to get married tomorrow so I still don’t understand . . .’

Sam put down his darning, bit the end off the wool and grinned at Mo. ‘Sorry, poppet, it was a daft thing to say,’ he said remorsefully. ‘I think the best way of putting it is to say that the past few weeks, with both of us living at Weathercock Farm, have tried our patience somewhat. We were living together without being able to behave as married people. Does that satisfy you?’

Mo thought for a moment and then spoke with her usual devastating directness. ‘Do you mean you can’t sleep in the same bed together? That’s the only thing which will change tomorrow, isn’t it? And if I’m right . . .’

Glenys decided it was time to put her oar in. ‘You know too much, young lady,’ she said severely. ‘And if you’ve nearly finished the braiding on the rug you might nip upstairs and try on your bridesmaid dress. It’s hanging on the door in our bedroom. And try the satin slippers on as well; they’re in the wardrobe by the . . .’

‘I know, I know, and I’ll be down again in two ticks,’ Mo gabbled. ‘I wish you could try your dress on too, but Dad might see and that would be bad luck. Oh, how I’m looking forward to tomorrow! Though of course I’ll miss you, because Nain and Taid say I’m not to go down to the cottage for two whole weeks. Taid says it’s the nearest you’ll come to a honeymoon, whatever that may mean . . .’

But the rest of her remarks were lost as she ran up the stairs, still chattering gaily.

Glenys and Sam exchanged a speaking glance and Sam blew out his cheeks in a long whistle. ‘Phew! That kid’s too knowing by half,’ he observed. ‘But living on a farm with all the animals around, it would be strange if she didn’t know the facts of life.’ He sighed and stretched luxuriously. ‘Oh, well! Come and sit on my lap so I can give you a cuddle.’

Glenys got to her feet, but before she could take up Sam’s invitation the back door opened and Nain and Taid came into the kitchen. Glenys hastily went over to the Aga and pulled the kettle over the flame, promising the newcomers a cup of tea just as soon as the kettle boiled. ‘Mo’s gone upstairs to try on her bridesmaid dress,’ she said rather awkwardly. ‘She’ll be down in a minute.’

Nain laughed. ‘She’s only had it on a hundred times since that woman agreed to lend it to her,’ she said. ‘She’s been queening it over the rest of her class for weeks. I keep pointing out that everyone in the school will rush out at eleven o’clock to watch the bride coming out of church – and you, Sam – but she still wants a promise from all her pals that they’ll make sure her teacher is there to cheer her on.’