Glenys started to speak, then changed her mind. ‘It’s all right, I was only going to say you were right, as always,’ she said when Nain continued to look at her questioningly. ‘And don’t you dare start washing up; there are others to do that.’

Nain squeezed her hand. ‘And here comes Sam to reclaim his wife,’ she said gaily. ‘And don’t you dare start washing up, either! As you say, there are others to do that. And no dwelling on what Amelia said,’ she added warningly, as Sam came to a halt beside them. ‘The past is past: best left to itself.’ She smiled at the groom. ‘I’m just telling your new wife not to listen to gossip; she’ll soon learn it doesn’t pay, in the end.’

‘That’s right,’ Sam said. He looked curiously at Glenys. ‘What’s up? Don’t tell me nothing, because I know you!’

Glenys hesitated. She had meant to tell Sam that Amelia Griffiths had a daughter who had run away from home thirty-three years ago, and that said daughter might – just might – be her own mother. But she looked at Sam’s kind, generous face and saw in her mind’s eye the fat and spiteful face of Mrs Amelia Griffiths. Why should she risk spoiling things by telling Sam a story which was, in all probability, just rumour and gossip? She had thought, once, that finding her mother was important. Now she knew it was not. She had Sam, the children, a heap of good friends . . .

‘Well, Miss Innocence? What’s on your mind?’

‘I’m wondering how long it will be before we can say goodbye to our guests and go to our new home. I love Nain and Taid but I’ve never had a home of my own . . . Oh, Sam, I simply can’t wait!’

Sam kissed her neck and Glenys swivelled in his arms and kissed him back. ‘Dearest Sam,’ she said lovingly. ‘Let’s go and join Mo in the barn dance. She’s been practising the steps for weeks!’

‘Not going to tell me?’ Sam said jokingly. ‘Never mind. I’ll find out when we’re alone!’

Glenys smiled and nodded; perhaps she would tell Sam about the mysterious disappearance of fat Amelia’s daughter when they were alone, but she knew suddenly that she would do nothing of the sort. The future stretched ahead of her, sunny and enticing; why should she go spoiling it, even for a moment? Yesterday Sam had talked of their new life, and that meant no looking back. A new life was a good thing, a beautiful thing. Glenys gave a contented little murmur, then spoke aloud. ‘Come on, let’s go to the barn and show them how it’s done!’ she said against Sam’s neck. ‘Oh, Sam, we’re going to be so happy! And this year we can give the children a real family Christmas!’

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