‘There’s nothing wrong with having feelings.’ She was still looking up at him and he bent towards her and kissed her softly on the lips, and for the very first time she found herself responding. He could never take the place of Richard but perhaps there was a future ahead for them after all.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Early in August, Emma sat with Holly and Ivy in the drawing room speaking of her forthcoming trip to Venice. She had blossomed since her marriage and anyone could see that she and Walter adored each other.

‘I can’t believe that it’s only a few more days until we go,’ she said, her eyes shining. ‘I did try to persuade Walter to let Florence and Katie come with us but he wouldn’t hear of it. He says we’ll share all the rest of our holidays with the children but this one is just for us. He really is so considerate.’

Holly and Ivy exchanged an amused smile. Emma was clearly very happy and that made them happy.

The door opened then and Walter and Gilbert appeared.

‘Oh, darling, I was just telling the girls about where we’re hoping to visit while we’re in Venice and …’ Emma’s voice trailed away as she saw the grave expressions on the men’s faces.

‘Is there something wrong?’ she asked.

It was her father who nodded. ‘I’m afraid so, my dear. The prime minister, Herbert Asquith, has just announced that we are now officially at war with Germany.’

Emma’s hand flew to her mouth. ‘Oh no, surely not?’

‘I’m afraid it’s true, my darling,’ Walter told her solemnly. ‘And in light of this I think we should postpone our honeymoon until we know what’s going to happen. I wouldn’t wish to take you anywhere you might be in any danger.’

‘Apparently people are already surging through London gathering outside Downing Street and Buckingham Palace singing the national anthem,’ her father went on. ‘Recruitment centres are being set up all across the country even as we speak and all young men are being encouraged to enlist. Germany invaded Belgium this morning on their way to Paris so sadly the fighting has already started.’

Unable to take it in, Emma shook her head as she thought of Marcus. She had already grown very fond of Walter’s children. ‘But what about Marcus?’

Walter shrugged, his face pale. ‘I would much rather he didn’t enlist unless he had to,’ he admitted. ‘But he must make his own mind up and I shall stand by his decision. He’s a young man now, after all.’

It was Ivy who paled now. She and Marcus had grown quite close but it was only when she thought of him possibly going to fight that she realised just how much he had come to mean to her.

‘I’ll talk to him. He won’t go if I ask him not to,’ she said in a wobbly voice but Walter wasn’t so sure.

‘We’ll have to wait and see what his decision is,’ he said quietly, then he turned to his wife. ‘Are you ready, darling? I think I’d like to get home now.’