Ruby had changed greatly since she had returned from the asylum and thankfully now that terrible time was a distant memory. Her hair, which today was piled into rich red curls on the top of her head, was once more waist-length and her figure had filled out. Admittedly she would never be tall and stately, but today she held herself erect and looked, Oscar thought, like royalty. Gently he offered his arm and almost bursting with pride he led her out to the carriage, which had been adorned with ivory ribbons. The new groom tipped his hat respectfully and as he helped her into the carriage, he dared to whisper, ‘You look beautiful, miss.’

‘Thank you, Frank.’ When she smiled he blushed.

Now that Bill had completed his apprenticeship he was working in Mr Pembroke’s shop in the jewellery quarter, although all that would change after today. As a wedding present, Oscar had bought them a small shop in Nuneaton with living rooms above it where they would live and work. Tradesmen were working in it even now and soon they would start their own little jewellery shop. Ruby was sure that with her designing the jewellery and Bill’s skill as a goldsmith they would make a go of it.

But she wasn’t thinking of that today, she was thinking of Bill, the man she loved, who was waiting at the church for her.

‘Now, you are quite sure about this, aren’t you, my dear?’ Oscar asked as he squeezed her hand. ‘It isn’t too late to change your mind, you know?’

Ruby giggled. ‘I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,’ she answered, her face radiant. Then in a gentler tone she added, ‘And thank you so much for all you’ve done to make it such a special day. I’m afraid it must have cost you an awful lot of money.’

‘It doesn’t matter what it cost, you’re worth every penny to me and your mother. And why wouldn’t I want the best for you?’ There was a trace of sadness in his voice. ‘You’re the only daughter I’m ever going to walk down the aisle, after all.’

It had shocked them all the year before when Lydia had got in touch to tell them that Miranda had eloped with an Irish fellow who had been doing some jobs on Lord Chumley’s mansion. The last they had heard of her she was living with him and his parents in Ireland. Deep down, Oscar hoped that she might make contact with him again one day – she was still his daughter after all – but he was determined that today should be Ruby and Bill’s own, so he would try not to think of his sorrow over the daughter he had lost.

‘I wonder if little James and baby Mathilda will behave in church?’ he pondered, and they both grinned.