Gilly’s hand was taken and she was dragged to stand in front of the cake next to William. She gave him an apologetic look and received a very amused one in return.

‘Right!’ said Daphne. ‘Cut the cake!’

The cry was taken up. ‘Cut the cake, cut the cake!’

Someone a bit more officious than the other guests came up with a proper camera and insisted on posing Gilly and William, both pairs of hands on the knife, looking at the camera before the first slice was cut.

‘I am so sorry about this,’ said William out of the corner of his mouth. ‘This is desperately embarrassing for you.’

‘I didn’t realise Daphne had organised a photographer.’ Gilly was talking out of the side of her mouth too.

‘Put your arm round her, William!’ called the photographer.

‘That isn’t an official photographer,’ he muttered. ‘I rather think he was in the gliding club at university. Haven’t seen him for about twenty years.’

‘But he came,’ said Gilly, remembering what Daphne had said.

‘Now could we get you to kiss?’ called the old friend from the university gliding club.

Gilly was expecting William to baulk at this but as the crowed joined in with the instruction, ‘Kiss, kiss,’ he put down the cake knife, took hold of her chin and kissed her.

She hardly heard the cheers that welcomed this as she accepted the kiss, which was short but full of intent.

‘I hope you don’t mind,’ said William afterwards. ‘Our public demanded it.’

‘I don’t mind at all,’ she said. ‘One should never disappoint one’s public.’

Daphne was in heaven. ‘I am so glad you two have got together! Some people may call me interfering but I call it helping love along!’ Then she moved away quickly, possibly sensing she’d gone too far.

‘I am so sorry!’ said William again. ‘I’ll go and explain. It’s one thing her interfering in my life but she mustn’t do it to you. I’ll tell her you’re with someone else.’

He started to go after Daphne.

It was now or never. Gilly caught hold of his jacket. ‘No! Don’t! I’m not with anyone.’

William stopped and then turned round slowly. Gilly was in agony, wondering if he would be embarrassed and awkward because he wanted her to be with someone. But when she saw he was smiling her panic subsided. His expression was amused and fond and, she realised, very pleased.

‘I’m so glad,’ he said. ‘Let’s go and find a drink. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time!’

‘Excellent plan!’ said Gilly. She could pick up her car tomorrow and go back on the minibus tonight.