‘Of course!’ Daphne turned her attention to Helena. ‘My, you’re a pretty girl, aren’t you?’

Gilly looked at her daughter through a stranger’s eyes. She had tonged her long hair so it came over her shoulder in ordered curls. She wore a simple dress – an old favourite – and ballet flats. She was wearing mascara and a bit of lipstick and looked, to Gilly’s entirely biased eyes, beautiful. And at her side was Jago, who, although he wasn’t wearing his suit, looked kind and handsome and just the man she would have chosen for her daughter (if the matter had anything to do with her). Gilly appreciated him deeply for being who he was. She’d have loved him if he’d been wearing budgie smugglers and a snorkel to her party.

Daphne patted Gilly’s arm. ‘Lovely young couple, darling. You’re so lucky.’

‘Yes I am,’ said Gilly, feeling lucky until her son came into her mind and she felt just a little bit sad. ‘Now, where are you going to sit?’

‘Isn’t there a seating plan?’ Daphne was put out by this basic mistake.

‘Well, no, we thought people would just—’

‘Don’t worry about it, darling. I’ll organise it.’ Daphne clapped her hands. ‘People! Follow me!’

Other guests began to arrive and the enclave of hat-wearing aunties was less prominent. But they still looked like a flock of exotic parakeets on an English bird table.

William and Gilly found they couldn’t go and sit down themselves for a while, so many people wanted to congratulate them, which, Gilly realised, was really a chance for one set of friends to get a look at their friend’s chosen partner. Gilly was glad to see the chaps from the gliding club, whom she knew.

‘You’re looking very lovely, my dear,’ said one. ‘We’re all so pleased that William has found the right girl at last. One who can join in with his hobby and not resent it. And you won’t regret your choice either. Salt of the earth is our William.’

‘I’m sure I won’t,’ said Gilly, smiling happily. ‘He’s perfect.’

‘Not sure I’m perfect, darling,’ said William, overhearing, ‘I don’t wash up very thoroughly.’

‘It’s OK,’ said Gilly, preparing to greet the next guest, ‘I have a dishwasher.’

People had mostly gone to the buffet and sat down again, the waiters had filled glasses, fetched water and made sure that Daphne’s little crew got cups of tea. William looked at Gilly. ‘Time for a quick speech?’

‘Do we have to?’

‘Just a very short one,’ said William. ‘I think we should.’

‘But you haven’t got any food yet!’ said Jago. ‘I’ll get you both some. If you go, you’ll never get back to your seats.’