The crowd laughed, stood, and some began to filter out, so I got up to join them. I hovered by the steps at the door, unsure whether to go and join Michael who was busy with the photographer, or whether to go over to the pub.

‘Bea, what a treat to see you here,’ said a man’s voice behind me. ‘Bride or groom’s side?’

I turned to see Stuart. I looked around for Janet but she’d moved away and was walking towards the pub with one of the female guests.

‘Neither, really. I’m a plus one for an old friend.’ I pointed over at Michael. ‘Michael invited me. Melanie’s his niece.’

‘Ah, yes, him, he’s the chap from your past, isn’t he? It turns out he’s Rob’s brother. Did you know Rob, Melanie’s dad?’

I shook my head. ‘No. Did you?’

‘Rob was one of my oldest friends. Sadly he died before he could see his daughter married. I know how much he’d have wanted to be here today, which is why I volunteered to help organize things with Michael’s help.’

‘Oh, so you’ve met Michael?’

‘Just met recently. Both of us wanted to make things easier for Jess, Rob’s widow. It’s a bittersweet occasion for her, I think. A happy day to see Melanie married but so sad Rob isn’t here.’ He offered me his arm. ‘Shall we go on?’

I took his arm and looked over my shoulder to see if Michael was still busy. He was but looked over and gave me the thumbs-up.

*

Once inside the pub, Stuart was soon swept away by old friends, and I stood for a moment, uncertain who to talk to and feeling very much like the gate-crasher. Luckily Janet noticed me and came over to say hello.

‘How did the move go?’ I asked.

‘Fine, fine – loads to do still, obviously.’

‘It will be a long way for Stuart to travel though, won’t it?’

‘Long way? What do you mean?’

‘His office in Highgate. Or will he be giving that up? I suppose accountants can work from anywhere these days.’

Janet was staring at me oddly. ‘Hasn’t he told you?’

‘Told me what?’

‘You might as well know, people soon will. Probably not the word to say at a wedding, but it begins with D.’

‘D?’

‘Divorce, darling,’ she said.

‘Oh. I am sorry.’

‘Don’t be. No need. Best thing for both of us. Should have done it years ago.’ She saw someone she knew on the other side of the room, waved and went over to join them.