“You’re right, it would.” Paula felt a surge of excitement. She didn’t get to do girly things much these days and certainly not with Rowena. “What about shoes?”

“Now that I’ve decided on the outfit I’ll have to go back for shoes. What do you think about a hat?” Rowena peered into the mirror over the mantelpiece and patted her hair.

“How will you do your hair?”

“The same way as always. I’ll get the hairdresser to try to tame it a bit for me.”

“I guess you could wear a hat.”

“You don’t like the idea?”

“I’m not sure. What about a fascinator? That’s not as ‘out there’,” Paula said, flapping her hands above her head. “Perhaps get the shoes and maybe a bag, then we can decide about the hat.”

Rowena stepped back from the mirror and tugged at the jacket. “I’ve never worn anything like this before,” she said. “Austin might not recognise me.”

“Like any bride on her wedding day, you’ll look absolutely gorgeous. Austin won’t be able to take his eyes off you.” Paula chuckled.

Rowena stiffened and her cheeks coloured. “Yes, well, I’d better get out of this before I get it grubby. Then I’ll make us a cup of tea.” She brushed lightly at the skirt. “Funny colour, latte,” she muttered as she left the room.

Paula put two hands on her tummy and pursed her lips together. “Well, well, well, little one,” she murmured, “your great-aunt Rowena is acting a little coy.”

Rowena had been secretly going out with Austin long before they announced they would marry. Paula recalled the beautiful negligees she’d seen in the drawer when she’d collected fresh sleepwear during Rowena’s bout of the ’flu. She’d assumed Rowena and Austin were lovers.

She went into the kitchen and switched on the kettle. There was a photo of Paula and Dan with Rowena and Austin on the fridge door. Paula looked at Austin’s rather pompous smile and gave a little shudder. It was hard to imagine but one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

“Good, you’ve put the kettle on.” Rowena bustled into the kitchen.

Paula stepped back from the fridge, afraid her thoughts would be written on her face. “Is there anything else I can help you with?” she said quickly.

“I don’t think so. I’ve made a list of things to be done between now and the wedding. Perhaps you could cast your eye over it and see if I’ve forgotten anything.”

“I’m happy to, but it should be my mother you consult,” Paula said. “With three weddings under her belt she’s the one who knows what needs to be done.”

“She’s a very organised woman, is Diane.” Rowena put a cup of tea on the table. “No doubt she’s looking forward to having you home for Christmas.”