‘Delaney’s in Singapore,’ she said excitedly. ‘He’s been here waiting for Sarah the whole time we’ve been up in Malaya. Elsa met him a few days ago, and from what he told her, I think Peggy may have had a hand in his being here.’ She clapped her hands and did a little dance. ‘Now he’s found her, I don’t expect we’ll see either of them for a couple of days.’

‘Delaney?’ said Sybil. ‘But I thought that was all over?’

‘It never really was, Mother,’ said Jane, going to sit beside her. ‘She only threw him over through a misguided sense of loyalty to Philip. But now they’re together again. Isn’t it wonderful?’

‘It’s disgraceful,’ snapped Sybil. ‘Philip’s barely cold in his grave, and she’s cavorting with some … some … American,’ she finished on a hiss. ‘Where are they? You must find them and bring her home. I simply won’t have it.’

Jane gave a sigh and took her mother’s hand. ‘I’m afraid it’s not really up to you, Mother,’ she said quietly. ‘Sarah’s a grown woman with a mind of her own. Delaney has come all this way to find her and now they’re together again, they’ll need time to talk and discuss future plans.’

Sybil’s sour expression revealed her disapproval.

Jane squeezed her fingers. ‘Remember how it was with you and Pops when you were first together?’ At her mother’s brief nod, Jane continued. ‘It’s the same for me and for Sarah. So please say you’re happy for us both.’

‘I don’t know what this world’s coming to,’ said Sybil stubbornly. ‘My mother would have had a fit if I’d carried on like you girls. We had standards back then. We didn’t sleep with someone until there was a wedding.’

Jane grinned, and then shot a glance at Jeremy who was looking very awkward as he stood in the doorway. ‘Talking of weddings,’ she said. ‘Jeremy and I thought we might have one here before you went back to Australia.’

Sybil relaxed suddenly and her eyes glistened with tears as she looked from Jane to Jeremy. ‘Oh, darlings, that would be wonderful,’ she breathed.

‘We’ll have to go through all the usual hoops, of course,’ Jane went on, ‘but we thought a December wedding would be perfect.’ She laughed delightedly as she looked across at Jeremy. ‘Who knows, we could even have a double celebration if Sarah and Delaney agree.’

‘Now you’re just being silly,’ said Sybil briskly. ‘I’ve yet to meet this American. He could be anyone for all I know, and most unsuitable.’

‘He’s the man Sarah has loved for some years,’ said Jane. ‘That’s all you really need to know about him.’

Sybil was to learn that Jane had been right. Her beautiful daughter was lovelier than ever when she came back the following day to introduce Delaney to them with such love and pride. He’d come as a welcome surprise, and not at all what she’d expected from an American, for he wasn’t loud and brash or flashing his money about – but quiet, thoughtful, and the most amusing and delightful company.