‘D’ya like ’em, Auntie Peg?’ Ivy asked, excitedly waving her foot about. ‘Ain’t Sal clever? She made ’em all ’erself.’

‘They are gorgeous, and so are you, Ivy. That pink really suits you.’ She gave Ivy a gentle hug before turning to Sally. ‘My goodness, Sally, you’ve done the most marvellous job. You are such a clever girl.’

‘It’s always easy when the bride knows what she wants,’ replied Sally cheerfully. ‘I’ll be off home now to get changed. See you at the church.’

As the two girls went downstairs, Peggy eagerly stepped into the bedroom and gasped at the sight of Rita standing there looking so very beautiful that she could have stepped straight out of a fairy-tale book.

The sheath of white lace skimmed over her slender figure to the toes of her butterfly-studded white shoes, and pooled behind her in a short train. The neckline scooped from shoulder to shoulder with a scalloped edge, and the sleeves ended in an elegant point over her wrists.

On closer inspection, Peggy discovered there were tiny silver butterflies embroidered on the sleeves and hem which shimmered in the light. The delicate cloud of veil was tethered into her dark curls by the diamanté tiara Peter’s mother had sent from Australia, and Peter’s wedding gift of diamond earrings and necklace sparked fire at every beat of her heart.

‘Oh, Rita,’ Peggy managed, desperately trying not to cry. ‘You’re the most beautiful and regal bride I’ve ever seen. Fairy Queen Titania in all her glory couldn’t outshine you today.’

Rita shot her an impish grin. ‘I scrub up all right, don’t I? Do you think Peter will like it?’

‘Of course he will,’ breathed Peggy. ‘And consider himself the luckiest man in the world to have such a stunning bride. I still can’t believe that my little tomboy could be so elegant and feminine.’

Rita reached for Peggy’s hand. ‘I love you so much, and I can never repay you for everything you’ve done for me and Dad over the years. You don’t think too badly of me for deserting everyone, do you?’

Peggy took her gently into her arms and breathed in her delicate scent. ‘My darling girl, I could never think badly of you. You and Peter are on the brink of having the most marvellous future, and although I shall miss you dreadfully, I wish you all the happiness and success in the world.’ She touched her cheek to Rita’s for a moment and then drew back. ‘Do you want to have a word with Jack before you come down?’

Rita’s eyes were suspiciously bright, and her lower lip quivered as she nodded.

‘Remember, Rita,’ said Peggy softly. ‘You’re only allowed to shed happy tears today.’

She went downstairs to tell Jack he was needed and assure Ivy that she didn’t look fat and ugly, but really rather wonderful in the pink dress which made her skin glow and her eyes shine. She then put on her hat and checked there were plenty of handkerchiefs in her handbag; she and Cordelia always enjoyed a good cry at weddings.