He raised his chin, his moustache twitching as he battled to hold back his emotions. ‘He is very lucky man to have found such a beautiful woman in Rita, and I hope that one day I shall be as lucky.’

His gaze trawled the room and settled momentarily on Danuta, who dipped her chin, furious to be picked out like that, and even more furious at herself for blushing like a stupid schoolgirl.

‘I know Peter will soon take Rita home with him to Australia, and our hearts will be sad. But they have so much love between them they will have a wonderful life there.’ He blinked away his tears and turned to Ivy who was sitting next to him at the top table.

‘Ivy, you have been best and most loving friend of Rita for long time, and she loves you very much. Today you are most beautiful bridesmaid, and your baby will be just as lovely I am sure.’

He gazed down to the three little girls sitting so obediently with Anne and Martin. ‘Rose, Emily and Daisy, you are so pretty and sweet – and one day it will be your turn to be a bride. I hope you remember this day for all the love and happiness that surrounds you.’

He picked up his champagne glass. ‘I ask you to raise your glasses to Ivy and our sweet little bridesmaids, and to wish them a long life and much happiness.’

Everyone got to their feet and enthusiastically responded, and Peggy noticed that Stanislaw’s face was streaked with tears. My goodness, she thought. I never realised how emotional he was – but then Aleksy had been the same, the tears of joy and sorrow never far away.

Jack Smith got to his feet. ‘Thank you, Stan,’ he said, handing him a clean handkerchief, to everyone’s amusement. He went on to thank everyone for coming and to offer his congratulations to the chef and staff for the excellent meal, and to the club chairman for allowing them to celebrate today in their magnificent function room.

‘I always knew this day would come,’ he went on more soberly. ‘And have secretly dreaded it, for Rita’s always been my little girl, and I rather selfishly wanted to keep her to myself. But now the day is here, and I see my daughter looking so radiant, and clearly deeply in love, I could wish no more for her.’

He reached for his glass, and his voice was unsteady as he continued. ‘Peter, I have entrusted my most precious girl to your care, and I know you will love and cherish her as I have done. I wish you both joy and great success in your new life, and may all your tears be happy ones.’

There was barely a dry eye in the room as they toasted the bride and groom, and Peggy rather suspected she’d managed to cry away most of her make-up.

Peter responded to Jack’s short speech, thanking him for his support, and once again offering him the chance to go with them to Australia – which Jack cheerfully refused. Then he raised his glass to toast his bride, and promised once again to love and cherish her to the very end of his days.