But Megan couldn’t imagine needing to use her money to fly back to England. Ben’s behaviour today had settled all her worries – well, most of them. She wasn’t stupid enough to think their marriage would be all roses and moonlight. There were bound to be difficulties as they learned each other’s ways and settled down. But a man who could be so kind and understanding would surely continue to make the necessary efforts to adjust to life together. As would she.

In fact, it would be a pleasure most of the time, she was sure.

Hope filled her, and joy, too. As they went outside to the limousine, the world seemed full of sunshine and light. This was her wedding day – and her groom was utterly gorgeous.

It was all going to work out for the best, she was quite sure of that.

After the wedding, which was held in a registry office with only the immediate family group and a friend of Ben’s present, they went to the hotel to rest before the evening party.

The brief ceremony had seemed very unreal to Megan. Did those few sentences spoken by a smiling stranger really turn her into Mrs Saunders? She didn’t feel very married yet.

She stared down at the ring they’d chosen. It hadn’t been difficult to find something pretty when money was no object, though Ben had been surprised when she chose a very simple engagement ring and insisted on him having a wedding ring, too. He was wearing it now. She glanced down at his hand, then at her own.

‘The rings look good, don’t they?’ he said as they sat together in the chauffeur-driven limousine. ‘I’m glad you insisted on my having one as well.’

They exchanged smiles and she reached out to hold his hand, sorry the hotel was so close. She could have driven like this for a long time.

Once they got there, they were enveloped in fuss which made everyone in the lobby stare at them.

He chuckled. ‘In the limelight again, Mrs Saunders.’

‘Yes.’

‘You shouldn’t look so beautiful.’

She felt beautiful in this dress, but she still couldn’t cope easily with the stares and attention. Sarah would have revelled in it, but Megan felt embarrassed by it.

She found the bridal suite at the hotel overwhelming in its sheer opulence. It was furnished with what looked like antiques, with paintings on the walls that must have cost a fortune. Two huge vases of flowers stood on small tables. What had those flowers cost? In fact – what was this suite costing? The thought made her feel uncomfortable.

When the concierge had gone, she and Ben explored the suite and she had to resist the urge to tiptoe around as if she had no right to be here.