But when the service was over and Rose walked down the aisle on Harry’s arm behind Daisy and Becket and heard the bells pealing out and the organ playing, she felt a rush of gladness that, despite the drunken singing, everything had gone smoothly.

She had a nervous moment at the reception when Daisy’s father, Bert Levine, insisted on making a speech. ‘I’d like ter say –’ he began.

‘Sit down, Dad,’ yelled one of Daisy’s small brothers. ‘You’re as pissed as a newt.’

The father rumbled round the table to where the offender was sitting and clipped him on the ear. Then he staggered back to the top table. Rose counted Daisy’s brothers and sisters: three boys and four girls. Mrs Levine must have a hard life, she thought. Daisy’s mother was a vast woman dressed in a purple velvet gown showing patches of wear.

‘As I was sayin’,’ said Bert, ‘our little Daisy ’as done us proud. As I was sayin’ . . .’ He suddenly looked around the room in a dazed way and then slowly keeled over, to be caught by Kerridge just before he hit the floor. Kerridge waved to two of the footmen, who rushed forward and pulled Bert into a corner, where he lay throughout the rest of the wedding breakfast, snoring loudly.

At the end of the proceedings, Daisy, followed by Hunter, retired to the cloakroom to be changed into her going-away clothes. Harry was paying for the honeymoon: two weeks in a grand hotel in Brighton.

They all trooped out to the car and carriages to see Daisy off Harry took the wheel to drive them to the station. Rose hugged Daisy and whispered, ‘Come and see me often. I’ll miss you so much.’

Daisy and Becket got into the car. The guests cheered. The car moved off. Scruffy children ran after it, shouting, ‘Hard up! Hard up!’ and Becket grinned and tossed pennies to them.

Rose watched until they were out of sight. Then Matthew Jarvis escorted her to one of the earl’s carriages. Madame Bailloux and Hunter got in with her. What am I going to do without Daisy? wondered Rose and tried not to cry.

* * *

Later that day, Matthew called on Rose brandishing a telegram. ‘Lord and Lady Hadshire are returning, my lady. They will be here in two days’ time.’

When Matthew had left, Madame Bailloux, who was sitting with Rose, said, ‘I may as well make my preparations to return to Paris. You will not need me any more.’

‘I am now in need of a companion,’ said Rose. ‘Would you consider the position?’

The Frenchwoman wanted very much to return home, but the thought of preserving her savings while she enjoyed free board was too tempting. ‘If your mama, the countess, agrees, I will stay for a little. Perhaps we should go to a theatre or some amusement tonight to lift the spirits. We have been confined to the house for quite a while.’