‘Can I ask Jenny to our New Year dinner?’ Matt said, as he watched his mother working on the seating plan.

‘Of course, Matt. That would be lovely.’

‘And can I ask Emma Holdsworth?’ John asked.

‘Indeed you can, John.’ His father nodded approval. ‘Charming girl. So that’s who you’ve been seeing on the quiet.’

Louise gazed at each of her sons in turn, and then settled on Luke. ‘And have you found a girlfriend you would like to bring?’

‘Not me,’ he laughed.

‘Ah, well.’ She looked down at her pad, a smile hovering on her lips. ‘That will leave you free to deal with Gloria Tremain.’

There was a collective groan from the brothers.

‘Do you think Jenny will come if Gloria’s here?’ Louise looked doubtful. ‘She knows her, doesn’t she?’

‘It won’t bother her,’ Matt said confidently. ‘She was only frightened of meeting her when she was hiding her identity. That doesn’t matter now.’

‘I’m so pleased everything has worked out well for her at last.’ Their father poured himself a brandy. ‘Fine girl – great courage and good sense.’

Matt relaxed, satisfied. It was clear he had his parents’ approval; now all he had to do was convince Jen that he was the man for her.

‘I don’t know, Ivy.’ Jenny pulled a face. She was wearing the same red dress. Things had been so hectic since Christmas Day, with Ivy and her family moving in, that she hadn’t thought to buy a better dress for the Stannards’ New Year celebration.

‘You look smashing, Jen. That’s a real pretty frock and Matt likes it.’

‘Yes, he does.’ Jenny told herself to stop fussing; she looked perfectly respectable. She still wasn’t used to having money again, but it wouldn’t take too long, she thought wryly. She was already beginning to cast a critical eye over the quality of her clothes, and that was something she hadn’t done for a long time. It was only because of Matt, though. She wouldn’t want to let him down in company.

Ivy scooped up little Bert as he tottered up to Jenny. ‘No sticky fingers on Auntie Jen’s frock,’ she scolded gently. ‘She’s going to a posh do, as a guest this time instead of a servant.’

‘What a turn around.’ Jenny couldn’t stop smiling. ‘I must write and tell Edna all about it. She’ll curl up with laughing.’

‘Will it seem strange to you?’ Ivy asked.

‘Probably, but as long as I don’t start clearing away the dishes, I should be all right.’

They were both giggling at the thought when Matthew arrived.

‘You look lovely, Jen.’ He walked in smiling. ‘That colour suits you so well.’

Ivy winked at Jenny as they left.

‘Eugenie,’ Gloria Tremain exclaimed when they arrived at the house. ‘Where have you been hiding?’