Matt looked at Jenny and raised his eyebrows. ‘We hadn’t got around to that. What do you think, Jen?’

‘What about my birthday in August? Will that give you enough time?’

‘Yes, four months should be plenty.’ Louise pursed her lips as she studied her son. ‘Where are you going to live, Matt?’

‘I thought we’d look for a house somewhere near the river. Perhaps Barnes or in that area.’

‘Sounds good.’ John drained his glass and, ever practical, said, ‘You’d better get moving with that, Matt. It might take a while to find something suitable.’

The next three months were hectic for Jenny and Matt, as they searched for a house. They eventually found a lovely four-bedroom house near Kew with a long garden leading straight to the river. It was in good order, and they fell in love with it immediately. Then they worked every spare moment to get it ready and furnished in time for their wedding. Matt was taking Jenny to America for the honeymoon, so she could meet her father’s wife and boys. It was a trip she was looking forward to, and Gracie had written saying that they were all very excited about the visit. They would go to the top of the Empire State Building together. It would be a wonderful adventure, and all the more enjoyable because she would have Matt with her.

Finally the big day arrived. Jenny’s dress was exquisite: flowing lace, with a filmy veil held in place with a circlet of white roses. She wore the pendant her father had given her and Ma’s brooch in memory of them. She wished they could have been here for this happy occasion, but they had been included in her thoughts. Her bouquet was of white and pink roses. As the wedding was starting from the Stannards’ house in Bruton Street, they had settled on St George’s Church. Alice and Edna looked very pretty in their long pink dresses. Alice was so excited she could hardly keep still, but Edna kept a sharp eye on her, and the little girl quietened down when they reached the church, taking her duties very seriously.

‘Here we go, Jen.’ Fred looked as if he were about to burst with pride as he led her towards the altar.

The smile Matt gave her when she reached him was enough to bring tears to her eyes with happiness.

‘You look breathtaking, my darling,’ he whispered.

The ceremony was over far too soon for Jenny, but it had been really lovely. The small party then headed for the community centre at Lambeth, which was already packed with family and friends all awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom.

The reception was a resounding success, with everyone joining in together and having a thoroughly good time.