But they returned home to find a crowd of people standing in the hall of the big house shouting, ‘Surprise!’ because their friends and relatives thought differently about celebrating their wedding in style.

A splendid party had been planned with all those attending bringing along a plate of something delicious for the buffet lunch, and a bottle of wine or something non-alcoholic but still special enough to use for the toasts.

Angus and Nell pretended to be vexed that their instructions had been ignored, then hugged one another again and settled down to enjoy themselves with friends old and new.

Adam and his daughters were there. He and Gemma had come and gone a few times from the small town, visiting other parts of England, as he’d promised her. But they’d spent more time than originally planned in Sexton Bassett getting to know Janey and to a lesser extent her mother, who was still very quiet and subdued.

Millie wore a frilly new party outfit donated by her proud grandfather and Janey drove her daughter, mother, Winifred and Dan down the hill with their various food and drink offerings in the car that had made her life so much easier since her father bought it for her.

Gemma was almost bouncing with joy for a different reason, because she’d heard the day before she would be given a place to study history at Oxford the following academic year because her results were exceptional.

Elise and Stacy strolled up to the big house from Saffron Lane.

They left behind at Number 1 the heritage officer who was now working on the practicalities of setting up the communications centre as a little walk-through museum. This would include a trip through the rebuilt tunnels for a small extra charge if you booked ahead. And below it, on the ground floor, would be a café.

As the party continued, Adam enjoyed a few private moments with Gemma. ‘Glad we came to England now?’

‘Very glad. I don’t even want to go back to finish clearing the house.’

‘That can’t be avoided now that it’s sold, unfortunately. But we’re taking Janey and Millie with us for an Easter holiday, so I think we can fit in some enjoyable trips as well.’

They turned as a group nearby burst into laughter.

‘Nell looks so happy,’ he said softly. ‘It was great that one of her sons could make it to the wedding. Did you see her face when he and his new wife turned up from Australia unexpectedly?’

‘Yes. He looks like her, doesn’t he? And I like his wife. Pity the other daughter-in-law was pregnant and they couldn’t come over.’

‘They’ll come another time, I’m sure.’

Someone started banging on a glass and gradually people fell silent.

‘I’ve been told that as the oldest person here it’s my duty to propose a toast to the bride and groom,’ Winifred said. ‘I can’t think of anything I’d like more than to ask you to raise your glasses to Nell and Angus. May they live long and happily together.’