‘Now, as legend has it,’ John said, ‘Mum and Dad met at a dance in this very room. According to Mum, Dad asked her to dance because of some bet or other with his mates.’ He paused to acknowledge the smattering of laughter that followed. ‘And according to Dad, Mum only said yes because all his friends were sniggering behind his back and she felt sorry for him. So it wasn’t exactly your traditional love-at-first-sight scenario.’

There was more good-humoured laughter at this, not least from Harry and Jeanie themselves, hand-in-hand, leaning against one another companionably.

‘Whoever would have thought,’ John continued, ‘that, more than half a century on from this bet, Mum and Dad would be looking forward to their second honeymoon together – not to mention celebrating fifty years of wedded bliss?’ Somebody cheered and John grinned out at the throng. He was a confident public speaker, poised and assured; years of working as a university lecturer meant that he knew how to work the room, keep the interest of those listening and deliver a well-timed punchline.

The sun was slanting through the window and falling around him as if it had been directed specifically there. He’d begun the party in a suit and tie, but his jacket was now slung over the back of a chair somewhere, with his tie stuffed in a pocket, his shirt sleeves rolled up and his top button undone. He still looked good, though, his wife Robyn assessed, watching him from the other side of the room. Forty-four years old and he cut the same fine figure he always had: charming and witty, tall and handsome, with the audience in the palm of his hand. Look at all those women twinkling at him, in fact. Everyone loved John.

‘And so today is really all about love and friendship, and the joy that they bring,’ John went on. ‘Fifty fantastic years of marriage, sticking together, come what may. There have been highs – I’m guessing the birth of their first and best child is up there as a highlight.’ He paused to preen himself jokingly. ‘Although to be saddled with Paula, Dave and Stephen afterwards . . . Well, let’s just say there have been tough times for Mum and Dad as well. Disappointments.’ He grinned, shrugging as some protesting heckles came from his siblings. ‘Anyway, Mum and Dad have been great parents, great friends, great members of the community, and we all think the world of them. So will you please do me the honour now of raising your glasses and joining me in a toast. To Jeanie and Harry.’