Judy had made sure that Seth Trundle and his parents had been invited. Their kindness after the accident in near blizzard conditions last winter was something Judy would never forget, and an invitation to the wedding was the least she could do. Mr McArthur was also on the guest list, and Judy and Rob had talked over the possibility of inviting the workmen, who lived in a semi-permanent camp on the site. In the end it was Hilda who suggested that there should be a separate marquee for the builders, where all were welcome, and that included any itinerant farm labourers. The double wedding was to be a celebration enjoyed by everyone in Little Creek, and one that Judy hoped would lay the curse of Creek Manor to rest for ever.

On the day of the wedding Judy was up even earlier than usual. As she stoked the fire in the range it was hard to believe that this was the last time she would make breakfast in the pub kitchen. Her life was about to change even more than it had during the last few weeks. By midday she would become Mrs Robert Winters Tattersall of Creek Manor, but she was not going to be a lady of leisure. She had a purpose in life now, apart from being a wife and eventually, she hoped, a mother.

She filled the kettle and put it on the hob. The mundane task of making tea soothed a sudden attack of nerves. Hilda was a stickler for tradition and she had sent Rob and Jack to spend the night at Colneyhurst Hall. She had impressed upon both bridegrooms that they were to wait at the church, and on no account would either of them be allowed to see their brides before the ceremony. Even if Rob had disagreed with Hilda, she was backed up by his aunt. Adeline had stayed the night at the inn, and Judy laid an extra place at the breakfast table, before taking the tray of tea upstairs.

Hilda was already up and getting dressed, but Adeline was still asleep when Judy took her a cup of tea.

‘That’s the best night’s sleep I’ve had in weeks,’ Adeline said, yawning. ‘This is a very comfortable bed, Judy, dear.’

‘This was Rob’s room, Aunt Adeline. I hope he’s slept well, too.’

Adeline straightened her nightcap and sat up to take the cup and saucer from Judy. ‘I’m sure he was made most welcome at Colneyhurst. I’ve only met Mrs Walters once, but she seems a delightful young woman.’

‘Daisy is one of the best,’ Judy said earnestly. ‘I’m so lucky to have such good friends.’

‘You’re a good girl, my dear. If I’d hand-picked a wife for my dear boy I would have chosen you.’

Judy felt the blood rush to her cheeks at this unexpected compliment. ‘Thank you. I’ll try to live up to your good opinion of me, Aunt Adeline.’

‘Never mind me, dear. Hadn’t you better get some breakfast? I know it’s early but you want plenty of time to get dressed. I can’t wait to see your gown.’