‘Thank you, James.’ Judy smiled. ‘It’s good to see you again.’

‘Thank you, Miss Begg.’ He assisted her into the carriage, followed by Adeline.

‘Drive on, Nate.’ Judy sat back, clutching her posy of pink roses. She glanced at Adeline, who was staring curiously at James as he resumed his seat next to Nate. ‘James was footman at Creek Manor when I first arrived there, Aunt Adeline.’

‘You seem to know him well, Judy. Most people seem to treat their servants with total disdain.’

‘It wasn’t like that at Creek Manor. We were like a family, with the usual upsets and dramas, but they were all put aside in times of trouble.’

‘You’ll know how to run your household when the new manor house rises from the ashes.’ Adeline relaxed against the squabs. ‘Are you feeling nervous, Judy?’

‘A little, but Rob will be waiting for me at the altar. When he takes my hand in his I know everything will be all right.’

Adeline unfurled her sunshade. ‘It’s a beautiful day. I’m so happy for both of you, dear.’

‘You do know that Rob wants you to come and live with us when the house is finished, don’t you, Aunt Adeline?’

‘He has mentioned it, Judy. But I told him that I’m too old and set in my ways to leave my little cottage. All my happy memories are there.’

‘But you would make new ones at Creek Manor. I’d really love it if you would agree. Rob has plans for a lovely house where our old cottage once stood. I know you’d be very comfortable there.’

‘We’ll see, Judy. I’m not making any promises, and I imagine it will be some years before it’s completed. The manor house and the hospital must come first.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Judy said mildly. ‘But don’t dismiss the idea without giving it a lot of thought. It would be wonderful to have you living closer to us.’

‘I will think about it, my dear. I promise.’

They arrived at the church just as Molly was alighting from her carriage. Minnie and Dove were trying to control the small bridesmaids and the over-excited page boys, but five-year-old Victoria was having a tantrum. Nick emerged from the church to scoop his daughter up in his arms. He spoke sternly to his sons, who had been sparring with two of the Walters boys and Michael Massey. All five small boys calmed down, looking shamefaced, and Nick turned his attention to Michael.

‘Do you want me to tell your father that I caught you playing with Henry and Edward when you should have been keeping an eye on your little sister?’

Michael hung his head, blushing to the roots of his hair, but by this time Judy had managed to get her lengthy train safely to the ground, and she hurried to the rescue. ‘It’s all right, Nick. I’m sure Michael was doing his best. Anyway, we’re here now so we’d better go in.’

‘Oh, no!’ Molly cried, clasping her hand to her lips. ‘Who’s playing the organ, Nick? Don’t tell me it’s Lavender Creedy.’