‘It can’t be,’ Judy murmured. ‘It was supposed to be Constable Fowler.’

Nick pulled a face. ‘I’m afraid he was called out to an emergency. Miss Creedy gallantly stepped into the breach.’

Judy smothered a sigh. ‘Oh, well. Things can only get better after this.’

‘Who will walk you down the aisle?’ Adeline asked anxiously.

Judy held her hand out to Nate. ‘Nate is going to give me away.’

‘And Pip is doing the honours for me,’ Molly said, chuckling. ‘Our brothers have their uses, Aunt Adeline.’

‘They do indeed.’ Adeline held her hand out to Nick. ‘Let me take Vicky. I’ll see that she behaves herself. You go and sit with your wife, Doctor.’

He smiled and placed Vicky in Adeline’s arms. ‘You be good, young lady, or Miss Dorning will tell me and you won’t have any cake.’ Nick gave the girls an encouraging smile as he retreated into the church.

‘That sounds like someone killing a cat.’ Molly covered her ears as Miss Creedy’s discordant playing could be heard through the open door.

‘Let’s get this over,’ Pip said gloomily. ‘I hate wearing this stiff collar. I feel as though I’m choking.’

Nate nudged his brother in the ribs. ‘Shut up. This is their day. I’m proud of my sisters.’

‘So am I,’ Pip added hastily. ‘You both look beautiful – like princesses. But please can we go in now?’

Judy smoothed the bodice of her ivory satin gown, fingering a waterfall of Valenciennes lace. Lavender Creedy had done both of them proud when it came to their beautiful wedding gowns – it was just a pity that her talents did not extend to playing the church organ well. Judy smiled ruefully and leaned over to kiss her brother on the cheek. ‘I’m ready. What about you, Molly?’

‘Does the spot on my nose look awfully red?’

‘Yes,’ Pip said before Judy had a chance to speak. ‘It looks like a boil. Your nose is twice the size it is normally.’

Judy was about to slap him when Adeline stepped in. ‘Now then, young man. That’s enough of that.’ She turned to Molly. ‘He’s teasing you, dear. No one will notice anything, least of all Jack.’ She took Victoria by the hand. ‘I’ll hold the door open and you go in first, Judy, and then Molly. We’ll be right behind you.’

They entered the church to an enthusiastic rendering of Wagner’s ‘Wedding March’, and the packed congregation shuffled to their feet. As Judy processed up the aisle, leaning gently on Nate’s arm, she was dimly aware of the smiling faces on either side, and she was barely conscious of Miss Creedy’s ill-fated attempts to hit the right notes. All Judy could see was Rob, standing at the altar, waiting for her. He turned his head to look at her, and enveloped her in a smile that sent her pulse racing and filled her heart with joy.

They emerged from the church to a riotous welcome from those gathered outside, and a shower of rose petals and rice. The festive atmosphere prevailed from the moment the carriages drew to a halt in the grounds of Creek Manor. Clutching her husband’s arm, Judy gazed round in astonishment as a fire-eater blew flames into the air, and tumblers in brightly coloured costumes performed amazing acrobatic feats. Music from a Dutch organ filled the grounds with its cheerful sound, and in the distance Judy could see a merry-go-round. A tightrope had been set up close to the lake and a man wearing tights and a loose-fitting white shirt appeared to be walking on the water. Small dogs wearing frilly collars and tiny pointed hats were dancing on their hind legs with a woman, who was scantily clad like a ballet dancer. Judy glanced over her shoulder, hoping that Grace Peabody was otherwise occupied and did not spot the performer’s state of undress.