‘You arranged all this,’ Judy said softly. ‘It’s wonderful, Rob.’

‘It’s nothing less than you deserve, my love.’ Rob led her past a juggler and a man on stilts. ‘I told you that this will be a party to remember. I hope it will bring the whole village together, and the sins of my father will be forgiven, if not forgotten.’

‘What he did has nothing to do with you,’ Judy said firmly.

‘We’re going to start afresh and I intend to make up for his criminal neglect by being a fair landlord.’

Judy squeezed his fingers. ‘I’m sure you will, and I’ll help you. I know the estate so well, and all the tenants.’ She glanced over her shoulder as the rest of the guests arrived in droves. There were gasps of surprise and cries of delight from the children as clowns mingled with the crowd, handing out toffees and sugared almonds. Already there were sounds of merriment coming from the beer tent, which was set apart from the two marquees, allowing the workmen to enjoy themselves without offending the more staid guests.

Molly rushed over to join them, dragging Jack by the hand. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ she cried excitedly. ‘You are so clever, Rob. Judy told me you had a surprise for us, and this is amazing.’

Jack shook Rob’s hand. ‘It certainly is. I wouldn’t have thought of such a thing.’

‘This is only the start,’ Rob said, smiling. ‘The wedding breakfast is set out in the marquee on the left, and in the other one there will be dancing and entertainment all day and well into the night.’

‘We really ought to receive our guests,’ Judy said urgently. She could see Eleanora and Sidney Marshall waiting at the entrance of the marquee with the vicar and his wife. ‘Come along, Rob. You, too, Molly and Jack. It’s your day as well.’

Molly heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes. ‘It’s supposed to be fun. Do I have to, Judy?’

‘Yes, you do. You’re a married woman now, and it’s only polite.’

‘Quite right, dear.’ Hilda joined them, accompanied by Adeline.

‘Don’t worry, Molly. What they really want is to sample the drinks and make sure they’re first in the queue for food.’ Adeline smiled and winked. ‘Come on, Hilda, we’re being left behind.’

‘We can’t have that.’ Hilda started off towards the growing crowd of hungry guests. ‘Come on, girls. Do your duty or you’ll have a riot on your hands.’

The wedding breakfast was a huge success. Nell Pearce and Ida Ralston had supervised the preparation and the serving of the excellent food, and Molesworth had organised the wine, cider, ale and a fruit cup that was heady with sugar and spice, and spiked with brandy. Outside the sun shone until late evening, when hundreds of lanterns were lit and flaming cressets illuminated the lake. The tables were cleared away and the professional musicians, booked by Rob, played music for dancing.

Daisy and Marius left early, having said fond goodbyes to the newlyweds. Dove and Nick left soon after, as did Linnet and Elliot. The children, all of whom had behaved very well, were exhausted, as were their parents, but the rest of the guests remained to enjoy every last minute of the celebration. Seth Trundle seemed to have made a hit with Sukey, the Marshalls’ maidservant, who had moved with them from London. Pip and Nate had no difficulty in finding dancing partners, and Judy could see that her brothers were having a wonderful time. Eleanora and Sidney were still chatting with Hilda, Adeline and Ben Godfrey, while the rest of the guests either danced dreamily to the strains of a Viennese waltz, or sat quietly chatting and drinking wine.