Old Eli had drunk so much ale in the workmen’s tent that he had fallen asleep under one of the tables, and Colonel Catchpole was flirting outrageously with Marjorie Harker, her husband being away with his regiment. However, this did not seem to be going down well with her daughter, Charity, who had married Will Johnson. Mrs Johnson, Charity’s mother-in-law, was too busy chatting to Clem Guppy’s mother to take much notice, until Charity rushed up to the colonel and began to berate him. Judy was dancing with Rob and she saw the drama beginning to unfold, but before she could intervene Mrs Johnson took matters in her own hands and abandoned Clara Guppy. She seized her daughter-in-law by the arm and marched her back to Will, who was stupidly drunk and about to pass out. Farmer Johnson took control and went to fetch the horse and farm cart. The Johnson family were rounded up and departed clinging drunkenly to the sides of the vehicle, with Charity still protesting loudly. Marjorie Harker and Colonel Catchpole were seen to wander arm in arm towards the spinney, but they were both adults and Judy decided that it was none of her business.

‘I think it’s time we left, too,’ Jack said, slipping his arm around Molly’s tiny waist. ‘We’ve done our duty, and now it’s time for us.’

Molly laid her head on his shoulder. ‘It’s a lovely night for a moonlit drive. I want it to go on for ever.’

Jack beckoned to Pip and Nate, who at this moment were dancing with two of the scantily clad circus performers. ‘Time to go home, boys.’

Pip looked as though he was about to argue, but Nate nudged him in the ribs. ‘We’ll get the carriage, Jack. We won’t be long.’ He turned to Judy and gave her a hug. ‘Good night, Mrs Tattersall.’

Judy leaned against Rob. ‘You’re the first person to call me by my new title, Nate. Thank you. You’d better say good night to the young tightrope artist. She looks a bit forlorn.’

‘It’s time we left them all to their own devices, my love,’ Rob said in a low voice. ‘Shall we go home?’

Judy smiled and nodded. Those were the sweetest words she had ever heard. Arm in arm they walked slowly down the avenue to the gatehouse. Rob unlocked the door and, lifting Judy in his arms, he carried her across the threshold.

‘This is our happy ending, my darling,’ he said tenderly as he set her on her feet.

Judy stood on tiptoe to kiss him. ‘No, Rob. This is the start of a great adventure.’

Turn the page for a sneak peek at Dilly’s next book,

Chapter One

Paradise Row, Pentonville, London. December 1865.

Snow was falling fast, but even before it floated to the ground its pristine whiteness was tainted by pollution from the black lead works, and soot from the factory chimneys. The thunderous sounds from the iron foundry, situated a little further along Old St Pancras Road, added to the general hubbub, and steam engines roared in and out of King’s Cross railway station.