Judy could see that both her brothers were hot and uncomfortable and eager for the wedding ceremony to be over so that they could get on with the party. She smiled to herself and felt better. Things would soon get back to normal, although quite how she would get on with her new stepfather was an unknown. She liked Wilfred Faulkner well enough, but she had seen slight changes in his demeanour over the past few weeks. He had always been pleasant enough, but recently she had seen another side to his character. Wilfred did not like to be crossed, and he had shown signs of being possessive towards Hilda that Judy did not appreciate. He had sworn that he would not come between a mother and her children, but Judy was not so sure. Wilfred had already made it clear that Nate and Pip would be expected to remain in their quarters above the tack room. He had stated in no uncertain terms that he expected Hilda to spend more time at home after they were married, although he had not forbidden her to work for Mary. However, Judy had the uncomfortable feeling that this would happen sooner or later. Even so, one look at her mother’s happy face as Wilfred slipped the ring on her finger was enough to convince Judy that her worries were groundless. The main thing was for Ma to have a good life with the man she loved, and Wilfred had promised to love and honour her, so all Judy could hope for was that he was a man of his word.

At last they were husband and wife and the congregation rose to their feet as the happy couple made their way to the vestry to sign the register. When they processed down the aisle Judy was aware of smiling faces on all sides. It seemed as though the whole village had turned out to celebrate the nuptials of Hilda and Wilfred, with one major exception – Jack had refused to leave his room. He had stubbornly turned his face to the wall and nothing anyone said made any difference. In the end Judy had given up, as had his mother, and he had been left in the house with only Molesworth to tend to his needs.

A cheer went up as the happy couple stepped outside into the blazing heat of a June day. Rice and rose petals were strewn across their path as they made their way to the flower-decorated landau, loaned by Mary for the occasion. She had also allowed Judy to organise the wedding breakfast in the great hall at the manor house, although it would not be such a lavish affair as the one ten years ago given in honour of Daisy and Marius. Daisy herself had been a great help when it came to organising the food and drinks, and the kitchen staff had been busy for days previously.

‘Crikey, I’m glad that’s over,’ Pip said, wiping his brow on his sleeve. ‘I’m sweating like a pig.’