‘Maybe,’ Judy said, chuckling. ‘But don’t let Ma hear you talking like that.’

‘You always were mouthy, Pip,’ Molly added crossly. ‘I think you’ve got worse since you started living over the stables.’

‘Well, you’re stuck-up now that you’re living at Colneyhurst.’ Pip stuck his tongue out at his sister and Molly cuffed him none too gently round the head.

‘That’s enough of that, both of you,’ Judy said sternly. ‘Remember whose day this is and behave yourselves.’ Judy turned to Nate, who was giggling. ‘And that applies to you, too. Come on, let’s go and get the ferry. If we wait for everyone else to go first there won’t be any food left for—’ She broke off as the boys raced off in the direction of the chain-pulled ferry.

‘Typical,’ Molly said scornfully. ‘Mention food and they’re off like a shot.’ She linked arms with Judy. ‘Let’s go. I’m starving. I hope Cook has done us proud.’

‘Of course she has.’ Judy set off at a slow pace, but the rest of the congregation were already marching towards the crossing.

Molly quickened from a walk to a near run, dragging Judy along despite her protests, and when they reached the ferry Molly elbowed her way to the front.

‘Move aside, if you please, for the maids of honour.’ With a triumphant laugh she boarded the ferry, followed by Judy, who smiled apologetically at Linnet and Elliot.

‘I’m sorry, Mr and Mrs Massey,’ Judy said hastily. ‘But we have to be there waiting for the bride and groom when they arrive.’

Elliot’s reply was lost as the boatman began to wind the crank and the boat jerked into motion.

‘I’m sorry, Mrs Marshall,’ Judy said as she stumbled against Daisy’s aunt, who was clutching her husband’s arm as if terrified that the small craft would sink.

‘That’s all right, dear. But please don’t rock the boat or we’ll go overboard and drown.’

‘Don’t be silly, Eleanora.’ Sidney Marshall patted his wife on the arm. ‘The creek isn’t deep enough here to drown you.’

She tossed her head. ‘Well, it would ruin my new gown and my best shoes, Sidney. You might like spending your life up to your knees in cold water, but it’s my worst nightmare.’

Molly giggled and Judy nudged her in the ribs, giving her a warning look. ‘We need to get to the house before the happy couple,’ Judy said earnestly. ‘Fuller should have sent the dog cart for us, but the rest of the party will have to walk up the hill to the house.’

After a relatively quick crossing Judy was relieved to find one of the under grooms waiting with the dog cart, onto which she and Molly climbed and hung on precariously while the vehicle jolted up the hill to the house. Barely waiting for it to come to a halt, Judy climbed down and hurried up the steps to find Molesworth waiting for her. He gripped her arm, which in itself was unusual as he rarely made any physical contact with the servants.