‘No, you’re quite right!’ Sunday stuck her chin in the air and smiled at some of the children who were seated behind them. ‘Let’s go and get this party started!’

That afternoon, the house rang with laughter and thoughts of war were pushed to the back of everyone’s mind. Lavinia and William had eyes only for each other, which Sunday thought was just as it should be. For the first time in her life Lavinia had a man who truly loved her and her daughter was sure she had never looked more radiant.

Mrs Cotton had produced a banquet fit for a king. There were cold joints of beef and pork, pies and sausage rolls, pickles, sandwiches, salads, fresh baked bread and rolls and all manner of treats, and the children took full advantage of it. So much so that one little boy who had overindulged in the quivering jellies and blancmanges had to be whisked away to the lavatory, where he was heartily sick. Mid-afternoon, after they had all eaten, Lavinia seated herself at the piano to play some well-loved tunes and soon everyone was dancing, including Sunday and Tom.

‘Eeh, pet, I’m that glad we’re on good terms again,’ he whispered huskily into her hair.

When she stared up at him, all the love she felt for him was there in her eyes. ‘So am I. I just wish I’d come to my senses sooner. Before you—’

He quickly pressed a finger to her lips. ‘I’ve told you, this is a happy day so we’ll have no more of that sort of talk.’

At tea-time, Lavinia and William disappeared upstairs to get into their going-away outfits and when they came back down they were showered with yet more rice and confetti. The children were enjoying themselves immensely and the house echoed with laughter.

‘Let’s be having you then,’ George said with a broad grin. ‘The car is all ready and waiting for you outside, and if you don’t get a move on you’ll miss your train.’ He hoisted their suitcases and took them outside to stow in the boot while the happy couple said their hasty goodbyes.

Sunday got quite tearful and Lavinia chuckled as she hugged her close. ‘Now then, what’s all this? We’re only going away for a few days. I’ll be back before you know it.’

‘I know,’ Sunday sniffed. ‘But I shall miss you so.’

Lavinia planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, then her groom said, ‘Now then, Mrs Dewhurst,’ took her hand and hurried her out to the car. William could hardly wait to have her all to himself for a few days.

Everyone stood on the steps waving and throwing the last of the rice, and the children howled with laughter as the car rattled off down the drive with all the tin cans they had tied to the bumper jogging along behind them.

‘Crikey, they’ll hear them coming from a mile away,’ Cissie chortled, then linking her arm through Sunday’s they went back into the house. The party was over and now it was time to get the children ready for bed and start the tidying up.