Heather’s voice drew Merrin from the memory. ‘She’s made it quite clear that I don’t know the first thing about good taste and, in truth, Merrin, once or twice I felt so cornered I nearly ran away from her, but God only knows the trouble that might have caused between you and Digby, so I stayed put.’ Her mother took a deep breath, as though trying to calm herself.

‘You get married in a few hours and I have done my level best to give you and Digby a special day, one that you will both talk about for years to come, one that will make Aunty Margaret and the Mortimers realise that we are a family to be reckoned with, that Daddy is someone too!’

‘Why do you care what Aunty Margaret or the Mortimers think? It’s my wedding, not theirs! All I care about is making a home with Digby, looking after him . . . waiting for babies!’ She smiled.

Ruby mimed retching and put her two fingers into her mouth. Merrin ignored her.

‘I know that, but a wedding is so much more than the event; it’s about showing your family and friends how successful you are by how much you spend and by the amount of thought that goes into every little detail’ – her mother held up her hands as if in prayer, reciting words that sounded suspiciously like someone else’s – ‘like whether you should have the bloody sides of your hair up or down!’

There it was, the B word again. Merrin sighed. ‘And there was me thinking it was about making a commitment for life.’

‘It is! Of course.’ Her mum smacked the arm of the chair. ‘But that doesn’t mean we can’t use the opportunity to show off to certain members of the family.’

‘Actually’ – Merrin walked over and kissed her mum on the top of her head – ‘I’ve had a little think and I think sides up. Definitely.’

‘’S what I said: sides up,’ Ruby confirmed.

Mrs Kellow seemed to soften in the chair, slumping a little and nodding. Her expression was one of relief.

‘I just want it to be nice.’ She kept her voice and eyes low.

‘We all do, Mum.’ Ruby spoke softly with only the vaguest hint of sarcasm.

The air crackled with nervous tension.

Merrin looked out of the window at the thickening cloud and wondered if it were too late to elope? The thought of her and Digby alone without Ruby offering cutting asides and with an Elvis impersonator who had no desire to impress Aunty Margaret had never been so appealing.

CHAPTER TWO MERRIN

CHAPTER TWO

MERRIN

‘I can’t do this!’ His voice was loud and warbling. The sound of someone on the edge.