He sank down into one of the two battered leather armchairs that took pride of place in the loft. Ben, he noted, was dressed up to the nines; he looked quite comical, but also like someone else entirely. He was sitting up straight with the shiny toe of his lace-up resting on the knee of his pressed slacks. It was rare to see him in anything other than clothing full of holes or with wood glue or patches dotting his jumpers and fleeces. Jarvis thought how odd it was that a shave, a smart shirt and a pair of brogues changed the demeanour of a man. Again he thought of Digby, with his soft hands and his well-spoken drawl, who he had seen in the pub on occasion with his la-di-da mates, his expensive shirts hanging outside of his trousers by design. The cold beer felt good as he hurled it down his neck.

‘You might be medicating with that, son, but go easy. I’ve had me own reminder this morning to pace meself. We need you in fine form to drive that carriage and get us to St Michael’s in one piece.’

Ben was right. Jarvis put the can on the rough wooden floor.

‘You sure you’re up to it, Jarv? We can always find someone else to drive if you don’t feel like . . . if it’s too much . . .’ Ben’s tone softened.

Jarvis shook his head firmly. ‘No, there’s no one Mum trusts with Daisy except me. She can be a bit of a temperamental old mare.’

‘Now that’s no way to talk about your mother!’ Ben interrupted, and all three laughed.

‘I’m talking about Daisy the horse, of course!’ Jarvis shook his head.

‘Reckon my girl’s going to like our surprise?’ Ben beamed in excited anticipation.

‘I think she’ll love it.’ Jarvis smiled at the thought of doing one thing to make Merrin happy on her special day.

‘She’d better! We’ve gone to enough trouble!’ Robin shouted, his voice seeming even louder today. ‘But it certainly looks beautiful. I take full credit for the flowers.’

‘You did a good job,’ Ben acknowledged. ‘I’d do anything for that little ’un.’ He sniffed. ‘And it wasn’t as if I was going to pick something off their bloody wedding list. Can you see me giving her a set of pans or a bloody duvet and pillowcases?’ He laughed. ‘No, this is a far more fitting gift from her old dad.’

‘I know she’ll love it.’ Jarvis spoke with confidence.

‘What do you reckon to this get-up, then?’ Ben tugged at his collar. His words invited mockery, but his expression suggested he was actually looking for a compliment.

‘You look like a proper gent, Ben.’

‘I do, don’t I?’ He nodded, seemingly satisfied, as he shot his cuffs. ‘Think I’ll fit in with the Mortimers?’ He lifted his nose.