‘Don’t be silly,’ Kitty reassured her. ‘She’s not seen me properly since, what, probably your wedding to Jack. She won’t remember – that was over two years ago. She spoke the truth. You should be proud of her.’

‘Oh, I am,’ said Rita warmly. ‘When I think of all she’s been through, seeing her father treat me so badly, being taken off by him and treated like an idiot – it’s a wonder she’s turned out like she has. To think people used to reckon she was slow.’

‘Well, no chance of anyone thinking that now. Just look at her.’ Kitty and Rita turned to watch as the little girl caught up with her brother and loudly demanded that he get her a slice of cake because she couldn’t reach the table. She wouldn’t let him go until he agreed. ‘She’s one to watch, that girl,’ Kitty told her friend, her pulse rate coming back to normal now that Frank and Sylvia were safely on the other side of the room.

‘Oh Eddy, I’m glad you made it back for this,’ breathed Violet, her eyes shining with pride at the sight of her husband in his best suit – to be truthful, his only suit. ‘Aren’t we lucky to have all these friends and family? I feel blessed, I really do, and it’s all because I met you. I’m so grateful they took me in.’

Eddy gave her a squeeze. ‘Of course they did; they love you.’ His expression grew solemn. ‘I tell you, Vi, it makes it easier for me to go, knowing you’re well looked after here. Mam and Pop will see you right, no matter what.’

‘Eddy, don’t say things like that.’ Violet’s eyes clouded with worry. ‘Not when we’re having such a good time. Anyway, you’re going to be all right now. You survived all those crossings with the U-boats coming after you. Things have calmed down now, you said so yourself. You can get over to America and Canada without having to dodge them any more.’

‘Just the weather to worry about,’ Eddy said with a wry grin.

‘And even that’s getting better now summer’s on the way,’ Violet answered stoutly. ‘It’ll be as good as a cruise the next time you make that crossing, you mark my words.’

‘I’ll drink to that,’ Eddy smiled, raising his glass, into which he’d poured a generous tot of rum. ‘Ah, that’s better.’

‘Here, let me have a sip.’ Violet reached for the glass and gingerly brought it to her mouth and tasted the dark amber liquid. ‘Ugh, that’s horrible, that is. How can you enjoy that stuff?’