Stan had given a fulsome speech; Ron read out all the telegrams of congratulations that had come from Canada before reciting his favourite Irish blessing, and an emotional Mike thanked everyone for the sterling effort they’d made to ensure that he and his beautiful bride had the most perfect day. He went on to thank Rita, Ron and Stan for the part they’d played, and presented each of them with a gift – cufflinks for the men and a pretty gold locket for Rita – and then the small cake was cut with much ceremony, to rousing cheers and numerous toasts.

The drinks were flowing thanks to Mike’s generosity, and Rosie’s collusion with Gloria over the champagne and spirits which miraculously seemed always to be at hand in Gloria’s special cellar cupboard.

‘You’ve done them proud, Rosie,’ said Peggy above the loud chatter and laughter. ‘I don’t know how you and Gloria managed it, but I bet the Officers’ Club couldn’t have supplied such excellent champagne.’

Rosie winked. ‘The Officers’ Club don’t have Gloria’s contacts – and that’s all I’m saying.’ She glanced across at Cordelia who was giggling, her hat askew, her little face flushed as she sipped from another glass of sherry and tried to keep her balance on the wooden chair. ‘It might be wise to keep an eye on her,’ she murmured. ‘She’s going to slide straight off that chair and under the table in a minute.’

Peggy gently propped Cordelia to a more upright position and surreptitiously removed her glass. ‘What about a cup of tea, Cordy?’ she asked. ‘It won’t take a minute to put the kettle on.’

Cordelia eyed her blearily. ‘Tea? Tea’s for old ladies,’ she slurred. ‘I’ll stick to my sherry, thank you, dear.’ She frowned and looked round the table. ‘Where’s my glass?’

‘To be sure, Cordelia, your eyesight is not what it was,’ said Ron who was equally pie-eyed. ‘It’s right there.’

‘I’ll have you know my eyesight is as good as ever,’ Cordelia retorted, squinting at the collection of glasses on the table.

Ron reached for the glass Peggy had removed and, ignoring her glare of disapproval, topped it up. ‘Bottoms up,’ he said, raising his glass of beer and draining it.

‘For goodness’ sake, you two,’ hissed Peggy, trying her utmost to be stern. ‘Do try and behave.’

Cordelia giggled, slid sideways, and grabbed Ron’s arm to stop herself from falling between the two chairs.

Ron managed to get her upright again. ‘’Tis a good thing me glass was empty,’ he muttered. ‘Or we’d both have been awash in beer.’ He put his arm about her shoulders. ‘I’m thinking, Cordelia, that we’ve both had enough drink for one day.’

‘I’m sinking too,’ she replied, slowly sliding down her chair, her hat now over one eye. ‘But I agree, it has been fun today.’