Ten minutes later they appeared rather bashfully with their suitcases and a large bag containing their wedding presents. Ivy was wearing one of Solly’s smart skirt suits in navy pinstripe, and Andy had changed out of his uniform into grey trousers and a navy sports jacket with a white shirt and plain tie.

Andy went to his mother and, after kissing and hugging her, called for silence. ‘We want to thank you all for making our day so special,’ he said. ‘But in particular, I’d like to thank John for getting me the job in Walthamstow, and keeping me calm when my wife’ – this was greeted with cheers and whistles – ‘when my wife was late.’

He grinned at the assembly. ‘It’s one of her most endearing ’abits, so I suppose I’ll have to get used to it.’ He hugged Ivy to his side. ‘We’d like you to stay and enjoy the party, and not come to the station to see us off, if that’s all right. We don’t want no fuss or tears, ’cos it will only set Ivy off, and I don’t want ’er crying on our wedding day.’

The gathering surrounded them to say their goodbyes, and Ivy eventually pushed through them to get to Peggy. ‘Thanks for all you done, Auntie Peggy. I ’ope you enjoyed the day as much as me, ’cos that’s what I wanted more than anything. You been so good to us all, and it were the only way I could think of to repay you.’

Peggy held her close, fighting back the tears, and kissed her cheek. ‘It’s been a wonderful day and you’re a beautiful bride. Don’t leave it too long before you come down to see us.’

‘I promised Rita I’d come for ’er wedding if she don’t leave it too long, so you ain’t got rid of me entirely just yet.’ Ivy hesitated and bit her lip. ‘I got something to tell you, Auntie Peggy. Promise me you won’t go off the deep end.’

Peggy smiled. ‘I already know, Ivy, darling,’ she murmured. ‘I heard you being sick again this morning.’ She hugged her once more. ‘Your secret’s safe with me,’ she whispered. ‘Just take care of yourself and that precious baby, that’s all I ask.’

‘Ow Gawd, I’m gunna miss yer,’ Ivy breathed, on the brink of tears, before pulling herself from Peggy’s arms and joining Andy who was waiting for her at the door.

Everyone trooped out to watch them go back up the hill, past the Town Hall where another wedding party was emerging in a hail of confetti, and then with one last wave they walked over the bridge and went out of sight.