Daisy looked up with a smile as Violet crossed the lawn and dropped down in the deckchair at her side.
‘What time does James get in tomorrow?’ Violet didn’t wait for an answer before adding, ‘It was nice of you to decide to be married here.’
‘It was wonderful of you to suggest it, Vi.’
‘Well, tradition has it that the bride marries from her own home and it was a bit of a hike to go back to England. I’m sorry Giles and Susan aren’t coming.’
‘So am I, but Hazel is here and Tim has agreed to give me away. I bet people will think that strange.’ She chuckled to herself. ‘You have been wonderful, Violet, making me feel at home here. I’m sorry I was such a poor chaperone to the girls, but … well….’
‘You were otherwise occupied.’ Violet’s tone was dry, but her smile was warm. ‘It all turned out for the best. Maureen met all Tim’s relatives in New Zealand and,’ she could not resist adding, ‘look what happened to Hazel.’
Daisy smiled dreamily. ‘It was some holiday.’ And that, she thought, was the understatement of the age.
‘Why didn’t you say anything on the ship?’ Daisy had asked when she and James had found themselves alone at last.
James had shrugged slightly. ‘I suppose the memory of the last time I had “said something” was too clear. I was afraid that if I did, I might never see you again.’
‘Well, you nearly did – never see me again, I mean, by not saying anything. Did you mean what you said? At the airport, about “lovers’ meetings”? Or were you just quoting, and thinking about the young people?’
‘I didn’t give them a thought. I was thinking of us,’ he had admitted.
‘Yes’ Daisy had murmured, ‘“lovers” meetings.’ She lifted her head and, reaching up, kissed him on the lips. It was as sweet as she remembered, and so was what followed.
‘Come on, he’ll be here tomorrow. Stop dreaming.’ Violet’s voice brought her back to the present with a start.
‘Oh, Vi,’ her voice was suddenly thick with emotion, ‘I am so lucky, not only to have found James again but to have you as a sister – and such a lovely daughter.’
‘That goes for both of us.’ Violet sounded gruff. ‘How about a cup of tea to celebrate – or something stronger?’
‘Something stronger, I think.’
Laughing together, the sisters made their way back into the house.