The happy pair returned to Bristol when Alex was required to report for her ship, their plans for a life together solidifying with the reality of an imminent posting to sea. On hearing their announcement, Betty was ecstatic and insisted on arranging a celebratory party, which the Hon. Denys gladly offered to fund, with such a sentimental glance at Betty that Meg thought this marriage business may well be catching.
There seemed a great deal to do in very little time. Correspondence had been saved for her at Betty’s house with the information that the little cottage in Titterington might be hers for a reasonable sum, helped further by Alex’s insistence that she would finance the most part. “After all,” she said, “What else am I going to spend my back-pay on?” Her eyes softened as she looked
