Meg, blithely ignorant of the depth of the trouble within Fleur’s family, offered to make not only the bride’s gown but also a bridesmaid’s dress for Ruth. When the girls couldn’t get to Nottingham for a fitting, Meg travelled by train and bus to the village where they were billeted, lugging a suitcase full of paper patterns and material samples with her. Fleur hurried down the path to meet her. ‘Oh, this is so good of you. Neither of us can get leave at the moment.’ ‘Don’t mention it, love. It’s nice to get away for a while.’ She laughed gaily. ‘Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love Pops dearly, but with working at home as well I never seem to see anything but those same four walls.’ ‘I can guess what you mean. How is Pops? Is he better now?’ ‘As good as he’ll ever be. He’s got a bad chest and he’s only to pick up a cold and it’s bronchitis or even pneumonia. Hence the stay in hospital. Still, he’s much better now the warmer weather’s here. Edie, next door, is keeping an eye on him today.
