‘Old married couples generally joke about the length of time they’ve been married, in a specially cynical tone of voice.’

‘Do they? Do you think I will?’

‘Probably. Providing you have a sense of humour.’

‘Does one need one?’

‘It can be useful.’

‘In making a happy marriage? Mummy used to say something like that. It seems awfully grim, somehow.’

‘A sense of humour?’

‘Having to use it, as though it were some kind of implement, I meant.’

Cynthia straightened up and turned around to look at her fully.

‘Getting used to things isn’t all that unpleasant, you know. It can be quite fun.’

Heather said hastily: ‘Yes! I mean, I’m sure it is. I sent Peter off fishing this afternoon.’

‘I should think that was very wise,’ Cynthia said gravely. ‘He’s very fond of fishing?’

‘He used to do a lot when he was stationed here in the Army. He talked about it often. So I made sure his rods were packed, and today I insisted that he go and fish.’ She pivoted on an elbow to gaze out the window. ‘I hope he hasn’t got wet.’

Cynthia was amused. ‘He went willingly?’

‘He wouldn’t go at first, and then he wanted me to come along as well. But I knew it would spoil things for him if I did. So I told him I had a lot of letters to write.’ She grinned. ‘Of course I wouldn’t dream of letting anyone think I had time to write letters on our honeymoon; but he never thought of that.’

‘A man wouldn’t,’ Cynthia said. ‘You deserve congratulations. I don’t think I would have been as sensible when I was your age. There can’t be any doubt that you will have a very happy marriage.’

Heather said gloomily: ‘I’ve been miserable all afternoon.’

‘But think how nice it will be when he comes back. All this, and a triumphant sense of virtue, too.’

‘It’s starting this business of contriving that’s so depressing. To think that once one’s started one has to go on, more and more, for ever and ever. I’ll probably be very good at it; I handled him very well today. But that’s just the horrible part – handling – finishing up as the kind of woman who manages her husband properly. Only imagine!’

Cynthia said: ‘I suppose I don’t have to.’