The new hall was finished the following spring.

The opening day was set for a Saturday in May. The Bishop was coming. So was a reporter from the local paper.

Two weeks before, Felicity stopped me outside the post office.

“Joan,” she said, “I just wanted to let you know. We won't need you to help with the teas at the opening. We've hired proper caterers from Guildford. Canapés. Prosecco. It's going to be quite a smart occasion.”

“That's all right,” I said.

“You're welcome to come, of course. To watch.” She smiled. “There'll be a space at the back.”

“Thank you, Felicity. I'll be there.”

She started to walk away. Then she turned back.

“Oh, and the donor's solicitor is going to unveil the name. I've been working on them. I'm fairly confident.”

She gave a little laugh and walked off towards her big car.

I went into the post office and bought a stamp.

Then I went home and ironed my good blue dress. The one I'd worn to Arthur's funeral. He'd always said it was his favourite.