The ornate and considerably sized room in the registrar's office building was full of police officers in uniform and plain clothes. Others from the community who knew the bride and groom snuck in and seated themselves at the room's rear.

Rupert stood and waited for Joyce in front of the official desk.

According to tradition, Joyce was five minutes late.

When Rupert heard the entrance door close, he turned and smiled. She appeared stunning in a dark blue dress he had never seen before.

The civil ceremony proceeded with the female registrar adding witty comments about police procedure and the use of handcuffs.

Aon, leaving their associates, formed a guard of honour to the waiting white Rolls Royce.

The reception in the nearby country five-star hotel was as near perfect as possible. The owner and his wife oversaw every detail.

After the best man's speech and the first dance, Joyce and Rupert went to their room to change their travelling clothes.

"When Rupert closed the bedroom door, he grabbed his wife and kissed her. "You know what happens now."

"I Haven't a clue."

"If we were twenty years younger, I'd dragged you onto the bed, and we would make mad, passionate love."

Joyce laughed, and her eyes glistened as she grabbed his hand. "Now that's a tradition I'm not going to change.

***

Rupert and Joyce said farewell and were ready to leave, knowing the party would continue into the early hours.

Maggie had offered to drive them to Southampton and waited by Joyce's car.

Rupert peered at a man seated in the passenger seat. "Who's that?"

"My boyfriend Colin Campbell. I didn't fancy driving back on my own."

Good thinking,"

The journey was uneventful. Rupert gave Colin the third degree until Joyce told him of it.

The road was comparatively traffic-free, so Maggie made good time. She drove into the docks and stopped in the car park opposite the registration and luggage building.

Maggie and Colin watched the newlyweds join those waiting to board the ship.

"Do you want me to drive back?" asked Colin.

Maggie grinned. "Not necessary. I have a double room booked and paid for at the Excalibur Hotel. Want to join me?"

He held both her hands. "After what you've been through, you're one hell of a woman."

She pulled him close. "I know, and you'd better not snore."

The End.

Rupert, Joyce, and Maggie might return in the future.