Uncle Dick came home and it was wonderful to accept the close relationship between us. He gave me away when, the following Christmas, I married Simon. And as we came down the aisle together I thought: And that is the end of the beginning.

Then I wondered what the future would hold for us and if in the years ahead we should weather the storms which must surely beset two such personalities as ours. Life perhaps would not be always calm between us. We both were head strong, and neither of us meek.

But as we came out into the Christmas sunshine, my spirits were lifted.

I knew there was nothing to fear, for there was love between us, and it is love which casts out fear.