The atmosphere barely improved at Bert’s wedding to Flo. Albert tried to make the most of it, but Emily refused to play happy families. She made a beautiful dress for Tilly and wore her own wedding dress, which she had dyed. Albert wore his Sunday best, as he had for his own wedding. Tilly enjoyed singing the hymns with her father, even though she could not read the words.
At the reception, Albert had a couple of beers and slumped down in a chair and fell asleep.
“Typical,” Emily commented.
“Leave him luv,” said Albert’s mother. “He’s worn out after a week down the pit.”
“Am I not tired too?”
“Of course you are, luv. Of course you are. Let me play with Tilly for a while, you have a rest too.”
Emily woke Albert when it was time for Bertie to make a speech.
“We are not just celebratin
