Some uninvited guests had watched the ceremony from the back of the church. Madeleine picked out two middl-eaged women, seated together and ignoring the bride and bridegroom. Their gaze was fixed firmly on Caleb Andrews. When the couple came out through the main door, they were greeted by the cheers of well-wishers and curious passers-by. Running a thankful eye over them, Colbeck was met by a surprise. The sturdy, well-dressed man quietly withdrawing from the crowd was Edward Tallis. He’d come to give his tacit blessing, after all.
Colbeck was touched. It was a sign of progress.