(no subject)

The circus called a crisis meeting. The local ARP warden had already been to see the ringmaster, and told him that should they erect the big top, there was a chance they'd be bombed, as a big glowing target. On top of that, was the realisation that most of the men were of an age to be called up.

Finally, after a lot of discussion, the Ringmaster calls for order.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let us have quiet. We shall now vote. The first option, is that we continue to run the circus without the men and in a way compliant with the blackout regulations. The second, is that we disband.

Either way, you are all as of this moment released from your contracts if you so wish. And should we disband and reform, those who are here now will have priority for jobs. I of course will not remain here."

The votes are cast. The majority vote to disband, except for the few who have nowhere to go. These few women decide to stick together and travel, try to earn money doing what they can.

Carlotta and Will know what they have to do, and with heavy hearts, vote to disband. No circus, no income; back to the stables.

They give many hugs and assurances to the circus folk that they must try to stay safe. Then they pack up carefully, hitch their horses to their caravans, and begin the long journey home.

They make an overnight stop, and reach The Oaks around mid morning. Mrs Frances runs out and hugs them both.

"I'm so glad you're home." she says. "Will, you've had a very official looking letter."

She presses it into his hand, looking worried. Will opens it at once, and nods.

"Well, it's not surprising - I've been called up." he says. "They want me to report to the recruiting office tomorrow."

There is a pause, whilst the three gather their thoughts. Carlotta slips her arm around him. Will looks down at her.

"Carlotta, I won't force this if it's too soon, and I know we didn't do the whole six months in the circus but... if I'm going to be in the army, it would be awfully good for us to marry tonight."

The words 'In case I don't come back' remain unspoken.

The Wedding

Mrs Frances has done as good a job as she can, preparing for the wedding. She and her daughter Libby have been cooking at top speed since the couple came home.

Mr Frances is outside, decorating the horse-drawn cart for the bride to ride to the church in, and for the couple to ride back. Will has been out arranging with the local vicar, and telephoning any guests within reach.

Carlotta brings her guests out of a portal concealed by a caravan. She holds a finger to them and looks around, to check if they are observed.

"All right, the coast is clear. Follow me towards the house after a couple of minutes, and tell them you were dropped off by taxi. If asked, you are circus folk I have worked with or been cared for by, but your circuses also disbanded due to the war, and I telephoned you at home."