Bit of backstory - we used to live in a small cul de sac with 4 - 5 other houses / couples. Most of them had lived there for 20 odd years, and we were there for 8. Nobody really spoke to each other aside from usual pleasantries until lockdown when we started to see each other on the shared driveway for socially distanced drinks, BBQ's etc (when allowed obvs!).
One of the couples would be up for joining in but then frequently not come because one or the other didn't feel well - fair enough, and then when we moved away last year they didn't come out with the rest of us for a goodbye meal for the same reasons - again, fair enough.
Anyway, this couple are now moving and invited us to go back for their goodbye meal with the other ex neighbours. For me to go, this would have meant £70+ for accommodation and £30+ for a train home the following day, on top of the price of the meal, so I declined saying I was really sorry but travel etc wasn't possible. However DP is down in the same village for work and staying with a friend, so he could go. I said this in my message, and asked if it would be OK if the friend went to the meal too as it seemed rude to be staying with one person, then go out with other people and not include them (friend has met all the other ex neighbours numerous times, but not so much this couple).
Couple came back and said they would prefer for friend not to attend as they'd rather stick to people they know. Obviously this is totally fine and entirely their choice (although partner will now not go either as still think it's a bit rude / awks with other friend), but my question is WIBU to ask in the first place?