They’d finished their champagne, and real life beckoned. Paying the bill at the bar, Meredith found David discreetly by her side. ‘I just wanted to let you know that it’s not what you think,’ he said in a low voice, making sure that Guillaume was the other end of the bar. ‘It hadn’t gone as far as you probably imagined, and seeing you gave me the shock I needed.’

‘Well, thank God for that. How did she take it?’

‘Not well, as a matter of fact.’

‘Let’s hope that having cast herself as the femme fatale, she doesn’t live up to it and become the harpy from hell,’ Meredith commented, then elbowed David sharply to prevent him replying. Guillaume was fast approaching with her change.

‘Congratulations on the château, madame,’ he announced as he handed over the money. ‘We are all relieved it has not been sold to some rich stranger who visits only once a year. Weddings mean good business for everyone in Bratenac!’

‘Thank you, Guillaume. We’ll try to bring as many as possible.’ She was about to follow the others when she felt David’s hand detaining her. He had stopped dead and was gripping her arm painfully. ‘You don’t think she’d try and tell Steph?’

‘I have no bloody idea. You know her better than I do,’ Meredith shrugged. ‘Would she?’

‘I’m sure she wouldn’t,’ he replied, sounding as though it was himself he was trying to convince.

Nine

‘That’s exciting,’ Meredith informed Jo. ‘We actually own the vineyard as well!’ Was there a hint of knowingness in her smile? ‘Would you like to take it on? I have zero interest in growing the stuff, only drinking it.’

The truth was, Jo was quite interested in the business of winegrowing, and not just because of Liam. The idea of planting, tending and harvesting grapes had always held a kind of romance for her since her stay in France all those years ago.

All the same, she didn’t feel very comfortable about being in charge of Liam when her feelings were already so complicated towards him. ‘I think you’d better do it,’ she replied, not looking at Meredith. ‘I’m great at day-to-day organization. Ms Sensible and Practical, that’s me. But give me a long-term business decision and I’m hopeless.’ The thought flashed into her mind that Amanda, for whom Mark had dumped her, was neither sensible nor practical, but he’d gone off with her all the same. Stop that, she told herself firmly.

‘All right,’ Meredith shrugged. ‘I just thought you might want to, that’s all.’

‘Thank you, but no, if you’re OK with it.’