‘Yes. Perfectly okay,’ I confirmed finally, opening the gate and waving him through to the terrace. ‘And the vineyard is in tip-top shape too. Come and see for yourself, everyone is waiting for us and we’ve got loads to show you.’

Around the patio table, sheltering from the fierce glare of the August sun under the shade of a parasol, sat my team plus Sidney. The table groaned with tea things: a luscious Victoria sponge, a plate of scones, dishes of jam and cream, and a bowl of fruit salad, all courtesy of Betsy, who had sent her apologies but she and Starsky had an important engagement with Marjorie that she couldn’t get out of. Alongside jugs of water there was an ice bucket containing two bottles of Butterworth sparkling wine and a tray of glasses.

‘Right, all present and correct,’ said Roger officiously, handing a pile of paper to Pippa, who sat on his left. ‘So take an agenda and pass the rest on. Let’s get going.’

‘Just in time!’ Clare beamed at us, pouring tea from a large pot. ‘Betsy has done a separate pot of decaff, for some reason, if anyone would prefer it?’

I caught Jensen’s eye and we shared a knowing smile. Betsy had been such a dear this last fortnight: suggesting all sorts of things she thought I might like food-wise and even offering me the use of her bathroom for a soak as The Stables only had a shower.

‘Me please,’ I said, taking the empty seats between Clare and Sidney. ‘I’m on a health kick,’ I said, in answer to her look of disbelief.

‘Does that mean I can have your slice of cake?’ Godfrey asked hopefully, dolloping cream and jam on to a scone.

‘I’m only giving up caffeine, Godfrey. Cake is still on the agenda for now. Baby steps.’

I heard Jensen chuckle softly at my unintended pun; I didn’t dare look at him.

Roger rapped a spoon on the table and Matt and Clare rolled their eyes.

‘Talking of agendas.’ He opened his notebook and wrote down all our names for the minutes. ‘First item: welcome by Lottie.’

‘Thank you, Roger; and thank you for coming this afternoon, everyone,’ I said, spooning a small amount of fruit salad into a bowl. Despite what I’d just said to Godfrey, it was the thought of the sharp and sweet fruit rather than the cake that was making my mouth water.

‘So much has happened since our open day two weeks ago, I thought it would be easier to update each other together. Firstly,’ I said, smiling at Sidney and covering his hand with mine, ‘a big thank-you to Sidney for helping us out in the winery. You’ve achieved so much for us, we’ve all learned a great deal and we couldn’t have managed without you. We’re really going to miss you.’

‘Hear, hear,’ said Roger, raising his teacup.