‘Very sad.’ He shook his head, tutting softly. ‘When my wife, Sylvie, died, life was able to go on as before. Her family have owned vineyards for over a hundred years. She has a brother and a sister, between us we have six children and, so far, eight grandchildren. Even if half of them had no interest in wine, there are enough of the new generation to continue our wine story for decades to come. Ted and I were the same age; it’s sobering when your health is under threat, you realize you’re not immortal after all. There’s a lot to be said for having your family close when times are difficult.’

‘There is.’ I had a sudden overwhelming need to talk to my own family. I resolved to try Evie again later and wished more than anything that I could just pick up the phone and talk to my dad. He was in Germany now. I’d only communicated by text with him for two weeks, worried that I’d mention the baby as soon as I heard his voice and until I could guarantee that I wouldn’t burst into tears over the mess I’d got myself into, I didn’t dare speak to him.

Sidney must have noticed something in my tone because he patted my hand.

I forced a smile. ‘Is Jensen’s mum not around?’

No one ever mentioned her, and I was aware I was being nosy, but if anyone was going to tell me it would be Sidney.

He pulled a face. ‘Samantha? Yes and no. She’s happily married and living abroad. She won’t move back now.’

‘Which just leaves Jensen,’ I said softly. My heart sank. It was obvious he had no interest in taking over the family business, he’d just been promoted and his work meant a lot to him.

The old man nodded. ‘Ted once told me that he hoped Jensen would take over here when he got too old. From what Betsy has said, Ted’s illness took hold very quickly. I expect he didn’t want to burden his grandson with the responsibility of the business when his career was taking off. And then time ran out and he never got the chance to talk to Jensen about it.’

‘Time ran out for my mum too.’ I swallowed. Even after more than ten years it was hard to talk to people outside the family about it. There were so many things she’d missed out on. She would have loved to have been at Evie’s wedding and I knew she’d always hoped one day to be a grandmother. ‘It makes me want to live life to the full in her honour.’

Sidney looked at me speculatively. ‘I’ve been thinking about the future too. Do you think you and Jensen could give it a go? You seem to complement each other well.’