‘No, I don’t think so.’ I looked down at my fingers, stained green with sap off the vines, my short nails caked in mud from pulling up weeds. So different to his clean office-boy hands. We were chalk and cheese. ‘Actually, he did invite me to dinner but that was before we found out I was pregnant. He hasn’t repeated the offer since, which is hardly surprising. And besides, he likes London, I hate it. So that’s that.’

His lips twitched. ‘I meant give Butterworth Wines a go. As business partners.’ He lifted his hands. ‘But romantic partners would make his grandmother and his great-aunt very happy.’

My cheeks flamed. ‘Please don’t tell anyone what I just said.’

He chuckled and mimed zipping his lips. ‘Your secret’s safe with me. Although why do you say it’s hardly surprising? Any man would be proud to be stepping out with you.’

‘Thank you, Sidney, you are such a gentleman.’ I sighed. ‘But it’s hardly the ideal first date, is it? With a woman who’s carrying another man’s child.’

Sidney took a breath as if about to reply but he was interrupted.

‘Lottie? Lottie? Where are you?’ It was Jensen calling to me from higher up the slope.

‘Talk of the devil.’ I fanned my face quickly before replying.

‘In the centre path sitting on the bench. What’s up?’

I stood up as I heard Jensen running towards us. He appeared from the end of a row of Pinot Noir vines.

‘You’ve got a very contrite visitor,’ he said, out of breath. ‘I’ve left him with Matt and Roger in the winery.’

Harvey? My mouth went dry. ‘Muscly physique, short black hair?’

He shook his head. ‘No, don’t worry. It’s Darren, your brother-in-law. I almost didn’t recognize him without his two burly friends.’

My shoulders sagged with relief. ‘Is he, um, sober?’ I asked, shooting an apologetic look at Sidney.

‘I hope so,’ Jensen replied, ‘because he drove here. Although his van does have “Get Plastered” across the side of it. So who knows?’

‘That’s his business.’ I was flustered, wondering what Darren wanted or if he had a message from Evie. ‘Not as in to get plastered, but to plaster other things. Sidney, please excuse me.’

‘And we need to be making tracks soon.’ Jensen pulled Sidney to his feet and together we all headed back to the winery. Marjorie’s car was parked in front of the house, which meant that she and Betsy were back in time to see Sidney off. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Darren emerge from the doors of the winery and raise a self-conscious hand.