Her breathing had quickened but before either of us could speak again there was a knock on the cottage door.

‘Come in!’ Betsy called.

A slim girl in her mid-twenties with dark brown hair showing under a floppy sunhat edged timidly round the door and raised a hand self-consciously. She was wearing a floaty summer dress and trainers. She was pale and freckly with perfect cheekbones. It could only be Pippa.

‘Pippa, come in and meet Lottie, our new vineyard manager.’

‘Hi.’ I smiled and waved before remembering that part of my role was the management of the staff. I’d never actually managed anyone before, but I was sure Betsy would expect a bit more from me than simply grinning inanely and waving. I jumped to my feet and strode towards this young woman, hand extended.

‘Lovely to meet you, Pippa. Betsy has just been telling me what a big help you’ve been to Ted over the years.’

‘Oh, I don’t think so.’ Pippa’s hand fleetingly touched mine, she dropped her head and two fat tears promptly slipped down her face.

‘Don’t say that,’ I said with a jokey laugh, ‘I’m relying on you to teach me about growing vines.’

‘Viticulture,’ she said with a watery smile. ‘That’s what it’s called.’

‘You see,’ I said, nudging her with my elbow. ‘I’ve learned something already.’

‘I’ll leave you to get to know one another while I finish the hoovering,’ Betsy said, hauling herself from the sofa.

‘I think if it’s all right with you, I’d like to see the vines first?’ I guided Pippa out of the cottage. I’d been hoping to unload the rest of my things from the car, but that could wait.

‘Sorry about that. What must you think of me, weeping when Betsy introduces us?’ Pippa mumbled, pulling a tissue from her pocket and pressing it to her eyes.

‘That’s nothing,’ I said, glancing sideways at her. ‘I wept on Betsy yesterday during my interview.’

‘Really?’ she said, sniffing.

I nodded. ‘I needed a job and somewhere to live urgently, and didn’t think I’d have a chance of getting this one, given my lack of experience. I was so grateful that Betsy gave me the opportunity.’

‘That makes me feel better. Ted was like a father to me; I’m permanently tearful at the moment.’

‘Then it’s only natural that you miss him.’

She smiled sadly. ‘My own parents were quite old when I came along. And since they died, Ted filled the gap.’

‘I’m sorry for your loss.’

She took in a shuddering breath. ‘It breaks my heart to see his winery without him in it. He’d spend all day every day in there, just tinkering. It crossed my mind not to carry on working here, but he’d want me to, I know that really.’