‘Here, take this,’ Kate commanded, pressing a cool glass, slick with condensation, into her hands.

She frowned at it.

‘You just looked like you might need to cool off,’ Kate said with a knowing glint in her eye. Before Lily could object, Kate pressed on. ‘Just smile and say thank you.’

She did as Kate commanded, before looking back towards Henry in time to see his gaze search her out. For just a second, it was the two of them. She saw the flash of excitement, happiness even, as he saw her, and felt her own answering pleasure rise within her. And it made her yearn, made her want more. Want for this to be something they did together: the harvest, the party after, welcoming and giving.

He seemed startled when the entire group of volunteers registered his presence and began to clap. It morphed into a resounding cheer, and she could have sworn a blush rose to his cheeks. He waved the applause down and came to a halt, seemingly trying to find the right words to say.

‘Before we get to the drinking and the amazing food, thanks to Lily,’ another burst of applause ensued, ‘there are a few key people I’d like to thank. I’d probably better thank John while he’s not here, as he’d sooner push me off the estate before accepting thanks for his incredible efforts.’ His words were followed by a round of laughter. ‘I’d also like to thank Lily Atwell, because without her, I very much doubt that any of this would have actually happened.’ He gestured to where she stood behind the table. Lily felt a blush rise to her cheeks as the applause turned in her direction. ‘Not to mention the delicious food she and her team have given us today.’ A few cheers sputtered through the claps and she wiggled her fingers in a little wave. ‘I’d also like to thank Mrs Whittaker, who managed to rally a small army and, of course, the students from Hawke’s High.’

Henry paused, waiting for the cheers and sustained applause to die down.

‘I’d forgotten,’ Henry said, trying again, ‘I’d forgotten what it was to see everyone come together for a harvest. I’d forgotten that it wasn’t something that you did on your own. Or hired outsiders in to do. I know that I’ve been away for a while,’ he waved off the gentle catcalls and groans from the people, ‘and for that I’m sorry. Because what you’ve done today – how you’ve come to help me, to help the estate – that’s not something my father ever forgot,’ he said as a gentle hush fell over the group. ‘Nor was it something he ever took for granted.’