Flynn came towards her but she kept her eyes locked fearfully on the spot where she’d last seen the snake, in case it suddenly reappeared.

“That was a big one,” he said. “Must have been down for a drink. They can get very aggro at this time of the year. It’s best to leave them alone.”

Keely looked from the bush to Flynn. Suddenly her knees felt like jelly.

“Are you okay?” He put a hand under her arm. “Come and sit down.”

She let him direct her further along the path, to the old seat.

“I guess you don’t like snakes,” he said as they sat.

“I’ve never seen one before. At least not in the wild.”

“It’s not exactly the wild around here.” Flynn chuckled.

“No, but it’s a real place.” Her words tumbled out, not making sense. “I mean…I’ve only ever seen them on television or in a zoo.”

“We have our fair share. It’s best to avoid them, if you can.”

Keely shuddered and looked across the river. It was so pretty here. She hadn’t anticipated sharing it with a snake but it was the country, after all.

“I came to see if you were alright,” Flynn said. “Euan was worried about you.”

“There’s no need. I’ve got a few sore patches but I’ll be fine.”

Flynn looked out across the river. “This is a good place. I sometimes come here to think.”

Keely relaxed against the old seat. “You’re very lucky. Levallier Dell is a beautiful property.”

“Yes, it is.” He continued to gaze into the distance. “It’s just that it was more fun when Lucy was alive.”

“You were younger then. Everything’s more fun when you’re young. No responsibilities. Perhaps you’re just taking it for granted now. Sometimes you need to look with fresh eyes.” Keely was studying the river. This would be a wonderful scene to sketch.

“Life isn’t as bright without Lucy.”

“You still miss her?” Keely snuck a quick look at Flynn. He was hatless and his hair fluffed out around his head. She resisted the urge to reach out and touch it.

“Some days more than others. She’s been gone a long time. After she died…life changed, Euan changed. We were both grieving of course, but instead of supporting each other Euan shut himself away. Some weeks I hardly saw him. When I eventually finished school I was glad to get away.”

“But you came back?”

“Lucy loved Levallier Dell…she loved me and she made me laugh. But life goes on. Euan’s a different man but at least he’s functioning again and this is home.”

Keely looked back at the river. “Our families are so different.”

“Yours would be bigger.”