“Flynn used my portrait of Euan on his dry white label. He might want this one for his red blend, if it’s alright with you.” She tried to read his expression. “What do you think?”

Jack lifted his chin and his face twisted into a smile. “I think I’d be honoured.” He gave the portrait one last glance, then moved back to the bracelets and wine-bottle covers she had laid out on the table.

“Euan’s a smart bloke. He’s done lots for this area. He deserves to have his face on a bottle of good wine. I’ve been around a bit longer. I guess that earns me a spot as well.” He ran a finger over one of the bracelets, then went to the window and looked out. “I’ve known Euan since he started this place and the crack of my whip kept those jolly birds away. Euan had to clear out lots of trees to plant his vines. He and Lucy dug out their roots with a pick and shovel back then. But they planted far more trees than they removed, species that bloom with the grapes. Euan has always produced quality wine and Flynn follows in his footsteps. They’re decent people.”

He stopped talking and Keely could hear the birds outside. It was another beautiful day.

Suddenly, Jack turned around. He glanced at the table, then back to Keely, his face bright as if he’d just thought of something.

“I’d better get going.” He grabbed his battered hat and moved to the door, where he paused. “I’ll find you something to display your jewellery on.” He gave a sharp nod towards her creations on the table. Then, with a brief smile, he was gone.

* * *

The smell of meat cooking made Keely’s mouth water as she approached the house. Euan had the meat roasting in the outdoor barbecue, ready for the pork rolls the next day. Her heart did a light skip and she had a moment of cheerful anticipation, before the feeling of dread settled on her again. She was looking forward to the coming weekend. The whole concept excited her but, always in the background like a shadow, was the thought that when the weekend was over, she had to face a class again.

For the hundredth time since her meeting with Ken she toyed with the idea of ringing and cancelling, but now that she’d met him, saw how welcoming he was and knew how desperately he needed her help, she couldn’t bring herself to let him down. She sighed and tried to concentrate on her mental checklist of things to be done.

As soon as she entered the Levallier house she could sense the tension. Maggie and Euan were in the kitchen and Flynn was drying a large tray of wine glasses at the table.

“Hello, Keely.” Maggie’s welcome was bright but Flynn and Euan simply nodded in her direction.