Euan’s reply was quiet and Keely noticed the firm set of his jaw. There was a momentary silence around the table.

“Well, that will teach you for staying away so long,” Anna rebuked.

“Will you still be here, Keely?” Sean asked.

“I don’t know. What happens?”

“It’s a great weekend,” he said. “People come from all over.”

“They can just wander the region and take in the sights, the wineries and entertainment,” Megan said.

“Or they can purchase a Divine Wine and Dine passport and a special map,” David said. “That gives them four meals over the course of the weekend and access to some wineries, like Levallier Dell, that aren’t normally open to the public.”

Keely glanced past David to Euan. He was holding his coffee cup in both hands and staring into it.

“What kind of food will you have, Flynn?” Kat asked.

“I’ve been waiting for Euan to get back to discuss it with him.”

“You’re running out of time,” David said. “The programs have to be printed soon. I need to know the details of what’s on offer at Levallier Dell.”

“Fancy leaving you two in charge of food,” Anna teased.

“Perhaps we could organise something in conjunction with River Dynasty. Pappou has plenty of…” Kat was cut off by the scraping of Euan’s chair on the floor as he shoved it back and stood up.

“I think Flynn and I need to discuss this privately,” he said quietly. A small muscle in his cheek twitched. “Thank you for the meal, Anna. It was delicious, as always, but I think I should take Keely home. She’s had a busy day, for someone who’s still recuperating from an operation.”

Keely felt the full force of everyone’s attention as she rose from her seat. She shuffled backwards just as David pulled at her chair, which caused her to lose her balance. She flopped back down and, as if in slow motion, the chair tipped backwards and crashed into the cupboard behind her. A jolt of pain slashed across her stomach and she gasped.

“Are you hurt?” Anna rushed around the table. Everyone stood up and Euan was quickly at her side.

“David, you bully,” Mary chided.

“I’m sorry…I was only…” David looked positively mortified.

“I’m alright,” Keely mumbled. The spasms of pain eased a little and allowed her to breathe again.

“Can you stand?” Euan asked.

“For goodness sake, Euan, let the poor girl get her breath back,” Anna said. “She’s lost all her colour again. Take your time, Keely. I’ll make you a fresh cup of tea.”

“I should take her home,” Euan said.

“Nonsense, she needs to sit for a minute. Sean, put that kettle on.”

Keely felt like a rag doll being tossed about. Euan stepped back and the others started to leave.

“I’m sorry, Keely,” David said again and helped her to her feet.