‘Well, it’s brilliant,’ I blurted out. ‘Inspired!’

‘What?’ he said, his gaze snapping back to me.

‘It’s the perfect solution,’ I said, as a wave of emotion shot through me. ‘I love it.’

He opened his mouth to say something, but I rushed on.

‘So inspired in fact,’ I beamed, ‘that it’s made me change my mind.’

‘It’s made you change your mind?’ he repeated.

‘Yes,’ I choked. My voice trembled as a tear rolled down my cheek. ‘I want to stay. I want to live here in the lodge at Wynter’s Trees and set up a forest school in the plantation.’

The volume of the music in the barn was suddenly cranked up and I had to raise my voice.

‘I think we could make the place available to Norfolk and Suffolk schools, maybe even have a summer camp for kids who…’

Ned shook his head. ‘It’s too late,’ he quietly said.

He didn’t need to shout for me to grasp what he’d said.

‘No, it’s not,’ I protested, shaking my head. ‘It’s not. I really mean this, Ned.’

‘It’s doesn’t matter whether you mean it or not,’ he said, louder now, as the light in his gorgeous eyes dulled. ‘I spent all day yesterday finalising everything. I’ve had the loan I need to buy you out approved. It’s done.’

I sunk into the chair behind me.

‘It’s all arranged,’ he shrugged, ‘just like you wanted.’

‘But you sent for that brochure…’

‘Weeks ago,’ he cut in, ‘and then I binned it because you called that second meeting to make sure that I knew, and Dad knew, that you hadn’t changed your mind.’

I didn’t know what to say. Literally, just as I had been having my lightbulb moment, Ned had been flicking the switch of his off.

‘You said this was what you wanted and I’ve gone through hell and high water to make it happen!’ The words came out as a shout and I flinched.

‘I’m sorry,’ I whispered. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Not as sorry as I am.’ He glowered, running his hands through his hair. ‘Liza…’

‘Oh my god!’ shouted Maya, flying in through the door. ‘Ned, you have to come!’

She grabbed his hand and started to tug him away.

‘What is it?’ he frowned, resisting. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Nothing,’ she breathlessly laughed, pulling him harder. ‘Nothing’s wrong. Come on, Liza!’ she said, spotting me. ‘You too.’

‘What is it?’ Ned asked again, his feet finally moving.

‘It’s Noah,’ she grinned. ‘I think he’s about to propose to Michael.’

Chapter 25