Free Rose's Vintage by Kayte Nunn Page B

really, it was.’ Rose wasn’t even lying. It had been surprisingly interesting to see something of the secret business that went on inside a winery. Even though she’d learnt a bit about French wines as part of her Diplôme de Cuisine , and of course Henry had been involved with wine for as long as she could remember, she’d never actually set foot in a winery until now.
    And now she knew where the office was. It was probably her best bet for finding out what Henry needed: she’d had time to figure out that Mark almost certainly didn’t keep any business papers in the house. She just had to choose a time when she was sure no-one was around and she wouldn’t be caught.
    Oh, and there was the small matter of getting her hands on the keys, which she’d seen hanging up in the winery office earlier. She’d have to wait for her opportunity – Mark was bound to leave them somewhere when he locked up for the night.

budburst
    noun
    the emergence of new leaves on plants such as grapevines at the beginning of the growing season

CHAPTER 8

    A s she jogged along Shingle Road, through the clearing early morning mist, Rose noticed that a bright green fuzz had appeared over the valley, formerly brown, dormant hillsides spiked with new growth. Green shoots thrust from the wizened vines and bright golden wattle shone on roadside bushes. The air wasn’t nearly as punishingly cold as it had been a few weeks ago, and she was able to ditch the gloves and beanie Astrid had lent her and soak up the sun as it rose over the distant hills.
    She stopped to survey the landscape, and a strange feeling welled up within her. For a moment she didn’t recognise it. Then it came to her: she was happy. She was really, truly happy. The Shingle Valley was beginning to take root and grow in her heart.
    Oh Christ, that’s all I need.

    The sunshine, however, was short-lived; thick grey clouds blanketed the valley for the next few days, holding the promise of rain but not delivering.
    One morning, Astrid had taken Leo to school and Luisa to play with some friends, and the house was unnaturally quiet. Mark was out visiting a grower at the far end of the valley, so Rose finally had a chance to explore the winery. She knew Dan would be there, but she could use the offer of a freshly baked carrot cake as an excuse to nose around. She still hadn’t found out anything specific about the financial state of Kalkari, just rumours, and her brother would want something concrete soon, she knew.
    Inside the winery, she popped her head around the office door, proffering the sweet treat.
    Dan looked up and smiled at her. ‘Hey, Rose, how are you going? Is that for me? Don’t mind if I do. Ta.’ For a large man, Dan moved surprisingly gracefully. He slid from his chair and moved over to a small countertop that was fitted with a sink. ‘Let me put the kettle on. Will you stop and have a cuppa?’
    â€˜Sure, I’d love one.’
    â€˜How’re you getting on up at the house?’
    â€˜Oh, it’s all pretty good; although now I’ve got everything shipshape, I have to confess I’ve got a bit of time on my hands.’
    â€˜Ah, that’s bloody gorgeous,’ said Dan as he bit into the still-warm cake, savouring the rich sweetness and licking his lips, which were smeared with icing. ‘How did you know I had a sweet tooth?’
    Rose grinned at him. ‘Lucky guess.’
    â€˜Well, if you’re bored, you could always make more of these ripper cakes … actually, you know, what we need around here is someone to take the cellar door in hand. Clean it up and start offering tastings again. I think your cakes’d be a hit too, judging by this one. Hey, there’s a bit of a CWA competition coming up next week. My missus always does well there, but I reckon you’d give even her a run for her money.’
    Rose looked at him in surprise. She wasn’t sure what