Something in the Wine

by Tricia Stringer

  He said the name with such flourish that Keely expected him to pull a bottle from his sleeve. “Have you got them labelled already?” she asked.

  “No.” He made his way to the fridge. “But the labels should be here in the next day or so. We’ll have to stick them on with the manual labeller to have some ready for the weekend.”

  “Uh oh, Keely.” Kat laughed. “I don’t like the sound of that ‘we’.”

  Keely looked from Flynn, who had his head in the fridge, to Kat, who was getting out glasses, and grinned back. They’d worked well together, and she hadn’t felt like the odd one out as she’d feared. Flynn and Kat hadn’t been all over each other, as had happened with Bec when she had a new guy. Keely smiled as she recalled the text she’d received that morning from her friend declaring she’d met the love of her life…again. The last guy she’d met, at a New Year’s party, had only lasted till May.

  Flynn poured the wine and they raised their glasses.

  “To teamwork,” he said.

  Keely took a sip of her wine. He was right. The three of them had certainly made a good team today.

  Once Flynn had given up waiting for Euan to return, they’d set about making sure the coming weekend was planned to the last detail. Kat had said she’d have to go back to River Dynasty to help on the weekend but she was happy to do what she could to assist the preparations at Levallier Dell.

  They’d gone over the menu and decided Euan could cook the meat for the pork rolls the day before. The mention of his father’s name had made Flynn restless again until Kat had distracted him with her light banter and they’d got back to planning the food production.

  Flynn had contacts for the local produce they needed and Megan’s suggestion of a couple of teenagers to help with food prep and serving had been followed up. Keely had contacted a local couple who made gourmet crackers and were happy for their products to be used on the platters. Her job was to organise the food service over the weekend. It was a big task and Kat had given Flynn a pointed look that suggested she thought he was asking too much but Keely wasn’t daunted. She’d been looking forward to it before Flynn remembered his aunt was coming to help. That had dampened her enthusiasm. Maggie was probably one of those people who, like Anna, would come in and take over.

  Hugh had called Flynn away to look at something in the vineyard and Kat and Keely had baked another big batch of meringues for mini pavlovas. They’d got the production down to a fine art and were just cleaning up when Flynn returned.

  “Euan’s still not back?” he’d asked.

  Keely shook her head in unison with Kat.

  “It doesn’t matter,” Kat said. “You and Keely have everything running like clockwork.”

  “There are plenty of other things to be done.”

  Keely had seen the disappointment on his face. It wasn’t her he wanted to be organising events with, it was Euan. Flynn badly wanted the coming weekend to be a success for Levallier Dell and he wanted Euan to share his interest.

  Now as they drank their wine she could tell Flynn was still watching for Euan to appear. He turned away from the window and opened the fridge door. “I’m getting hungry. Is there anything in here we can use to rustle up a meal?”

  “Uh oh. There’s that ‘we’ again, Keely.” Kat laughed.

  Flynn pulled back his shoulders. “In spite of what some say, I am actually quite a good cook, you know.”

  “If you say so. Keely and I have been in the kitchen all afternoon. We’re happy for you to prove it, aren’t we, Keely?”

  She nodded.

  “Right!” Flynn rubbed his hands together and chuckled as he began to dig around in the fridge again.

  Keely was pleased to see his good humour return. Kat had the knack of making him laugh. He put cheese and olives and salami on the bench while Keely finished the dishes. She was tired and there were still a few tender spots from her fall but she was happy. Flynn’s laugh was infectious. How she loved to hear that laugh.

  A shadow passed the window and she glanced up in time to see Euan approaching the door with a woman at his side. Damn, was this Maggie here already? Keely had hoped for a few more days without her.

  The door slid back and Euan gently propelled the woman into the room. Kat and Flynn looked up from their preparations in the kitchen. There was no greeting from Flynn and the woman looked younger than Keely imagined Maggie would be.

  “Hello, everyone,” Euan said. “I’d like you to meet Dianna…a friend of mine from the east.”

  Keely noticed the pause in Euan’s introduction. She glanced from him to the attractive woman beside him. Dressed in designer jeans and a black leather jacket nipped in at her waist, Dianna had a petite frame and the animal-print scarf at her neck highlighted her auburn hair. She looked smart and was regarding them all with interest.

  Keely looked back to Euan. There was an air about the pair of them, a sparkle. Of course, he could put on the charm. He liked to act that way with women but there was something more to this.

  “Dianna, this is my son Flynn.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Flynn.” The newcomer stepped forward and reached out a well-manicured hand in a confident movement. She was a very attractive woman, younger than Euan, perhaps in her mid-fifties. “I’ve heard so much about you and this wonderful place. Now I know why your father doesn’t want to leave.”

  Flynn shook her hand. He did it slowly, a puzzled expression flitting across his face before it was replaced with that steel he used to hide his feelings.

  “Hello, Dianna.” He straightened up. “I can’t say that I’ve heard anything about you.”

  “This is Flynn’s friend, Kat.” Euan moved on quickly. “And our South Aussie visitor, Keely.”

  “Hello.” Keely smiled at Dianna across the room.

  “Dianna has work in Augusta tomorrow so she’ll be staying the night,” Euan said.

  There was silence for a moment then Keely’s mobile rang. She took it from her pocket, relieved to see the name on the screen.

  “Hi, Marty,” she said.

  With the silence broken, the others were all suddenly moving and talking at once behind her.

  She moved away to the corner of the room.

  “How about coming to the beach tomorrow?” Marty said. “I’ll be in Margaret River early so I could pick you up on the way back.”

  Dianna and Kat chatted happily behind her. There were still things to do for the coming weekend but the place was getting crowded. Maybe some time away would be good.

  “That sounds great.”

  By the time they’d finished making arrangements, Flynn and Kat were working on meal prep together in the kitchen and Euan was pouring wine for everyone. Keely was the only one who noticed another well-dressed woman walk gracefully to the door and slide it open. Her long hair was swept up onto her head, her face was elegantly made up and, although it was plumper than Euan’s, there was no mistaking the family resemblance.

  “This party is in my honour, I hope,” she said as she entered.

  The babble of voices ceased for a brief moment before Flynn and Euan called out in unison, “Maggie!”

  Flynn rushed across the room and squeezed his aunt in a bear hug.

  “Hello, darling.” She kissed him on the cheek then rubbed at it with her thumb before she put her arm through his and looked back at Euan. “No wonder I haven’t heard from you two. You’ve been entertaining.” She raised one elegant eyebrow and her lips turned up in a mischievous smile.

  “Maggie, you should have let us know you were coming,” Euan said.

  “I did, brother dear. I’m just a few days early. Aren’t you going to introduce me to this bevy of beautiful women?”

  Keely thought Euan almost blushed. His face looked a little rosy as he introduced Dianna to his sister. Once again, he used the words ‘friend from the east’. The two women shook hands then Maggie looked at Kat.

  “And you must be the young woman Euan rescued from the hospital.” Maggie
held out her hand.

  “No, Maggie. This is Katerina,” Flynn said. “She’s Theo’s granddaughter.”

  “I see.” Maggie shook Kat’s hand. “Hello.”

  Keely steeled herself as Euan nodded in her direction and everyone looked her way. The other three women in the room were all beautifully groomed. Even though Kat had been cooking with Keely all afternoon she was still so tidy. Keely knew her hair needed brushing and she looked down at the pale pink shirt that had patchy wine stains and now extra splodges from her efforts in the kitchen.

  “This is our traveller, Keely,” Euan said.

  “Hello Keely.” Maggie clasped Keely’s hand in her soft grip. “You must be much better. You look beautiful. My Levallier men have been looking after you properly, I hope.” Her eyes were ice blue like Euan’s and they held an almost mischievous gleam. Keely could see the fine lines in her skin and noted the hint of colouring in her elegantly groomed French roll and the soft fragrance of her perfume.

  “Yes…I am…thanks…” she stammered, wondering if Maggie’s eyesight was impaired. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “So, what have I interrupted?” Maggie turned back to her brother. “Were you having a party?”

  “No, Maggie.” Euan jumped in quickly. “Dianna has turned up unexpectedly.”

  “I hope there’s a bed for me then,” Maggie said. “You know I don’t like that old hut you grandly call a studio.”

  Keely saw the glances flying between Euan and Dianna and from Flynn to Euan. This was all getting very complicated.

  Euan ran his fingers through his hair. “We might need to do some rearranging—”

  “I can go back to River Dynasty,” Kat cut in.

  “There’s plenty of room,” Flynn said.

  “I’ll leave you to it.” Keely headed for the door. “I’m going to the beach tomorrow with a friend, so I think I’ll get an early night. Last night’s party is catching up with me.”

  “You’ll eat first, won’t you?” Euan said.

  “I’m not that hungry and I can make a snack at the studio if I need.” Keely turned back to the others. “Nice to meet you both, Dianna and Maggie.”

  Dianna gave a wave from the other side of the room where she had been examining the artwork on the wall. Maggie smiled and turned her steady gaze on her brother. Euan made a show of opening the door for Keely. Her last sight was of Kat, who was giving her a pleading look from the kitchen where she stood next to the stony-faced Flynn.

  Keely stepped out into the fresh air and let out a long sigh. She was looking forward to escaping to the peace of her little studio.

  CHAPTER 24

  Theo rattled around, looking for the right container. There were plenty of others who could see to the spraying but he wanted it done now and everyone else was busy. He peered at the writing on the plastic drum and cursed again. A globe had blown and it was quite dull in the shed.

  His eyesight was not as sharp as it used to be. His wife had been nagging him for ages to get glasses but he managed without them. Everyone he knew who had glasses for reading spent their whole time looking for the damn things. He had enough trouble with his diary.

  Thankfully the downy mildew outbreak was small but he wanted it seen to now. He was determined to eradicate it before any further damage was done. The burst of hot weather could be enough to expose the vines to secondary infection. He’d seen the ruin downy mildew could cause and he knew he couldn’t face any more losses.

  He didn’t want Euan blaming him if it spread to Levallier Dell either. The outbreak was close to their boundary. Who was to say it hadn’t come from Levallier Dell in the first place? The pestilence had to come from somewhere.

  While he mixed the spray his thoughts drifted to Katerina. She hadn’t come home again the night before. She was a headstrong girl. Always had been but he liked that. As a young girl she had her cousins dancing to her tune. Surely Flynn Levallier would be an easy target for her charms.

  Everything was ready and he sat down on a drum to write in his diary. He had just slipped the battered little book back into his pocket when Tony arrived. Theo stood up quickly and teetered as the world spun.

  “What are you doing, Baba?” Tony clutched him by the arms. “You’re not as young as you used to be. You don’t have to do this, I said I’d…”

  Theo pushed his son away. “I’m alright. I just stood up too quickly. It will pass. Don’t fuss.” He stood still for a moment, aware of Tony hovering close beside him.

  “How often does this happen?” Tony asked.

  “Every now and then. I’m alright,” Theo said again.

  “Perhaps you should see the doctor.”

  “I have. He gave me tablets.”

  “Do you take them?”

  “Sometimes. Look Tony, I’m fine. Let’s get on with the spraying.”

  “I told you I’d get to it. I’m ready now. I’ll do it.”

  Theo looked into the concerned face of his son. “Alright, but no more wasting time. Get the spraying done.”

  * * *

  Keely approached the house cautiously. It was an overcast morning and the lights were still on inside. She could see Maggie sitting at the table. Keely hoped Flynn or Euan would be about. She didn’t want to be left alone with Maggie.

  “Good morning,” Maggie said as Keely tapped on the door and stepped inside. “Did you sleep well? Flynn and Euan told me all about the party and your misfortune. I can’t believe Euan allowed such crass behaviour.”

  “It was an accident. No real harm done.” Keely gave a wry smile. “At least not to me.”

  “Would you like a coffee?”

  “Oh, no…thank you.”

  “Would you prefer tea? Please have something.”

  “Tea would be fine.” Keely had intended to collect some of the party leftovers to take with her, then make a speedy exit. Marty should arrive soon.

  “I’m the only one here, I’m afraid.” Maggie boiled the kettle in the kitchen. “Euan has taken his surprise visitor into the village to join her crew, whatever that is. I don’t imagine there’s a ship in the main street of Margaret River.” Her chuckle was warm and gentle. “I can’t believe I didn’t know anything about Dianna till now. I can’t wait until he comes back. I have lots of questions.”

  “She seemed a nice person.”

  “You hadn’t met her before?”

  “Only about five minutes before you did.” Keely glanced around. The family room was neat and tidy. Everything in its place. She wondered where Flynn and Kat were.

  “Here you are.” Maggie placed a cup of tea in front of her. “What a shame you’re going off as well. I was looking forward to hearing about your travels.”

  “I haven’t made it very far yet.”

  “You haven’t had the best of starts for a holiday.” She pinned Keely with her look. “Still, I believe things happen for a purpose, don’t you? I’m sure everything will work out.”

  Her piercing gaze was like Euan’s. Keely felt as if Maggie could see right through her. She lowered her eyes, letting her hair fall forward.

  Maggie’s gentle touch brushed Keely’s hair to one side. “You’ve got such healthy hair. I couldn’t help but think how striking you looked when I entered the house last night. By far the most beautiful woman present.”

  Keely looked around the room, anxious to steer the conversation in a different direction. “It’s quiet here this morning.”

  “Flynn and Kat have gone to Perth. They left quite early. Flynn had to pick up some labels he’s been expecting. Evidently, they missed the post. I can’t believe everyone has deserted me when I’ve just arrived. If only we’d known earlier, I could have brought them. He tells me the label has a sketch of Euan on it and that you are the artist.”

  “It was just a rough sketch. Flynn took a fancy to it.”

  “You like to draw and paint?”

  Keely lowered her gaze to her cup. “Yes.”

  “It’s a fine talent to have.
Flynn has a good eye for art. I look forward to seeing the labels. His young lady friend, Kat, raved over your work as well. She suggested another of your caricatures for Flynn’s red once it’s bottled.”

  Keely looked up from her tea. She hadn’t shown anyone her other pictures. Then she remembered the night the three of them had been in the studio. Kat had flicked through her sketchbook. It had to be Jack Maggie was referring to. “The whip cracker?”

  “That’s it. I think Flynn likes the sound of the whip cracker for his cab merlot blend.” Maggie’s obvious affection for her nephew brought a glow to her face. “He has wonderful ideas, don’t you think?” Once again, those piercing blue eyes pinned her from across the table.

  “Yes.” Keely stood up. She wanted to shout across the room just how much she loved his wonderful ideas and being a part of them but instead she took a breath, picked up her cup and moved to the kitchen. “I’d better get organised. Marty will be here soon. I thought I’d take some of the leftover cake I made for the party. It won’t keep much longer with cream in it.”

  “You take whatever you like,” Maggie said. “I know Euan and Flynn won’t mind. They’ve appreciated having you here. Sounds like you’ve been helpful in many ways.”

  Keely got out the chocolate cake she had made for Flynn. There was only one piece missing; they’d had so many sweets the night of the party. Oh, well, she thought, Marty and his mates would probably enjoy it.

  Maggie walked her to the door. “Will we expect you home for the evening meal?”

  “I’m not sure. It depends on my ride. I’ll ring.” Keely’s words tumbled out over each other.

  “No need, my dear, there will be plenty. I’m cooking a grand feast tonight. I think we need a special meal.” Maggie’s face glowed with vitality. “It appears there is much to celebrate.”

  * * *

  “That’s it, Keely, bend your knees,” Steve called from beside her.

  She glanced across, lost her footing on the board and crumpled. Luckily, the sand was soft and she rolled over laughing. Steve and Marty extended a helping hand each and pulled her to her feet.

  “You’re getting the hang of it,” Steve said. “Are you sure you don’t want to try a wave? The beginners’ set is perfect today.”