Page 87 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

‘It’s been a while since anyone was in there,’ said Arthur, looking at Bert. ‘Do you remember when it was in full swing?’

‘Remember the mess that the cows made,’ muttered Bert.

‘The fresh milk was always welcome, though,’ said Arthur, ever amiable. ‘Perhaps we could get a cow for the baby.’

‘I think Sam and Annie would prefer a cot, to be honest,’ said Will, raising an eyebrow in a sardonic manner.

‘Perhaps you’re right,’ said Arthur, sitting down next to Bert on the ancient seat in the courtyard.

‘How are you?’ asked Jack to Bert.

‘I’d be better if everyone stopped fussing,’ muttered Bert.

‘You should have thought about that before you started making your exploding moonshine,’ said Will, shaking his head. ‘You know, you’ve got to be so careful with this kind of stuff. I was reading up on a whisky in Scotland. An ancient recipe. Could take your breath away. Literally, as it happens, because it could kill a grown man with only two spoonfuls.’

‘Really?’ said Jack.

‘Absolutely,’ said Will. ‘It was ninety-two per cent proof.’

‘The water of life,’ murmured Arthur.

‘More like the elixir of death at that strength,’ said Will, rolling his eyes. ‘What on earth got you two interested in it?’

‘The GIs during the war,’ said Arthur, smiling in memory. ‘The main house was used for evacuees and various servicemen. All the great houses were. Anyway, we had quite a few American GIs staying with us. I was just a baby, of course. But their families continued to visit after the war and into the 1950s. I think that’s what sparked Rose’s love of travelling. And possibly husbands as well. Anyway, one of them left his recipe behind. Your great-grandfather tried it out. Bert and I were talking about it one day and thought we’d give it a go.’

‘Turned out alright,’ said Bert, sounding almost proud.

‘I’m not sure that’s quite how I’d phrase it,’ said Will, frowning.

‘How did it taste?’ asked Jack, interested.

Will turned to look at him in surprise.

Jack shrugged his shoulders. ‘I quite like the smaller breweries. There’s so many artisan distilleries now.’

Arthur made a face. ‘Truth be told, it didn’t taste great.’

‘Perhaps it needed some flavour,’ said Jack. ‘You know, like the juniper of gin. Or even rhubarb gin. Apples or pears.’

‘We’ve plenty of apples,’ grunted Bert. ‘They all need picking and harvesting.’

‘I’ve already got my hands full,’ said Will, holding up his hands. ‘We need to get that barn up and running with electricity and maybe some doors as well.’

‘Is Tom helping us again?’ asked Arthur.

Will shook his head. ‘He’s heading off soon on a short tour. So I need another carpenter to give us a hand.’

‘I’ll have a word with Mr Reynolds, shall I?’ said Arthur. ‘He’ll put us in touch with someone decent, I’m sure.’

‘As long as they’re cheap,’ said Will, with a grimace. ‘Funds are a little short this month.’

‘Actually, I might know someone,’ said Jack.

‘Great,’ said Will. ‘And you’re sticking around for the time being, are you?’

Jack found himself tempted. ‘Well, I’ve got nothing else to do until I find another job.’

‘Excellent notion,’ said Arthur, smiling.