Page 97 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

‘Probably sat here for at least thirty years,’ Bert told him.

‘Maybe some grease would help,’ said Jack.

Bert nodded. ‘Aye. It might well do. If you can get the crank going, the cut apple pieces will drop into that bucket underneath.’

Jack peered down. ‘It appears to have lots of gaps in the side.’

‘That’s right. That’s for the juice to run out and into something underneath.’ Bert frowned. ‘There should be a pole, which is placed on the top and then turned to work the press.’

Jack realised that there was a small press underneath the funnel.

‘I think it’s missing a couple of pieces,’ he said.

‘More than likely,’ Bert told him.

‘OK, so once it’s fixed up it may do a lot of the heavy pulping for us,’ said Jack, thinking out loud.

‘You’ll still need a hand collecting all those apples,’ Bert reminded him.

‘You’re right. I’ll have to get on to that.’

‘Well, you’ve picked the right week for it.’

Jack looked at him. ‘Why’s that?’

‘Because it’s the harvest moon this week,’ said Bert.

Jack was nonplussed. ‘The what?’

Bert rolled his eyes. ‘I thought you were from the country, lad. It’s a full moon for the next few nights. But, because of the time of year, the moonrise comes soon after sunset. Therefore, it’s a much brighter moon than normal. Used to help farmers harvesting their summer-grown crops in the olden times.’

‘Which is why it’s the harvest moon,’ said Jack, nodding thoughtfully.

‘You might need all the light you can get with that many apples to pick,’ said Bert, as they headed back into the September sunshine. ‘But I’m sure you can do it, son.’

‘Thanks,’ said Jack, pleased that Lily’s grandad seemed to approve of him. He glanced at his watch. ‘I’ve got an appointment I’d better keep.’

‘I’ll see you later,’ said Bert, walking off in the direction of the vegetable garden.

Jack took one final glance at the apple press. It had potential but he definitely needed a hand with fixing it.

He smiled to himself at the idea that was beginning to form in his mind. The apple press certainly needed fixing, and in a hurry.

Perhaps he could help out two family members that day, he thought. And, with that, he set off towards the main house, hoping that Lily would keep her promise.

39

Lily inwardly grimaced as Jack came around the corner of the main house.

The problem wasn’t Jack. The problem was the promise that she had made to him.

‘You’re early,’ he said, coming over to stand in front of her.

She glanced at the motorbike briefly. It looked shiny, handsome and dangerous, and everything that she had been running from for many years. Just like Jack, she told herself.

‘About what I said,’ she began. ‘I’ve got so much to do today. You know, the band are staying on. There’s all this apple stuff to discuss, let alone the whole album launch party now that we’ve fixed on the country and western theme.’

But Jack had already turned away to unlock the pannier on the side of the motorbike and bring out a helmet from the box.