Page 325 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

"I have a cottage at the other end of the vineyard, just out of sight over the lip of the ridge. Are you European?"

"Yes, British."

"Europeans usually like wine."

"Do you make wine here?"

"A little. We sell most of the grapes. Americans don't like wine, except for Italian Americans, and they import it. Most people prefer cocktails or beer. But our wine is good."

"White or red?"

"Red. Would you like a couple of bottles to try?"

"Sure."

Danny reached into the cab of the pickup, pulled out two bottles, and handed them to Dave.

Dave looked at the label. "Daisy Farm Red?" he said.

Morty said: "That's the name of the place, didn't I tell you? Daisy Farm."

"Daisy is my mother's name."

Danny said: "Maybe it's an omen." He climbed back into the vehicle. "Good luck!"

As Danny drove away, Dave said: "I like this place. Let's buy it."

Morty protested: "I have five more to show you!"

"I'm in a hurry to see my fiancee."

"You might like one of the other places even more than this."

Dave gestured over the vine fields. "Do any of them have this view?"

"No."

"Let's go back to San Francisco."

"You're the boss."

On the way back, Dave began to feel daunted by the project he had embarked on. "I guess I need to find a builder," he said.

"Or an architect," said Morty.

"Really? Just to fix a place up?"

"An architect would talk to you about what you want, draw up plans, then get bids from a number of builders. He would also supervise the work, in theory--though in my experience they tend to lose interest."

"Okay," said Dave. "Do you know anyone?"

"Do you want an old established firm, or someone young and hip?"

Dave considered. "How about someone young and hip who works for an old established firm?"

Morty laughed. "I'll ask around."

They drove back to San Francisco and, shortly after midday, Morty dropped Dave off at the Dewar family house on Nob Hill.

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