With rose bushes in bloom and lily pads decorating the picturesque pond, she felt like she’d walked into a Monet painting. Her mind kept going over the things he’d told her about his family. He had responsibilities she couldn’t imagine. As she leaned over to smell one of the brilliant pink roses, she saw a figure.
Coming from the direction of the grand château she watched a man stride toward her dressed in a pullover and trousers. He had a certain look that reminded her of Raoul. They seemed close in age, but he wasn’t quite as tall.
“Eh, bien.” His dark brown eyes played over her with what she felt was an interest a little too familiar. “Puis-je vous aider?”
“Pardon me?” She pretended not to understand him. She understood that much French, but she didn’t want to get into a conversation with Raoul’s brother.
“Ah. Americaine. I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I stepped out of the château and saw a beautiful woman standing there. Where did you come from?” His French accent wasn’t as pronounced as Raoul’s. Because this must be Raoul’s brother, she needed to be careful what she said.
“I’m a tourist from California.”
He continued to appraise her with an undoubtedly practiced smile that would work on most women. Jean-Marc had his own brand of charm. “I spent time there when I was in the States. What part?”
“San José.”
“I’m afraid I only made it to the Napa Valley. May I know your name, mademoiselle?”
“Abby Grant.”
He put his hands on his hips. “You must be here with a buyer. I wasn’t aware we were expecting one this late in the day. If you’ll allow me, I’d be happy to show you around while you’re being kept waiting.”
The man didn’t waste time. He was a huge flirt. “That’s very nice of you, but I don’t even know your name.”
A shocked laugh burst out of him. “Jean-Marc Decorvet.”
“Ah.” She smiled. “When Raoul arrives in a minute, I’ll tell him I met his brother.”
In an instant, the mention of his sibling wiped the smile from his good-looking face. Judging by that unhappy reaction, Raoul hadn’t exaggerated about the dynamics in his family. “How do you know him?” It might have been a normal question, except that he sounded upset. Maybe that wasn’t the word, exactly. She didn’t understand.
“We met while I was on vacation.”
He acted stunned. “Where?”
It wasn’t his business, but she didn’t want to offend Raoul’s brother. “Switzerland.” As politely as possible she said, “It’s very nice to meet you. Maybe we’ll see each other again.”
On that note Abby continued to walk toward the vineyards in the distance. She felt his eyes on her back, but never turned around.
Please call me soon, Raoul.
* * *
After Raoul had left Abby, he’d driven by the main domaine office on the estate to check in with Félix. His dependable forty-year-old secretary hadn’t left for home yet. He looked pleased to see Raoul. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“I’m sure your wife is too.”
He smiled. “You were gone five days too long. When you’re away, it gets like a madhouse around here.”
“That’s why I leave everything in your capable hands. How did it go with Jules?”
“He assured me he took care of the spraying.
”
“Bon.”
“Solange de la Croix Godard has come by every day expecting to see you back. She hopes you haven’t forgotten the Regional Wine Association Dinner tomorrow night.”
“No.”