“At that point I’ll tell him that she was my stepsister and died before she told me the name of the man she loved. She’d kept it a secret, and I wanted to know why. Then I’ll add that I decided to follow a few clues that led me to the Fontesquieu vineyard.”
Her mother’s worried expression didn’t change.
“Maman, if Dominic continues to deny all knowledge, I’ll believe him and ask him if his brother might have known Antoinette. I promise I won’t say anything about the baby.”
“Nathalie? He’s too intelligent not to figure that out.”
She folded her arms to her waist. “For Alain’s sake I have to find the truth if I can. Do you really wish I would give this up?”
“Yes, but I know you won’t and suspect you’re more than attracted to Dominic. Am I right?”
She lowered her head. “I’d give anything if I weren’t.”
“It’s going to get worse the longer you keep seeing him.”
“I know. But it’s a risk I’m still willing to take for Alain’s sake. Thanks for supporting me. I love you.”
She kissed her mother and went to her bedroom. After putting in a wash, she packed some more clothes and finally went to bed exhausted. The next morning, she left for Vence after having packed her lunch. She also turned on her phone.
Dominic filled her mind to the exclusion of all else. The knowledge that he’d be coming over tonight made it difficult to breathe. Nathalie stopped there first to get her backpack. The walk to the vineyard didn’t take long.
She’d just reached the next row to start cutting grapes when her cell phone rang. Her heart leaped when she saw Dominic’s name on the caller ID.
She put down the scissors. “Bonjour, monsieur.”
“Bonjour, mademoiselle.”
His distinctive voice melted her insides.
“Would you please let Nathalie Fournier know I’ll be arriving tonight with our dinner? I owe her one after not showing up last evening.” He hung up before she could respond.
His call brightened the already beautiful day. She hardly noticed the work she had to do. When she left the vineyard at four thirty, she came close to a run in her excitement to see Dominic again. She’d brought a summery dress in a small floral print on white to wear this evening. Even if he didn’t believe her reasons for coming to the vineyard and all this was about to come to an end, she wanted to look her best.
Nathalie had been listening for his distinctive knock that came as she was brushing out her hair. She hurried to open the door. Tonight he wore a silky claret-colored shirt and tan chinos. He carried a grocery bag.
“Well, if it isn’t the mysterious monsieur!”
His black eyes were alive. “I hope mademoiselle is ready for coq au vin straight from the chateau kitchen.”
“Hmm. After Guinguet Fontesquieu, do I dare try it?”
His deep laugh rang out to delight her. “I don’t know. I’ll eat first. If I don’t expire, you’ll know it’s safe. But I need to be invited in.”
“You don’t need an invitation.”
“I’ll remember that.” He walked through to the kitchen while she shut the door and followed him. His gaze traveled over her. “You look lovely tonight.”
You look incredible. “Thank you. I’ve set the table and the coffee is ready. We can eat whenever you want.”
“You know me. I’m hungry now. Let’s dig in while it’s hot.” He pulled the ingredients from the bag and they sat down to enjoy what turned out to be a fabulous meal. “How went another day in the life of our latest coupeuse?”
She laughed. “Backbreaking, as if you didn’t know. I’d much rather talk about your day.” Hopefully she could ply him with enough questions to learn the truth.
* * *
Once again Dominic had to ask himself why Nathalie seemed so interested in his day. “In truth I’ve been counting the hours to be with you. I’m sorry about yesterday.”
“It doesn’t matter.”