With that remark, surprise broke out on his brother’s face.
“Go on,” his father barked.
“Pierre and Grégoire see eye to eye. Why not let father and son work together from now on? I’d like to pull Jean-Marc from the exporting department and give him a new position that’s been needed for a long time.”
“What do you mean?” His father always seemed to growl.
“For want of a better word, let him be the concierge of the estate with an office in the main building of the domaine. We’ve never had an official one, but I believe it’s time to make some important changes. We need someone to meet and greet, to act as a liaison for all the different aspects of the business.”
“That’s part of your job as CEO,” he fired at Raoul.
“When you can find me.” He shook his head. “I have other concerns to do with our investments that require my full attention these days. Jean-Marc and I learned the business from you. No one knows more about our history than he does. He’d be our most valuable asset.”
For once his father didn’t have a comeback.
“I recommend that he and Grégoire start their new jobs today. Then everyone should be happy. Now you’ll all have to excuse me.”
“Where are you going?”
He glanced at his brother-in-law. “I was hoping to have a business conference with Paul. Are you free now?”
Paul eyed him in surprise. “Of course.”
“Good. Then I’ll leave it to you to sort everything else out, Papa.”
“I want an answer to a question before you go. How soon will the American be leaving?”
His father couldn’t resist. “You asked me that before. Remember she and her friends were cheated out of their vacation in Switzerland because Auguste’s estate had to be sold. She’s still not through sightseeing.” How he enjoyed saying that. “À bientôt.”
He left the room with Paul and they drove away from the château.
* * *
Abby had no idea how long Raoul would be. Since she had the afternoon ahead of her, she decided to go for a walk through the vineyards.
The sky had darkened by the time she stepped outside moments later. Not used to the climate yet, she couldn’t tell if it might rain later. Maybe she wouldn’t be able to explore for as long, but it didn’t matter. She started out on the main road, then took a different road to the left. The workers were already out. Some waved to her and she waved back.
Every so often she passed little huts or shacks. There were a couple of men in pants and work shirts talking outside the third one. They eyed her with unmistakable male interest.
“Eh, bien. Mademoiselle Grant.”
“Oh—Jean-Marc!”
He turned to the other man who seemed close to his age. “Gilles? This is the Americaine I was telling you about who’s visiting the domaine.”
The other guy flashed her a smile. “You’re the one from California.” He spoke with a heavy French accent. “I saw you with Raoul at the dinner last night.”
She nodded. “He thought I’d enjoy seeing what goes on in the world of a vintner.”
His eyes squinted at her. “How do you like it so far?”
“I’m still trying to take it all in.”
Gilles smiled. “I’d be happy to show you more after work.”
With that comment, Jean-Marc moved closer to her. “I’m free now and will do the honors. We’ll talk later, Gilles. À bientôt.”
Abby hadn’t expected to run into Jean-Marc. “I don’t want to interrupt your work.”