The Vineyard in Alsace

by Julie Stock

  I’d just poured myself a small glass of the sweet vendange tardive wine I had treated myself to on my day out with Fran, when I heard a light knock at the back door. I popped my head round the corner to see Fran standing there with Ruby.

  ‘Hey, this is a lovely surprise. Come on in.’ I reached for her hand and pulled her to me for a hug, closing the door behind her. She took off her coat and we moved to sit on the sofa in front of the wood-burning stove where Ruby had already bagged a space on the floor.

  ‘I hope you don’t mind me dropping in like this. I was just out for a walk and I thought that Chlöe was probably already in bed.’ She raised her eyebrows and I nodded. I leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips, pulling her body closer to mine and savouring the very taste of her. She smelt of the outdoors, smoky yet fresh at the same time.

  ‘Mmm, I have been waiting to do that all day,’ I said as we pulled apart after a long moment.

  ‘Yes, I could see what was on your mind this morning when I was on the phone,’ she replied with a chuckle.

  ‘It was more than kissing.’ I glanced over at her. ‘I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.’

  She leaned towards me, her whole body pressing against me. ‘Don’t ever be sorry. You make me feel wonderful and I love feeling like that - like you want me. It’s been a long time since anyone made me feel that way.’ Her hazel eyes were warm and so inviting but she moved back again to settle against the sofa. Neither one of us was ready to take that step yet with Chlöe just upstairs, even though we both wanted to.

  ‘Would you like a drink?’ I asked, standing up to try and ease the sexual tension in the air.

  ‘Yes please, I would.’

  I poured her a glass of the sweet wine and settled back next to her on the sofa.

  ‘I just approved the divorce papers my lawyer sent me. He should be sending them on to Isabelle tomorrow.’

  ‘Was everything as you expected?’

  ‘Yes, I think so. I just hope Isabelle will see sense and let me have full custody.’

  ‘I hope you don’t mind me saying but Isabelle doesn’t strike me as a woman who really has much common sense. Having said that, she is Chlöe’s mum so I’d expect her to fight for her daughter.’

  I thought about that for a moment and in my heart, I knew Fran was right. ‘You think I should be prepared for a struggle?’

  ‘I hope not but it would be better to be on your guard, I think. The trouble is you’re reasonable and you expect other people to be the same, but they’re often not. It’s the same thing for me with Paul.’

  I turned to face her on the sofa, folding one leg under the other so I could look at her properly. ‘It’s one of the things that makes you special though.’ I reached out to caress her cheek and she leaned into my hand with a sigh, closing her eyes. In that moment, I knew for sure that I had fallen in love with her all over again.

  Fran

  I walked back from Didier’s feeling ten times better than when I’d left the cottage. I’d given him my new phone number, telling him it would be live in twenty-four hours. I’d already called my mum and dad to tell them the news. The only other person who would need it now was Ellie.

  I was so deep in thought that when my phone rang, it startled me. I was very pleased to see Ellie’s name and accepted the call at once.

  ‘How are you? It’s been ages!’ she cried as soon as I answered. I cheered up immediately just from hearing her voice.

  ‘The quick version? Everything is wonderful between me and Didier, Lottie is pregnant but there’s no sign of the father and I’ve had to change my mobile number because Paul just won’t stop ringing me.’

  ‘Oh, my God, I go away and all hell breaks loose. Still, I’m so pleased about the Didier part. I presume that means you’ve had sex?’

  ‘Ellie!’ She really had no shame.

  She burst out laughing at the other end of the phone. ‘Fran, it’s okay, everyone does it, you know.’

  I could feel myself reddening even though we couldn’t see each other. Then I felt a fool.

  ‘Yes, well, we don’t all feel the need to discuss it in minute detail, like you do.’

  ‘That’s the best bit! Anyway, how is Lottie? Is she okay about having the baby on her own?’

  I quickly filled her in about the weekend and about the text I’d received from Paul earlier. She whistled softly.

  ‘Do you think I’ve done the right thing?’ I asked.

  ‘Of course. Paul’s a devious rat. Better to cut him off now before he gets his hooks into you again. Once you’ve got your new number, you can forget all about him and just enjoy yourself with Didier.’

  ‘Talking of which, I hear you’re going to have a romantic visitor of your own this weekend. Henri is so looking forward to seeing you again.’

  ‘I know, me too. I couldn’t believe it when he rang and suggested it. It’s going to be brilliant.’

  ‘Well, look, have a wonderful weekend and try to show Henri some of the sights at least.’

  ‘I’ll call you early next week to tell you all about it…in minute detail!’

  I gave her my new number and then we said goodbye.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Didier

  On the Friday morning, I took Chlöe to nursery and then half-walked, half-ran back to the cottage. Fran had invited me round for breakfast before work. Henri would be on his way to London, and so we had the chance to spend a little time together. I couldn’t wait to see her but it wasn’t breakfast I had on my mind, despite the bag of pastries I was carrying in my hand.

  She opened the door and I dropped the bag on to the table, swept her into my arms and kissed her until both of us were gasping for air.

  ‘Didier,’ she breathed. Her eyes were bright with passion. I took her hand to lead her upstairs to her bedroom. Her hair was still damp from the shower and she smelt of peaches and vanilla. I moved her hair gently to one side and kissed my way down her neck to the dip in the middle. Her hands were in my hair and she sighed with pleasure. I lifted my head to kiss her lips, as I gently undid the buttons of her shirt. I pushed it off her shoulders. Her skin was so soft against my lips and I wanted to feel hers against mine. In one movement, I pulled my t-shirt over my head and we moved to the bed together. She trembled as I reached behind her to undo her bra, and the sensation of skin on skin was almost too much for either of us to bear.

  ‘You are truly beautiful,’ I whispered as she arched her body against me. We helped each other to remove our remaining clothes and we joined together. After so long waiting, we were hungry to show each other how we felt.

  Once we had finished making love, neither one of us wanted to let the other go. We lay in each other’s arms, until her stomach rumbled and I laughed.

  Later, when we were both sat at the table downstairs munching on croissants, Fran seemed lost in her own thoughts.

  ‘Hey, are you okay?’

  She looked at me and smiled a heart-stopping smile. ‘I am more than okay. You make me very happy.’

  And I believed her.

  ‘You deserve to be happy.’ I reached out to take her hand and bring it to my lips. ‘I suppose we ought to go and do some work really.’

  ‘It will be strange without Henri there, won’t it?’

  ‘Yes. He’s become a permanent fixture. I can’t remember him ever having taken any time off.’

  ‘I’ll send Ellie a text later to check he’s got there safely.’

  Fran

  When Didier went out to do his inspection of the vines later that morning, I took advantage of the time on my own to reflect on what had happened between us. It had done my confidence a power of good to know he wanted me so passionately. He had been so attentive to me, never pushing me to do anything until I was ready. The only cloud on our horizon was his divorce but he’d been honest with me about that, and I had told him everything about Paul. Now that I’d changed my number, I hoped my ex would also be out of the picture, so we had a clean slate
and could move forward. For the first time in a very long while, I felt full of hope. I couldn’t remember when I had last felt this good. Even my doubts about staying in Alsace were starting to fade as I looked towards the future.

  I decided to send off a quick text to Ellie about Henri, knowing they were about to spend a great weekend together too.

  ‘Hey, just wanted to wish you a fabulous weekend together. Will you let us know when Henri gets there? He hasn’t had a day off in ages :)’

  ‘Will do. Can’t wait to see him and then spend all weekend ravishing his body ;)’

  Her reply almost made me spill my coffee.

  I carried on working through the newest quote I had had in from one of the three builders. Their estimate for both jobs was much more realistic. They were a small, local company. Didier knew the family, and they had also agreed to stagger the work and the associated payment. This would allow us to see how the harvest went before we committed to spending the full amount; however, I still had one more quote to come in, as well as the amended one from the first builder, so I was keeping an open mind.

  Lunchtime rolled around and I realised Didier must have gone to pick up Chlöe. I started the walk back to the cottage with Ruby on my own. I had only just crossed the courtyard when a car pulled in. I stopped in case the visitor needed help and was surprised when a young woman climbed out, followed by little Chlöe. Chlöe ran straight up to me and took my hand.

  The young woman gave me a hesitant smile. ‘I’m Laura from the école maternelle. Monsieur Le Roy didn’t come to collect Chlöe at the end of the session this morning so I’ve brought her back as it was starting to get late. Is Monsieur Le Roy here?’

  ‘He is here but he must have got tied up with something and not realised the time. Thank you so much for bringing Chlöe home.’ She smiled but she looked reluctant to leave as she didn’t know me.

  ‘Où est ton Papa, alors?’ I smiled at Chlöe, noticing the slight wobble of her lower lip. I wandered over to the archway with her, trying to distract her from her tears. Thankfully, I spotted Didier in the distance running towards us. The young woman had followed behind us and when she spotted him, she said goodbye, climbed back into her car and drove off again.

  Didier

  I was in the château, changing out of my wet clothes after the vineyard inspection, when the phone rang. Isabelle. I pressed the button with trepidation.

  ‘Didier?’ her voice was sharp. I glanced quickly at my watch, conscious it was nearly time to pick up Chlöe.

  ‘Yes, Isabelle, it’s me.’

  ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing sending me divorce papers? And you want full custody as well? Do you have any idea what you’re taking on?’

  ‘I did try to talk to you about it when you came to tell me you were going to Toronto but you wouldn’t listen.’

  ‘I had no idea you were being serious when you said that.’ She paused to take in a breath. ‘I don’t understand why you had to make it all so…so formal.’ Her voice caught and I was surprised.

  ‘We’ve been living apart for two years now. It’s time for us to move on.’ I spoke gently, trying to make her understand my intentions. ‘As for Chlöe, she’s already going to be living with me for the next year and my lifestyle is a bit more stable than yours. I only want to do what’s best for her.’

  ‘Well, I’m not happy about any of this at all,’ she said, recovering her usual confident tone. ‘I will be talking to my lawyer and you will be hearing from them very soon about what I want.’

  ‘What do you want, Isabelle? Why don’t you tell me?’ I was trying to keep my voice low and not get annoyed with her.

  She made a scoffing noise at the other end of the phone. ‘What about my share of the estate? If we’re married, I think I am entitled to half your assets if we get a divorce.’

  My throat went dry, even though I was pretty sure that the law was on my side on that point.

  ‘If that’s the way your mind is working, I think we need to communicate only through our lawyers now, like you said.’

  With that final word, I hung up.

  ‘Merde!’ She really knew how to wind me up. I looked at my watch again. It was past time for picking Chlöe up. I threw on my coat, grabbed my keys and dashed out of the door hoping she was safe at the école maternelle. As I strode across the grass, I spotted Fran and Chlöe in the distance at the archway to the courtyard and blew out a big sigh of relief. I ran the rest of the way, anxious to reassure my little girl that everything was okay. I was glad to see that Chlöe was laughing with Fran and seemed perfectly fine. I crouched down and she fell into my arms for a hug.

  ‘Ça va, ma petite? I’m sorry I was late, I was on the phone.’ I looked up at Fran and she reached out to squeeze my shoulder.

  ‘Ça va, Papa, pas de problème.’ Chlöe ran off with Ruby, seemingly none the worse for what had happened.

  As we walked towards the cottage to go and get lunch, I told Fran about my conversation with Isabelle. She was frowning and looked as stressed as I felt when I’d finished telling her everything.

  ‘It’s odd that she was so upset about the divorce, isn’t it? She must have been expecting it surely?’

  ‘I know, I didn’t understand that either.’ I wiped my hand over my face, trying to erase the memory of the phone call.

  ‘And she didn’t say anything more about the custody issue. It sounds to me like it was all a bit of bluff and bluster.’

  I stared at her, confused for a minute by the phrase she had just used. ‘What is this “bluff and bluster”? I don’t understand, sorry.’ She laughed and the lovely sound brought a smile to my face. She took my hand and swung it as she tried to explain.

  ‘The closest I can get to that English phrase is “des paroles en l’air” I think.’

  ‘Okay, yes, maybe you’re right but if she goes after half the estate’s value, I don’t know what I’ll do. I feel pretty sure she’s just clutching at straws but it has still made me very nervous.’

  ‘Are you going to call your lawyer?’

  ‘Yes, I will, straight after lunch. I think he needs to know what we’re going to be up against as soon as possible.’

  Fran

  After lunch, Chlöe stayed with me while Didier went back to the château to call his lawyer. We walked back to the office and I collected my paperwork so Chlöe could play at the cottage while I tried to do a bit of work. I decided the next time I was at the château, I would ask her to pick out some of her toys and books to keep at the cottage in case she was with me again.

  Around half an hour later, we heard voices outside. We both looked up. Chlöe stood up and went to the door to find out who it was and I hurried after her in case it was someone she didn’t know. We emerged outside to find Didier talking animatedly in very fast French to a smart older woman. It took me only a second to notice the resemblance between them and then to work out that this must be his mother.

  ‘Maman, je te présente ma copine, Fran.’ He made an apologetic face at me, which I took to mean that I was much more than his friend but I understood that he didn’t want to say more in front of Chlöe.

  I put my hand out towards his mother and she took it. ‘Bonjour, madame.’

  ‘I’m so delighted to meet you at last, Fran. I have heard a lot about you over the years.’

  ‘It is lovely to meet you too, Madame Le Roy.’

  ‘You must call me Sylvie, I insist.’ She looked so regal, with her elegant clothes and hair styling that it was all I could do to stop myself from curtseying in her presence. She had a warm smile, though, and she seemed genuinely glad to meet me. While we were talking, Chlöe had made her way over and was now hugging her grandmother’s leg. Sylvie bent down to embrace her and took her hand.

  ‘I am going shopping, Didier. Would it be all right with you if Chlöe came with me this afternoon? And perhaps I could cook dinner for us all this evening.’

  ‘That would be wonderful, Maman. Shall we come round ab
out seven?’

  ‘Perfect. Now, ma petite, shall we go?’ Little Chlöe nodded and with one last wave, the pair of them walked back towards the courtyard.

  ‘What did your lawyer have to say?’ I asked Didier as we made our way to the office.

  ‘He remembered my mother’s concern about the estate when he drew up our marriage contract. He said he would double-check what the contract entailed but as far as he remembered, after my dad died, we decided to split ownership of the estate between us, with me managing all the day-to-day running. My mother’s input is invaluable and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Anyway, for that reason, it was important to draw up our marriage contract so that the estate was regarded as an asset before marriage and therefore mine alone.’

  ‘Well, that sounds as though Isabelle can’t get her hands on it.’

  ‘I hope so. I really can’t face fighting her over that too.’

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Later that afternoon, I received a text from Ellie telling me Henri had made it safely to London. Didier and I both breathed a sigh of relief to know they were together at last.

  We worked steadily through the afternoon, trying to catch up with everything. Didier even managed to fit in another vineyard inspection towards the end of the day. He was pretty sure the harvest would begin early next week and he wanted to do more frequent checks as a result.