“but he died of pneumonia four years ago. Before he became ill, he went to live with his younger sister in Ribeauville.”
Rachel was crushed by the news. “Oh, I’m sorry, not only for your loss, but for my grandfather’s. He was eager to talk to him and reminisce about the old days. I have pictures I brought with me.”
The older man’s eyes dimmed for a moment. “Many of us from Thann were in the war. Not everyone came back, but Louis did.”
“So did you, thank goodness. It was Louis who told Grandfather that Alsace produced the best white wine in the world. Of course my grandmother Lucia argued that Italian wine was better.
“Grandfather asked me to look him up so he could tell me which vintner in the region made the best white wine. After what you’ve told me, I have no doubt it was Chartier.
“When I couldn’t find any ‘Delacroix’s listed in the phone directory, I asked the hotel concierge his opinion. He told me the Domaine Chartier.”
“You’ve made our day,” Luc declared in a husky voice.
“Hasn’t she, Giles?”
“Mais oui!” The news had caused the old man’s expression to brighten again. “Your coming here is incredible!” he admitted.
Rachel found it pretty unbelievable too.
“I tell you what, Mademoiselle Valentine. Tomorrow we will drive to Ribeauville and pay Louis’s sister a visit.”
“Could we?” she cried eagerly. “Do you think she’d be willing to talk to my grandfather on the phone?”
He lifted his hands in a typical French gesture. “She will talk until his ear drops off.”
While Rachel laughed, Luc said, “I have an even better idea, Giles. While you make arrangements with Solange for tomorrow, I’ll take care of Ms Valentine today. We’ll tour the vineyards and en route she can sample the wines you picked out for her. I’ll get in touch with you later.”
“Parfait.” Giles packed the bottles in a carton. “I’ll put this out in the car for you.”
After he left, Luc’s gaze trapped hers. “How does that plan sound to you?”
Though a little voice in her head warned her not to read too much into this, another part of her was screaming to go with him.
She moistened her lips, feeling a sudden nervous excitement over being with this arresting man who by some magic had caused her to abandon common sense.
“If you’re sure.”
He flicked her a questioning glance. “What’s going on in that intelligent mind of yours?”
It could never be as brilliant as his. She had to think fast not to give her deepest reservation away.
“When my grandfather recovers, I’m going to bring him to Thann. Since he and Giles were friends with Louis, I’d like the two of them to meet. They’re both remarkable people.”
“Agreed. Otherwise your relative wouldn’t have such a kind and compassionate granddaughter worrying about him. Every grandfather should be so lucky.”
Stop saying these things to me, Luc. Already her attraction to him was too strong. If she were wise, she would leave for Champagne before the day was out.
“Thank you for the compliment, but the truth is, he’s easy to love. Much as I’d like to phone him with this news right now, I’ll wait and let Solange surprise him. A call from her will mean a lot more to him.”
“That’s a moment I would like to witness.”
In an unexpected move, he cupped her elbow. “Shall we go?” His touch sent fingers of awareness through her. She was afraid he could feel her trembling.
Together they walked outside the convent, but she didn’t understand when he led her to her car instead of his estate wagon.
“Follow me to the rental agency. After we drop off your car, I’ll help you check out of your hotel. By the end of the day we’ll get you installed in a hotel renowned in the region.”
She shook her head. “You don’t have to go to all this trouble for me.”
“I like to take care of my potential buyers.”
He opened the car door so she could climb inside. She took the greatest care to make sure her skirt wouldn’t ride up her thighs, but before he shut the door his all-seeing glance took in everything anyway.
He leaned in the open window. “Have you forgotten that without wine buyers like you, I wouldn’t have a business?”
That was true.
To her chagrin she’d been so mesmerized by him, she’d almost forgotten she was a woman who fell into the client category.
But he hadn’t.
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