A Bordeaux Dynasty: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

temperament.”
    He kissed his wife’s shoulder.
    “Why doesn’t your father simply give Alexandre part of the estate? Each would have his own piece of land …”
    Louis-Marie straightened.
    “Divide up Fonteyne? My God, don’t you know them? Not a single vine, not one bunch of grapes, not even a rosebush at the end of the alley! Jules would go nuts if he heard you say that. As for dad …”
    “So it’s true, nobody likes Alex. …”
    “They all like him fine, but not to that extent! It’d be insane to sacrifice plants just for little Alex’s peace of mind.”
    “First of all, Alex is not the ‘little’ one. Jules is the youngest son. Besides, everyone’s happiness should be more important than vineyards and property. That kind of reasoning is good for Aurélien, but not for you, for crying out loud! Could you put up with living like Alex, always the fifth wheel? ‘Sacrifice plants’? What an awful thing to say.”
    Louis-Marie grabbed Pauline’s shoulders and forced her to lie down on the bed.
    “My family’s affairs are complicated enough as it is,” he said. “Don’t get involved. Besides, I have enough on my mind these days…”
    Pauline was looking at him, a bit surprised by the brisk tone he’d used.
    He gave her a sheepish smile and said, “Pauline … I’m sorry …”
    He got up and began undressing as he spoke.
    “That’s part of the reason that I left the house once I became an adult. Dad doesn’t let go of things for a long time, and he’s a complete despot. Only Jules is comfortable around here, and that’s because he’s a rock. Bob did the same as me, but Alex didn’t have the courage to leave. Or the ambition … He never wants to compete, to confront anyone. He stayed here because he didn’t have anything better to do. But he knew that Jules was going to crush him. He knew it all along. Too bad he’s not happy with the situation. What has he done to be the top dog? Nothing. And so why would you expect the others to respect him? He’s useful and nobody scorns him, but he’s always going to be second fiddle. Even as a kid he was like that—nice and a bit of a straggler …”
    Louis-Marie was back in bed. His hand slid down Pauline’s tanned thighs.
    “How about we move on to something else right now?” he whispered, still caressing his wife.
    Pauline shut her eyes.
    Behind Jules, Robert came to a stop.
    “I’m beat,” he said. “How about a break?”
    He’d had enough of walking with long strides, following his brother crisscrossing the vineyards. He’d been happy to see the village once again, then they’d made their way to the plateau, and on through the southern fields before reaching the woods. Robert sat on a tree stump and took out a pack of cigarettes.
    “You want one?”
    Jules said yes, but stayed on his feet as he smoked, staring into the distance. Robert watched him with curiosity.
    “You’re happy, aren’t you?” he asked, to break the silence.
    “Of course I am,” Jules replied. “How about you?”
    Robert shook his head.
    “I always have a hard time talking to you, Jules. …” he said. “What I wanted to tell you is that I’m happy for dad and for Fonteyne … and for you. Everything here seems to be in such great shape.”
    Jules sat down and, absentmindedly, tugged at the top of his boots.
    “In great shape? Yes. … But you know, Robert, Aurélien is no fool. …”
    For a long time now, Jules had called his adoptive father by his Christian name. This began after a fight with Robert and Alexandre, way back when. The two brothers, carried away by the fighting and the cruelty of kids that age, had told him that he’d been an abandoned child. Jules, who was only six, cried a lot at first, and then came up with a way to get even. Aurélien was angry at his sons for the fight and punished them all without trying to find out who’d been at fault. But Jules never relented, even after making up with his brothers, and he’d never again