Love On The Vine Read Online Free PDF

room.
    In mere moments they were alone, with Margaret’s pie, new potatoes, and fresh peas from the garden before them.
    Bella glanced to the doorway then leaned to Etienne. “Margaret has terrible arthritis,” she said. “She was having trouble walking. I think her hip is hurting her again.”
    Surprise rippled through Etienne at Bella’s quiet words. “She never mentioned it.”
    “She wouldn’t.” Bella sipped her wine. “In Margaret’s eyes that would be complaining, and Margaret doesn’t complain. She used to take physio classes in Vista Dorada Hospital once a month, but I guess since Grandfather’s death, there’s no-one to nag her about them. But sometimes the pain gets so bad she can’t walk.” Her gaze locked with his.
    How could any man resist that look?
    Did she really expect him to become involved? “You want me to order Margaret to go back to her physio classes?” Etienne felt his brow crease as unease skittered through him. “I don’t think it’s my place to...”
    Bella’s hand covered his on the table.
    Heat flashed up Etienne’s arm. He swallowed and scrambled to remember what he’d been saying.
    “It is.” Bella squeezed his hand.
    The determination in her clear, unwavering voice gave Etienne pause for thought. “Really?”
    “Really.” Bella said. “She’s a saint. I just presumed when you took over...”
    “That I’d fire her?” Did she consider him such a monster then?
    “I thought you’d employ someone younger.” Bella glanced away.
    The assumption was logical but on Etienne’s arrival at the château, Margaret had been so welcoming the thought had never crossed his mind. Fresh flowers were everywhere, and the surfaces shone in gleaming evidence of her careful tending.
    She’d even stocked the fridge with food ready for his arrival, and in the morning, there’d been croissants warm from the oven for breakfast. Then and there, he’d sat her down at the kitchen table and asked her to work for him. On her delighted agreement, he’d renegotiated and raised her paltry salary.
    She lived nearby, and was such a warm and friendly person she reminded him of his mother. A fact he’d never admit it to anyone. “Margaret knows the château. And she’s very efficient,” Etienne said in a firm tone. “She’s perfect for the job.”
    Bella’s eyes lit with a subtle knowing expression. Her slow, genuine smile warmed him to his bones.
    “And she makes a mean chicken pie too, doesn’t she?” She bit into the pastry, closed her eyes, and moaned.
    Etienne’s stomach tightened at the tiny sound. How could he resist this captivating minx? He stared down at his plate, and willed his body to behave.
    After dinner, he briskly accompanied her to her car. She’d said she didn’t want him to kiss her, wanted to keep things professional. And the only way he could keep to his promise was to put distance between them. A lot of distance.
    ****
    E mily’s sweet sixteen party proved a resounding success.
    Bella carefully placed a large platter of tiny vol-au-vents on the side table, and breathed out in relief.
    Emily looked beautiful in a shell pink dress accessorized with the usual teenage touches of black eyeliner and red Doc Martens. Her wide grin, while dancing with her friends to the DJ, warmed Bella’s heart.
    Marie slung an arm around Bella’s shoulders. “It’s just perfect, Bella. Thank you so much.” Her eyes shone as she watched her daughter.
    “Thank you, sis,” Bella said. “I’ve had a lot of interest from the other parents too. I’m all out of fliers.” Two other families wanted to book Celebrate for their daughters’ parties, and many others had taken the fliers assuring her they’d be in touch.
    Lady Gaga’s voice blared out from the speakers. The crowd of teenagers jumped up and down wildly.
    “Let’s retreat to the kitchen.” Marie mouthed over the music.
    With a brief nod, Bella followed her sister from the room. They had no hope of hearing each