“So did we,” said Guillaume.
“I can see I’ve made things complicated,” said Marlow, “and I will try to undo that—as soon as I deal with my parents.”
Marlow stepped into her house. They followed. Her tiny kitchen was already overcrowded. Aubin and Sabine were holding hands despite disapproving looks from Bill and Iris. Noah was investigating the cupboards with dismay.
“What are we going to have for dinner?” he said. “There’s nothing here.”
“And where on earth are we going to stay?” said Iris. “I’ve been upstairs. There are only two beds.”
“It would be my honor to host dinner,” said Guillaume, stepping into the breach.
“That would be lovely,” said Marlow, thankfully.
“And you are most welcome to stay at the vineyard,” he said to Bill, Iris, and Noah. “I have more than enough room.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” said Bill, “but perhaps we’d better stick close to our daughter. She clearly needs all the help she can get. Is there a hotel in town?”
“No,” said Sabine.
“I’ll call Madame Klein and arrange dinner,” said Guillaume, stepping back outside.
“I can ask Madame Belleville if Bill and Iris can stay there,” said Luc. “She used to run her house as a bed-and-breakfast.” He stepped out, too.
“Sabine,” said Iris, “your ‘friend’ can run home. We need some family time.”
Aubin squeezed Sabine’s hand and headed outside.
“Now, Sabine, off to your room so we can talk with your mother,” said Iris.
“Sabine is eighteen. She can stay,” said Marlow. “Besides, what’s all the fuss about?”
“The fuss,” said Bill, “is that since you asked for a twenty-thousand-euro loan, it’s become clear what a mess you’re in. Andwhile we don’t think it’s appropriate to rescue you, we realized you do indeed need saving.”
“It’s disappointing really, at your age,” said Iris.
“That’s a bit harsh,” said Noah. “Marlow made one mistake buying a cheap house in France. I would’ve done the same thing. It’s pretty charming here, if I do say so myself.”
“Stop defending your sister,” said Iris.
“Then stop picking on her,” said Noah. “So she doesn’t live up to what you wanted for her. She’s a great mother and she’s done it alone. Marlow has a job, and I don’t. It may not be the career you want for her, but it is a career. And she has a good chance of getting a promotion, so stop telling her she’s a failure.”
Marlow was stunned. Noah had defended her before, but this was a shot across the bow.
“I think so, too,” said Sabine. She also never stood up to her grandparents. “I’ve had the most amazing summer here, thanks to Mum.”
“Doesn’t matter!” said Bill. “From where I stand, you got perfect marks in high school, and you’re throwing that all away. What your mother did, wiling away her summer here aimlessly, was foolish for herself, but it was disastrous for you. So we will get to you next.”
“No, you won’t,” said Marlow. “We are fine. Sabine is better than fine. Whatever mistakes I’ve made, I’ll fix. And while I appreciate the concern you’ve shown by flying thousands of miles to help, I’m not feeling particularly helped at the moment. Instead, I feel …”
“Ambushed?” offered Noah.
“Bullseye. So. Dinner at Guillaume’s. You can sleep at his house, or you can stay at Madame Belleville’s. In the morning, we’ll find something to occupy you for however long you decide to stay. And then I will see you in Toronto in September, where I hope to be starting my new job.”
At Guillaume’s, Madame Klein and Noah bonded as foodies, and she let him help prepare dinner. The food rolled out, course after course. He loved the fresh ingredients, the incredible wine, and her chef’s garden where he plucked fresh herbs and ripe vegetables.
At the table, laid with good china and crystal wine glasses, Marlow’s parents were relaxed and in their element. Guillaume was the consummate host. Luc was on his best behavior. Aubin was personable and supportive of Sabine.
After dinner, everyone stepped outside. Guillaume and Aubin gave Bill, Iris, and Noah a tour of the vineyard and the abbey cellars.
