Bold text signifies that the words were spoken in French and translated here to English.

Chapter 47 Return to the Estate

Laura was looking forward to Benjamin's visit. He had called several days ago to let them know that he would be back in town on Bastille Day. Lucas and Elizabeth would still be in Paris, but Annette and her husband would be serving as chaperones. They would all be attending a gathering of several families at one of the neighboring estates for Bastille Day festivities where their was a view of the rocky hillside behind the town where fireworks would be on display just after dusk.

Dinner would be served in the early evening; they would roast meat over an open pit for the main course and then each family would be contributing to the rest of the feast. Laura and Annette were baking bread and two large pans of potatoes gratin. Ben had promised to bring several tarts to contribute to the desserts and the children were spending their morning picking strawberries from the patch next to the vineyards. They would take them whole to the dinner with them and wash and remove the stems there so they would be as fresh as possible. They would be paired with rich whip cream from the "special cows" as Jack knew them. Each estate was contributing some of their best wines for the occasion and Ben had brought Champagne for a special toast. It promised to be a lively event, but the Bouchards would miss Antoine of course, as well as Lucas and Elizabeth. There had not been a celebration for the past several years because of the war so this year would be special. Just as Antoine, Lucas and Elizabeth would be celebrating both Bastille Day and the end of the Great War in Paris at the Victory Parade, the community of Poligny would be celebrating with large family gatherings and the highly anticipated fireworks.

Ben arrived just at noon and was quickly surrounded by some of the children, led of course by Jack. He had so much to tell Ben and was eager to say it all at once.

"Slow down buddy," Ben told him, "I am going to be here all day, so you have plenty of time." He chuckled and rubbed the top of Jack's head. "And when you are done, I will tell you about my travels, deal?"

"Deal," said Jack as he began again but this time more slowly. Ben took his hand and walked toward the house with the rest of the children surrounding them. They were greeted at the door by Laura who had been sent out by Annette to see what all the excitement was. Of course, she knew very well that Ben had arrived, and that Laura was eager to see him.

"Good day, Miss Laura," said Ben with a slight bow of his head.

"Good day, Benjamin, it is nice that you can join us today in the festivities," she told him with a shy smile.

"I am glad that Lucas's family has been so cordial once again and allowed me to join in a family event," Ben told her.

"It should be fun as you will get to see the neighboring estate. One of the other estates to the south of theirs will also be joining us. I think you will have much to discuss with all the vintners that will be there. Of course, it is not a day for business but there is no quieting the passion for wine here," she finished realizing she had carried on much longer than she was accustomed to. Ben was easy to talk to. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to …..", she trailed off as Ben held up his hand indicating that she was not to apologize.

"Laura, I want you to feel free to speak when you have something to say. Don't worry about whether you are bothering me in any way, it simply isn't possible. And if by some chance I need to cut you off, it will be me who does the apologizing. Understood?" She nodded her head in assent.

"So, let's go inside so I can pay my respects to Anna, Annette and the others. I am sure they can put me to work," and with that they made their way to the kitchen.

"Ahhhh,

Benjamin, you have arrived," Annette approached him for a hug and cheek kisses. "How was your trip?"

"My business went very well and then I spent two days in Nice. I had originally planned a longer visit but wanted to come back up this way before heading west to Bordeaux," he replied, looking Laura's way for a brief moment.

Annette looked at him with a smile, "well, we are happy that you came to visit US again," definitely letting him know that she knew exactly why he was here.

He smiled back and picked up her hand giving it a kiss, " I couldn't resist another chance to eat your fine fair," he told her. She gave him a teasing smack on his arm and ran to the stove to attend to a pot that was boiling over.

"Benjamin, are you hungry? We are just fending for ourselves today. We have prepared some meats and cheeses for sandwiches and there is bread coming out of the oven in just a few minutes," Laura told him.

"That sounds perfect to me. Shall we make some sandwiches and round up the children and eat outside?" he asked her.

"That sounds like a plan, as that will free up the rest to prepare for this evening without worrying about feeding their respective children lunch." They worked side by side, making sandwiches for everyone and then Ben headed out to round up the children. They had them all wash up and put on their straw sunhats and then took their sandwiches, some fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice, out to the garden. One of the older girls had brought blankets out to spread for their impromptu picnic. They ate their fill and then Benjamin and Laura moved a blanket to the shade of one of the old cherry trees and watched the children play a game of kickball. The smaller children had come to be near Laura, and they were engaged in playing with some dolls and puppets of various farm animals that Tante Anna had fashioned from scraps of fabric and wool yarn. While the children held their barnyard puppet show, Ben and Laura had the opportunity to catch up on the comings and goings of the household and his journey south.

Benjamin was fashioning a string of miniature daisies "margarites" that were growing in the lawn just outside the shady area. Once he was done, he formed a circlet and handed it to Laura.

"Your crown my lady," he told her. She blushed with delight and put it on. He made her feel like a princess.

"Thank you, my dear sir," she told him. "You are most kind."

He smiled at her and stretched out on the blanket with his face gazing up into the tree above them. She joined him on the other half of the blanket and Benjamin started a discussion about a book that they had both read. After a time, Laura noted that perhaps she should go and check to see if Annette needed any help. "I will go with you and see if I can be of any use." He jumped to his feet and held his hand out to her to help her up. She hesitated for a moment but then put her hand in his and let him help her to her feet. He didn't release her hand right away, but looked into her eyes and savored the warmth of their hands together, hers was trembling slightly with excitement but she didn't withdraw it.

"Laura, would it be okay if I held your hand again sometime, but not just because I am helping you up?" Benjamin asked quietly as he released her hand.

Laura looked down at her feet with a blush forming on her cheeks, she nodded. Finally, she got the courage to look up into his eyes and what she found was a look so sweet, so tender and she knew that this was a man that she could fall in love with. She wasn't entirely sure that she wasn't already falling for him. She thought of him so often and when he smiled at her, her heart bloomed. When he was near, sometimes she felt like she might melt. And when he had held her hand shivers travelled up her arm. For the first time in her life, she felt beautiful.

They gathered the blankets and rounded up the children and headed back towards the house to see if they could help. Annette handed Benjamin a basket of potatoes and set him to peel them out on the patio while he kept an eye on the children. Laura attended to baking the last batch of baguettes that had finished proofing. They wanted to bring it to the dinner still warm so had waited until afternoon to form them.

The dinner was filled with great companionship and much laughter as they enjoyed the buffet that they had gathered. The men had roasted the meat over an open fire and grilled vegetables for one of the side dishes. It was truly a great feast for this special occasion.

After dinner and dessert, glasses of champagne were passed around for a special toast. The host, who had been in the war along with some of the other men, stood.
"I would like us to take a few moments to remember why we are all gathered here. Several of us battled with our friends and allies in the war. They fought bravely for our freedom, and we will never forget them. Please join me in a few moments of silence as we pray that they have found eternal peace." With that everyone bowed their heads to share in the prayer, even the children seemed to understand. After a minute of two, their host continued… "To the Republic…. To France.. and to all those who battled to see her free," he raised his glass and they all shared in the toast.

Soon it was time for the fireworks, blankets were laid out on the side of the garden that faced the rocky hill where the fireworks would be launched from. Just as dusk turned to dark, there was a giant explosion of beautiful fireworks. The group cheered and the children jumped and danced around as the display progressed.

Laura and Ben sat side by side and would occasionally look at one another when the fireworks lit up the sky. Both smiled and oohed at the display. At one point, Ben reached over and squeezed her hand letting her know he was glad to be here beside her.

The next day, Benjamin returned for another visit. He would be leaving in the morning to head west for a business meeting in Bordeaux. They talked about Laura's trip to Spain with Lucas, Elizabeth and Jack and all the places that they had planned to visit. They still had five weeks before meeting their ship in Lisbon. Benjamin told her about the places he would be going for business. He would eventually head up north to Brittany before meeting his ship in Rotterdam in late August.

"I will be spending some time with my parents in New York before I return to Seattle," he told her. "I would like to plan a trip to Vancouver before the weather gets too unfavorable. Do you think it would be okay with your father if I came to Hope Valley to visit you during my time in Canada?"

"I am not sure. It did take some persuasion from Lucas to convince him to let me make this trip with them. I am not sure what he will think about me having a friend, a man, come to call on me."

"Perhaps if I speak to Lucas, he might speak to your father on my behalf?" Benjamin said hopefully.

"He likes you very much, I think he will do that if you ask," Laura replied.

"And you, would you like me to call on you when we return to America?"

She looked at him, meeting his gaze with her own, determined not to look away like a shy schoolgirl. "Yes, Benjamin, I would like very much for you to call on me," she said quietly but with conviction.

"Then I will come to visit you. And I will be thinking about you every day until we meet again. But alas, I must go now. I hope that you have the most wonderful time in Spain and that you will write to me about all your adventures. I have left my parents' address and my own on the table in the entry. Lucas also has this information. I will be calling him when he is back home to let him know my travel plans." Ben reached out for her hand and raised it for a gentle kiss.

"Au revoir my dear Laura, be well," he told her.
"Au revoir, Benjamin. May you have safe travels," she answered back.
And with that he smiled, bowed and headed toward his rental car. He hung his head out and waved before leaving as she waved back until he was out of sight. Annette came from the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Laura, holding her tight. She knew the young woman was falling in love and that she would miss her Benjamin very much. Laura held on tight as she fought back the tears that had begun to fall.

Lucas and Elizabeth returned to the Bouchard estate three days after the parade in Paris. Antoine had been invited to stay with a friend and would remain a few more days. Everyone was so excited to see them and to hear about their trip, but before telling them all about it they wanted to see their son. He was running toward them from the barn as he had been alerted to their arrival. Lucas scooped him up and pulled Elizabeth in close for a big hug. "Mama, Papa, I missed you!" said the little boy hanging on tight.
"We missed you too," said Elizabeth with tears in her eyes. She had had the time of her life with Lucas in Paris, but her son meant the world to her, and their reunion was joyful.

Lucas set the little boy on his feet and took one hand while Elizabeth took the other. They went to the patio and sat under an umbrella while Annette fussed over them, bringing cold lemonade and cookies to snack on.
"Did you bring me the present, Papa?" the boy asked.

"Yes," he said as he brought a small package out of his pocket. Lucas had promised Jack that he would have his own shelf in his office to display his memorabilia from the trip. The little boy spent a lot of time in his Papa's office so Lucas wanted him to have his own special things to admire. He had spent many hours looking at and touching Lucas's.

Jack carefully unwrapped his package and pulled out a replica of the Eiffel Tower. "Thank you, Papa!" he said and climbed up on his lap to give him a big hug. "I can put it in your office when we go back?"

"Absolutely, and we can also put the little windmill that we bought in Holland and the model of the ship that we traveled on, and I am sure we will find a treasure or two when we visit Spain next month," Lucas told him.
"Mama, Mama, Papa is going to let me have a shelf in his office. He told me that he would bring me a present from Paris to put on it."

"That is very nice of your Papa," she said smiling over at Lucas. Of course, she knew about the shelf but wanted it to be Jack's pleasure to tell her. She imagined that he would be dragging Gustave into the office at the first opportunity to see his treasures as well as anyone else that might come around.

"So, tell us all about what you have been doing. Antoine brought us your beautiful paintings, so we know that Tante has been teaching you," Lucas asked the boy.
Once the gate was open, out came the flood of wonderful activities and adventures that Jack had had in their absence. They just let the little boy pour out all that he wanted to tell them with his animated way… he was speaking with his hands as he had picked up from the locals and describing even the smallest details of his adventures. Elizabeth and Lucas listened attentively, smiling and laughing at some of his antics and interjected here and there with questions or dramatic responses to Jack's stories. Lucas reached out and took Elizabeth's hand in his as they sat together and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon with their family back together again.

.

The next morning, they were greeted by their son who jumped up on the bed and crawled between them. He had forgotten a story that he was anxious to tell. They were both trying to wake up and show the appropriate attention as both had been in deep sleep when he had joined them. "Papa, wake up," Jack shook Lucas's shoulder; Lucas groaned and opened one eye. "Mama, wake up," he shook her and then covered her face with wet kisses.
"Come here, you," said Elizabeth grabbing the little boy in for a big hug and returning all his kisses with her own. Lucas smiled at them tenderly, he had loved his time alone with his wife, but he had to admit he was happy to have them all together again.

After the breakfast dishes were cleared, Elizabeth took her coffee cup in hand and asked Laura, "why don't we take our coffee out to the patio, the day looks glorious. Then we can catch up on your time while we were away." The two women went out to enjoy the morning while Laura caught her up on their week.
"Well, Jack has told you more than I could ever have come up with about his time. He was a real jewel while you were gone. At times he did miss you, but he had a splendid time with all of the children and the adults too as they doted on him. This is such a wonderful time for him as he has so much to do and so many new things to discover. And, of course, he has other children to play with," Laura told Elizabeth who nodded her agreement.

"And you, tell me about what you have been up to besides watching over our little boy and helping Annette and the others with chores."

Laura paused, "I have been writing in the journal you and Lucas gave me. Day to day activities, my thoughts and feelings, my hopes and dreams. And reading of course. I also have dabbled a little with water colors as Tante offered to give me lessons along with Jack."

"It sounds like you have had a pleasant time while we were away. And what of Benjamin?" Elizabeth asked her. Elizabeth had already heard from Jack's stories that he had visited but had not had a chance to speak with Laura about it.

"Well, you know that he went with us to the Victory Day celebration at the neighbor's estate…. ", Laura paused. "He came the day before and we had a picnic with the children and then afterwards we spoke at length about his trip and about a book that we had both read after meeting one another."

Elizabeth smiled at her, "And…?" she asked her, knowing from the blush on her cheeks that there was more to tell.

"He made me a circlet from the margarites that grow over by the cherry tree and gave it to me to wear. I felt like a princess when I put it on. He is so kind and so sweet and he makes me feel that I am a little pretty at least," Laura told her.

"You are pretty, Laura, and when the right man admires you, you will feel beautiful, because that is what you are in his eyes," Elizabeth told her.

"I think I am falling for him, Elizabeth. When he is with me, I feel things I have never felt before. When it was time to go back to the house to help prepare for the festivities, he reached out to help me up from the blanket. The touch of his hand made me instantly tremble with excitement. He held it a moment longer than necessary and asked me if I might let him hold it again sometime. My heart was beating in my chest, and I felt weak in the knees."

"And what did you tell him?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, that I would like that. He is very kind and sweet and respectful. He didn't take advantage of that. Just left the promise of more to come. Do you think that was okay?" the young woman asked.

"I think it is very okay," Elizabeth told her. "He sounds every bit the gentleman. I like what I see when he interacts with the children, and the acknowledgement of his appreciation of the hospitality he is shown to his hosts. And it seems, from what I gather from Lucas, that he has a good head for business for one so young. I wholeheartedly approve of him if you are interested in this relationship."

"I am; he wants to visit me when we return to America. He will speak to Lucas about interceding on his behalf, with my father, so that he allows a visit."

"I am sure that your father will be pleased that you have drawn the attention of a young man with a lot of admirable qualities. Every father wants that for his children, to see them happy and with prospects for a good life," Elizabeth said.

"But he is always so strict and wants me to focus on work and helping on the farm and helping with my income," Laura said.

"Yes, because he wants you safe and to have a fine life. But he is a good father, and he will want your happiness above all. Lucas was able to talk him into your voyage with us because he loves you and when all was said and done, he knew that this was an opportunity of a lifetime for a girl from a farm in Hope Valley," Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "If you love him, then your father will love him too, I am sure of it."

"Thank you. That does give me hope. In any case, Benjamin is a wonderful friend and we have so much in common despite our very different stations in life. He sees me, and not where I come from. He talks to me like I am his equal in our discussions. He makes me feel free to say my mind and not cower in a corner with my shyness," Laura mused.

"Well then, that is good, your friend will visit you at your home in Hope Valley, and then you will both see what the future holds for you," Elizabeth assured her. "In the meantime, we have another grand adventure ahead of us. Think of all the wonderful things you will have for your journal and perhaps a letter or two to Benjamin."

"He left me his addresses. I think he will write to me too. He said he would be thinking of me every day. I know I will be thinking of him."

Elizabeth smiled and rose to her feet. "Come," she said reaching out for Laura's hand. "Let's go see if we can find Jack and see what he is up to. He went off with Marcel earlier. I have missed my little boy and I want to thank you for watching over him. Lucas and I are very grateful to you for giving us the opportunity to have a honeymoon adventure in Paris, all the while knowing he was safe and loved." So together they walked hand in hand toward the barn in search of Jack, as that seemed the most likely place to start.

The next few days passed quickly. Lucas was busy with the men as he was trying to absorb everything they could impart to him about raising grapes and making wine. Jack tagged along, not letting his Papa far out of his sight. He had had a wonderful time but was still very happy to have them back. Elizabeth learned more recipes and she joined Jack and Laura when Tante took out the paints for another lesson. She had painted a little with watercolors, but they had now progressed to oils which she found quite different. Much to Jack's excitement, Lucas joined them one afternoon and started a canvas of his own. He drew a sketch of Jack painting, and then began to add color. Elizabeth watched him as he brought Jack to life, all the love flowing from his hand onto the canvas. He worked for hours and when it was completed except for some of the background, she went over to his side and leaned her head against him and whispered, "so beautiful this love," she told him. He kissed her on the top of her head.

Antoine showed up on their third day back from Paris. He had called and asked if Lucas would pick him up at the train station. Jack and Elizabeth decided to go along for the ride. They found him in the crowd leaving the train and Lucas went to him and embraced him and grabbed his bag from him so that Antoine could scoop Jack up in his arms.

"Did you miss me?" He asked.

"Oui!" he said as he hugged him around the neck. "Did you bring me a present? Un cadeau?"

"Jack… manners," said Elizabeth.

"It is okay," said Antoine, "Were you a good boy?"

"Sooo good," Jack told him.

"Well, then I think I do have something for you. Lucas would you take the package from the top of my bag?" Lucas reached in and pulled out a package wrapped in brown paper with a red string and handed it to Antoine who in turn handed it to Jack. "Let's go over there to that bench and you can open your cadeau." Jack excitedly took the package to the bench with the adults trailing after him. He removed the string and opened the paper, his eyes growing wide as he looked at his present. Beautiful figurines of military men on horseback carrying swords and flags.

Lucas looked over at Antoine, "this is truly a wonderful gift, thank you."
Jack went over to Antoine and hugged his legs. "Merci, sooo good," he told him.

Antoine, rubbed Jack's hair, "de rien," he said, "I am glad you like them. You will be able to remember Victory Day forever."

Elizabeth came over to kiss him on the cheek. Not in the way of greeting on each, but in the way of love on one.

Lucas was sitting out on the patio the next day having afternoon tea with Antoine. They had been deep in discussion about his experiences in the war and his time with his companions after their departure from Paris. Elizabeth had come out for some sun and Antoine motioned her over. "Come, come and join us, I have something that I would like to speak with you both about." Antoine pulled out her chair so she could join them.

"I have been doing a lot of thinking about my life since you have come to visit. It has been bittersweet. I am so happy you are here with us, but seeing what you have together has made me melancholy as well," he told them as Elizabeth instinctively put her hand over his. "Don't worry, this is not a bad thing, my life has just been rolling by without purpose since Janine has been gone. I needed something to make me face reality and really take the steps I need to try to move on." He looked at her and smiled a bit and then looked at his cousin. "Lucas, what would you say if I told you that I would like to come to America to help you with getting your winery on its feet? Don't answer right away, take some time to think about it. But I really think I need to get away from Poligny for at least a time and find a purpose again. The business here has more than enough support. Let me help you."

Lucas looked at Antoine, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, he glanced at Elizabeth who nodded at him. "Antoine, I don't have to think about it, not even for a minute. Elizabeth and I would love to have you come to America. Our new home has ample space for several families, you would have your own rooms on the opposite wing to ours. I know that the family will miss you terribly, but I also know that they will wish you well. And soon, air travel will be coming to Canada and then France will become so much closer. We will work out the details of our business arrangement, but in the meantime, welcome to a new adventure, Bouchard Wineries, Canada." Lucas held out his hand and Antoine shook it vigorously and then pulled Lucas over for an embrace.
"Thank you, mon cousin," he told him.

Elizabeth, could feel the first tear streak down her face, and she wiped it with her sleeve and then rose to her feet, "this calls for a celebration and tea will not do; I will be right back." Soon she returned with a bottle of Champagne that Ben had left them and three glasses. "Santé! To us, and to our new adventure together," she toasted.

"Santé!" The men added clinking their glasses with hers.

They took some day trips over the next few days and had a merry time with all the family, but everyone felt the time to say farewell, approaching. The family was a bit sad once Antoine's decision was announced, but they all wished him well and were glad that he would be with family. They hoped, as he did, that this time away would give him the chance to breathe again without the memories of his beloved Janine being all around him. He had never completed grieving for her and they hoped that this would be his chance to tuck her away in his heart to love forever, but still be able to live a full and happy life. He would leave France via Rotterdam in late August, so that he could help Gustave prepare for the harvest of the grapes and orchard fruit that were there. It would be a small harvest this year as the vineyards and orchards needed some tending, but next year they would expect more. He would help Lucas prepare a batch of juices for sale this fall, and they would make a small batch of wine to age… their first for the new winery. By the time that Lucas arrived, the third week in September, he expected to have assessed the situation, harvested apples and pears. and readied for the grape harvest. Lucas already had a foreman who would help him get the lay of the land and help with additional temporary staff. Lucas had had his foreman order the necessary bottles they would need for the juice and wine. Antoine was excited and content that he had made the right decision. Who knew what the future held, but for now he had a mission, and he was happier than he had been in a long time. And he looked forward to seeing Gustave too; he was always good for a laugh, and he needed that. The grumpy, curmudgeon that was his cousin was also a man with a heart of gold. He missed him.

On the 25th of July they stood on the patio as the men helped load one of the small trucks with their trunks and suitcases. They had packed away some of their clothes and a number of gifts to be shipped to Hope Valley, but still, they had quite the pile of luggage between the four of them. They said goodbye to the family. Tears and hugs all around. Tante clung to Lucas; at her age, she didn't know if she would ever see him again and wanted to remember this moment when he held her close and whispered words of thanks and love for all that she had done to welcome them. And especially for the time she had spent with Jack to inspire the talented little artist; he promised that he would see to it that he continued exploring the art that came so naturally to him. He finally let her go and she hugged Elizabeth, "please take care of each other, he loves you so," she told her. Elizabeth nodded repeatedly as she was too choked up to speak. She kissed the old woman on the cheek, "au revoir, Tante, jusqu'à ce que nous nous retrouvions," she told her.

And then it was Jack's turn to say goodbye to the woman that had become his grandmere. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable by crying all over him, but she hugged him closely as Lucas held him up to her level. "J'taime, grandmere," he said with tears rolling down his face. "I will come back to visit you with Antoine," he told her.

"And it will be a happy reunion," she told him, hoping that this would come to pass. She put a hand on his cheek and smiled, "until we meet again."

They waved until they could no longer see her and the rest of the family as they made the turn to descend from the hills and head off on their next adventure.