Free Sweeter Than Wine by Michaela August Page B

travesty of a marriage without bringing Tati's vengeance down upon her,
she would run Montclair alone. She took a sip of port, its complex, sweetly
perfumed taste a memory of crisp autumn days. She said, raising her glass, "I
want Montclair to produce the finest wines."
    "Why?" Siegfried asked intently. "There are many ways to make a profit from a
vineyard, and from what I have learned since I arrived in this country, this
'Prohibition' will make winemaking illegal."
    "There's a hope that wine and beer will be exempted. But, even if it isn't
generally allowed, wine will have to be made for the Church." She held her breath,
waiting for Siegfried's disdain to echo Hugh's.
    "That is true." Siegfried wasn't laughing at her yet. "But I am certain every
winemaker and his brother will wish to--" He searched her face, apparently finding
confirmation there. "You have planned for this! Excellent! The Church is a good
market. And they accept only the best, which I can provide." He sat back swirling
his glass and inhaling the bouquet. He allowed a few drops to trickle onto his
tongue, exhaling with satisfaction. "Montclair has always had the most modern
equipment, and the best combination of grapes and terroir."
    "I don't know how good our equipment is now. You heard about the Traminer?"
Alice gulped the remaining port in her glass with embarrassment.
    "Oma Tati mentioned that you had a failed vintage last year." Siegfried said
with a sympathetic grimace. "It can happen to the best of vintners. The
transformation of grapes into wine is as close to magic as we mortals get."
    "I guess I don't have the magic touch." Alice put down her empty glass.
    "Do not worry, Alice. I do."
    Alice blinked, wondering if he were actually that arrogant. Then she saw the
twinkle in his eyes.
    "If you give me complete command, I will produce great wines for you,"
Siegfried continued. "But you must agree never to interfere."
    "You would bar me from the winery too?" Alice asked, bitterly. Not here even a
day and he already planned to take over!
    "No, Alice!" Siegfried exclaimed. "I only meant that I alone will manage the
winery operations. My decisions will be final. The grapes cannot serve two
masters." He watched her patiently, awaiting her agreement.
    She pushed her empty glass away, and reined in her temper. "I agree. Your
decisions will be final. However, I want to learn how to make wine so I know your
decisions are the best for the winery." She waited for Siegfried to turn her down,
bracing herself for an argument.
    "You want to learn?" Siegfried's twinkle turned into a beam of joy. "I will be
happy to teach you anything you wish."
    "You will?" The wind was knocked out of her sails; far from wanting to fight
about this, he looked happy at the prospect. "Well, good," she managed. "We'll
tour the winery tomorrow morning."
    "That would be excellent." Siegfried suppressed a yawn, then stood and
helped her out of her chair.
    "It's gotten late. I'll wash up these dishes."
    "Let me help, Alice. I am not tired--" Another yawn slipped out.
    "Of course not," Alice said. Her lips twitched. He was so improbably earnest
about his offer to help. "All right. If you must."
    Together they cleared the dessert dishes away. Using hot water from the
kettle, she filled the dishpan and washed the dishes. Siegfried toweled them dry,
handling each plate like a baby.
    Then he followed her upstairs, pausing at the top of the landing. "Thank you
again for the marvelous dinner, Alice." His next yawn nearly cracked his jaw.
    "You're welcome," she replied, forcing herself to remember that she was
annoyed at him. "Goodnight." She walked past his bedroom, entered hers, and
closed the door firmly.
    * * *
    Siegfried stood in the hallway a few moments longer, wondering why on earth
Bill had enlisted. With a wife like that, Siegfried thought enviously, only an invasion
would have torn him from Montclair.
----

Chapter Four
    Montclair
    Sunday, May 18
    Lost in the middle of a maze-like