Free A Bordeaux Dynasty: A Novel by Françoise Bourdin Page B

opinion of a cardiologist. But you shouldn’t worry too much. …”
    “But I’m not worried! Jules is the one who went and got you, not me. And I know you, you’re going to tell me to make an appointment with Dr. Whoever, some great specialist—in Paris, it goes without saying. I’m not going to Paris. Ever! The doc I saw here seemed very competent, and his opinion is good enough for me. Now, if you think it’s bad or urgent, we’ll talk about it and figure something out.”
    Robert sat by his father, brows furrowed.
    “I’m a poor judge in this case because you’re my father. Doctors usually don’t treat members of their own family. I think you’ll be treated just as well in Bordeaux as you would in Paris. I’m just asking you to monitor yourself regularly. As for the rest, you’re free—”
    “Thank goodness for that! I’ve heard it all this morning!”
    Robert produced a smile. Aurélien’s vitality fascinated him. He remained the same year after year, exasperating his sons and commanding their respect.
    “I am very worried, actually, but it’s about the weather! You’ve forgotten how the harvest is …”
    “I haven’t forgotten anything,” Robert said, laughing.
    Aurélien pointed at the stethoscope hanging around his son’s neck.
    “Put that thing away,” he said. “It makes me feel like I’m talking to a stranger. … Oh, the girls are back! We’ll finally get some lunch around here!”
    Robert watched Dominique and Laurène walking by the office across the terrace, followed by Fernande. All were carrying heavy bags. Laurène gave both men a smile, and then she made a face.
    “She hates going to the market,” Aurélien explained with a kind of tenderness that struck Robert as odd.
    “You’re awfully indulgent with that kid, aren’t you?” he said.
    Aurélien turned sharply to Robert and glared at him. He hesitated, about to vent his anger, but Robert’s face displayed only simple curiosity. Aurélien let out a heavy sigh.
    “Yes. …” he finally said. “I like her a lot. If I were honest, I’d say that I’m attracted to her. What can I say? She’s around me all day, working with me. I’m not made of stone.”
    “But you …”
    “Don’t add insult to injury by saying something inane, okay?”
    Robert lowered his eyes, and Aurélien felt like laughing.
    “I’ll be glad the day she finds a husband and leaves Fonteyne. Furious, but glad.”
    Robert, amused by his father’s disconcerting honesty, took the risk of saying, “Jules would be a good candidate … as a possible husband I mean. …”
    “Jules?”
    Aurélien, on the defensive, thought a moment before speaking.
    “I’m not inside his head. He does whatever he wants. I only told him, when Laurène first arrived here, not to hit on her just for the fun of it. She was eighteen, it’s a bit young. I had a responsibility as Antoine’s friend …”
    The excuse was so obvious that Robert couldn’t help himself and he started to laugh hysterically. Offended, Aurélien turned his back on his son to let him calm down. When he was able to speak again, Robert said, “One thing I forgot to ask you, as a physician. It’s your … your private life.”
    There was no trace of amusement in his voice. Aurélien knew that he could trust him.
    “I’m no monk, but I’m not Don Juan either. … I have my … habits in Bordeaux. Nothing too exciting. And then, once in a while … Let me put it this way: I have more affairs than you imagine, but less than you fear. I’ve always loved women, you know. …”
    “I know,” Robert said with a neutral voice.
    “And to answer your question, medically speaking, I have no particular problems. Not yet!”
    Robert observed his father, both attentive and moved. For the first time in his adult life, he had tender feelings for him.
    “The worst, Robert, isn’t getting old. … Age doesn’t count. What’s awful is not having much time ahead of you. Nowadays, it’s not so much