‘It was delicious!’ Jack was teasing her now. ‘Seriously, we were both much more relaxed now that we’ve had time to get used to the idea of seeing each other again after all these years.’
‘Oh good,’ said Alexandra, wishing she could press him for more details. But he seemed a lot happier. That must mean something.
When everyone was happily eating, Véronique said, ‘So, Alexandra? You come from London?’
Alexandra smiled and nodded, acknowledging that she did.
‘How do you find this sleepy little corner of Provence after the bright lights?’ Veronique continued.
‘Well, it’s rural but very beautiful. I like it here very much.’ Alexandra smiled again, in a way intended to end the conversation.
It didn’t. Véronique seemed to find this amusing. ‘Surely, a pretty girl like you needs to be with young people, and be out having fun.’
Alexandra shrugged. ‘Félicité and Henri and Stéphie aren’t all that old and we’re always busy.’
‘But you’re so young—’ Veronique began.
‘Alexandra is an heir—’ Stéphie began until she obviously spotted Alexandra’s horrified expression.
Alexandra gave the tiniest shake of her head, which fortunately was enough to silence Stéphie on this particular topic. The last thing Alexandra wanted was a discussion about her fortune. That was something she wanted to keep private as far as she was able.
‘What is Alexandra, Stéphie?’ Véronique prompted gently.
‘She’s – very pretty!’ said Stéphie.
‘Véronique,’ said David smoothly, rescuing Alexandra. ‘Can I encourage you to have another egg? They’re called Devilled Eggs in England. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with them in France.’
‘I’m not very interested in food,’ said Véronique dismissively.
David was surprised. ‘Oh. I thought all French people were interested in food.’
‘That’s just a stereotype,’ said Véronique. ‘In the same way everyone expects me to be male. I’m not and I’m just as powerful and effective as any man.’
David bowed. ‘Madame, I would never have thought anything different.’
‘Is that why Antoine described you as a colleague when he telephoned to say you would be with him?’ said Alexandra.
‘Of course,’ said Véronique. ‘He and I often work together. He knows better than to refer to my gender.’
‘It would have been much easier for me had I known,’ said Alexandra quietly. ‘Then I wouldn’t have had to change bedrooms.’
Véronique dismissed this protest with a shrug. ‘It is important that women are given proper respect, and not just as wives and carers of children.’
‘I think caring for children deserves respect,’ said Jack. ‘It’s not easy but it is very important.’
‘Yes,’ said Véronique. ‘But I have a brain! I don’t want to waste it on what any woman can do!’
There was a very awkward silence. Then Antoine said, ‘Have some wine, chérie.’
‘I’ll get the main course,’ said David.
‘I’ll help,’ said Alexandra.
When they reached the kitchen she said, ‘Oh, David! You know I’ve always believed in equality for women but she’s enough to make me change my mind.’
David laughed. He put his arm round her and gave her a hug. ‘Don’t worry about her. If she’s not interested in food, she’s not worth thinking about.’
Although Alexandra knew David was probably right and she shouldn’t bother to think about Véronique, her mind wouldn’t cooperate. When she went to bed that night she found herself analysing everything Véronique had said and when it dawned on her that her feelings of resentment were jealousy, she was mortified.
