13

She was calm and reassuring. For more than half an hour, Benjamin listened to Elisabeth. He had begun their phone conversation with pleasantries. He didn’t want to worry her, after all. But a few minutes later he was pouring out his troubles. At crucial times such as this, Elisabeth was the one he needed most.

Benjamin reviewed the situation. The newspapers and television and radio stations had followed up on the article in Voici! and were expanding on it. Where they were getting their information, he had no idea. The lion’s share was wrong.

At dawn Inspector Blanchet had arrived at Château de Pray to arrest Virgile. They had handcuffed him and taken him away in an unmarked car. Two detectives stayed behind to search the room.

“How did they know Virgile was at Château de Pray?” Elisabeth asked. “Blanchet saw us yesterday at David’s place. It wasn’t hard for him to make the connection.”

“From what you’ve told me, all the police have is a photo of Virgile dancing with the woman. Dancing’s hardly a crime, much less evidence in an attempted homicide investigation, if that’s the charge they’re considering. There must be more believable suspects. I’m sure this mistake will be corrected quickly. They have no reason to hold Virgile.”

Benjamin knew Elisabeth was fond of his assistant. She had to be fretting too, but he couldn’t detect any worry in her tone. How he loved her!

“And what about David?” she asked.

Lee’s innuendo flashed in Benjamin’s head. Had David seen Simone dancing seductively with Virgile, perhaps with other men, as well? Had he assumed the wrong thing? Was he that insecure, that jealous?

“What do you mean, Elisabeth?”

“I imagine he’s livid.”

“I can’t get hold of him. He’s not answering my calls. I need to see him to explain that this is an unfortunate misunderstanding. Virgile would never…”

“It must be very embarrassing to see your wife—I mean your mistress or lover… What is she to him, anyway?”

“We’ll call her his companion,” Benjamin said.

“Oh, yes, that’s better, more elegant. At any rate, put yourself in his place. It must be embarrassing to see a photo of your companion in a suggestive embrace with a handsome young man, especially your winemaker’s assistant. And the photo was taken in his own home!”

“That idiot Virgile—he should have known better than to sully our reputation.” Benjamin was getting angry again. “And tell me this, Elisabeth: why would he allow himself to be seduced that way when he was supposedly pining for our daughter?”

Benjamin didn’t hear anything. Finally, Elisabeth spoke. “Virgile and I talked on the phone last week. He calls from time to time.”

“Really, Elisabeth? Why haven’t you told me about these phone calls?”

“Benjamin, I don’t find it necessary to tell you about every little thing in my life, and, frankly, I don’t like your tone.”

Benjamin took a sip of water to calm himself. “Forgive me, Elisabeth. You’re right. So, what did my assistant tell you?”

“Margaux posted a photo of herself on Instagram. She was with a man, and, according to Virgile, they seemed quite taken with each other. He was upset.”

Benjamin sipped again. “A man? Who was this guy?”

“I have no idea, Benjamin. I don’t even know if they’re in a relationship. But after seeing the photo in Voici! I’m sure you understand that a picture can be deceiving. I plan to wait. If Margaux thinks I should know about him, she’ll tell me.”

“And when you find out, would you show me the courtesy of sharing the information? Why am I always the last to know about these things? Meanwhile, my very livelihood’s at stake!”

“Sweetheart, there’s no need to be overly dramatic. Cooker & Co. will weather this storm, just as it has weathered every other storm. And admit it. You’re more concerned about Virgile than your firm’s reputation. Virgile probably did nothing to attract the actress. She happened to find him at a very vulnerable moment. Besides, you know girls find him irresistible.”

“Please, Elisabeth, stop excusing him. This time it’s really beyond the pale. Carrying on openly with a woman who’s a disaster waiting to happen! He may be irresistible, but mostly he can’t resist. As far as I’m concerned, it has nothing to do with Margaux. He’s an idiot, a big idiot!”

“I’ll say it again: a photo can easily be taken out of context. And this could have been a trap.”

“I agree, especially since he never denied talking and dancing with little Miss Margerolle.”

“So, you see, he’s been transparent with you. He told you about it himself, without your even having to inquire.”

“True enough. Besides, how can anyone get angry with him?” Benjamin cracked. “He’s so attractive!”

“Stop, Benjamin. If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you were envious. I’m not the only one who says that about Virgile. Many of my friends have told me they think he’s handsome and charming.”

“Your friends are adept at lending this lothario qualities he doesn’t deserve. Meanwhile, he’s behind bars. And, oh, there’s something else: the police happened to discover a skeleton in Navarre’s cellar, and he wants me to find out how it got there—as though I didn’t have enough to deal with already.”

Elisabeth sighed. “You have your hands full, Benjamin, but I know you’ll take care of everything. Virgile will be out in no time. The right person will be arrested, and you’ll finish your work. I’ll be waiting for you at Grangebelle with blanquette de veau and, if you’re lucky, cannelés.

“Cannelés?” Benjamin’s mouth was already watering, and the prospect brightened his mood. He and Elisabeth ended their conversation with sweet parting words and a promise to call each other as soon as possible.