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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 7
It had been over 3 years since Woody left New York, he was approaching 23 and content.
The Vineyard he'd bought into in France had been run down, the vines hardly tended in a long time, the Chateau in disrepair, but he'd seen its potential, it had real possibilities, it could easily be developed into what he had in mind, but he couldn't do it alone, this project needed an expertise he didn't possess, but luck was on his side.
Sitting well back from the road in the village of Montclair in Southern France was Chateau Montclair.
An imposing building left over from the days before the French Revolution when, it was documented, the French King had stayed at Montclair.
A sale price of 2.5 million Euros included 220 Hectares of land dedicated to vines and a further 50 Hectares which were the formal gardens, lawns and forestry of the Chateau, many of the original furniture pieces still remained from its former life, what it lacked his mother had made it her mission to track down, local craftsmen had restored the buildings, it now resembled its pre revolution glory days.
4 large barns on the far edge of the property had been converted and now housed Chateau Montclair Winery where their product was produced.
He had persuaded the son and daughter of the former owners Jacqueline and Jaque Montclair, 20 year old twins, to become partners in his venture, their father had passed away leaving them to manage the Vineyard on the meagre funds they possessed, their mother had followed their father to her grave some 12 months later, the doctors diagnosis a broken heart.
Jaque Montclair was a strapping muscled mans man of extraordinary beauty, not of interest to Woody, but even he could acknowledge it, and yet Jaque didn't know it, he had gained his muscles from hard work, he rarely left the grounds of the Chateau, tending his vines from first light until the sunset caused him to turn up at the kitchen door ready for dinner.
The day he came to look over the property Woody had heard hardly anything the selling agent had said, his eyes had followed Jacqueline Montclair's every move, and she with sly furtive glances had tracked Woody's every move.
Woody had spun out the inspection to such an extent the selling agent had to leave because of another appointment, Woody had promised to be in contact the following day, and later accepted a shy Jacqueline's invitation to stay for dinner, oh what a dinner, Jacqueline was a fantastic cook.
The following morning he had returned to Montclair and after calling in Jaque from his work in the vineyard he'd asked them the critical question, "Would you both be prepared to stay on here if I bought in.", both had looked overjoyed and agreed immediately.
His next question completely threw them, "Do you actually want to sell Montclair or given the resources would you keep it?".
Jaque replied for both, "We would never sell Montclair if the circumstances were right, but as you see we have little or nothing left in the way of finances, the banks just laughed when we explored the possibility of mortgaging the property so we have no choice, it's been our family home for several hundred years".
Woody guessed the next thing he said would shock them but a plan had formed in his head the previous day and evening, not least when Jaque had shared just a fraction of his knowledge about producing good grapes.
"Okay here's my plan, I'll buy one third of Montclair, Jacqueline you become mistress of the house, in the future we will need to entertain quite lavishly, that will be your domain, Jaque you run the vineyard, I'll provide enough finance to allow for labor, you provide us with the best you can, I'll concentrate on establishing a Winery, within 2 years I plan to have our own wine label established, I have enough funds to restore Montclair if you'll agree to help me".
And so the Montclair Company was born.
2 weeks later Woody had moved into the Chateau, his bedroom on the first floor was half the size of his parents apartment in Torremolinas, an enormous sitting room with twin balconies led to an equally enormous bedroom with king bed and beyond were twin dressing rooms and bathrooms, and best of all he was directly opposite the rooms used by Jacqueline.
One week to the day after moving in Woody in just shorts, met Jacqueline in a thin lace nightgown, on the landing outside their rooms, they'd moved together into a passionate kiss as if a single thought were controlling them.
Taking her hand Woody had led Jacqueline into his suite, then through into his bedroom, on his bed, still locked in a tongue duelling kiss, his hands had explored her body, the beautiful young firm breasts with nipples hard and begging for attention, easing her back into the soft pillows his hand slid along her smooth inner thigh coming into contact with her moist young sex, Woody had shed his shorts in record time and his hard manhood was entering her even as he heard her whisper, "Please Woody be gentle I've never done this before".
His reply surprising her.
"Nor me my love, so we learn together".
Their lovemaking was indeed gentle, all 3 times that night, as it was every night for the next week.
The following weekend Woody rang his parents in Torremolinas.
PJ and Lenny had been shocked at his news, he was about to propose marriage to a girl he'd only met a few weeks earlier but they knew Woody, once his mind was set then there could be no dissuading him, they'd offered their congratulations in advance, but he'd had a particular request, in his great grandmothers jewellery collection was a ring quite similar to the one Dave had given Beth his sister, but with a beautiful flawless red diamond in its centre circled by smaller diamonds, he wanted to know if he could have it, he already knew its value, around 15 million dollars, he was prepared to purchase it by the terms of the collection if everyone agreed, he explained it was important to him to have continuity of family and he saw that as one of the ways to achieve it.
Lenny had told him she would poll the family but it meant disclosing his news, Woody agreed, stipulating no one could break silence until he proposed.
Within the hour Lenny rang Woody to say the ring was on one of their planes and would be with him in about 5 hours, Ben Capple, his fathers Chief Pilot would be acting as courier and delivering the ring into Woody's hand later in the day, she surprised him when she said his siblings wanted nothing in return except his happiness and his agreement to observe the unwritten rules of the collection.
Woody was fully aware of the collection rules.
Only by the agreement of all could an individual remove a piece or pieces from the collection.
Removing a piece required the equivalent monetary value in new pieces to be added to the collection, and a promise that the original piece or pieces would be returned to the collection when the recipient passed away.
At dinner that night, after desert had been served, Woody stood and to puzzled looks from both Jaque and Jacqueline he circled the old mahogany dinning table and dropped down onto one knee facing Jacqueline, taking her hand he simply said, "I am hopelessly in love with you Jacqueline Montclair, I want you to be my wife, please say you will marry me and make me the happiest man on earth".
He was holding out the open ring box in which the diamond ring sparkled as if in anticipation.
Jacqueline had been shocked but it took her only a moment to say a simple, "Yes Woody, yes".
The ring fitted perfectly and they toasted their future before he rang home to give his parents the good news.
They were married in the village church four weeks later.
Jacqueline walked down the aisle on the arm of her brother to the strains of the wedding march and as Woody took her hand he mouthed, 'You're mine now, I'm yours now, forever, I love you'.
In the weeks before the wedding Jacqueline had been whisked off to Paris and Milan by Lenny, Beth and Rosa to buy her Wedding Gown and Trousseau, she admitted she'd never been spoiled so much, promising she wouldn't let it go to her head, because after what Woody had spent buying into the Vineyard, added to what he'd already spent on renovation, she expected they would be tightening their belts until the Winery was making money, her traveling companions had tried really hard to suppress their giggles.
When they arrived back later that week before Woody and Jaque headed to PJs tailor in London accompanied by PJ, and the rest of the male party, Lenny had a quiet word with Woody.
"You haven't discussed finances have you?".
Woody was head bowed, "No momma, I was worried it might frighten her off, I don't know what to do".
Lenny hugged him close.
"Tell her everything son, take a lesson out of Pauly's book, that one was a potential deal breaker, honesty pays, she's fretting about how much you're spending, thinking you are leaving yourselves short for when the winery is not productive, you need to be completely honest with her, after all in a few days it will be half hers, do it today before you go to London".
Woody's eventual explanation that he'd inherited around 175 million dollars when he was 18 and never really used any of it, had resulted in Jacqueline bursting out in uproarious laughter, which stopped dead when he told her there would be no pre nup agreement she would be his partner in every sense.
"No wonder your mother and sister looked at me as though I'd grown two heads when I said we'd need to tighten our belts, Oh Woody, you fool, you should have told me earlier, it's not something that frightens me, but no matter, I do have just one question, how much is this engagement ring worth, do I need to be worried about losing it?".
When Woody told her, he thought she might pass out, he had to get her a glass of water, before he could continue and tell her it was a part of the Woodruff collection which she could wear for her lifetime but it eventually had to be returned to the collection.
"Christ Woody don't do that to me again, now I have something pretty important to tell you, I'm nervous but I hope you'll be pleased".
Jacqueline had leaned close and whispered into Woody's ear something he would remember for a long time to be the most important, most magical thing he had ever heard, "You're going to be a daddy, I'm pregnant".
Woody had scooped her up into his arms and danced her around until they were both dizzy he was so happy.
On their trip to London Woody noticed something, Pete and Jaque were never far apart and their gazes were constantly on each other, mmmmmmm, interesting, he hadn't given any thought to the fact that Jaque had never shown any interest in females other than his sister.
At their London home Mr and Mrs Albright's hospitality enveloped them, in particular they were extra happy that their precious Woody was getting married, the Albright's would be travelling back to France with them for the wedding.
The morning after they arrived, Woody spied Pete leaving Jaques room early and almost gave his brother a heart attack when he clapped him on the shoulder.
"Morning Pete, up early, or was something else up late, so to speak?".
Pete had almost jumped out of his skin.
"Bloody hell Woody, I nearly came in my pants".
Woody was grinning.
"As opposed to where you came last night huh".
Pete was blushing deep beet red.
"Woody he's fantastic, I think I'm in love".
Still grinning Woody had replied, "Well remember he has a vineyard to tend so if you plan to be sitting on his vine often you'll have to live in France Bro".
One thing still troubled Woody, he needed to tell Jacqueline about Rosy.
They'd sat out amongst the vines 2 days before their wedding and he'd poured out everything, about saving Rosy, how at 14 he'd fell hopelessly in love, what Will had done and Rosy's suicide.
He'd been shaking with tears when he finished as was Jacqueline.
"I'm so sorry Woody, some people can be so cruel, when we visit Torremolinas you must take me to her grave and introduce us, I want her to know you're happy, I think she would have been upset that she hurt you, I'm glad you told me".
On their wedding day Lenny had presented a long flat jewel box to Jacqueline, "This is the rest of the set which goes with your engagement ring, Woody's brothers and sister wanted you to have the full set to wear today, it's from the family collection and it will now be yours until its return after you pass, insurance has already been arranged, Woody will understand the responsibilities of safekeeping".
Opening the jewel case Jacqueline's breath had almost been taken away, in the centre sat a choker necklace of 3 red diamonds suspended, and surrounded by clear sparkling diamonds which also formed the choker bands which led to a rear fastener of clear diamonds and 3 smaller red diamonds suspended at the rear.
To the left of the necklace sat a pair of red diamond and clear white diamond earrings, to the right sat a bracelet of alternating red and white diamonds.
Jacqueline's voice was almost a gasp, "Oh gosh, they are so beautiful, I dread asking this, what is their value?".
Lenny was smiling, "I remember being just like you when I was entrusted with a much larger jewel box before my wedding, I was terrified when I found out the values, this entire set, including your ring are valued at 75 million dollars, it's fitting that this particular set should return here because they were made for Marie Antoinette the last Queen of France, wife of King Louis XVI of France.
All that had been nearly 3 idyllic years ago, their daughter Roslyn Helena Montclair-Thorn was born 6 months after their wedding but the locals pretended it didn't happen, any number of versions of history would advise the doctors were fools, the child was premature, never would it be considered a possibility that the mistress of Montclair was already 3 months pregnant when she walked down the aisle, the Montclair's, as they were known, could do no wrong.
As Woody sometimes joked, if he'd said in conversation it was Easter tomorrow the locals would have broken out the Easter eggs.
Much of the love that came in waves from the locals was due to the unseen acts performed by 'The Montclair's', it had started when a closure notice appeared on the doors of the village bakery.
Woody had been taking a leisurely stroll with a teething Roslyn in her baby carriage when he'd come across the notice.
Entering the bakery he'd spied the bakers wife and called her aside, by the time he left the bakery he had the full story, their child, a girl of four, had been seriously ill, it had taken all of their savings and a great deal more on medical bills to get her back on the road to recovery, now they were unable to pay the debts they had amassed, nor were they able to fund the future medical bills, hence they had no option but to sell up to pay their creditors.
Woody had secured a promise that the Baker and his wife would visit Montclair that evening.
Arriving home he had told Jacqueline the story and she'd been heartbroken having known the Baker and his wife all her life, she told Woody how for the years after her parents were laid to rest, when she and Jaque had been penniless, parcels of food had mysteriously appeared on their front step early in the morning before first light, including loaves of bread.
One morning she'd been awake early and had seen in the grey morning light, the Bakers wife hurrying back down the long driveway to where the Bakers van waited for her.
"Can we do anything for them Woody, it's so unfair, they are such kind generous people?".
At 6pm the Baker and his wife knocked quietly on the kitchen door of Montclair, the Cook had scolded them for using the tradesmen's entrance when they were invited guests, ushering them through into the salon where Woody and Jacqueline were sitting with a gurgling Roslyn.
Woody sprang up to greet them, with Jacqueline following and pulling them both into a hug.
Woody being Woody launched straight into the reason for asking them to visit.
"I won't beat about the bush, I asked you here because Jacqueline and I were shocked at the thought you might leave the village, when your wife explained your circumstances we wondered if you might accept our help, I realise this is a complete imposition, we are being very rude, assuming we can meddle in your affairs and I beg you, please don't reject us because of that, we most certainly don't mean to offend you, after all in the past you have shown extraordinary care to Jaque and Jacqueline".
The Baker answered for them.
"We aren't offended, in fact it just confirms our belief that you are a wonderful family, but I'm afraid we are too heavily indebted to the bank for there to be any solution other than selling everything and moving away".
Woody was pleased they weren't upset, that meant he could go ahead and lay out his rescue plan.
"Okay so here's the plan, forget selling up, this isn't just a village it's a family and the family needs you".
They both seemed confused and the Baker started to speak, "But, how?, we can't afford............".
He didn't get any further as Woody cut him off.
"Tomorrow morning we'll go to the bank and I will settle all of your debts, I also looked at the empty shop premises next to your business, I'm going to buy those premises and have them turned into tea rooms which will become an extra part of your business, your daughters future medical expenses will be our responsibility, all bills will be directed here, for your part, you will agree verbally to supply our cook with up to 5 items of produce daily except Sunday according to our cooks specifications".
They both looked about ready to cry, "But how will we ever pay you back?".
Woody spoke very gently and slowly, "You won't, you paid your debt in advance when you fed my wife and brother in law for those years before I found them, you kept them safe for me, for that I will be forever in your debt".
They arranged to meet at 10am the next morning at the bank, before they left Woody exacted a promise, they agreed to keep their ears open for any other villagers who might have problems, and report back, over the years there had been several times where, 'The Montclair's', had intervened, secretly of course, though it surely was the worst kept set of secrets ever.
Montclair was now a vibrant business producing wine of a superior quality.
Their wine had put the village back on the map and a thriving tourist industry had sprung up with visitors to the vineyard and winery.
Initially when talking with Ramon before the first years harvest, Woody had indicated they only had the capability to produce a small amount of wine from their own grapes and so would have to resort to buying in other harvests of similar quality.
Ramon had dissuaded Woody, impressing on him they had a perfect opportunity to produce a 'need factor'.
The limited supply would drive up the price and establish an advance market for the following years vintage, giving them much better forecasting capability, they could increase their production year on year from their own harvest as Jaque ramped up the number of productive vines.
Initially the 220 Hectares of land had only 70 Hectares of mature vines, a further 100 Hectares had been planted immediately after Woody and Jacqueline married and the remaining 50 Hectares planted later that same year.
Deep in thought walking from the winery Woody's gaze fell on a little girl with blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes, playing happily in the sunshine with her dolls, watched over by her nanny, as he neared them a scream of joy rang out, "Daddy, play with us please, we're having a tea party".
Woody could never deny Roslyn, he had dutifully sat on the grass and drunk countless cups of imaginary tea and eaten mountains of imaginary cakes until he pretended his tummy was too full for more, in truth he would willingly have played all afternoon just to hear his daughters laughter.
As he walked back to the Chateau Jacqueline came into view, he smiled, it was a natural reaction to seeing his wife, she instilled such a sense of calm and love into his life he couldn't help it, she was heavily pregnant and due soon with their second child a boy, he would be Paul Jaque Montclair-Thorn.
Just behind Jacqueline on the patio was Pete, as usual on his cell phone , he ran his Investment Banking Business from Montclair and shared his life with Jaque, they were a devoted couple and accepted by the locals as completely natural.
On that night in London before Woody and Jacqueline's wedding Pete sneaked across the landing to Jaques room, terrified he may have misread the signals, his mind running through endless possibilities, but the foremost, what if Jaque were just being friendly, what if he had no interest in man on man sex, still he'd lightly tapped the door and it had opened immediately, revealing a naked Jaque welcoming Pete into his open arms.
Pete had gone to Jaques room hoping for some sign that Jaque might be attracted to him, the full on embrace of a naked man with extensive tonsil tongue treatment left Pete with no illusions at all.
In a matter of minutes Pete had been stripped naked by Jaque and was lay back on the bed having his balls bathed by an impressively versatile tongue whilst his throbbing hard cock was being expertly masturbated and his nipples teased alternatively.
When Jaque slid his tongue lower Pete raised his legs up instinctively allowing the probing digit access to his twitching hole.
The rimming tongue had him moaning like a cheap whore and he was hardly aware of the hard probing cock pushing deep into his hole until it was buried to the hilt and Jaque's mouth was back over his.
Time stood still for Pete, it was like a wave of pleasure rolling on and on as Jaque pounded him, constantly hitting Pete's prostate until he felt the wave growing in intensity, his orgasm came without even touching his cock, hot juices spraying violently up over his stomach and chest before a strangled cry into his mouth told him Jaque was depositing his batter deep into Pete's bowels.
As they lay cuddled together Jaque explained, "I'm sorry if I wasn't very subtle but you had me so worked up I couldn't help myself, I'm not very experienced, you're only the second man I've been with",
Pete smiled, "Snap, you're the second man I've been with, I used to think I was straight, but then I met someone who I found completely captivating and I realised I like sex with a man, I fell in love, as for experience, just keep doing what you just did and I'm yours for eternity".
Jaque had gotten a serious look and sensing he wanted to say something Pete gave him the opening by asking what was the matter, but Jaque was getting up and reaching for his robe as he spoke.
"Don't joke Pete, please, I've never had casual sex, I don't believe in it, I don't know what came over me, I can't do this with you if you're in a relationship with someone else, it's not right".
Pete had pulled him back down into their cuddle, "I'm sorry, I didn't put that very well, I'm not in a relationship, I was for several years, but I finally had to walk away, you see, I can't accept anything other than a complete commitment either, don't get me wrong I still love him even now, I think I always will, but I accept we will never again be together as lovers".
Jaque had visibly relaxed, "I'm sorry Pete, I shouldn't have probed, that was your personal stuff, I'm just not okay with promiscuity, I see what we just did as an expression of love and commitment, I just don't get this wham bam walk away that people get into, it just seems dirty to me".
Pete wasn't going to let this go.
"So what we just did, that means we're committed right?".
Pete was grinning, but Jaque looked flustered.
"I wasn't trying to trap you Pete, I won't hold you to anything, I wouldn't want you to feel obligated.........".
Pete cut him off with a finger placed gently over his lips as he looked into his eyes.
"Teasing, sorry, I don't feel obligated, I feel warm inside, I feel wanted, loved, and it's what I want to feel for evermore if you think you could manage".
Jaques eyes were moist, "Oh Pete, yes, I could definitely manage that, I've known that since the first day you arrived at Montclair".
Seven months after Pete moved to Montclair, at the christening of Roslyn Montclair-Thorn, on the lawn of the Chateau, Pete went down on one knee before a throng of guests and with not a hint of embarrassment asked a stunned Jaque to marry him.
To Pete's relief and a thunderous applause Jaque said yes.
They were married exactly one year to the day after they met on the lawn of Montclair.
Pete surprised everyone when he announced that he was taking Jaque's surname, going forward they'd be Jaque and Peter Montclair.
Woody continued to advise the Woodruff Board, his office here at Montclair had a sophisticated teleconference facility installed so that he could interact during critical meetings.
On his promotional tours to raise the awareness of the Montclair brand Jacqueline frequently accompanied Woody.
On a stopover in Torremolinas Woody had taken Jacqueline to visit Rosy's grave and been surprised to see fresh flowers already placed on the grave.
On their way out of the cemetery he'd enquired of the caretaker who placed the flowers and been totally shocked by the answer.
They'd gotten to spend some time with Pauly and Reece including having dinner at SPECTRUM with Woody sending a limousine to collect Reece and Pauly.
Stepping out of their Villa in Marbella, Pauly had started laughing uproariously to Reece's bafflement until Pauly pointed at the limousine, it was a stretch limousine and it was pink, "I'm so going to kill the little shit", he said, while fighting for breath he was laughing so hard.
At the restaurant Woody and Pauly, far from fighting, fell into a tight hug laughing uproariously to the bemusement of Jacqueline and Reece.
When they'd stopped in New York Woody had visited the Woodruff Corporate Offices and been welcomed with open arms by the staff, Jacqueline had been completely bowled over by the way they greeted them, it was like the prodigal son returning and Roslyn had been spirited away on a mystery tour of her own.
Woody's primary reason for visiting Woodruff was to attend a meeting with the Executive Purchase Manager, he'd been asked to come in to discuss supplies of Montclair Wine which they wanted to add to both the Fielding Hotel cellars and The WFC restaurant cellars, by the time they ended the meeting Woody could tell Jacqueline they had just promised the remainder of their forecasted production for the next two years.
Woody had learned a lot on that visit, namely that Will had changed his ways and was working his way up through Woodruff having started, at his request, in the post room.
Where 3 years earlier everyone had been openly hostile towards Will, they were now mildly praising him, though there was still an air of, 'Can a Leopard really change it's spots'.
As they were leaving Woodruff they rounded a corner, literally walking right into Will, in fact, he practically bounced off Jacqueline, he immediately apologised standing to one side his face angled down, allowing them to pass, noticing Woody didn't even acknowledge the man, outside Jacqueline asked, "That was him wasn't it?".
Woody just nodded, nothing more, Jacqueline didn't pursue it.
Pauly and Reece had asked if they could come out to Montclair for their summer break and they shared the news that Beth and Dave would be asking as well, both Jacqueline and Woody had welcomed it but unbeknown to them that presented Lenny with a problem.
Lenny had already started the arrangements for the family to gather at Pacifico in Palo Alto as they'd done for several years, that party included Billy and Julia Fielding along with Will.
On their return to Montclair Jaque had been ecstatic that Woody had secured sales of the next 2 years production but he'd had an idea and wanted to discuss it.
Over drinks before dinner he'd outlined his idea, 3 vineyards which bordered Montclair had indicated they were on the market for sale, of the 3 parcels of land, two were excellent, of identical soil grades to Montclair, the other was slightly larger than the first two, the majority was good soil grade but it had a small area at the bottom of the slopes where the natural run off from rains and springs drained out, this small area was of absolutely no use to them, it bordered the village to the left of the Main Street.
Taking in the useable land of all three parcels it would give them a further 250 Hectares of vines which would be producing in 2 years, effectively that had the potential to more than double their output.
For Woody it was a done deal he'd go for it, Jacqueline agreed it sounded good but having been the one to present the proposal, Jaque was now having some doubts.
"What if I can't get the right quality, won't that do us more harm than good?".
Woody could see it was just a case of confidence in Jaque.
"Yeh, I see that's a possibility, just like it's possible I might fail in selling whatever we manage to produce, then Jacqueline's hospitality might fall severely short of our clients expectations and lose us an important contract".
Jaque looked at Woody, a grin forming, "Woody Thorn you are such a lying devious bastard, okay I agree, but if I fail, I get to say I told you so".
Woody was grinning as well now, "If you fail I'll spank your bloody arse, there again you might fail on purpose with that as a threat".
Jaque launched himself at Woody pretending to strangle him just as Pete walked in, "That's it Jacqueline, if they're an item me and you should run off into the sunset together".
Jacqueline just laughed.
"Pete, seriously, it's raining, there is no sunset, and as tempting as your offer may seem, I don't plan on spending the rest of my life knitting, which would be about all you and I would have in common, well apart from a love of cock, but even then our ideas on where to put them differ greatly, so I'm afraid I have to decline".
By now everyone was laughing loudly when Pete attempted to sound indignant.
"I'm hurt Jacqueline, a simple no would have sufficed".
Woody broke the playful mood.
"So Jaque, would you want all of the employees as well as the land?.
Jaque nodded, "They're good people, they have what I need, the most basic thing a lot of our competitors lack, generations of knowledge, experience, they know what's coming well before it happens, they make it possible to avoid the damage that ignorance allows nature to wreak, yes, we need them".
The following morning Woody had sent a messenger to all three Vine Growers inviting them to Montclair for a lunchtime meeting, within the hour all 3 replied they would attend.
Woody hadn't said anything to his wife or brother in law but he did have one concern about their expansion but he'd have to dwell on it for a while.
Jacqueline asked Woody to resend his messengers, extending the invitation to the Vine Growers families and Woody obliged.
Lunch was a noisy fun meal, Jacqueline served a sumptuous feast, afterwards she invited the Vine Growers wives and younger children to join her out in the gardens, where the children could play whilst the men got down to business.
Moving from the dining room into his office everyone took a seat whilst Woody outlined his offer.
"Thank you all for coming today, I would like to make each of you an offer, but I want you to understand, if you don't accept my offer it will not affect our relationship, you are our neighbours, our friends, that will remain, whatever the outcome today".
The owner of the larger Vineyard spoke for them all, "We know already you will be fair to us, you have never in the 3 years since you arrived been anything but a friend, you've helped most of the village in one way or another, despite the fact you ask that it's not disclosed, in a nutshell, we trust you, so please, tell us what you have in mind".
Woody nodded.
"Thank you gentlemen, you each have indicated you wish to dispose of your land, if that's the case then we at Montclair would wish to purchase it at a price you determine as fair, but, I'm curious why you want to dispose of your lands, mostly they've been in your families for hundreds of years, so why now?".
Again the same man replied, "It's no longer financially viable to just grow the crops, the future is in the way you are heading, we are all too small, we can't operate the whole process and still make a profit, just as we can't make enough to provide for our families by growing the crops alone, heritage is a wonderful thing but it doesn't put food on the table, that's why we need to sell".
Woody was nodding and appeared deep in thought.
"Tell me this, if Montclair bought your land and offered you employment at a fair rate would you stay on?".
The response was guarded.
"It would be something to consider but in my case I have a son who is now old enough to be his own master, to run the land I own, I can't keep him here if I can't give him a worthwhile living and a sense of purpose".
Woody had a snap idea and he needed time to put it to Jaque and Jacqueline.
"Gentlemen you've given me a heck of a lot to consider but I think I may have a solution, I just need a few minutes with my family to see if they agree with me, if you would excuse us whilst we withdraw to the lounge for a few minutes, my bar is fully stocked please help yourselves and if someone would pour me a scotch with ice and double spring I'll be back before the ice melts, no sense in spoiling a good drink".
There was general chuckling as Woody and Jaque left the office.
In the lounge, after calling Jacqueline in from the garden, Woody outlined his plan.
"I'm conscious that we're not using your talents wisely enough Jaque, what you said earlier about the generations of knowledge and expertise got me thinking, you would be much better employed as an overseer of everything on the production front, that way you can take good practice from wherever you find it, applying it wherever you feel necessary. What I want to do is put the guy who's replying for everyone in charge of Montclair's vineyard, put his son in charge of their vineyard".
Woody paused, they could see his mind working to formulate a plan.
"We'll renovate the two gatehouses, one as a dwelling for the estate manager, and the other an estate office, you become Director of Montclair Vineyards, and you get to keep all of the knowledge and expertise, what do you think?".
Jaque was smiling along with Jacqueline.
"I think, I don't know how the fuck you do it Woody, I swear your mind must be like a mass of flashing lights because whatever the situation you come up with a solution without hurting anyone, you most definitely have my vote".
Jacqueline just nodded grinning.
As they returned to Woody's office the men were sipping their drinks.
"Gentlemen I'm hoping we can pour another round shortly if you agree with my proposals, firstly Montclair will buy your properties, but, you are far to precious, to important, to just buy from and let you go, Montclair would like you to stay, occupy your current homes rent free and continue to tend your vines but on a fair wage, that's with the exception of you sir".
Woody was now looking directly at the man who'd responded all the way through, he in turn now looked crestfallen, it was clear he thought he had been too brave, too outspoken.
"Please don't be concerned, I'm impressed and grateful that you made me think about how I could satisfy everyone, but I think I have a solution, your son would take over the property you currently tend, and you, if you agree, would become the manager of the current Montclair Vineyard, we would renovate the two gatehouses to give you a dwelling and an estate office for my Brother in Law Jaque who will assume the role of General Manager of Montclair's combined vineyards, so guys what do you think, could we have a deal?".
There was general chatter between them and again the one man replied.
"Yes sir, you most certainly do have a deal, we can't think of anything more impressive than to be able to say we help produce Montclair Wine, we all will settle happily for that".
And so in a single afternoon Montclair more than doubled in size.
Whilst Woody was enjoying the early afternoon sun and celebrating in Montclair, PJ was dressing for a breakfast meeting in New York, he'd hardly slept, pondering throughout the night on how to manage this meeting, in fact he'd hardly slept for days, there was something amiss but he couldn't see it, Woody could have solved it, he was convinced of that, but Woody wasn't here, PJ was conscious that was his fault, he'd caused him to leave.
He was so tired and the pain was back, across his chest, down his left arm, he thought he'd probably pulled a muscle somehow.
He was hot, it must be a humid day, he'd stood out on the dining room balcony drinking his coffee, Lenny had asked if he was alright, he'd told her, not really but he couldn't miss this meeting, his car collected him and they arrived at Woodruff in plenty of time, but he was sluggish, the pain in his arm and chest was getting stronger, everything seemed such an effort, in the elevator he suddenly felt physically sick, the pain shooting down his left arm intensified shocking him.
As the doors opened on the executive floor he knew something really serious was wrong, this wasn't just a pulled muscle, he staggered forward, dropped his briefcase, he could see everyone looking at him, then they were running towards him, he didn't remember any more, everything went black.
Absolute panic ensued on the executive floor of Woodruff, as the staff watched him exiting the elevator, he was staggering, his briefcase fell to the floor, he was grabbing his chest, then he was falling, from all directions people raced forward, determined to catch him, but he hit the floor before they could reach him and didn't move.
Paramedics were on hand in minutes, it was an absolute fluke, they had been called to attend to an employee who had slipped on wet tiles in the lobby, when the emergency call came through, they'd raced up to the executive floor and administered CPR to a prone PJ, but he wasn't responding.
As Woody took the call from Pip his fathers PA, he'd been laughing with Jacqueline, Jaque and Pete about their successful day, he stopped dead, they all looked at him in shock as his face contorted, tears started streaming down his face, he could only groan, then just as suddenly he wiped his eyes on the back of his hand and snapped back to the coherent, efficient Woody.
"Is there a plane in Malaga?, good, get it ready for take off, the flight plan is straight here to pick us up then on to New York, make sure they're aware of the fuel requirements, I'll call Pauly and have him go directly to Malaga now, as soon as they have Pauly on board and are at cruising altitude tell them to call me here and we'll go to the airport to meet them, is Poppa's plane still at Teterboro FBO?, good, send it out immediately to Palo Alto for Beth, I'll call her next, have the third plane collect Billy from Chicago I'll call him now as well, thanks Pip, give Momma our love, tell her we're on the way".
Looking at Pete, with the tears still running down his face, he simply said, "It's Poppa, he collapsed in the office, he's in a coma, we need to move fast, you call Beth and Billy, I'll call Pauly, Jaque you'll have to manage on your own for a while Bro".
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.