The Villa by Nora Roberts Page A

shoulder. "I'm not really into it. I want to be a scientist." Her brother's snort had her temper rising.
    "Maddy's interested in everything." David spoke quickly before blood could be shed. "The high school here, from what I've been told, should speak to both her and Theo's specific interests very well."
    "Arts and science." Tereza leaned back. "They take after their father then, as wine is both. I assume you'll want a few days to settle in," she continued as a cart was wheeled in. "A new position, a new location, new people. And, of course, a new school and routine for your family."
    "Dad says it's an adventure," Maddy said and earned a stately nod from Tereza.
    "And we'll try to make it so."
    "I'm at your disposal, signora," David said, and watched Pilar as she rose to serve coffees and cakes. "I appreciate, again, the use of your guest house. I'm sure settling in will be a pleasure."
    Because he was watching her, he caught the quick widening of Pilar's eyes. So, he thought, that one comes as a surprise to you. I wonder why. "Thanks."
    "Enjoy," Pilar murmured.
    When the coffee was served, they fell into light conversation. David followed Tereza's lead and left business out of it. Time enough, he concluded, to get to the meat.
    In precisely twenty minutes, Tereza got to her feet. "I regret my husband was unavailable to see you today, and meet your charming children. Would it be convenient for you to meet with us tomorrow?"
    "At your convenience, signora ." David rose.
    "At eleven then. Pilar, will you show the Cutters the guest house, and see they have all they need?"
    "Certainly. I'll just get our coats."
    What the hell was this? Pilar wondered as she retrieved jackets. Normally she had her finger on the pulse of the household. Yet her mother had managed to slip an entire family in on her without sending up a single alarm.
    So many changes, and practically overnight. It was time she paid more attention, she decided. She didn't care for the order of things to change when she wasn't prepared for it.
    Still, she conversed easily when she returned and geared herself up to play gracious hostess. "It's a short drive. An easy walk really, in good weather."
    "Winter rain's good for the grapes." David took her jacket, helped her into it.
    "Yes. So I'm reminded whenever I complain about the wet." She stepped outside. "There's a direct line from house to house, so you've only to call if you need anything or have a question. Our housekeeper's Maria, and there's nothing she can't do. Thank you," she added when David opened the side door of the van for her.
    "You'll have wonderful views," she added, shifting around to speak to the children when they climbed in the back. "From whichever bedrooms you choose. And there's a pool. Of course, you won't be able to enjoy that just now, but you're welcome to use the indoor pool here at the main house whenever you like."
    "An indoor pool?" Theo's mood brightened. "Cool."
    "That doesn't mean you drop in wearing your bathing trunks whenever you feel like it," his father warned. "You don't want to give them the run of the house, Ms. Giambelli. You'll be in therapy in a week."
    "Hasn't worked for you," Theo shot back.
    "We'll enjoy having young people around. And it's Pilar, please."
    "David."
    Behind their backs, Maddy turned to her brother and fluttered her lashes wildly.
    "David. Just take the left fork. You can see the house there. It's a pretty place, and the rain gives it a bit of a fairy-tale aspect."
    "Is that it?" Suddenly interested, Theo leaned up. "It's pretty big."
    "Four bedrooms. Five baths. There's a lovely living room, but the kitchen/great room is friendlier, I think. Anybody cook?"
    "Dad pretends to," Maddy said. "And we pretend to eat it."
    "Smart-ass. Do you?" David asked Pilar. "Cook?"
    "Yes, and very well, but rarely. Well, perhaps your wife will enjoy the kitchen when she joins you."
    The instant and absolute silence had Pilar cringing inside.
    "I'm divorced." David pulled up in