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.When I asked him what he thought about it, he was quiet for a while, then he said, 'You're a natural at it, Dana, but I would worry about you because it's not a happy profession.'"I knew that.My father was living proof he experienced a lot of difficult moments, but directing gave him an outlet for his artistic talent and that seemed very important."Little by little, Dad gave me more responsibilities to learn the craft.We often came at an idea the same way.After mother died he trusted me to do more for him.Scouting for unique locations was one example.Editing a script, making changes was another."I thought it was what I was truly meant to do.Yet in the back of my mind, Paul's comment continued to nag at me.I've kept asking myself if directing was what I wanted to do."That question got answered for me last week when I started helping you in the orchard.It has taken me back to those times when I helped Mother in the yard.There's nothing like hands-on experience working in the out-of-doors."Lately I've been looking at the overrun vegetable and flower gardens at the other end of the chateau.So many ideas of how to replant them and make the grounds beautiful is all I think about.When Dad sent me to Maille, I didn't want to go."She paused to rub her eyes."After this long, boring speech, what I'm trying to say is that I'd like to be the first person in line for the estate manager job."He muttered a French imprecation she didn't need translated."Believe me, when word gets out you're looking for one before you leave for Louisiana, there'll be lines out to the street hoping for the privilege.I can't think of any career I'd love more than to be put in charge of this place after you've gone.""It's a lot of hard work, Dana.""I like hard work.Besides, it's one of the most beautiful spots in France.I'm in love with it.You could trust me to do a better job than anyone else."Alex stared at her as if he'd never seen her before.Taking advantage of the silence, she said, "Until that time, I'd like to apprentice for it.I'll do any jobs that need doing.I'll help you clean every room and bring down the furniture.I'd love to put the books in the library and catalog everything."I'll plant and weed.I'll pick fruit when the time comes.I realize there are dozens of things I don't know how to do, but I can watch and learn from you."That remote look she hated crept over his face."Please don't close your mind to this, Alex--I know what you're going to say.That you don't have the money to pay me right now, but I don't want pay.One day when it's finally open to the public, we can talk about a salary.Don't you see there's nothing I'd like more than working here?"He got to his feet.Though it was nothing tangible, she realized she'd crossed a line with him that probably spelled disaster for her.Dana had known it would be a huge risk, but she'd been willing to take it.She jumped out of her chair."Just promise me you'll think about it and give me your answer in the morning.If it's no, I'll understand and leave."Afraid he might tell her no right now, she grabbed her suitcase placed by the door and hurried out of the room toward the staircase.For the third time in three weeks she lugged it up the steps.When she reached her room, she turned on the flashlight so she could see to get ready for bed.But she was too worked up to change yet and went over the window.Moonlight had turned the view of the Layon into a river of silver.For a long time she stood there remembering the night they'd cleaned this fabulous room together, the fun they'd had buying her bed.Her mind was filled with memories of the nights he'd come in here to light the candles, bringing the kind of enchantment you could never find in a storybook.Hot tears trickled out the corners of her eyes.As she turned away to open her suitcase, Alex appeared in the entry, looking so handsome she almost fainted.He was still wearing the same clothes and carried several things in his arms.Her heart almost leaped out of her chest."Don't be startled.I've come to give you your answer now."It was darker on that side of the room
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