"Don Alejandro…" began Don Diego de la Vega.
Don Alejandro looked up. "I don't care how many reasons you give me, I cannot bear my son calling me by my name" he said in an irritated voice "Humph".
They were in the secret cave, where Don Diego was practicing his fencing as his father watched. Bandidos had broken into the de la Vega hacienda the night before, and were handed over to Sergeant Garcia that morning by Bernardo and Don Alejandro. One of the bandidos had come quite close to Don Alejandro, and Zorro had let out a "Look out Fa – Senor de la Vega". The risks of Zorro calling Don Alejandro father was too much of a risk according to Don Diego, who suggested that he call his father Don Alejandro when they were alone.
"Father, it would actually make you feel younger. That's what Sir Horace used to say"
"And who is that?" asked Don Alejandro, his irritation intact.
"I've told you before, Sophy's father – the British Ambassador to Spain when I was there. Sophy was the girl who captured El Diablo single handedly. "
"I don't think, from what you told me that she could have survived without your help, Diego" replied Don Alejandro.
"No father, Sophy could get out of anything – A wonderful girl, and one of my best friends in Spain. I taught her to shoot, and to ride a horse properly. I did try writing to her, but she and her father travel all over the world. I wonder if…."
Don Alejandro was listening without interrupting. He knew that his son was talking more to himself than to anyone who cared to listen. Diego broke off as he saw Bernardo running into the cave. Bernardo made the sign for Sergeant Garcia, and motioned "up."
"Sergeant Garcia has come to the Hacienda?" asked Don Alejandro, getting up. Diego followed as they went up the stairs to Diego's room, and into the patio, where the Sergeant was waiting.
"Don Alejandro, I came to request your presence tomorrow at the tavern. A new Commandante has been assigned to Los Angeles, and I would like you to receive him"
"Of course, Sergeant, we will be there" said Don Alejandro. "Who is the new Commandante, Sergeant?"
"I do not know as yet, Don Alejandro. I received a letter only this morning that a new Commandante is arriving tomorrow." said Sergeant Garcia.
"Why don't you step into the sala for a drink, Sergeant?" asked Diego, with a twinkle in his eye.
"I'm sorry, Don Diego, I have to leave. There was a message that a ship which was headed for Monterey has landed at the harbour instead due to a storm last night. The people in the ship are coming to the Pueblo and I have to see to the arrangements"
"But that is not your work, Sergeant. Surely these people can find the tavern by themselves?"
"Oh no, Don Diego, there are a lot of English nobility on the ship, Lords and knights and their wives. They have to be given a proper welcome. I will go to the harbour with a few soldiers, including Corporal Reyes and see that they are given proper accommodations in the tavern. I only hope they will understand Spanish for no one in our garrison knows English, and that they won't find too many things wrong in our tavern…" The sergeant went on.
"Sergeant, remember that you are the acting Commandante till tomorrow. You should not be nervous about meeting a few English nobles. Remember, a man is what he thinks." Don Diego said, with a clap to the Sergeant's shoulder. "Of course Don Diego, thank you for reminding me" he said, and bowed to Don Alejandro "Con permisso, Don Alejandro," he said, and left.