Chapter 4

The dinner party was progressing smoothly, the atmosphere was lively, with much laughter, gossip and some heated discussions. The final guest list came to twenty people of the most prominent families, along with Sergeant Mendoza and of course the Alcalde. At the request of Margarite, Victoria found herself hosting the party, hiring extra help so that she didn't have to serve.

Miguel rose to his feet, and stood at the head of the table, tapping a knife gently against his wine glass. "Senoritas, Señoras and Señores, may I have your attention please."

Everyone at the table hushed and Diego was very curious as to what his friend was going to say.

"I guess you are all wondering why you have been invited here tonight?"

There were several nods from around the table. "First, I would like to ask Don Diego De la Vaga to stand up here with me."

Diego didn't know what was going on as he slowly got to his feet and walked towards his closest friend.

Miguel saw the curiosity on Diego's face and grinned.

"What's going on Miguel?" he asked quietly.

"All in good time my friend." Miguel replied as they stood together. They were of the same height and both were handsome men, one dark, and the other fair.

Miguel continued. "Knowing how fast that gossip travels in these smaller communities, I believe that you all know by now that Diego and I were at university together." There were a few chuckles at this remark, everyone knew if someone sneezed at one end of the pueblo, by the time that person reached the other end, it was said that he was on his deathbed.

"Well not only did Diego help me with my studies, he also introduced me to my beautiful wife." Miguel smiled down at Margarite before continuing. "There are a number of stories I could regale to you about Diego and our time at university but unfortunately I cannot do so, at least not within mixed company."

Again there were a few chuckles at this, some in surprise at the thought of Diego being involved in any kind of scandal.

Diego shifted uneasily on his feet.

"But what this caballero was most famous for, was his ability to become so completely engrossed in his studies that he would forget about everything else. We often tried to get Diego to leave his books, even just for an afternoon, to enjoy the sights of Madrid. But do you think we could drag him away. NO."

This time the laughter was louder, the young man was well known throughout the area for his love of books.

While Miguel was speaking, Diego stood front of everyone and wondered where all this was leading to. He glanced at Victoria and saw amusement on her face. She knows something, he thought. He looked at his father and Felipe but they also wore expressions of puzzlement along with curiosity and some amusement. No, this is a surprise to them, he realised.

"Although there was one time in the beginning of our third year that Diego was distracted away from his books. Some of us thought he was feeling a little homesick but it may have been something else."

Diego, who was drinking a glass of water at that very moment, choked. He knew full well what had caused him to be remiss in his studies.

"Diego are you okay?" Miguel asked pounding him on the back. He nodded as he glared at Miguel, who took the hint.

Victoria was amazed to see Diego give his friend an angry look. She wondered what could have distracted him from his studies. Was it a woman? She knew that Diego didn't meet Zafira until the following year, or was it something else? I will have to ask Margarite later, she thought to herself.

Miguel continued once Diego had recovered. "Anyway most of you know that Diego returned to California four months before graduation." As Miguel paused, Diego finally had an idea of what this was about. "What you may not know is that over the last year or so, Diego has been completing his studies by correspondence."

There were several gasps around the table, they had never heard of anyone studying via correspondence before.

Don Alejandro spoke up. "I never knew you wanted to complete your studies Diego."

"Si, father, I have been in regular contact with some of my old professors since my return. About a year and a half ago, my old science professor suggested I could finish my degree by correspondence."

"How did you accomplish that Don Diego?" asked Don Ricardo a close friend of his father's. His son had completed his university education the year before.

Diego explained. "My professor sent material and books to me so that I could study. He also sent the exam papers, and with Felipe's help as timekeeper, I was able to complete the exams and send them back to be marked. They made allowances for the practical exams, knowing that I had no access to the latest science equipment but I did what I could."

Miguel clapped Diego on the shoulder. "It's with great pleasure to announce that not only did Diego pass the exams but his results were outstanding."

There were cheers at this news as Margarite rose from her chair, pulled a wrapped item from behind the bar and crossed the floor to stand beside Diego and announced. "Diego has graduated with honours from Madrid University." She kissed his cheek as she handed Diego the item.

Miguel shook Diego's hand. "Congratulations old friend."

Diego was stunned as he slowly opened the item, his hands shook as the paper fell away, leaving him with the framed degree in science and arts. He looked down at the reward for his hard work and felt pride in his accomplishments. He knew he would pass his exams but to obtain honours, was much more that he expected.

Don Alejandro was stunned by this news, he was awed that his son had the ability to continue with his studies on top of what he had done as Zorro. He pulled him into a fierce embrace. "Son, I'm proud of you but why didn't you say something."

Diego was embarrassed. "I'm sorry father but I had totally forgotten all about this. It's been over six months since I sent the exam papers back and I never gave it over further thought."

Don Alejandro grinned at his obvious embarrassment. "It's okay Diego. Is there anything else I should know about?" he whispered.

Diego chuckled and shook his head. "No, that's it."

Victoria had watched as the emotions raced across Diego's face, shock, surprise, excitement, pleasure at his results. She felt tears well in her eyes at her pride in him. She surprised him by kissing his cheek. "Congratulations Diego, you should be proud of this, I know I am." He was still recovering from his shock and therefore missed seeing the love shining in Victoria's soft brown eyes.

Mendoza was pleased for his friend. He had great respect for the young caballero. He is the most intelligent man he has ever known, Mendoza thought. "Congratulations Don Diego." he said as he shook hands with him.

"Gracias Sergeant."

de Soto had been silently listening to all the accolades that De la Vaga was receiving. He had noticed that de la Vega had changed since the death of his twin brother, at his hand. He was more outspoken, more confident. But when Miguel had handed de la Vega's degree, it made de Soto think about his own graduation. There would be no bribery scandal involving de la Vega, of that he was sure. He rose and strode to Diego. "You have done the entire pueblo proud Diego. Congratulations." de Soto unwittingly shook hands with his arch enemy.

"Gracias Ignacio."

Everyone soon settled back into their seats except for Miguel. He placed his hand on Diego's shoulder, halting him. "Not so fast Diego. We haven't finished with you yet." he grinned at the suspicious look on his friend's face.

"What are you up to now Miguel?" he asked quietly.

"I am enjoying myself."

Diego snorted. "So I can see."

Again the entire party stared on the two men standing at the head of the long table. They had all come to realise hat this was a very special night for Diego de la Vega and they wondered what the next surprise was going to be.

Miguel pulled a letter from his jacket and handed the parchment to Diego. "Read this."

"What's this?" he asked curiously.

"Just read it."

Diego opened the letter and started reading but he only managed to read only the first several lines before he staggered and dropped into his seat. He was flabbergasted as he re-read the letter, his hand shook for the second time that night. "Is...is...this..." he couldn't finish, he was at a loss for words, disbelief showed on his face.

"What is it Diego?" his father asked concerned as he stood by Diego's chair once more.

"I...I..." again Diego couldn't find the words. He was too shocked by this latest surprise.

Miguel and Margarite grinned happily at each other, they had never seen their friend so utterly speechless. He placed his hand on Diego's shoulder and spoke with pride of his friend's achievements.

"Due to his exceptional exam results, it's with great honour that I can announce that Don Diego Sebastian De la Vaga has been offered a position at the University of Madrid as an Associate Professor of Science."

There was absolute silence in the tavern.

Diego finally found his voice, though it was unsteady. "My old science instructor, Professor Martez has offered me a two year contract." He turned to Miguel. "I...I thought Associate Professors were contracted for five years."

Miguel nodded. "Normally yes but Professor Martez is aware that you are your father's only heir and that you wouldn't be able to spend another five years in Madrid so he arranged to offer a two year contract instead."

Diego was in deep shock. Never in his wildest dreams had he ever thought he would go back to University, let alone return as a Professor. His eyes were drawn to Victoria and he saw her stunned gaze. What I am going to do? he asked himself. He couldn't think.

There were loud murmurs along the table, as everyone talked to their neighbour, all wondering if Diego would leave and go back to Spain. They all knew about his love for his scientific experiments and there was no-one in the region that he could share his enthusiasm for science with. Los Angeles was so far away from the centre of the latest discoveries not only in science and medicine but also in the arts, with no new plays, books or even fashion, not reaching the pueblo until many months after first appearing in Europe.

"Diego, my son, what does this mean?" Don Alejandro asked quietly, he too was shocked by this latest development.

Diego tore his eyes from the woman he loved and let out a long breath that he didn't know he was holding. "It would mean that I would be working under Professor Martez, teaching classes, probably the freshmen. I would be working beside him in his laboratory. He has the most extensive science laboratory in Spain."

Don Alejandro saw his son's eyes light up at the prospect of working in that laboratory but as just as quickly the light vanished.

Diego was thinking now, how can I leave my father, he wasn't getting any younger. And what about Felipe and Victoria? How could he leave them?

Miguel saw the hesitation and sort to re-assure Diego. "You don't have to decide right now Diego."

Diego nodded. "How long do I have?"

Miguel sighed. "A week at most."

"What, one week!" Don Alejandro was dismayed. A week wasn't long enough to decide on such an important decision. He was proud of his son's achievements but he never fully realised just how gifted Diego was. Imagine, my son, a Professor, he thought proudly. A part of him hoped that Diego would take up the amazing offer. But the other half didn't want him to go, not now, not when they had just gotten to know each other so much better.

"Si, unfortunately our ship was delayed by calm seas for almost three weeks. Otherwise you would have had almost a month to decide. I'm sorry Diego." Miguel said regretfully.

Diego nodded. "It's not your fault Miguel." He knew it was an incredible, once in a lifetime offer and he was tempted to it take up but he had to think what this would mean for his father, Felipe and most importantly, Victoria. For it would mean several years away from Los Angeles, away from his family and friends.

Everyone was talking to him now, asking questions and Diego found himself answering without much of an idea as to what he was saying. He didn't want to look at Victoria again, otherwise he would lose himself in those soft brown eyes of hers. He knew that he wouldn't be able to conceal his love for her, not now, not in front of these people. That would be too dangerous, especially with the Alcalde sitting nearby.

Victoria was stunned. Would Diego leave again? Would he accept the offer? She knew it was a fantastic opportunity for him, he was a natural teacher, just look at how well he tutored Felipe. But she couldn't imagine her life without seeing him coming to her tavern almost everyday, his friendship and his love. She no longer shied away from the knowledge of his love for her. She still didn't want to think too much about her own feelings for him, it was there, in her mind. I need to speak with Zorro, she reflected. She wished she had a way of letting him know that she wanted to see him.

Felipe was bewildered. He didn't want his soon to be father to leave again, like he had done when he was small. He remembered how he kept time while Diego sat in the cave, completing the exam questions. It was the only place where they wouldn't be disturbed. Diego had mentioned on a number of occasions that he wished he had finished his studies. But he also knew that his soon to be adopted father had no real desire to travel back to Spain, unless for a holiday. Los Angeles was his home and he would one day marry Victoria. His future always seemed secure but now he felt uneasy, he knew that the future wasn't as clear as it once was.

de Soto thought about what it would mean for him, perhaps it would be better if de la Vega left. He had been a thorn in his side because of the scandalous lies he has printed in The Guardian over the years about him. If he leaves, then perhaps I could appoint a more agreeable man to run the paper, de Soto mused

The dinner lasted well into the night but by midnight, the guests had said their farewells and gave their final congratulations to Diego before returning to their homes.

Diego was the last to leave. He held Victoria's hand. "That was a wonderful party, truly marvellous."

She blushed slightly as he kissed her hand. "It's been a joyous night for you Diego. What are you going to do?"

Her heart raced as Diego gazed into her eyes briefly before glancing away. "I don't know Victoria, there's so much to think about before I can make a decision."

Victoria nodded. "But it is a fantastic offer."

"Si, it is." Again Diego met her eyes as he smiled a little sadly. "It would be hard to leave Los Angeles again."

He kissed her hand again. "Buenos noches Victoria."

"Buenos noches Diego."

Diego's heart was racing as he left the tavern. He had seen the look in Victoria's eyes, just now. It was the same look that she usually saves for Zorro and it was also similar look that she had given him two nights ago. Then he remembered her jealousy from several months ago and it all fell into place. 'Dios, she does love me' he thought cheerfully. Then the ever present doubt crept into his mind. Does she really love me and what about her love for Zorro? He couldn't stop thinking in circles and by the time he reached home, he had a terrible headache.

Victoria watched him go, pleasantly surprised when he had kissed her hand twice. The gesture seemed familiar somehow but she couldn't immediately place it. The look that Diego gave her before he glanced away left her in no doubt of his love for her and it sent little shivers down her spine. But her reaction to him made her feel guilty. It was almost the same reaction she felt whenever she was with Zorro. 'Dios, what I am going to do?' she whispered to herself.