Chapter 4
When the de la Vegas entered the tavern, they found it very crowded with caballeros, peons and several of their lancers, all standing or sitting at the tables. Everyone seemed to be talking in groups, some in hushed tones while others in loud excited voices. Victoria shifted her eight month old son in her arms and looked curiously around her.
"Something must have happened, the tavern is not usually this crowded, even on the best days. I wonder what's going on." she said.
Alejandro stared at the crowded tavern and shrugged. "I'm not sure. There's Eduardo, he'll be able to tell us."
Eduardo Salazar was a middle aged man, a widower with grown children, who were all married with families of their own. He had come to Los Angeles looking for work, trying to find some peace after the death of his wife. He was willing to do any job, he had plenty of experience in both farming and business, for not only had he been born on a farm but he had worked with a shipping agent for over a decade in Mexico City. Both Alejandro and Victoria had been impressed with his bearing, his kindness and the respect he showed to everyone when he arrived, that they offered him the role of Manager for the tavern, which he accepted gratefully. He had been with them for over a year now and was enjoying his life once more.
As they made their way over to Eduardo, Pilar came rushing by but she stopped when she saw Victoria and her baby. "Oooh he's grown since the last time I saw him." she cooed as she gently ran her finger along the baby's soft cheek.
Victoria smiled warmly. "But you only saw him about a week ago."
Pilar chuckled. "Si but he has grown and he's so gorgeous. I think those blue eyes of his are going to melt many a senorita's hearts in the future." she predicted as she ran her finger down his soft cheek once more, causing him to whimper as he buried his face into Victoria's neck.
"Including yours if I'm not mistaken." she teased as she gently rocked her son.
Pilar laughed. "Si, I certainly lost my heart to your little one Victoria and so have many others..."
"Senorita, my order!" A man called out from behind them, somewhat annoyed.
"Coming Senor." Pilar called back.
"Go Pilar, I can see that you are busy. We get together later." Victoria promised.
Pilar nodded. "Count on it." she smiled warmly as she quickly moved towards the kitchen.
Victoria chuckled, Pilar was correct, her baby son had already won the hearts of both the women and the men of the pueblo. There was no shortage of helpers willing to lend a hand or advice on raising a child and she had often had to fight back tears by their kindness, by their acceptance of her and her baby. It was something that she never expected when her pregnancy had been discovered by the people. She had expected to be snubbed or shunned but she hadn't been.
She had been accepted, partly because of her marriage to Alejandro, and partly because of who her baby's father was. The people loved Zorro, he was their hero, he had saved many of their lives in many different ways. He fought for them and in the end, he had died for them. They were not going to turn away from Diego's son just because he had been conceived out of wedlock. To Victoria, it seemed as though the entire pueblo had unofficially adopted her son as theirs.
She shook herself from her thoughts and walked over to the bar where Alejandro and Felipe were trying to get their manager's attention.
"Hola Eduardo, what's going on?" Alejandro called out.
Eduardo turned around and faced his employers and smiled warmly. "Hola. I take it you haven't heard then?"
They shook their heads. "No, has something happened?"
Eduardo chuckled. "You could say that. Apparently Mexico has declared independence and they are claiming all of California for herself."
"What, you're kidding!" Alejandro shook his head in disbelief. "I've heard talk of independence of course but I never really believed it would happen."
Victoria frowned as she gently pulled Alfonso's fist from his mouth, he was teething and was starting to fuss irritably. She planted a gentle kiss to his soft black hair and instinctively rocked him. "What does that mean for us?" she asked.
Eduardo shrugged. "I guess we will become part of Mexico instead of Spain. I think it's been a long-time coming."
Alejandro raised an eyebrow. "Do you support the declaration then?"
Eduardo smiled. "As a matter of fact, I do. I was born on a farm just outside of Mexico City. It was my father's farm and his father's before him. So I see myself as Mexican not Spanish. I hope I don't offend you Don Alejandro."
Alejandro chuckled and shook his head. "Not at all Eduardo." he paused as he looked around at the crowded tavern. "I can imagine that there are a large number of people that feel the same way. Families that have lived here for generations, may not feel that same connection to Spain as more recent arrivals would do."
"What about you Alejandro?" Victoria asked her husband, even though she knew what his politics were, they had never discussed it.
He turned back and gave his wife a small smile. "I think you already know that answer. My loyalties will always lay with Spain but what about you Victoria? How do you feel about this?"
Victoria shrugged. "I'm not sure Alejandro, I'm like Eduardo, my grandparents were born out here and I don't really see myself as Spanish but Alfonso has blood ties to Spain, so I won't deny him that heritage."
Alejandro squeezed her hand in gratitude. "Thank you Victoria. I would never go against your wishes in regards to how you raise Alfonso but I'm pleased that you acknowledge those ties to Spain and of our family still living in Madrid." he paused and grinned. "And besides none of this could be true, it could be just some wild rumour."
Felipe spoke up then. "The Alcalde is here and he doesn't look happy." he was pleased that he no longer stuttered, he had kept his promise that he had made to his father. It had taken a lot of practice but he had done it. He knew that his father would be proud of him.
They all turned and watched Alcalde Xavier Flores walk through the doorway. Flores was an overweight, balding gentleman who liked his cigars too much but his heart was good as gold and along with his wife Ursula, had transformed the small dusty pueblo into a flourishing township from the time of his appointment a year ago. The citizens had finally received a leader they deserved, a caring, compassionate and understanding leader, who was not only fair but was tough when called for. He respected them and in turn they came to respect him.
It was through Flores that they had learned of the execution of their former Alcalde, Ignacio de Soto. The evidence brought against him by the Grand Duke of Seville was damning and even on the other charges of illegally raising of taxes, abuse of power, ignoring his duties for the sake of one man, would have warranted a prison sentence. But it was the execution of Diego de la Vega, a member of the Spanish Royal family, no matter how small that blood tie was, could not go unpunished. It was the King himself who had demanded the death penalty.
Instead of being overjoyed by the death of de Soto, the citizens had felt a strange sadness at the waste of life, the waste of potential. Both of de Soto's life as well as Diego's. For the de la Vegas, the news of his death had brought all the horror and all the grief back to the forefront of their minds. They grieved once more together and were now moving on with their lives.
But now Flores called for silence in the tavern. "Señoras and Señores, I'm sure that you have all heard the rumour about the Mexican Declaration of Independence."
Many of the citizens nodded in agreement.
"I have just received notification that it is no longer a rumour. Three months ago, the authorities in Mexico City sent an envoy to Madrid with their demands and three weeks ago their reply reached Mexico City." he paused as he pushed his glasses back further on his nose. "It seems that King Ferdinand has agreed to all their terms and he has acceded California to Mexico."
There were gasps of disbelief from the gathered crowd.
"What exactly does that mean Alcalde?" called a voice from the back.
Flores sighed. "It means that all of California now belongs to Mexico and that Mexico herself is now an independent country."
"So we are now Mexicans then?" called the same voice.
Flores nodded. "Si, well at least you are, I'm not."
Alejandro frowned at that remark. "Alcalde what does this mean for your men and for others like you?"
Flores turned towards Don Alejandro. "It means my expulsion from California as with all the other civic leaders. They will be expected to return to Spain, along with our Lancers."
"What? Surely the lancers will be able to stay, who will protect us from bandits and thieves?" called out a woman.
"When would all this happen?" asked a man from the back of the room.
"What if you or the lancers don't want to go back to Spain?" asked another man.
"Yeah many of them have families here, have made lives here." called out a woman.
Flores held up his hand. "I know that you all have a lot of questions but I don't have all the answers at the moment. I do know that it will be a gradual transition and I won't leave without being replaced. And as to the lancers, I'm sure that they will get the option to stay here, they would have to resign from the Spanish Military of course. The Mexicans may even allow them to join their forces but once I know more, I will let everyone know." he nodded and excused himself and left the tavern.
The patrons stared at each other for a moment before they began chatting excitedly amongst themselves once more.
Alfonso started to fuss tiredly once more and Victoria held him close, planting a soothing kiss to his forehead as he started to cry. "How is this going to affect us Alejandro?"
"Here, let me have him." he said as he reached out and took Alfonso from Victoria and tried to settle his grandson. "I'm not sure Victoria, it may not affect us too much. But one thing for sure, there are interesting times ahead of us."
It was a month later when Victoria heard her son's heart-warming chuckles. She followed the sound and came to a sudden standstill the doorway of the library. She had to hold back her own laughter by what she saw. It was something she never thought she would ever see. Sitting on the carpet, in front of the lounge, was Alejandro, with his grandson between his legs, tickling him. Alfonso's happy chortles echoed around the room, along with Alejandro's own booming laughter. Her heart melted by the love between grandfather and grandson and she had to swallow hard as a sudden wave of sadness threatened to overwhelm her. It should be Diego playing with his son, it should be Diego watching his baby son grow.
Alejandro heard a noise, looked up and saw Victoria standing in the doorway. He saw the sadness on Victoria's face, saw her lower lip tremble as she tried to control her emotions but failing miserably as tears fell down her face. He rose awkwardly to his feet, held out his arms and she rushed into them.
"I miss him so much Alejandro." she sobbed into his chest.
"I know, my dear I know. I miss him too." He wrapped his arms around her tight and whispered words of comfort as he rocked her. He felt hot tears burn his eyes as his own grief threatened to overwhelm him. It should be Diego who was married to her, not himself. Diego should be here to experience the joys of fatherhood, he should be here to give Alfonso brothers and sisters to play with. But it could never be. Oh why did it have to happen? he reflected with sadness and with a little anger.
They held each other for a long time, each giving and receiving comfort from the other. It was awhile before she recovered enough to speak. "I'm sorry Alejandro, I didn't mean to cry like that." she sniffled as she wiped her tears away.
"It's okay Victoria, we're still grieving for him." he replied as he planted a soft kiss to her forehead.
She nodded as she moved out of his comforting embrace. "Does it get any easier? Will the hurt ever go away?" she whispered hoarsely, as she picked up her son from the floor, where he had been crawling towards the bookshelf and held him tight against her.
He sighed. "Believe it or not, it does get easier. In time the pain will heal and you will remember the good times with fondness." he replied quietly as he caressed Alfonso's soft black hair.
Just then Felipe came bursting into the hacienda. "Grandfather, Victoria." he called out as he entered the library. In his haste he didn't notice the sorrow that flowed from both Alejandro and Victoria.
"What is it Felipe?" Alejandro asked as he turned towards his grandson, putting aside his grief for now.
Felipe continued. "Soldiers at the pueblo...Mexican troopers...meeting..." he gasped, he had hurried back from the pueblo after visiting some friends and had rushed into their home to tell his family the exciting news.
"Slow down, take a deep breath." Alejandro advised.
Felipe nodded and soon settled his breathing and it was then he noticed Victoria's bloodshot eyes. He frowned in concern. "Victoria, are you okay? What's wrong?"
Victoria nodded and smiled sadly. "I'm fine but what's this about Mexican troopers?"
He remembered his mission and became excited again. "About ten minutes ago a squad of Mexican troopers rode into the pueblo and relived Alcalde Flores of his command. I came here as fast as I could."
"Madre de Dios." Victoria exclaimed as she exchanged a surprised glance with Alejandro. "We weren't expecting this to happen yet."
Alejandro frowned. "Indeed not. Has someone taken over from Flores?"
Felipe nodded. "Si, a gentleman by the name of Delgado and he has requested that all citizens to attend a meeting tomorrow morning at the tavern, where he would explain everything."
"Did he say anything else?" Victoria wanted to know.
Felipe shook his head. "Not really but he did book himself into the tavern for a couple of nights and he placed his men with our own lancers in the barracks."
Alejandro sighed as he ran his fingers through his silver hair. "Well I guess we will find out tomorrow."
The next day turned into a warm, clear day and it seemed that the entire district had arrived for the meeting with the new Mexican officials. The three de la Vegas arrived by carriage to find a large number of horses, carriages, wagons and any other means of transport that the citizens used to arrive at the pueblo, all filling the streets and down the side of buildings, wherever there was space.
"Alejandro, Victoria, over here." Don Ricardo called out as he saw them enter the crowded tavern.
"Hola Ricardo, Amelia." Victoria smiled warmly at their friends.
"Hola Victoria...mmm it seems that Felipe has found some of his own friends." Amelia smiled as they sat down.
Both Alejandro and Victoria looked towards the group of young people. "I'm pleased that he's taking time to be with other young people." Victoria said with a warm smile on her lovely face, as she settled Alfonso in on her lap.
Alejandro smirked. "Well I think he has another reason to be with his friends, there is a certain senorita that has caught his eye."
"No, really! Which one?" Victoria asked eagerly as she gazed intently at the group of young people but before Alejandro could reply, a silence settled over the crowd. Alcalde Flores had entered the tavern with his wife, followed by a tall, slender, well dressed gentleman.
Flores stood near the bottom of the stairs and called for silence. "Thank you all for coming here today. As you are all aware that California is part of Mexico and therefore all the civic leadership will now be handled from Mexico City and not from Spain herself. This also means that from this day forward I will not be your leader..."
There were murmurs of sadness, of regret throughout the crowd, Flores had become a well respected leader.
Flores held up his hand for silence once more. "I would like to introduce you to Senor Gerardo Delgado, he's to be your new Alcalde and will be able to answer any questions you may have."
There was some polite applause as Senor Delgado stood up and faced the crowd. He smiled warmly. "I too would like to thank everyone for taking the time out of your busy day, I do appreciate it. Now I know that you have a lot of questions regarding the transition so if you allow me, I will go through what the Mexican declaration means, not only to all of California but also how it will affect you. After that I will answer any questions that you may have."
Over the next hour, Senor Delgado gave detailed information to the citizens of Los Angeles of how the Declaration came about and what it meant to everyone, including the lancers, who found that they could transfer over to the Mexican Army as long as they were willing to swear an oath of allegiance. This news was greeted with sighs of relief as a number of the lancers were married and had no desire to move to Spain. There were a large number of questions put to him but he answered each and everyone with patience and understanding, leaving the citizens pleased with the outcome.
Afterwards Senor Flores brought the new Alcalde Delgado over to the de la Vegas.
"May I introduce you to Don Alejandro de la Vega, one of our most prominent citizens."
Delgado smiled warmly as he held out his hand. "Ah Don Alejandro, your reputation precedes you. It is an honour to meet you sir."
Alejandro smiled back and shook his hand. "Gracias Alcalde. May I present my wife Doña Victoria.."
Alcalde Delgado raised an eyebrow, he had seen the beautiful young lady beside him but had assumed that she was his daughter, not his wife. He bowed and raised her hand for a soft kiss. "Doña Victoria, it is a pleasure to meet you. And who is this fine young baby in your arms?"
Victoria felt a slight flush creep over her face. "This is my son Alfonso. Do you have any children Alcalde?"
He smile widened. "Si, my wife and I have four children, two of each. She will be arriving in another month or so. I wanted to get settled first before I send for them."
Alejandro nodded. "Of course, I would have done the same. Alcalde, I must congratulate you on a most thorough talk that you gave us, very pleasing over previous leaders that we have had in the past."
Delgado nodded seriously. "Thank you Don Alejandro, I believe in keeping everyone informed, then there can be no misunderstanding."
Alejandro nodded once more. "I agree, information is important for all concerned. I do have one question to ask at the moment."
Delgado smiled warmly. "Ask away."
Alejandro smiled back, he felt an immediate liking to their new leader. "Well, it's more of a courtesy, then a question. As you may or may not know, I have very close family ties to Spain..."
Delgado raised his hand to stop him. "I understand Don Alejandro, I imagine that a number of the caballeros have ties to Spain but I give you my word as a gentleman, that I will not interfere with your close connections as long as you don't start a revolution of your own, to bring back Spanish rule."
Don Alejandro chuckled. "My days of forming an army are long over Alcalde and you have my word that I will not interfere with the running of this pueblo unless you decide to rule without regard to the concerns of the people."
Delgado laughed. "Well then I better make sure that I run a smooth office." he paused, then smiled. "I can see us discussing this in great detail, say over a game of chess."
Alejandro's eyes lit up at the prospect of a new partner. "I would like that very much Alcalde."
Victoria chuckled. "You may regret that, my husband is a good chess player."
Delgado smiled. "Well I think that it's fair that I should warn you Don Alejandro, my father was a chess master and he taught me everything he knew."
Alejandro laughed. "I'll consider myself warned Alcalde but I do know a few tricks myself."
Delgado laughed with him. "We shall have to see who is the best player then but for now if you excuse me Doña Victoria, Don Alejandro, I have other citizens to meet." with that he bowed and left them.
"Of course Alcalde." Alejandro said as they watched Delgado move away.
"Well Victoria, what do you think of our new leader?" Alejandro asked his wife.
Victoria smiled warmly as she shifted Alfonso to her other hip. "I like him. I think he will do right by all of us."
Alejandro nodded in agreement. "So do I."