YaMilE tOp NoTe: first I apologize cause I took so long. Sry but I'm a slow writer. this chap is going to use a lot of formal addressing, mostly cause that's just how things went on during those times, if you only just met, u use formal titles, until the person of higher rank or status asks to use informal, if they are of the same status then the one that's older. And if it's the same age and status its until u become friends or what ever. Just so you know that's still done in Mexico and probably Spain
CHAPTER SIX DINNER TIME
After leaving the mansion, Camilla and Gabrielle decided to visit the church first of all. Finally arriving, to the marketplace, where everything was a bustle. Merchants selling goods here and there. Wafting her fan in front her, Camilla ignored the sellers as they both spotted the church. They went in and saw two young men lifting some boxes. Camilla paid no attention them and quickly left them with out as much as a second thought. Unfortunately for her, though, Gabrielle did look at them.
"Ooh, la." Gabrielle swept the men a look from head to toe, "Neither looked bad, now did they?" Gabrielle snapped her fan open and glanced once more to the men.
Craning her head to look for the Frey, Camilla shrugged, "I guess." She said, trying to end the conversation.
Ignoring her friend's apathy, like always, Gabrielle went on, "The one with the brown hair looked quiet handsome, then again the other isn't bad looking either." Gabrielle started daydreaming. Camilla looked at her friend and murmured an 'ay no'. "And they must be strong. Those boxes do look heavy." She pouted her lips, "Then again, everyman here seems to hold the same strength," with a smirk, she continued, "remember the man we saw coming here and then..." Camilla shot her a glare, "...fine," she raised her hands in submission, "I'll keep the last one to myself."
Camilla looked for el padre (the father/ brother) and found him talking to some capataz(farmer's right hand/ runs things when the owners not there) soon though the capataz left and Camilla approached him, "Buenos Dias, hija( good morning, daughter), " he greeted her.
After kissing his hand, Camilla smiled, "Buenas padre(good day lazy version father)," she responded.
"My name is Felipe," he smiled, "do you need help of anything?"
"Camilla de la Rosette and," she looked at her friend, "Gabrielle Santillano de Montpellier." Turning back to el Frey, she prompted, "I came for confession."
Smiling broadly, the Frey nodded, "Very well, come." Camilla gave Gabrielle her parasol and followed the Frey to a secluded confession stand, "What have you to confess, hija?" The Frey started after the sanctified costume.
Hesitating, Camilla pulled at her gloved fingers, "Of having impure thoughts of a man."
"Are you married?"
"No, padre."
"What kind of impure thoughts?"
Taking a deep breath, Camilla continued, "A bandit's kiss. One that I should abhor and fell dishonored and violated." Looking down at her hands, she prompted, "But I'm afraid that's not what I feel, padre."
"A bandits kiss?"
"Yes, padre. He wore a mask. Called himself Zorro, but he a bandit none the less." Her stubbornness was surfacing along with some anger.
"Zorro!" Frey Felipe looked like he had just gotten a very low punch, "Are you sure?"
"Oh, no, no usted(you, formal)as well!" Camilla started to think that she would never make this Zorro pay.
"Esta segura?"(Are you sure?) He asked, seeming a little unbelieving.
"Padre, he clearly stated his name as Zorro!" She was getting tired of this. The padre seemed to become a bit flustered.
Frey Felipe, placed a hand to his temple, "Bueno si usted lo dice. (Well if you say so, formal) Um…well I have to go…do some things," before he stood up he remembered her penance, "and five Ave Purisimas. Con su permiso. (if you'll excuse me, formal )" Then Frey Felipe turned and hurried of. Camilla thought that she would never get these people.
Gabrielle by then had noticed that Camilla was taking her time, so she decided to stroll outside. Leisurely sitting in one of the benches, Gabrielle spotted Camilla, seeing her come back after talking to el Padre she hurried to her. "So…?" Gabrielle asked her expectantly.
"So," she grabbed her parasol from her friend, "nothing he just heard me say about that Bandit then he ran off."
"You know what?" Asked Gabrielle
"What?" Camilla already had a feeling a feeling she already knew what Gabrielle was going to say.
"I think its time for some faire de la vitrines. (French for: shopping;)" With that Gabrielle grabbed Camilla and dragged her to the door. Once in the carriage they went to the market where they spent about three hours, thanks to Gabrielle's never ending shopping spirit. By the time they got back to the mansion the young women, mostly Gabrielle, had at least 20 bags with them. A servant approached them. He was carrying what looked like an envelope.
"Señorita," he did a half bow, "esto llego para usted(miss this arrived for you, formal)." The servant then gave the letter to her, half bowed and left.
"Le quel est?"(French: What is it?) Asked Gabrielle rather expectantly.
"Well let me see" Camilla opened the letter and read.
Dear Sñt. De la Rossette;
My name is Alejandro de la Vega and I in behalf of my family want to wish you a most supreme welcome to this humble pueblo(town) . Also I would like to ask you to come to my house for dinner this evening at 8, as I would dearly love to meet the daughter of Javier who was an admirable man, que descanse en paz( rest in peace). You may bring your guardian Alejandro or some other friend.
Sincerely,
Alejandro de la Vega.
"So…"
"It's a dinner invitation to my father's colleague's house. Alejandro de la Vega." Responded Camilla.
"Ooh party! Great now I can wear the bleu( French: blue) dress I just bought, or maybe the rouge (French: red) one." She tapped her fan to her chin as she pondered over her wardrobe.
"Gabrielle," Camilla folded the letter, "I'm sure you'll look shocking in which ever one of those dresses you decide to wear." With that Camilla went inside the house were she went to her bedroom and wrote an answer. Yes. She then took a bath and decided to get ready for the dinner.
"Oh dios (oh god)! That's the last time I'm volunteering for el padre." Said Diego, while rolling his shoulder. He, like Joaquin, was sore from all the lifting they had done. It was nearly 7 and they had only just gotten back to Joaquin's house, and were currently in Joaquin's room.
"Hijo!" Came the strong voice of Alejandro. He seemed to be mad.
"Ugh, ahora que hice!( what did I do this time)" Joaquin looked at Diego, who only shrugged and grinned.
"Joaquin!" Alejandro seemed to be quite mad.
"Mande?( sort of like a yes, or you called?)" Then Alejandro entered the room. He had maroon slacks with a white undershirt and a ivory vest on top, a maroon jacket covered it all. Alejandro was also wearing brown leather boots that looked brand new, his hair was brushed elegantly. Joaquin wondered why he was dressed so elegantly. Were they going somewhere without him?
"Joaquin!" He was truly mad. "I was just talking to Felipe."
"Wasn't he ok with our work."
"Your 'work' was fine." Joaquin was at a loss. He didn't know what it was that was making his father so mad about. "But he found out a little something." He was giving Joaquin what was supposed to be a meaningful look but only confused Joaquin more. "A young woman went to la iglesia( church), and said something that was quite improbable." Joaquin didn't understand anything but he was getting a bad feeling. "Obviously Felipe couldn't tell me everything but he could say it was about something I couldn't have done." Joaquin tensed there were only a few things Alejandro couldn't do and he knew this was somehow going to end him up with tons of work.
"Dad what do you mean?"
"Felipe said that this young lady had, how should I put this, had an encounter with Zorro" Joaquin paled. He was caught he knew it, he was in deep trouble only a miracle could save him from this. But then…
Ding! Dong!
"Alejandro come here, vamos Ms. De la Rossette is here!" Elena came out of nowhere. She was wearing an elegant ivory dress that had bead work on the bodice and hem of her skirts. Her hair was drawn back from her face and sort of curled into a big mass on the back of her head. "Ugh! Joaquin! Why are you dressed like that! Vistete bien, (dress well/ properly) for god's sake we have visitors. Oh and Diego you can stay for dinner if you want but you must wash up as well." Joaquin then remembered Ms. De la Rossette was supposed to be coming for dinner that evening, and for once felt gratitude to a foreign lady. She had after all saved him from a nasty encounter from his dad.
With that Elena grabbed Alejandro and went off to greet their guests. Joaquin looked at Diego to find him sitting on his bed laughing. Though when he caught Joaquin's glare he stopped. "Why are you laughing?"
"You are so going to get it." Joaquin quickly punched on the arm, not to hard but it still hurt.
"Ow, what was that for!"
"For laughing at me."
Diego got up and went to the window in Joaquin's bedroom that overlooked the courtyard that had been built a year ago. "Hey you can see them. My, they're not bad looking either." Diego got what he described as a Casanova smile on his face.
Joaquin then looked at him and moved toward the window and looked at the guests. No it cant be! thought Joaquin. "Diego its her! She's here!" Joaquin whispered hurriedly.
"Who?" Diego was confused, again.
"It's her I cant believe it! Its really her!"
"Who!"
"Temptress." Joaquin whispered the name. "My temptress," his eyes widened, "What is she..." Joaquin raked a hand through his hair, "She's Miss de la Rosette!" He didn't know wether to be happy or...at least she didn't see his face. Smiling, he repeated, "My temptress." He said more strongly. He then hurried to the bathroom fast as lightning leaving an overly confused Diego behind.
"What the…?" he then looked out side at the young women who were talking to his best friends parents. well at least I've got a nice view. Diego comforted himself.
"Señorita de la Rossette we are so glad to have you here with us this evening." Alejandro greeted her formally.
"Oh dear must you be so formal." Elena looked at her husband then turned on the girls in front of her. "Elena De la Vega, dear. I must say your dresses are simply beautiful" Elena introduced herself and complimented the girls.
Camilla had decided on wearing a serenity blue dress, that flaunted her body, with a not so modest neckline that was covered by a bodice with blue embroidery on the edges. The hem of her skirt had white embroidery as well as the neck line, waist line and the end of her sleeve which reached her elbow. She had her hard half up half down with turquoise pins keeping the bangs of her face. Gabrielle on the other hand had chosen a light rose colored dress that hugged her curves. It had white and rose beads, on the top and embroidery on the hem of the skirt. Her arms were covered with the white fabric that came from the sleeves of the rose dress.
"This is my best friend Gabrielle Santillano de Montepellier" Camilla introduced her.
"Glad to meet you, your dress is also lovely madam." Gabrielle put on her enchanting glamour.
"My guardian couldn't make it so I brought Gabrielle."
"Oh its perfectly fine with us!" Assured Alejandro.
"In fact our son Joaquin also has a friend for dinner." Elena added in.
"But, we better go into la sala (living room)." He led the ladies to an ample room that held cedar furniture with paintings on the walls of forest and fields. It had a couch big enough for four people then another for two with two arm chairs. There was a little table in the middle that held a few pottery items that were elegantly made, and another table that held various glasses and bottles. All in all its rather cozy thought Camilla.
Elena engaged Gabrielle in a conversation of dresses while Camilla and Alejandro talked about how things were going at the pueblo. Suddenly a knock came. "Entra (enter)." Called Alejandro.
"Señor, la cena esta lista. (Sir, dinner is ready)" Said a butler.
"Oh, my, dinner time already? But were could Joaquin be!" Said Elena indignantly. At that very moment Diego came through one of the doors. He had taken a quick bath and was now looking fresh and more relaxed. He was wearing what were obviously Joaquin's clothes. Even though both had similar body complexion, Joaquin was a bit more muscular thanks to his Zorro training and like of fencing. "Diego!" Exclaimed Elena.
"Ms. De la Rossette, de Montepellier, this is Diego de Arrenis, Joaquin's best friend." Introduced Alejandro.
"Pleased to meet you." Said Camilla who was chorused by Gabrielle.
"The pleasure is all mine, after all how often does a guy run in with such beauties." Diego said suavely.
"Oh my, such a fort et sympa(french: strong, nice) man." Exclaimed Gabrielle flirting while smiling.
"Diego, where is Joaquin?" Asked Elena.
"Oh he said he'd come down in a sec." He responded.
"Oh no I'm going to get him. Its already time for dinner." But just as Elena was getting up Joaquin came into view. He was wearing a white undershirt with a dark blue sleeveless vest with a matching dinner jacket and the same color pants. He was also wearing black leather boots, his hair was brushed and he looked a bit more refreshed than earlier.
"Oh thank goodness, you were taking so long" Elena exclaimed. Alejandro though was looking at Joaquin with anger. But he quickly masked it as he made introductions. "Joaquin this is Camilla de la Rossette, with her friend Gabrielle Santillo de Montepellier. Ladies this is my son Joaquin."
"Pleased to meet you" The girls once again chorused.
"The pleasure is all mine." Joaquin said automatically not taking his eyes of Camilla. Silence filled the room while Joaquin stared at Camilla. Elena and Alejandro noticed, while Gabrielle and Diego flirted silently. Camilla watching them flirt was unaware of Joaquin's staring. But she turned as she felt it, meeting his eyes.
There was something vaguely familiar about both his eyes and that mouth that curved into a smile. Shaking her thoughts, away, she pierced him with the same glance. She wasn't about to be intimidated by a man who seemed not to flinch of be ashamed of starring.
"Well now that we are all here, we better go eat after all we wouldn't want the dinner to go cold." Said Elena breaking the silence. Everybody got up and was led to the dining table. Elena was led by Alejandro while Gabrielle was led by Diego. Leaving Joaquin to escort Camilla to the dinning table. Once seated Alejandro signaled one of the maids to start serving dinner, which they did obediently. As the maids served it, Alejandro tried to restore some conversation to the room.
"So Camilla, am I right to assume that there has been nothing amiss in your stay here in San Mateo?" He asked.
"Oh," Camilla accepted the wine that was offered, "nothing wrong here. Just before we arrived here, on the road. That's when things were ill-fated." Camilla said over Gabrielle's "perfect".
"But lets put that behind us and enjoy this wonderful dinner." Put in Gabrielle giving her best-friend a meaningful glance. Joaquin who had been cutting some steak heard the thud of his knife hitting the plate, he knew instantly what she was talking about, he looked at his father worriedly but was calmed when he saw his dad didn't suspect.
"Oh but what happened? Where you robbed?" Asked Diego stupidly. Joaquin, who was sitting right in front of him, kicked him under table. "Ow!" exclaimed Diego and glared at Joaquin.
"Shush Diego! I'm sure the ladies don't want to be reminded of what ever it is they went through!" Joaquin said as a cover up.
Camilla annoyed at how frailly he thought of her, said heatedly. "Oh don't worry I'm sure I can tell you."
"But we're not forcing you to!" Joaquin was desperate, and he had a feeling that she wouldn't back down. No, she would do exactly the opposite.
"We were stopped on our way here by some bandits. And I could of handled it perfectly well if it weren't for that Zorro!" Camilla started. Alejandro choked on his water, Elena stopped then regained her décor and kept eating, Diego thought about it then realized what was going on. Joaquin grimaced then cringed under his fathers glare.
"But surely Zorro helped you?" Said Elena who was wondering why Alejandro hadn't told her. And trying to remember if any bells had gone off. Alejandro was curious as to how Joaquin had done it since Frey Felipe had said nothing about it. Then noticing his wife's stare decided he was going to have to explain. Joaquin though, thought that he could never ever be this much in trouble in his entire life.
"Oh sure quite helpful! That man should hang!"
Gabrielle rolled her eyes, "Here we go." She muttered to herself.
"What do you mean?" Asked Elena who was quite confused.
"Such offense that he put upon me!" Said Camilla angrily. Elena gasped, then looked at Alejandro. Alejandro mean while stared at Camilla then looked at Joaquin. Joaquin was trying to blend in with his chair as good as possible. Diego who already knew what had happened tried to stop himself from laughing, and partially succeeded with nothing but a grin.
"Offense? What do you mean?" Asked Alejandro finally.
"He kissed me! The bas–" Camilla stopped herself before she said an unlady like word, "That man!" Said Camilla infuriated. She was too angry to pay attention to the others at the table, while Gabrielle was too preoccupied with her friends anger.
"Kissed you!" Elena could only just hold back screams. "Alejandro we need to talk… Now, Excuse us." Elena grabbed her husband by the hand and half pulled half dragged him into the next room. As they entered Alejandro watched Elena's back as she closed the door. Once sure that they could not be walked in on Elena turned on. Alejandro half feared for his life when he saw the look of anger on her face.
Instinctively, Alejandro walked behind a chair that stood between them, "Now remember that we are married."
Folding her hands in front of her, Elena raised an eyebrow, "You know the widow stature wouldn't bother me that much."
Alejandro gulped.
YaMiLe BoTtOm NoTe: Muhahahhahaha cliffy! Sry it took me soooo long but I couldn't get my inspiration for long so I when I wrote it was really little. But anyways here it is all done. Now you guys will wait to see what will happen next!
pRiZ nOtE nOtE: Review people! Review, it get's us pumping and all...you know that inspiration. It will get cough, cough Yamile cough, cough us to get writing. Lol, well, I'm off to start the next chapter. And again, I'll repeat myself, Review!