Chapter 10
The following morning started out cool and slightly overcast but by midday, a breeze from the ocean had cleared the grey clouds, leaving behind wisps of fluffy white clouds streaking intermittently across the deep azure sky. It had turned into a wonderful warm spring day, just perfect for a wedding and the entire pueblo had turned out to what was to be the celebration of the year.
The previous afternoon Don Alejandro de la Vega had announced the marriage of his only son and heir, Diego Sebastian de la Vega to Victoria Maria Escalante to take place at the mission the next day at 3pm. All were welcome. The announcement was not entirely unexpected, with many pleased to see Don Alejandro finally marrying off his son, who had been thought to remain a bachelor for the foreseeable future.
Some had been hoping to see Victoria marry Zorro but most citizens were happy that she was marrying someone steady and reliable, someone that could provide her with a home and children, something that Zorro could never do. The citizens had been told that due to the sudden shock of Don Diego leaving the pueblo, Victoria had come to realise just how much she had loved her childhood friend. A message came from Zorro which stated that he had accepted the marriage and would not interfere in any way. He had decided to move on but he wished Don Diego and Victoria all the happiness for their future together.
Shortly before 2pm a carriage pulled outside the de la Vega hacienda just as Diego came around the side of the building. "Miguel, Margarite, you're back." he said pleased at seeing his friends again, especially on this day.
Miguel helped his wife and baby daughter down from the carriage.
"How was the visit?"
"Oh Diego, I had forgotten what a dragon my aunt is." Margarite sighed.
"That bad was it." Diego grinned, he had his share of family dragons.
Miguel nodded as they walked inside the hacienda. "Si Diego, she would have made a wonderful sergeant in the army, ordering everyone around and if you touched or moved anything, watch out. She would bawl you out like you were a naughty child."
Margarite laughed. "I hadn't seen her since I was ten years old but she hasn't changed. I was scared of her then and I'm scared of her now."
Diego laughed, wishing he could meet this dragon lady.
"So Diego have you decided?" Miguel asked.
Diego grinned. "Yes, I have. I will be accepting the position."
"Oh Diego, that wonderful." Margarite said.
"That's fantastic Diego but you do realise that we have to leave by 10am tomorrow to ensure we catch the ship at San Diego?"
A sad look crossed Diego's face as he nodded. "Si I know, my trunks are ready."
"Diego, what about Victoria?" Margarite asked kindly, her hand on his arm.
The large grin returned to Diego's face. "It's a good thing you have come back early. You see, Victoria and I are to be married in an hour."
"Diego, I am so happy for you." Margarite pulled Diego into an embrace. "You are perfect for each other." She kissed his cheek.
"Thank you Margarite."
"Well, I never thought I would see you marry Diego, congratulations old friend. You're a lucky man."
"I know." They slapped each other on the back, grinning at each other.
"So Victoria will be coming with us then?" Margarite asked.
Diego shook his head. "No, Victoria has to settle the tavern with one of her brothers and they both have to sign papers to allow him access to the business funds. But she has promised to sail on the next ship in four weeks time."
"What! She is sailing alone?" Both Miguel and Margarite were shocked at the news.
He nodded. "I'm not happy about it but there is no other way. Victoria has to sign the papers with her brother in front of witnesses, otherwise it's not legal. And she won't sell the tavern and there is no time to find a reliable manager either."
"Oh Diego, I'm sorry, I wish you had more time." Margarite said.
Diego smiled sadly. "It's okay Margarite."
"So I guess that Victoria knows everything now." Miguel asked.
"Si, she does and it went better than I ever thought."
Margarite snorted lightly. "Considering that she is going to marry you, I would say it went well."
At 3pm the mission church was packed. Diego stood nervously in front of the padre with his son standing beside him. Felipe grinned at his father's twitching, he had been waiting a long time to marry Victoria and he was pleased to see his father's dream finally come true.
Diego noticed his son's grin and made himself relax, and smiled back and then turned his attention to the door. He gasped as he saw his father escorting Victoria down the aisle. She took Diego's breath away at the beautiful vision she made. She was wearing a long white dress, with small beading over the bodice, with a sheer veil over her face. 'Dios she's an angel' he breathed.
Victoria shook with nerves as Don Alejandro walked her down the aisle but the moment she saw the look of admiration, of love on Diego's face, her nervousness stopped. She knew they were meant to be together. Her heart was pounding at the sight of his new suit of dark blue, he is so handsome, she thought.
Victoria and Diego stood next to each other, gazed deeply into each others eyes and the entire gathering realised that this was a love match between the two young people.
Father Benitez began the service. "We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Diego, Victoria please step forward."
They step closer to the padre as he continued with the ceremony, offering prayers and words of wisdom to the couple. He turned to the younger man. "Do you Diego Sebastian take Victoria Maria, for you lawful wedded wife, to love, honour and cherish, forsaking all others until death do you part."
"I do." Diego replied in a firm voice, gazing into Victoria's eyes.
Father Benitez turned to Victoria. "Do you Victoria Maria take Diego Sebastian for your lawful wedded husband to love, honour, cherish and obey, and forsaking all others until death do you part."
"I do." Victoria replied in a soft voice, tears in her eyes.
"Do you have the rings?" Felipe handed the gold bands to Father Benitez, who blessed them. "Although it is not customary, Diego has opted to wear a wedding band."
There was a gasp throughout the church. It was rare for a gentleman to wear wedding band but Diego wanted to honour Victoria by wearing one.
Diego took the smaller of the two rings and held onto Victoria's hand. "Victoria, take this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion." He slid the ring down onto her finger, his eyes bright with unshed tears.
Victoria took the other ring and held onto Diego's hand. "Diego, take this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion." She slid the ring onto his finger.
"I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Diego smiled lovingly as he lifted the veil with shaking hands and softly kissed her waiting lips.
Everyone cheered and clapped as the couple turned and walked down the aisle together. There were a few Señoras with tears in their eyes, at the sight of the genuine love between them.
The reception was held in the tavern, which had been quickly decorated with colourful ribbons and lanterns by the women of the pueblo, while the food had been cooked by Pilar and Maria. Several men had gathered together and played lively tunes on their guitars, flutes and drums. The citizens enjoyed themselves as they danced, chatted and gossiped. Both the bride and groom were kept busy, as they mingled with the crowd, graciously accepting all the best wishes and congratulations.
Diego noticed Miguel and Margarite standing next to Victoria and they motioned him over.
"It was a beautiful service Diego." Margarite said.
"Gracias Margarite."
"Diego, Miguel and I have been talking."
"Oh, what about?"
Margarite looked at both of them. "We know you are uncomfortable with Victoria travelling on her own so we have a suggestion, that I stay here in Los Angeles and then both Victoria and I can travel back to Spain together."
Both Diego and Victoria stared opened mouth at this unexpected offer. "But that's too good of you Margarite, I couldn't let you do that." Diego recovered first.
Victoria nodded. "It's a generous offer Miguel, Margarite but you would miss out on your seeing your family."
"We understand your concerns but it's the ideal solution. Diego I know you don't want Victoria travelling alone, just as much as I wouldn't like Margarite to travel alone."
Diego nodded as Miguel continued. "Say you will. It will be our wedding present to you both."
Diego and Victoria gazed at each other, they hands clasped. "Margarite and I do get on well together." she said squeezing his hand.
"And it would be wonderful to know someone on the ship to share the boredom of a long voyage." Margarite put in.
Diego realised he was in the minority, sighed and said. "Alright, I would be happier if Victoria had someone to go with."
The other three broke out into smiles. "Gracias Margarite, Miguel." he knew what they were giving up to help him and Victoria and he made a note to repay them for their kindness.