Chapter 12
Diego leaned against the bar inside the tavern, watching Victoria as she went about her daily routine. He had been hurt by her careless remarks but talking with Felipe had put things in the proper perspective. Everyone believed that he was a spineless coward, a necessary ruse to divert any suspicion that he and Zorro were one and the same…it was a necessary evil but it had to be done. Sometimes, I wonder if it is all worth it...To lose the respect of the people that I love the most has been hard...At least, Father is learning to appreciate me...Perhaps...The tall caballero's musings were interrupted by Victoria's voice..."What were you saying, Victoria? I suppose my mind was elsewhere," he admitted.
The young woman shook her head gently. How like Diego, she thought. I suppose his father's accident has affected him more than he lets on..."How is Don Alejandro coping with his injuries, Diego," Victoria asked as she refilled Diego's glass with his customary lemonade, "I know it must be very painful for him."
"Between some broken ribs and his wounded pride, I doubt that he'll riding for a while. He is not being the best patient, I am afraid."
"Your father is probably anxious to get out of that bed, Diego. I am sure that you and Felipe have your hands full," she stated.
"We do, Victoria. I'm glad that it was not worse."
"I know that you are taking good care of him, Diego. Who is going to see the Emissary in your father's place, Diego? This may be the only opportunity we get to see him...to talk to him about what is going on in Los Angeles."
"My father was looking forward to meeting with him to discuss the alcalde's new tax initiative but his injuries will not permit him to go. Time is of the essence, I am afraid."
"Well, who has your father chosen to go in his place. Perhaps, Don Rafael or Don Emilio. Surely, he is going to send someone to represent the pueblo."
"Victoria, my father is sending me to Santa Paula in his place," he stated firmly, "he has given me specific instructions on how to approach the Emissary and state the pueblo's concerns. He believes that I can do it."
"Who will take care of your father? You are going to speak on the behalf of the pueblo, Diego?" The taverness knew that the de la Vega name was well respected…They were leaders in the community...Alejandro was used to being in the spotlight with his outspoken nature...He was used to being the center of attention, a natural born leader of the caballeros...Don Diego was well spoken and educated with a passion for science and the arts...A man who voiced his opinions through his newspaper but this was different. He would have to be at the forefront. He was concerned about the citizens and the community but he was not the man of action that Zorro was….
"My father entrusted me with his business negotiations. He has faith in me."
"That was family business, Diego. You are Don Alejandro's sole heir. You have to be prepared to step in if something were to happen to your father…The fate of the entire pueblo is riding on your speech," Victoria stated.
"My father believes that I am capable of speaking for the pueblo. Our family name does carry some weight in this territory," Diego responded.
"I know that it does, Diego," she interrupted.
"There is nothing that can be done about it right now…There is no one else who is willing to speak for our pueblo.I leave for Santa Paula in the morning to speak to the Emissary. I'll get my things together. Gracias. Adios."
ZZZ
Diego emerged from the front door of the de la Vega hacienda, carrying a suitcase. "Felipe, I feel better about leaving knowing that DeSoto is away. I won't be gone long. Take good care of my father while I'm away. I'll be back soon."
The young man waited at the gate, holding the reins of Diego's horse. The tall caballero watched as Felipe drew a 'Z' in the air with his right index finger. "He feels better about it too."
Victoria's cart came to a stop in front of Diego and Felipe. She was determined to go to Santa Paula with Diego whether he wanted her to go with him or not…He doesn't know the needs of the pueblo as well as I do…He needs my help…
"Victoria, good morning. What brings you here? Do you want to see my father? He is inside…"
"On the contrary, I am here to see you, Diego. I want to go with you to Santa Paula. Don't try to stop me. I'm going with you. You will still need someone to help pleading the pueblo's case to the King's Emissary."
"Victoria, how would it look for a single man and a single woman to travel alone together without a chaperone? Think of the gossip...think of your reputation."
"Gossip? About you and me? Everyone knows that you are a gentleman, Diego. Don't be silly," Victoria stated honestly.
Diego walked away from her to greet the two riders who come to a halt in front of the hacienda. "Hola! Buenos Dias, señores."
"Buenos Dias. How far to Los Angeles?"
"About two miles down the road. You've come far? You look as if you had a hard journey."
"Si. The Santa Paula Bridge is out."
"Then it looks like you won't be joining me after all," the tall caballero stated as he glanced at the stubborn senorita. Sometimes, it was her most endearing quality but now it was a hindrance….
"I'm sure Don Alejandro would not refuse me the loan of one of his horses."
"A strong-willed woman, Señor. If she were mine, I'd put her in her place," the man stated earning a glare from the offended woman. The stranger chuckled as Diego's expression slowly turned to anger. "Adios."
"I appreciate your offer but it would not be appropriate for the two of us to travel together, alone and unchaperoned . Think of the repercussions. I have business to take care of, Victoria. Felipe, take Señorita Escalante and her wagon back to the tavern."
"If you try to send me back then I will go by myself if I have to," she protested.
'You are the most…exasperating woman that I have ever met, Victoria Escalante," he stated, "there is no way that I can convince you not to go. Is there? If I leave without you, then I am certain you will take the main road to Monterrey. I cannot take the chance of you being hurt or injured. This is against my better judgment…we will go together. I hope I will not regret this…"