Chapter 26

The Mission...

Margarita rubbed her tired feet. Sweeping floors and washing dishes were tasks she was unaccustomed to...There has to be an easier way...Hard work builds character or so they say, she thought. I would be better off finding a rich husband. Let some poor peon or someone with Senorita Escalante perform such menial tasks. I was not cut out for this sort of life...

ZZZ

Padre Benitez turned as he sensed a presence behind him..He was able to make out the form of Zorro standing in the shadows. "Señor Zorro, what brings you here?"

"I heard that you have a guest here...a Senorita de Madeira, an acquaintance of the de la Vegas."

"Have you come to rescue her, perhaps or have you come to rescue me, my son?"

The masked man smirked at the padre's attempt at humor. So, Margarita is being more trouble than she is worth...I thought as much..."I am afraid not, Padre. I wanted to see how she was faring...I have high regard for the de la Vegas and..."

"Senorita Escalante, of course."

"I know that the senorita was staying with Victoria until your boarder insulted her."

"Senorita Escalante has a good heart. She would not have thrown the woman out on the street even thought the senorita may have deserved it..."

"Senorita de Madeira thought that the accommodations at the tavern were not suitable enough for her liking...Has she been troublesome, Padre?" I already know the answer to that...

"You don't sound as though you think highly of the young lady in question. That young woman is certainly a handful, to say the least."

"She has decided that she wants to marry me...even though I have not given her any encouragement...It has estranged her from Don Rafael. If only she would swallow her pride and reconcile with him but..."

"The woman is intent on having her own way no matter what the cost. She is spoiled and selfish but not beyond reforming...It may take a while longer than even I anticipate," the clergyman sighed.

"God can perform miracles, Padre. You have said that yourself."

"That is exactly what it will take...a miracle. I think that you should speak to her young man, as soon as possible to dispel her of this foolish notion that somehow she has a chance with you."

"Do you think that it will help?"

"I don't know, my son but a good dose of reality may be exactly what she needs..."

Several minutes later...

Zorro walked through the mission in search of Margarita. The masked man found the lady in question sitting in the mission garden...The time had come to bring the young woman to her senses and clear the air. This foolishness has gone on long enough..."Senorita de Madeira..."

The young woman turned at the sight of the handsome masked avenger. Margarita looked hopefully at the outlaw. This evening had not been a pleasant one although she had to admit that the garden was beautiful and well-kept...So, he has come at last..."Have you come to rescue me from this dreary mission, Senor?"

"I am afraid not, Senorita. I have another reason for being here..."

"I see...I see...Have you come to your senses about us at last, Senor Zorro?"

"What do you mean, Senorita? Come to my senses?"

"Senorita Escalante has found someone else. Perhaps, you came in search of an infinitely more suitable replacement..."

"Why would you think that? Why would you think that anyone could replace Victoria? Surely you are not suggesting.."

"There are other ladies worthy of your attention...Ladies who are infinitely more suitable for a man of your station and breeding..."

"Who are you referring to Senorita de Madeira?" You really are quite convinced of your charms. I would not be interested in you even if you weren't involved with my cousin...

"I am talking about myself, of course. I am a lady...more the sort of woman that you should be with."

"My heart belongs to another, Señorita de Madeira."

"Victoria Escalante cannot hold a candle to someone like me."

You are right, Margarita. Victoria is more of a lady than you will ever be...

"You are a caballero..."

"Why would you presume such a thing? I could be an ordinary vaquero or peon under this mask.."

"Oh, come now, Senor. You ordinary peon would dress like you do with such flair...such style...such elegance...It is evident from the way you speak...the way that you carry yourself. A mere barmaid is not worthy of your notice."

"Victoria is making a new life for herself...I will not interfere with that and it takes more than breeding to be a lady, Senorita."

"Don't you find me remotely attractive," Margarita leaned into Zorro and brushed her lips lightly against his.

"Señorita," The masked man pushed her away gently, "I am a gentleman...Your intentions are misguided..."

"You wouldn't know a real lady if it hit you in the face...I am young, attractive and wealthy. Any man would be glad to have me!"

"In the social circles you are a part of...that may be true but I require more from a potential wife."

"You would prefer a simple peon rather than someone like me..."

"It doesn't matter whether the woman I prefer is a peon or a lady. What matters is what is in the heart...how you treat people. That is what I find attractive about a woman."

"You sound like Rafael and Don Diego," she sniffed, "Typical do-gooder type...always concerned about the poor and the helpless..."

"I will marry for love not just a pretty face or the right status in society. Those things will never be all that important to me."

"They are important to me and if you had any taste...then you would chose someone like me..."

"You have a lot of growing up to do, little senorita. Outer beauty is important but the only true beauty comes for within. No amount of fine clothes or jewelry can hide a proud and haughty spirit."

"I was wrong about you...you are not the man for me and you never will be."

"No, I am afraid not...You have much to learn...I am afraid...I hope that one day...you will find whatever you are searching for," he sighed, "Vaya con Dios. I wish you health and happiness."