Ignacio's Achievements
Ignacio De Soto sat in his finest uniform next to his sister's maid, in his brother-in-law's pew at the church. Gushing Stream was dressed as finely as Marcella, and despite himself, he smiled at her. He was growing used to having the woman around, despite his aversion to Indians of any sort. Her manners were impeccable, and very European.
The organ began, and the women turned to catch a glimpse of the bride. The dress took their breath away, and Ignacio noticed the finery was not Victoria's. The wedding dress must have been provided by Alejandro, because it was made of silk, not cotton as the other one had been. Fine lace edged the high neck line, and the cuffs of her long sleeves, and diamonds were scattered in her hair. Amazing beadwork covered the dress, and the train was long and lacy as well. He couldn't see her face under the thick veil, but her body language was shy and awkward, and she stepped carefully in the dress, aware of the finery.
She walked down the aisle on the arm of Francisco Escalante, a tall and muscular young man, slightly younger than Diego. Diego de la Vega was in awe of his bride, and much more relaxed than his real marriage several months before. As they reached him, he took her arm and nodded to Francisco.
The ceremony was simple and quick.
They went to the tavern to partake in the large buffet that Pilar had organised for the wedding reception. The room was full of conversation and laughter. He watched Diego with Victoria and he realised he had never seen either of them look so happy. He wondered a little if he would ever be so happy himself.
Gushing Stream sat across from him at their table, and smiled shyly at him.
"They are very much in love, Alcalde. Isn't that amazing, in this evil world, that two people could come together and discover that love? They don't even need words, they've barely spoken the whole time," she said softly.
"They have been married officially for over two months now. You'd think they would have talked enough," Ignacio said, a little cynically.
Gushing Stream smiled. "I think it is wonderful, Alcalde."
Ignacio turned and glanced at the couple, and repressed a smile. He was happy for them, he supposed. It was causing a lot of frustration all round, though, as he had to deal with bandits and everything all on his own, and may have to for a long time. He would have liked to have granted the pardon by now as well, but that would have to wait until after the honeymoon now, he realised. Diego seemed completely distracted by his wife right now, and there was no hope in talking to him.
Zzz
It had been several months since the de la Vegas had left on their honeymoon. Colonel de Cipriana had made his way back to Monterey, declaring to return when Diego showed his face again, taking with him Marcella and the young maid, Gushing Stream.
Gushing Stream had written to him ever since. She had told him it was alright to call her Gretel, as her former mistress had, if he wanted to.
Her writing was delicate and artistic, and he was starting to look forward to her weekly letters. He had written back once or twice, but she wrote weekly without fail, conveying his sister's endearments as well as communicating about the world of Monterey and the social whirl they were beginning to find themselves in.
She had informed him of the impending birth of Marcella's first child, just the other week, and he waited to learn more about how his sister was faring. He was a little concerned, and distracted, hardly keeping his mind on his work in the pueblo.
After a rough time with the latest bandits, which resulted in an injured shoulder, he received visitors.
"Ignacio, where are you? Are you alright?" Marcella's voice wafted through to his private apartment, as he was sitting up in bed, dressed only in his nightshirt and night cap, eating some breakfast that Mendoza had prepared.
He hurriedly removed the nightcap, and sat a little straighter. He felt a little undignified dressed as he was, but his sister was worried. Marcella was a little distraught and had imagined him dead, apparently.
"Thank goodness, you are looking a little healthy…" Marcella said a little disappointed that he wasn't more seriously hurt. Ignacio wondered if he should be a little annoyed with her fatalism.
"I was never at death's door, Marcella. It's just a flesh wound in the shoulder," Ignacio complained, as she dramatically asked if he needed some warm broth.
She sighed and pouted a little.
"How is your health? You are expecting a baby shortly. Why on earth is Armand letting you rush around like a butterfly?"
"Armand is busy," Marcella said crossly, crossing her arms as she sat on the edge of the bed. Ignacio glanced at Gretel, as he liked to call her.
"Colonel de Cipriana is on manoeuvres, Alcalde. It is rather straight forward, but the Senora is not happy about it," Gretel said with a slight smile.
"He will be back for the birth?"
"No doubt he will," Gretel said gently, watching Marcella. She was fidgeting with her handkerchief and staring at the wall. "He will, Senora. He will definitely be back for the birth."
"That's if he survives at all," Marcella said with a dramatic sniff.
"It's at the training facility. He is training new recruits, Senora."
"Well, accidents do happen, you know."
"Not often," Gretel said with finality. "We will go to the tavern and rent some rooms, Alcalde. If you wish to visit later, we will be at leisure shortly."
He watched them as they left the room. He was amused at the easy way Gretel could deal with his temperamental sister, and the gracious way she carried out her duties. Marcella definitely considered her a firm friend. He wondered what Gretel thought of his sister.
Zzz
Marcella and Gretel stayed for a while. Armand had written to them, telling them to accept Ignacio's offer of protection until the Colonel was ready to return to his wife, in case any thing went wrong with the pregnancy. Marcella was relieved and enjoyed spending time with her brother.
Gretel spent time in the Tavern with her mistress, and some time wandering the pueblo. She volunteered at the church, and helped the poor and the sick and the needy, encouraging Marcella to join her. Marcella enjoyed spending her time helping people, and it helped pass the time more quickly.
The Alcalde regularly visited the church to talk with Padre Benitez. It had become a habit earlier, the padre was so wise, and helpful in coming to terms with his past. His regular talks seemed to help him run the pueblo fairly and Los Angeles had never known such peace and quiet. If Zorro had been in residence he may have been impressed.
He was finding the regular visits stimulating, and he looked forward to catching a glimpse of his sister and Gretel. He seemed to be making his visits an everyday occasion these days. The sight of the women always seemed to warm his heart. If he was lucky enough to catch a snippet of golden laughter from either of them, it eased his worries for the rest of the day.
Ignacio had gradually removed all of the wanted posters of Zorro, and no one had noticed. If they had, no one mentioned it. He replaced them with posters of the pardon, still waiting for the masked man to come forward, officially. Unofficially the pardon was already in place, Ignacio and Armand had already discussed it and agreed to it, advising the governor – the governor had already signed it into being. In reality it was a piece of paper, waiting to be handed to the local hero on his request.
Zzzz
Ignacio knew the de la Vegas had returned, and he knew that Victoria had entered her confinement. Diego was obviously reluctant to leave his wife's side, because no one had seen him since his return. They had only been back for about two weeks, when he saw Diego.
He would have greeted him, but he had been riding his father's cantankerous mare, the fiery Dulcinea, at the time. He was having a devil of a time controlling his mount, and he didn't want to distract the man. He seemed very distracted as it was.
Ignacio followed the man into town, and watched him enter the tavern. Going into the tavern, he caught the snippets of gossip. Victoria was shortly to give birth, and Diego had been sent away to wait. The Alcalde sat down at his normal table and watched the man.
Diego seemed to be getting increasingly distressed and fidgety and before long he was back on his horse and out of the tavern again. Alejandro and Felipe decided to follow close behind in the de la Vega buggy. Ignacio silently wished him all the best.
Zzzz
The news spread around pueblo very quickly about the birth of the de la Vega twin boys. Marcella was impressed by the idea of twins, and queried Gretel about her own pregnancy. She demanded to be examined to find out if she was expecting twins as well, and was quickly assured that it was a single child in her womb. She was a trifle disappointed.
Ignacio accompanied his sister and her maid to the de la Vega hacienda to congratulate Diego and Victoria. He was greeted with a measure of calm distrust, but Marcella was welcomed with Victoria's open arms.
"I was not aware that you were pregnant too, Marcella. Our babies may grow to play together," Victoria said excitedly.
"This is Ramon," she said, introducing the youngest and smallest first. He was bright eyed, and had dark bushy hair, and Diego's bright blue eyes. "And this is Carlos," she added. The elder of the two was exactly the same, only plumper. The women spent a few moments enthralled by the tiny children, cradling them close and cuddling them carefully.
"Congratulations, Diego. They are fine, strong boys," Ignacio said softly. Diego startled a little, and smiled reluctantly. "They are the spitting image of you."
"Yes, it does seem like that, Alcalde," Diego said with a small smile as he glanced at his sons.
"Colonel de Cipriana will be back in the pueblo shortly. He has been training new recruits in Monterey for a few months. Marcella will be entering her confinement soon as well. Hopefully his duties will be fulfilled before that begins," Ignacio said, glancing at his sister. "She misses her husband."
"Armand is a doting husband, and will be a doting father as well," Diego said with a nod.
"Armand still insists on the pardon for Zorro. It is actually in effect at the moment, regardless of his decision. We haven't seen him for months."
"Maybe he has retired, Alcalde." Diego paused for a moment, and glanced into Ignacio's eyes. "I have heard rumours of your dedication to the people of Los Angeles. Perhaps he doesn't see the need to interfere any more. You seem to be doing his work for him," Diego said softly.
"To tell the truth, I would appreciate his help from time to time. The bandits are becoming a little more than I can handle myself, and the lancers are very substandard, as they always have been. They respond a little better these days, but still…"
"I see," Diego said thoughtfully. "Well, you never know, Alcalde. Zorro has defended this pueblo from outside forces in the past, not just your injustices. Perhaps he will again."
