Zorro meet his Match
Chapter 55 – A Shattered Hope
After their two-day honeymoon, Sargent Garcia escorted his wife back to the de la Vega hacienda.
Boudica and Diego were in the courtyard playing chess as the pair said farewell at the gate. Agnes watched him ride to the distance before she shut the gate.
Diego rose to his feet and smiled at her, offering her the chair he had vacated as he moved to fetch another.
Agnes looked at the board. "I have never understood this game."
Diego dropped into a chair beside his wife. "No matter, this is rather boring to watch anyway. Would you rather we play cards?"
"I do not know any card games."
Diego looked at Bo who shrugged. "Her father never let us play. He told us that women of breeding do not need such crafts. We should rather…"
"Be in the kitchen or serving tea." Agnes finished.
Diego shook his head rising again. "We shall have to teach you." He smiled at her as he leaned down. "Besides, a man who keeps a woman in the kitchen as his wife, clearly has no idea what to do with them in the bedroom."
Agnes gasped in surprise and Boudica laughed and aimed a playful cuff at her husband who dodged playfully as he went to the Sala to fetch cards.
"Did he really just say that?" Agnes squeaked.
Bo smirked. "Diego does have a biting sense of humor, most just do not see it."
Agnes nodded watching him return.
Diego shuffled as he walked. "Well, beloved, what shall we teach your cousin?"
Boudica smiled and saw Bernardo. She gestured for him to come. He did so. She moved her hands and he nodded, getting a chair and sitting down. She looked at her husband. "Whist." She said.
Diego nodded. "Easy enough." He said.
They explained the rules and played two games. Agnes was a fair player even as she asked questions of Diego who allowed it being her first time.
He looked at Boudica. "We shall have to teach her cribbage."
She smiled. She then looked at her cousin. "Have you eaten?"
Agnes shook her head. "No."
Diego rose to his feet. "I shall remedy that. Neither have we." He smiled wife.
ZzZ
After a lovely meal that Teresa cooked since Ellie had given birth the night before. She had had a very short delivery and both she and the baby were healthy, but she was resting, excused from her duties for a time.
Diego then went to ride out with Benito and James to see to the herds and check for fencing problems that the vaqueros would need to address.
Boudica meanwhile walked around the hacienda in the trees just beyond the gate with Agnes. They walked arm in arm.
"Tell me, how was it then?" Boudica asked. "Now that we are alone."
"It was wonderful. He is a kind and gentle lover." Agnes said.
"Indeed."
Agnes paused and then took a breath and shook her head. "It was horrible." She admitted. "He smiled like wine. It took him five minutes to put rut into me." She looked at Boudica. "He was smaller than I was expecting."
"Smaller?"
"Well I guess I was expecting something more."
"How much smaller?" Boudica asked curiously.
Agnes held up her hand and spread her fingers only about four and half inches. "Is this normal?"
Boudica looked at her hand and then cocked her head. "I have no idea, I have only bedded one man."
"Well then how big is Diego?"
It was a fair question. Boudica took a breath and lifted her hands using her pointer fingers to show about eight inches apart. "He is about this, but he is also quite thick." She said.
"Did he even try to pleasure you?"
"No, he managed to climax and then fell asleep and was snoring before he rolled off me." Agnes looked at her cousin. "I couldn't breathe under him."
Boudica chuckled. "I can imagine. I cannot breathe under Diego."
Agnes smiled. "I am not sure I want to try again."
"Did he only have you once?"
Agnes nodded.
Boudica shook her head and sighed. "I will have Diego talk to him."
"What? You can't. That will embarrass him!"
Boudica smiled. "I am fairly certain they have already discussed much of it."
Agnes took a breath and nodded.
They sat by the stream and Bo moved her hair, which she had left down and long to her shoulder.
Agnes saw something and touched her shoulder, just at the hemline of the dress. "What is that?"
"What?" Bo asked wincing a little at the feel.
"It is a bruise."
Bo flushed a little. "That is a love mark."
"What?"
"It isn't serious. Diego makes them."
"He hits you?"
Bo's eyes widened. "God no! Those are from his mouth."
Agnes looked again and then cocked her head. "His mouth."
"He sucks on an area and it bruises."
"And you let him?"
"I really cannot stop him and they do not really hurt."
Agnes nodded.
After a time, Bo stood up and then wobbled. Her cousin caught her. "Bo?" She asked.
Bo blinked. "I'll all right, just a little dizzy…and warm. I think I need something to drink."
"Let's go back to the hacienda." Agnes said.
Bo nodded and they walked back. At a narrow part of a small trail Bo went first and her cousin cried out in shock. She turned and saw Agnes pointing, at her.
"What?" She asked.
"Bo, you are bleeding."
"What?" Bo shifted trying to see what was the matter.
Agnes grabbed her and they walked quickly back to the hacienda. Agnes opened the door, watching the stain spread at the back of Bo's dress.
Alejandro saw them as he came down the stairs. Bo looked at him palely, now starting to feel the stickiness between her thighs. "Bo?" He asked. He stepped to her. "Bo!"
"Forgive me father, I do not feel well." She said.
She looked at him and then stumbled a little. Alejandro caught her, although a little awkwardly. He felt the warm stickiness as he wrapped an arm around her. He lifted his hand, revealing crimson. He looked at it in shock.
Agnes gasped as well.
"Agnes. Fetch Bernardo, Juan, Pilar, and Teresa! Go!" Alejandro barked at Agnes as he shifted Boudica and lifted her in his arms.
"Papa?" She asked softly. "Why am I so dizzy?"
Alejandro carried her to her room and gently laid her on the bed. He touched her warm brow. He moved, pouring water into a basin. He wetted the cloth and gently pressed it to her head.
"Papa?" Bo asked looking about in concern. "I am so dizzy."
He nodded and gently pressed the cloth over her eyes. "Rest, Bo." He murmured. "Relax. Close your eyes."
There was a knock and he rose from where he had been sitting beside her. He opened the door revealing those he had sent for. He took a breath. "Juan, fetch Dr, Avila." He said quietly. "Teresa, Agnes, stay with me." He looked at Bernardo and gestured to him to bring fresh linens. He looked at Pilar. "Bring me some soup, if you please Pilar."
They all moved to comply, but Agnes took hold of Alejandro's arm. "What is the matter, Uncle Alejandro? Why is she bleeding?"
Alejandro leaned close. "The blood is too great for her monthly cycle. I suspect she is having a miscarriage, but we must not tell her yet. She needs to remain calm." He said quietly. He looked at his daughter-in-law sadly as she shifted a little.
By the time Dr. Avila arrived, the bleeding had mostly stopped of it's on accord, but Boudica had realized what was wrong. Alejandro had tried to calm her and reassure her that she would be well. She had curled about herself and sobbed.
Dr Avila examined her and then nodded to Alejandro to join him on the landing. "You are correct, Don Alejandro. She has had a miscarriage." He took a breath. "Do you suspect it was intentional?"
Alejandro looked at him in shock. "Why would she miscarry a child on purpose?" He blinked. That offended his Catholic beliefs, but also he craved grandchildren as much as Diego and Boudica craved more children. His daughter-in-law was a giving soul. She would never hurt a child intentionally, especially one in a womb.
"Perhaps she found being a mother too hard. There are many reasons, but it does not decrease the sin."
"I do not think she even knew she was pregnant, Doctor. She is happily married and has said repeatedly she wants to have many children with my son."
"But this is her second miscarriage is it not?"
"Si. The first came to early due to a violent attack on her person by bandidos." Alejandro said.
Dr. Avila nodded. "I will write in the records that it was a spontaneous abortion of an unknown pregnancy then. She was only about eight weeks from what I can see, perhaps less. The child was no more than the size of the tip of my thumb."
Alejandro nodded. "You saw it?"
Dr. Avila nodded. "Si." He said almost sadly. "Such a tiny thing. Not at all developed yet."
"I will make her a tea that will help the bleeding if there is more and help her rest. She will be tired, sore, and need rest for a few days."
"Gracias, doctor." Alejandro said. He then caught his arm. "Not a word of this to her husband, at least not yet."
"He should know as the father."
Alejandro shook his head. "Diego will not take it well. If asked just say she was ill." He lifted a small purse of money. "Your normal fee and extra for your silence, my friend."
Dr. Avila nodded. "Very well, Don Alejandro."
Alejandro then walked back, gathering the small group to him as the sheets were changed and the bloody ones held by Teresa. "All of you, swear to not reveal this to Diego or any other." He said.
Agnes looked at him. "But…Diego…"
He shook his head. "No, Agnes." He then looked at Teresa. "Burn those."
She nodded.
Alejandro went into the room. He opened the window to allow fresh air in and then opened the back balcony door. He then walked to Boudica and sat down beside her on the bed. Her eyes were open, but she did not look at him.
"Boudica." He said gently. He could see the tears running down to the pillows.
"I'm so sorry, Papa…I didn't know. I swear!" She said turning and trying to sit up.
He took a breath. Women at times had to defend themselves with such things, especially with husbands who suspected affairs or mothers who did not want the children they bore, but this was not her fault at all. Alejandro knew from watching Esperanza and Boudica herself that a woman would blame herself for it.
He pushed her back and kissed her brow. "I know you didn't. Be easy. I am not angry at all." He said gently. "Please, rest." He said gently.
"How can you forgive me for losing another grandchild?" She asked, tears in her eyes.
"A woman can lose a child for no reason, Boudica. Esperanza, my wife, lost Diego's brothers and they were much further along." He caressed her hair.
"But one was caused by a fall."
"Si, that was the likely cause, but he showed no signs of trauma when he came. Perhaps he was not meant to be."
She shivered. "Diego will be so upset."
"Diego will not know." He countered.
She looked at him startled. "But…"
He shook his head. "My son does not need to know. However, you my dear need rest. We will say you were taken ill while on your walk, too much sun or something, but for now, Diego will not know about this."
"Gracias." She said softly.
He nodded gently caressing her face with a wet cloth. "This was not your fault, Boudica. Know that."
"I feels like my fault and I had no idea it was there."
He looked back at Teresa, Agnes, and Bernardo there. "Come we shall let her rest. Teresa, when her tea is ready, bring it to her, and then let her sleep. The best thing she can do right now is sleep."
ZzZ
Diego did not return until nearly sunset.
His wife had not moved from their bed. She slept nearly the full day, feeling nauseous and nervous, but the tea helped her sleep in oblivion.
Diego walked into the Sala expecting Bo to be there, but instead found Esperanza and Tomas on a blanket, Alejandro watching them both as Teresa and Buena folded sheets. Agnes and Pilar had gone to the kitchens. Agnes wanted to learn to make meals that were common here and her husband would like. Pilar was happy to teach her.
Diego took a breath and sighed. He had the dust from the road on him, but he still smiled as Esperanza saw him. She squirmed excitedly as she lifted herself up on her chest, drooling a little as she kicked. He smiled and lifted her in his arms.
"Hello, my angel." He murmured as he kissed her cheek. She looked at him, a little cross eyed as she put her tiny hand in her mouth. "Where is your momma?"
"Sleeping." Alejandro said.
Diego looked at his father. "It is early."
"She was walking with Agnes and felt ill. She did not take her sombrero with her. I suspect she got too much sun."
Diego nodded and passed the little thing to her grandfather who beamed at her excitedly as she lay on his knees. He turned to walked upstairs to their room.
Sure enough, Boudica was sleeping. Puma was with her. His head lifted as he looked at his mistress's husband as Diego removed his sombrero and came to his wife. He gently touched her face with his hand.
"Bo?" He said softly.
She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Diego." She whispered hoarsely.
She had been crying. He could see it on her cheeks. Was she in pain? Her left hand was on her hip as she lay on her side. He looked at it. Missing a finger, scarred, and looking mangled, even healed, he knew her missing finger caused her pain at times, but also her whole are that had been effected by the rattlesnake venom.
He tenderly sat down beside her on the bed, tenderly caressing her cheek. "Are you all right?" He asked.
She nodded. "I just do not feel good." She said.
He nodded and sighed, caressing her shoulder tenderly.
"You were out later than I expected."
He nodded, watching her move to her back, wincing a little as she did. He gently settled the sheet about her gently, watching her as Puma got up, stretched, and jumped off the bed and walked toward the door. Diego rose and opened it for him before returning to his wife.
"Si. There are two fences that need work." He said moving to go to the water basin. He gently washed his face and then sighed.
She watched him.
He came back to her and watched her as she lay there, looking up at him. "How is Agnes finding wedded bliss?"
Boudica smiled. "Well enough." She said.
He smiled a little. "I just cannot imagine him as a lover to anyone."
She made a face and then giggled. "You are terrible, Diego." She then coughed and then laid back. "Oh, why am I so faint?" She asked the canopy above her.
Diego moved fetching her some water. He reclaimed his spot and gently lifted her head with his hand. "Drink." He said softly.
She did so and then sat back when she had her fill.
He nodded. "You are exhausted, beloved." He said. "I will leave you to rest."
Her hand shot out and took hold of his wrist. "Diego…"
He smiled a little. "Never fear little one. I won't be far."
She nodded and sighed as she laid back.
ZzZ
It took nearly a week for Boudica to be able to be out of bed for any length of time. Diego had stayed near, worried for her, unsure what malady caused her sudden weakness.
The small ranchero home of the Garcia's was complete. Alejandro had seen to furniture being added as well as Agnes's meager belongings.
Diego had Phantom, Domino, and a the mare Alejandro had selected for the Garcias. Agnes mounted her while Boudica moved to Domino. Diego gently lifted her to her saddle, watching as she settled before he mounted Phantom. Pilar would be coming later that evening with her toddler. She was to live in the hayloft and she had spent some time making her area comfortable there. Diego had told her that he planned, with Garcia's permission, to extend the home to make a room for her and rooms for children that would come.
Together they rode to the small acreage.
Diego saw to the horses as the women walked into the home.
Boudica smiled as she looked at how it had been arranged. "Naturally, you can put things where you wish, Agnes."
Her cousin smiled. "This is perfect."
Diego ducked, coming into the door. "Well this is very homey." He smiled as he held his sombrero.
Agnes turned to them. "Can I offer you some refreshment?" She asked.
Boudica looked at her cousin. "You do not have to…"
Diego smiled and took hold of his wife's arm. "That would be lovely, Agnes, thank you."
Agnes babbled her head and stepped outside with a water bucket to fetch water from the well.
Diego sat down putting his sombrero on the table.
"Diego. Really. She is so nervous about being a good housewife." Bo said.
Diego nodded. "Exactly. She wants so badly to be a hostess, Bo. Let her."
Boudica nodded and sat down.
Agnes returned and filled the glasses with the cool well water. Diego sipped it and smiled at her as she fluttered about. She lifted a wrapped tin she had brought from the hacienda and set it down. Within were lovely small cakes she had baked that morning with Pilar's help.
Diego smiled at his former ward. "Sit down, Agnes. We are family. You do not have to stress about impressing us."
"But, you are my guardian and I want you to be proud of me." Agnes said moving to light a fire in the hearth. She was shaking so badly she could not strike the match.
Diego saw and rose to his feet. He came to her and gently lit the match and started the fire for her, shifting the logs for her. He then took her hand. "I am proud of you." He said gently. "It is a big thing to marry a man here. Bigger challenge to be on your own much of the time." He gently kissed her hand. "You need to stop worrying about being perfect. We know what you can do."
She nodded and smiled at him. "Gracias, Diego." She hugged him and he smiled looking back at his wife who was watching.
They spent an hour or so there allowing the young woman to show them her ideas of how to make her home work.
After Diego went and brought their horses to the front of the home. He mounted and looked at Agnes as she stood in the door way. "We are only a mile away, Agnes. If you need us or you just need someone to talk to, come to the hacienda." He said.
She nodded and waved as the de la Vegas rode off.
Boudica sighed as she let her horse walk slowly. Diego looked over at her. "What is it, Bo?" He asked.
"Just thinking about the future." She said. "Agnes is married now. We have the sale of the herd coming."
He leaned over and took her hand. He kissed her glove a little. "I love you." He cocked his head. "You seem sad and distant."
She looked at him and smiled a little. "I am well. Just in my own head, Diego."
He nodded and looked forward. "There is much in the future. Zorro will defeat the Eagle and his brood. California will be happy and prosperous, and we…" He looked at her again. "Will grow our family."
She winced a little and looked away.
"That displeases you?" He asked, startled.
"No." She said. "I am just surprised that we have not grown our family more yet."
He nodded. "It can take time." He smiled. "We are young yet, Boudica. Very young. A child will come, I promise you."
"I only hope you are right."
He chuckled. "Trying for one is no chore, beloved. Soon it will take."
She looked at him. "Do you want a son this time?"
He shook his head. "Perhaps, but I will love and be happy with whatever you give me."
"But we need a son to inherit the vast de la Vega fortune."
"Si. A son." He smiled. "I am not worried about that now. Father still lives and likely will for years to come."
She nodded and looked out toward the hacienda as they crested the small hill. She still had hope of another child, but it had been tarnished a little by the loss of the little one she had no idea had existed. Now, she felt guilty about losing it, but she would keep that to herself.
