Chapter 23. Documentary evidence.

Several months after the wedding, on one of the occasions when Victoria went to the tavern to see how things were going there, Diego decided to accompany her and work on the newspaper.

"I'm going to talk to Pilar to see if she needs help with anything," Victoria said.

"All right, we'll meet back here in two hours," he kissed her hand, although his look seemed to say that he would have kissed many more parts of her body.

She went to the newspaper office and picked up some documents that had come in the mail. With a determined step Diego approached doña Carmen's house.

"May I come in?"

"Sure, Diego. Thanks for coming to say hello."

"I'm actually here to ask for your help."

"Do you have a problem with Victoria?"

"No, it's about my father. He's constantly in a bad mood. He's driving us crazy."

"Now that Victoria lives there too, you'll have to adapt. It's only been two weeks since you returned from your honeymoon. You need time."

"My father doesn't need time, he needs you."

"You don't know what you're saying. He deserves better than me."

"He deserves someone who loves him. If you tell me you don't love him, I won't insist."

"Things are not that simple."

"They're not really that complicated. He wants you to be a part of his life and he doesn't care about your past."

Doña Carmen looked Diego in the eye. "What if someone finds out the truth, what would the people say?"

"I've studied the story he told in depth. From what he told me he improvised it on the spot and I was impressed by how well he fitted all the pieces together. I didn't know he could lie so well, I'm very proud."

Doña Carmen couldn't help but smile at this comment. He continued talking. "I have asked a lawyer that I know to investigate some matters discreetly. I have collected several documents, and I have obtained others in a somewhat peculiar way. I took advantage of the honeymoon trip to contact some people. I've created a very solid version of the story. I doubt very much that anyone would have any interest in investigating you, but in any case everything would confirm what my father said. I have a lot of experience in deception," he offered her some documents he had in his hand.

"What is this?"

"These are your baptismal certificate, your marriage certificate, and don Andrés Millán´s, your alleged husband, you know, death certificate. The death and baptismal certificates are authentic. It was very helpful that you use your real name again. It saved me a lot of trouble. The downside is that I now know your age and that usually irritates a woman."

"What about the one about marriage?"

"Just arrived from Guadalajara. Padre Antonio sends his regards and congratulates you on your new life."

"Have you met him?"

"He is a great person, and he told me that you participated in the project that helps fallen women to start over. I think it's admirable what they do."

"You've gone to a lot of trouble."

"I would do anything for my father. Plus, I keep thanking you for the conversations you have with Victoria. I didn't expect such an interesting married life," he said with a cheeky smile.

"Getting these documents must have taken you some time."

"I started looking into you when I met you and saw that Victoria trusted you. Just in case."

"I can't believe there's nothing you care about me. It's like you don't want to assume the things I've done, what I really am."

"Well, now that you mention it, yes, there is one thing that worries me." She looked at him expectantly. "I also have a knowledge of medicine. As a result of your sexual relations, are you carrying a disease that could affect my father?"

She was stunned by his frankness. "Of course not, I'm healthy."

"Well, then everything's perfect."

"I thought you were more of a prude."

"It's the thing about walking around wearing a mask, that in the end people don't know you well."

"Diego, I know your father is a good man, but I think sooner or later the relationship would suffer."

"Whatever you decide, you can keep the documents. Having them gives you the opportunity to continue living discreetly. It can be here in Los Angeles, where the rumors have been silenced because you have not given reasons to continue, and the story my father has told is solid. You could also go somewhere else where you might not bump into anyone from your past. But even if you found another man to marry, do you think you could hide a part of yourself from him? You'd be leading a double life, and I assure you that's not a good idea."

"Would you really accept me into your family?"

"I've spoken to Victoria and she almost thinks of you as a mother, so you'd become both a stepmother and a mother-in-law, which is a bit confusing, but I suppose I can get used to the idea. What is life without a bit of confusion?"

She looked away, pensive.

"I'm here to give you a chance to decide, not to pressure you. If you want to talk to any of us, you know where we are."

zzZzz

Diego ate with Victoria at the tavern, and when they were leaving, doña Carmen approached them.

"May I accompany you?"

Victoria smiled, somewhat surprised. "Sure, come with us, you're always welcome."

They made room for her in the carriage and headed to the hacienda.

Diego and doña Carmen entered the library, and don Alejandro, before looking up, was already complaining. "Diego, Maria is angry because you didn't tell her you wouldn't come to lunch. How many times have I told you...?" he interrupted himself when he saw doña Carmen.

"Can I come in?" she asked. "I'd like to talk to you."

"Sure." he said, standing up. He turned and said, "Diego. Would you excuse us...? Where did he go?" He said looking around.

"He went that way," said Carmen.

"I hate it when he vanishes like that."

Victoria intercepted Diego in the hallway. "Did you have anything to do with this?" Diego nodded. "I want details." He nodded again with a smile.

Doña Carmen looked at don Alejandro seriously. "Diego says you're very grumpy."

"It may be. I can only think of you, but you've been avoiding me."

"I want what's best for you."

"You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time." She looked at him, moved. "Wait here." he added in a hurried tone.

He ran to doña Elena's room and opened the jewelry box. He returned to the library almost breathless.

She looked at him in amazement. "What the hell are you doing? At your age running around the house like that."

Don Alejandro caught his breath and knelt down in front of her. "I love you. Marry me." he begged, offering her a ruby ring.

"It's too much."

"No, it's not. I will not give up." He looked at her pleadingly. "I want to be your knight errant and defend your colors. Be mi dama."

No man had ever looked at her like that before. "Ay Señor! come up, you're going to get stuck there." Doña Carmen helped him up. "You're a stubborn, romantic fool, but I'll marry you," she said, hugging him.

Don Alejandro spent almost a minute unable to speak, hugging her and enjoying the moment. He broke off a little to talk to her. "What made you come and talk to me?"

"Your madcap son convinced me to come. Apparently he had a crazy plan going on for a long time. I'll tell you if you want."

But Don Alejandro didn't want to talk anymore. He came to her again, this time to kiss her. She was a little surprised, but almost immediately she began to understand Victoria's enthusiasm for Diego and a minute later she was regretting not knowing where don Alejandro's bedroom was to give him a practical demonstration of what she had learned during her years in doña Imelda's house.

When they separated, don Alejandro was unable to interpret doña Carmen's expression of astonishment. "Well, I guess I'm a little rusty after all these years. I'm sure I'll get better with practice, if you'll let me."

"Yes, of course. We may get better with practice." But the thoughts cluttered in her head. I haven't felt like this for 20 years, with Giacomo, the cellist. And he says he can do better? How am I going to wait until the wedding to check?

"Carmen, are you all right? Said Don Alejandro, worried.

"Perfectly." she said with a tense smile. Finally, she decided to add, "Maybe you could show me the house, since I'm here."

"I think you've seen most of the rooms."

"Not all of them. I haven't seen your bedroom." she said with a low tone and an intense look.

He was a little late in answering. "Don't tempt me, you're an honest woman and we must wait."

"And, uh, tell me… Was your first wife an honest woman?"

Don Alejandro thought for a moment. "If you'd be so kind as to join me, it's this way."

"I'd be delighted," she said, holding his arm.

Diego and Victoria were talking in the living room. "So. Have you got all the documentation so that no one can doubt the story your father told?"

"Yes, now everything checks out."

"But then you forged some documents."

"Actually, no, I could have done it at the printer's, but it wasn't necessary. The priest we met in Guadalajara sent me the marriage certificate."

"And that's not illegal?" he nodded. "I thought you only broke the law when you wore black."

"If it's any consolation, it's the first time I've done it." His expression became more serious "There is something else. In the letter, padre Antonio informed me that there is a person looking for Carmen. That woman thinks Carmen is her mother, and I still have to confirm some facts, but I'm almost sure she's right."

"And who is it?"

"Her name is Susana Aguirre. She was passed off as the daughter of an older couple who could not have children of their own. She was brought up as a young lady and when she was 18 years old they wanted to impose a marriage of convenience on her with a man much older than her. She eloped by giving up her dowry and married a lawyer for love. Apparently it was a scandal, because her mother publicly acknowledged that she was not her own blood but the daughter of sin. Luckily, her fianceé didn't mind, they got married, came through and have three children. She has been searching for information for a long time with the help of her husband and has had access to certain documents from the monastery where she was born. She managed to track down Carmen and find out the false name she used until she got to padre Antonio. Do you think Carmen will want to know she's a grandmother?"

zzZzz

Five months later, don Alejandro met his son in the dining room.

"Good morning, father."

"Good morning, Diego."

"When are the Aguirres coming?"

"They should arrive tomorrow, if the roads are in good condition."

"While they're here, we must limit Zorro's outlets."

Don Alejandro looked at him strangely.

"When she was born, Susana had her mother's eyes. Sometimes the color changes after a few months, but if not, she could easily recognize me. We should meet later at the library and talk about it with Carmen, Victoria and Felipe." Diego informed him.

"Of course, we'll plan how to make sure that if you have to leave she doesn't see you. Luckily Zorro hasn't had much work for several weeks now that the alcalde is busy with something else."

Diego served himself breakfast and noticed his father staring at him.

"What's going on?"

"How do you know what color Carmen's daughter's eyes were? She doesn't want to talk about what happened. Did she tell you?"

"No, I accompanied her in a dream, in which we saw what happened when her daughter was born."

"A dream about the past. Is that one of the things you do?"

"Yes, although it doesn't happen often."

"I've been thinking about it, and I'd like you to tell me what else you can do. I have a meeting with don Miguel today, but maybe tomorrow we can talk about it."

Diego smiled. "Sure, we can go to the cave and I'll show you my mother's book. In Madrid, one of the professors had a copy of that same book, but it was incomplete. Some of the people I knew would pay any price for it. That's why I didn't tell anyone I have it. Although I must admit that I have not made much progress in that regard. It takes years of study, and the sources of information are unreliable. I haven't spent enough time on it to move forward."

"I'd say you've been busy." His father laughed.

Don Alejandro finished his breakfast, and when he got up, he couldn't avoid a little wince of pain.

"Does your back hurt?"

Don Alejandro seemed uncomfortable. "It's nothing, don't worry."

"I have a rosemary alcohol liniment that comes in handy. Maybe you shouldn't ride a horse today."

"It's really nothing."

"All right, but if you want the liniment, I have it downstairs."

"Maybe it's a good idea. Finish your breakfast and I'll go with you."

They went down to the cave and Diego went to one of the shelves.

"Diego, I wanted to ask you something else."

"Tell me."

"Uh… It's about a book Carmen mentioned."

Diego was startled, fortunately his reflexes were good enough to catch the jar that had jumped out of his hands in flight, preventing it from crashing.

"From your reaction, I'd say you know what book I mean. Do you have it here?"

"Yes, it's hidden. Wait a minute."

Diego took a ladder and climbed up one of the shelves, put several books aside and discovered a double bottom from which he took out a small book with blue covers.

"Here it is."

"It's in French," Don Alejandro said as soon as he opened it. "And it has an inscription. Who is Francisca?"

"I don't think it was published in Spain. And Francisca gave me the book."

"She gave it to you. I understand. She wouldn't be married." he said suspiciously as he turned the pages.

"She was a widow. No, don't turn the book, that illustration goes like this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, quite. That's not the floor over there, that's a wall."

"Can that be done?"

"Well, it depends... if she doesn't weigh much... but not for long either."

"Yeah. How about this? Is this her leg?"

"No, it´s him. Her leg is this one. I'm certainly not that flexible." He turned the page. "But Victoria is." he mumbled.

Don Alejandro turned another page. Diego smiled mischievously and cleared his throat to conceal a chuckle. Don Alejandro looked at him sideways and closed the book.

Diego looked at him with an amused expression. "If you want, I can lend it to you. And if you have any doubts... you'd better ask Carmen."

Don Alejandro stared at him. "Do you suggest I read it with her?"

"She speaks French and she's already seen it. Victoria asked me and they were talking about it. Then Victoria explained me a couple of things that I didn´t know," he smiled again.

"Victoria has seen it? And found the inscription?"

"I'm afraid so. The truth is that I hadn't looked at it for years and I had forgotten it was there, so at first I didn't know why she was so angry. It was the night she sent me to sleep in the guest room."

"That's why she was yelling at you. But in the end you went to your room."

"It's just that she kept the book and after a while she changed her mind, when she got to page 38, if I remember correctly."

"So Carmen has read it too. That explains last night."

"Did you pull a muscle in your back?"

"Better not to ask."

"It's a deal. Wait, don't forget the liniment."

"Yeah, I think I'm going to need it."

"Hide the book, don't let Felipe see it."

"You're right. Don't worry, I'll hide it well. I don't want Adela to find it when she's cleaning the room either."