Chapter 15
The de la Vega Garden...
The night was quiet. The de la Vega men and their guest were enjoying the ambiance of the garden. "That was a fine meal, Alejandro...and a wonderful way to spend an evening," Eduardo sipped his wine, "the only thing better would be to have my beautiful Adelina at my side...we have been very happy together. I am looking forward to the day when my children will marry and give me grandchildren.."
"Are you sure your name is not Alejandro de la Vega," Diego smirked, "he is forever talking about me marrying and giving him grandchildren. I will be more than happy to do just that…once Zorro retires…"
"You will have the pick of the ladies in this pueblo when you do…If you are anything like your father…I am sure that you have one special lady in mind, Diego…"
"I do if she would have me, Senor Hernandez…I only have one in mind...Victoria Escalante..."
"A very beautiful and spirited woman...Your father tells me that you are very good friends."
"We have been friends since childhood. The Escalantes and the de la Vegas have always been close...Victoria is not afraid to speak her mind," Diego smiled, "Some men don't like her candor but that is one of the things that I like most about her."
"The man that chooses her will never be bored...she is not only beautiful but intelligent as well," Don Alejandro smiled, "I would be very pleased if my son chose her."
"My father is a little biased, Don Eduardo. He practically raised Victoria."
"You are still young Diego. Don't let your father pressure you into marriage or courtship until you are ready. Whatever you do..whoever you end up with will be the right person for you. An enduring love takes time...get to know your young woman...Looks fade...passion is important but it doesn't last forever. There are other things to consider...Communication...friendship and trust are what makes a marriage work."
"Eduardo is right, son. Your mother and I loved each other but we were friends as well. I want you to have the same happiness that we had. Choose wisely, my son. When it's right, you will know it..."
"Gracias, Father...Don Eduardo...you have given me a lot to think about. Gentlemen, it has been a long day...Good night."
"Leave it to my son...to disappear when the subject of marriage comes up," Alejandro teased.
"Most men are nervous when it comes to women...especially women that they care about...I was the same way with Adelina," he smiled, "and so were you..."
"I was...Elena was so beautiful and so gracious...I was in awe the first time that I laid eyes on her." The caballero smiled wistfully as he remembered the moment that he had met his future bride. "Once I met her, my destiny was determined. I will never regret marrying her...We had so little time together but I will always have my son as a reminder of the love that we shared..."
"What about yourself, Alejandro? Don't you want to love again? Elena would not want you to mourn forever..."
"We discussed it...I don't know if I can find someone to equal her..."
"You are still young...be open to the possibility of love not only for Diego but for yourself."
"I will think about it..."
The Next Day
Luis Ramon walked up to the table where Don Eduardo and his vaqueros sat. "Senores, how are you enjoying your stay in Los Angeles. May I join you?"
"Please...we are enjoying our stay, alcalde. The accommodations are satisfactory and I have seen a great deal of this pueblo," he sipped his coffee, "would you like something to eat?"
"Thank you...that is very kind of you...I hope that the citizens have made you feel welcome during your stay..."
"They have...Senor de la Vega has made me feel most welcome."
"Don Alejandro is one of the leading citizens in Los Angeles. I am sure that he was a one man welcoming committee," the alcalde said snidely...
"He has been gracious enough to show me the sights in this fair pueblo. I am thinking of purchasing a horse from him. He has some of the finest horses in all of California, Senor," Don Hernandez stated, "I would dearly love to purchase one if my budget allows..."
"A prudent choice...his horses are rather expensive. He is also known for his cattle...Have you been to his hacienda? It is one of the finest in the territory..."
"Only to thank his son...Diego...that is his name...for paying my traveler's tax...I am very grateful for his hospitality..."
"Diego is known for his hospitality among other things..."
"I take it that you don't approve the younger de la Vega, Senor...he seems like a very well educated, thoughtful young man...a true caballero..."
"I meant no disrespect, Senor Hernandez. Thank you, Victoria," the alcalde looked at the plate that had been placed before him, "Don Diego is an acquired taste...we haven't always gotten along...but he is a pillar of the community."
"Your breakfast, alcalde...I took the liberty of bringing you your meal..I hope that it will meet your standards...let me know if you require anything else," she said formally, "I will bring you some more coffee, Senor Hernandez."
Don Eduardo noticed the subtle difference between the way the taverness treated him and the alcalde. She is not too fond of him just like the rest of the people in this pueblo. You have chosen a real firebrand Diego but she is your match in every way. Life certainly will not be dull with her by your side, he thought as he waited for his coffee. The man is a snake and not to be trusted...