Chapter 16

The Cave...

"A little military strategy...something devious…something unexpected," Don Alejandro smiled, "We will give the alcalde, a taste of his own medicine…After, turnabout is fair play. We will invite him to a party as…as a way to welcome Don Eduardo to the pueblo…I think that would do the trick…."

"Just as he planned to welcome Sir Edmund," Diego interrupted, "do you think your plan will work, Father."

"The results won't be the same…we will lull the alcalde into a false sense of security and then Eduardo will reveal his true identity...all the dons will be invited and at the proper moment...we will make our move," he smiled, "Friday will be a night that Luis Ramon will never forget..."

Several Days Later…The Alcalde's Office

"Don Alejandro de la Vega requests the honor of your presence at his home Friday evening," Luis Ramon read the invitation, "I see that he is finally coming around to my way of thinking… Is anything wrong, Sergeant? You don't seem too impressed."

"Well…well, well," Mendoza stuttered, "Don Alejandro and Don Diego are not two of your favorite people, alcalde."

"I am the law in this pueblo and it would be bad manners for them not to invite me…After all, I am the alcalde of this pueblo…Unless the de la Vegas want to spend some time in my jail…then they cannot afford to get on my bad side, Sergeant..If nothing else, Alejandro de la Vega is a gentleman."

I have a bad feeling about this, Mendoza thought.

The Tavern…

"Do you suppose the alcalde has received our invitation, son," Don Alejandro sipped his coffee, "it should have been delivered by now."

"Probably…he will accept it. His ego won't allow him to do otherwise," Diego smirked.

"You're right, Diego. It will be an evening that he will never forget…everything is in place….just as planned."

"Spoken like a true military man…you have everything covered. I can't wait to see the look on his face…"

"Neither can I. No one deserves this 'honor' more…"

"You two gentleman look awfully pleased with yourselves," Victoria interrupted, "can I get you anything else…Don Alejandro…Diego."

"No thank you, Victoria. Everything was wonderful as usual," the older man smiled, "we are looking forward to seeing you Friday night. Aren't we, son?"

"We are," Diego stated honestly, "Felipe and I will pick you up…"

"Thank you, Diego…it has been a long time since I have been to the hacienda. Is it a special occasion? You don't have an announcement to make…Do you Diego?"

"Nothing special…just a gathering of family and friends…If there is an announcement to make, then you will be the first to know," he teased, "besides, you know how Father is…the whole pueblo would know…my father will spare no expense."

"Don Alejandro will be the happiest and proudest father in all Los Angeles when you marry, Diego...all you have to do is chose someone," Victoria teased in response..

"If only it were that simple, Victoria. I have to let the woman know of my intentions...embark on a courtship...I haven't been all that successful with women..."

"You haven't given any of the caballero's daughters here a chance...they would be more than happy to have you court them..."

"Are you sure that they want me or my money? The de la Vega fortune is very attractive..."

"You are a handsome man, Diego de la Vega even though you are not aware of it...you are intelligent...thoughtful..any woman would be glad to have you," she confessed, "if you showed the slightest bit of interest..."

"What if I did show some interest, Victoria? Do you think that I would have a chance," he wondered, "you are being kind..."

"I wouldn't say such things if I didn't believe that they were true, Diego. When you came back from Spain...that first day, I thought that you were very charming especially when you kissed my hand," she confessed, "I was very attracted to you then.."

"What about now...do you still find me attractive? You are a beautiful, intelligent woman Victoria Escalante...and I was attracted to you when I came from Spain and I still am," he confessed...

"I don't know what to say...I am surprised...you are not acting like the predictable Diego that I am used to. Why are you telling me now?"

"I have been doing a lot of thinking about my future and what I want out of life...not because my father wants grandchildren but because I want to share my life with someone special...life is unpredictable. Sir Edmund's death taught me that, Victoria."

"But why me, Diego? You could have your pick of any of the caballero's daughters...they are beautiful, intelligent and probably more acceptable...I am just a woman who owns a tavern and you are a caballero's son...one of the most important men in not just Los Angeles but the entire territory..."

"None of that matters to me, Victoria. Your courage...the way you treat people are important...the fact that you are the most beautiful woman in the pueblo and my best friend," he smiled, "doesn't hurt."

"You are incorrigable, Diego de la Vega," she swatted his arm playfully, "what will I do with you?"

"Be my guest at the party, Senorita Escalante...we can enjoy each other's company...think about it..."

"Before I give you my answer...I would like to talk to Zorro first...I think he deserves that much."

"I understand, Victoria...I wouldn't expect anything less from you. I think that Zorro would understand. Whatever you decide...we will be friends...first, last and always," he bowed and kissed her hand gently, "I look forward to hearing from you."