Chapter 18

Friday Evening…

Diego adjusted his cravat smiling at his reflection. Surprisingly, the cravat was tied correctly and the midnight blue suit was a perfect fit. He had decidedly not to wear a ruffled shirt prefer ease and comfort with a touch of style just right for the occasion... "You look good, son. Victoria will be impressed," the proud father beamed," you are really going all out to sweep Victoria off her feet. I have a feeling that tonight will be a night of changes...for everyone."

"I hope so, Father. I have waited for this evening for quite some time. I have a date with the woman that I love...the alcalde will finally be put in his proper place...I can't wait to see the his face...when Eduardo reveals himself," the younger caballero smirked, "a small part of me almost feels sorry for the alcalde...almost..then I think about Sir Edmund..."

"We both wish that Edmund were here...the unexpected time and way that he died has forced us to do things that we otherwise would not have done...he would want us to go on with our lives...be happy," Don Alejandro smiled, "justice will be ours..."

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Pilar put the finishing touches on Victoria's hair. "There all done. Your hair looks beautiful and your dress is perfect...Diego will be dazzled."

"There will so many other ladies there...ladies more fashionable and cultured than I am," the taverness adjusted her rose colored dress and fiddled with her pearl necklace nervously, "I don't know why I am so nervous...Diego and I have always gotten along...we have known each other all of our lives...I should be not so nervous..."

"Well, it is your first date...you have finally noticed Diego is not just a good friend. He is an eligible man and a handsome one at that..a little nerves are natural..Don Diego has paid you a great compliment by inviting you...He could have invited any one of the caballeros daughters if he wanted to but the man had the good sense to chose a woman who is not only beautiful but intelligent as well."

"A woman would have to blind not to notice that he is handsome...I was guilty of taking him for granted but I won't any more," Victoria admitted, "I am sure that the caballero's daughters have noticed his wealth and his looks..Thank goodness Diego is immune to their charms."

"You will be a breath of fresh air compared to those fashionable, cultured women. They won't hold a candle to you, Victoria...Be yourself...be confident and most of all...have a good time tonight..."

"You always seem to know what to say, Pilar. Thank you. I feel much better," Victoria smiled, "I am determined to have a good time tonight...This is going to be a magical night."

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The alcalde adjusted his tie and smiled at his reflection in the mirror. Things are finally going just as they should. That meddlesome masked bandit had not been seen for several days but that was to be expected. No new taxes were in place…He had not troubled the Escalante woman for several days and the newcomers in town were adjusting to the status quo. It is going to be a wonderful evening…According to his sources in Monterrey, the new governor was not overly concerned with the situation in Los Angeles…He had made sure that the government had not received the letters from Don Alejandro, Victoria or any of the other townspeople in Los Angeles. Even if any politicians visited the pueblo within the next few days, they would see a peaceful pueblo full of contented peons and wealthy caballeros…Even the de la Vegas cannot spoil things for me...it is my time to shine...

"Alcalde," Mendoza knocked on the door, "you need to come outside at once…"

"What is this, Sergeant," Ramon said as he looked at the fine carriage…

"I don't know. Juan, what is this," Mendoza requested.

"I was told to bring it here…it is for you…whoever sent it wanted you to arrive at the de la Vegas in style."

"Then in style, we shall be. Come Sergeant…we must not keep this carriage waiting," the alcalde smirked.

The Deputy Governor's Room...

"Everything is ready, your excellency," Lieutenant Gomez saluted, "the men know their positions...we will be stationed outside the hacienda but not in plain view."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. You know the signal...It is of the upmost importance that all goes as planned...the transfer of power must be complete and peaceful

"Si, your excellency. We will not let you down."

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Diego smiled as Victoria descended the staircase followed by Pilar. The tall caballero was awestruck as the vision of the woman he loved...breathtakingly beautiful with her rose colored gown, pearls and hair partly cascading over shoulders. He greeted her with a bow and a gentle kiss to her hand. "You look beautiful tonight, Senorita. I am dazzled."

Pilar watched the young couple interact with each other. Who says Don Diego doesn't have a romantic bone in his body? It was on full display this evening...He has been hiding it all along...He is turning on the charm but he is sincere in his compliments...They make a beautiful couple. I hope that this is the beginning of a special relationship...

"Gracias, you certainly know how to treat a lady," she admired the dashing figure her escort presented in his midnight blue suit, matching cravat and white shirt. The tall caballero had added a red sash for a touch of color. "You look very dashing tonight, Diego."

"Gracias, you are truly beautiful, my lady," he said as he extended his arm, "the carriage awaits. Good night, Pilar...I will bring her home safely."

"I would expect nothing else, Don Diego. You two have a wonderful evening."