Unable to think of anything to say, Alejandro felt as if he were in a dream world, a world filled with strange images and soun

Unable to think of anything to say, Alejandro felt as if he were in a dream world, a world filled with strange images and sounds.  Standing, Victoria gave him a smile that broke his heart.  He had seen similar smiles on innocent men preparing to go into their first battle.  "Victoria, I--I'm here for you.  You know that, don't you?" 

She nodded, and he saw the sheen of tears in her eyes that she tried to hide from him.  "Of course, you've always been here for me, but I'm a grown woman now.  I need to face some facts about my life on my own."  Alejandro, feeling as if he had been punched in the stomach, watched her walk away from him, her back stiff and straight.  It was then that he realized he was being pushed out of his "daughter's" life also.  She was hiding from him just like Diego.

In his pain, he finally began to watch Victoria with a critical eye.  He saw that she had lost weight, something he had not noticed until now.  Recently, his attention had been on his jagged relationship with Diego, or on thoughts meant to keep him from thinking about it.  He had failed to pay attention to Victoria, as he should have.  If he had, he would have seen that she was too pale and withdrawn.  He would have known in a heartbeat that her enjoyment of the party had been an act. He had not noticed.

"I feel as though I've walked into a funeral parlor instead of a tavern," his friend, Vicente de Corazon, greeted Don Alejandro.  The tired and worried caballero looked up to smile at his new friend.  Vicente had not lived in the territory long, but Alejandro found him to be an honorable and fair man.  A deep friendship was forming between the two of them.

Alejandro was unsurprised to see Vicente's daughter, Maria, with him.  Genteel women did not often come into Los Angeles now, since it was under strict military law.  Los Angeles had long ago ceased to be a place where the ladies felt safe walking without an escort.  The caballero's wives and daughters sometimes came into the tavern for lunch, but never after the afternoon siesta.  The only exceptions were when the tavern was being used as the local theater.

"Hola, Vicente, Maria," he greeted them warmly.  Maria was an interesting woman.  Her color was pale for a Spanish woman.  "It's the half-English blood of her mother's," Vicente explained one night.  She was reserved, but friendly.  Extremely intelligent, especially for a woman, she did not bother to hide it.  Alejandro's head usually hurt after listening to her and Diego talk about subjects that he could not begin to understand.  He thought she might have a small tendre for his son, but Alejandro was not sure.  While she would probably make Diego an excellent wife, Alejandro was starting to believe Diego had no intentions of ever marrying.

"Hello, Don Alejandro," Maria said civilly, but then she was always courteous.  Too polite for my taste, Alejandro thought.  He preferred women with passion in them, like his Elena or Victoria.  "Polite" women were often what men of his station desired for a wife, but he would rather have a spouse who would scream that he was wrong, instead of one who would politely freeze him to death with a look, or in their bed, if he made a mistake.  Maria might make Diego an excellent wife, but the hope in Alejandro's heart was for Diego to marry a lady like Victoria, someone who could provide the fire and enthusiasm he needed in his life.

"If you will excuse me," Maria said with a smile, bringing Alejandro's thoughts back to now instead of the possible future.  "I want to speak to Victoria for a minute."  After gently bowing her head, she walked into the kitchen.

Vicente sat down across from his friend.  "Alejandro, would you mind telling me what is going on?  I walk into this tavern to find it quiet as a mouse, and now everyone is talking all at once.  That means one of two things--First, I was the subject of the gossip, or second, I just missed hearing some stunning rumor."

Don Alejandro grimaced, and then smiled sadly.  "It was number two, I'm afraid.  You just haven't given us anything good to talk about I'm afraid," he teased Vicente, even though he himself did not feel like laughing.

"No, I let all my skeletons out of the closet when I moved in," Vicente agreed, his voice pleasant.  Alejandro was one of the few people in the pueblo who knew how much he cared about his estranged wife, but everyone knew that their separation was the reason for his move to Los Angeles.  The information about an estranged wife had quickly made the route, but since Vicente was so open about the subject, it had died a quick and painless death.

"Victoria," Alejandro began and then sighed.  He still could not understand what was happening with the people he loved.  The way his closest relationships were going, he would not be surprised to find out that Felipe could really hear and had been hiding the fact for years!  Fortunately, Felipe still appeared to be the open and honest young man that he had always been.

"Victoria just declared her relationship with Zorro over," Alejandro admitted.  Vicente's jaw dropped opened.  He blinked a couple of times before closing it.

"Wow, that is a stupefying piece of news," Vicente said in an almost whisper.  Even though he had only lived in the pueblo for a few months, he knew all the details about the beautiful señorita and her masked beau.

"Stupefying?  I guess that describes it," Alejandro agreed.  His friend's odd turn of phrase often amused the people of the pueblo.

"Describes what?" Diego asked politely as he joined them.  He was dressed in his usual outfit of blue pants and white shirt.  Alejandro felt pride looking at his son.  He knew Diego was handsome.  After all, he inherited the looks of his mother's family. 

He was also incredibly intelligent.  There were a few nights, while lying alone in his bed, Alejandro admitted that Diego's mind was being wasted here in California.  Looking out at the moonlight, he sometimes agreed with the tiny voice that insisted Diego should be in Spain where his wonderful brain could be used to its fullest potential.  However, in the warm light of day, he knew that he could never again bear the separation from his son.

Finally, Diego's manners were impeccable, and he was well liked, from the lowest lancer to the snobbish caballeroIf only--Stop with the "if onlys"!  It's probably--No, it is the reason you drove him away!  Enjoy the man he is, instead of the man you want him to be! Alejandro commanded himself.

"The latest gossip, amigo," Vicente answered when Don Alejandro did not.  "It appears that our lovely tavern owner has fallen out of love with her Fox," he said, his voice full of enjoyment in sharing the gossip.  Hearsay was a way of life--and one of the few forms of entertainment--in the small pueblos of California.

Alejandro saw his son pale.  "What?" Diego stuttered, his voice weak.

"She told me that she'd only been feeling infatuation for him," Alejandro answered, wearing a frown as he noticed how sickly Diego looked.  Perhaps he should ask Dr. Hernandez to look at him.  Diego, a boy who had never been sick, had grown to be a man who was often ill.

"You must be mistaken, Father," Diego protested.  Alejandro was surprised by the fear he heard in his son's voice.  Diego's fists were clenched, and his eyes were focused on the curtain that divided the kitchen away from the rest of the tavern.

"No, I'm afraid not.  The whole place heard her Diego.  She's decided that her relationship with Zorro is over," Alejandro said, trying to comfort his son.  Why was Diego so upset by this development?

"She's been in love with Zorro for years, Father.  She promised to wait for him until the mask came off!  She said she would m--" Diego suddenly stopped speaking, choking off his own words.  He looked down at his fists and took a deep breath.  Slowly, his fingers opened up, and he began to breathe normally again.

Alejandro was sure he had been about to reveal information that he had never intended to.  He realized it was possible that Victoria had confided in his son over the years.  After all, they had been friends since they were children, and were close in age.  Maybe she had revealed secrets to him that she had never revealed to anyone else, so his upset might be because Victoria had not talked to him about her new feelings before sharing them with the entire pueblo.

"She has apparently broken off her relationship with him, son.  That's all I can tell you," Alejandro told him.  Diego's shoulders flinched at the words, but his eyes remained focused on his hands. 

"I wonder if he knows," Vicente said with a laugh, as he waved at another caballero sitting across from them.  He knew how gossip was in these small pueblos.  All too often everyone knew your business before you did.

"I wonder," Diego said, pronouncing each syllable carefully.  Vicente looked over at Diego surprised.  Now, even he could hear the anger in the younger man's voice.

"I'm sure Victoria would talk to him first," Alejandro said in Victoria's defense.

Wearing a large smile, Maria walked out the kitchen.  Alejandro was glad to know that she and Victoria were getting to be friends.  Victoria found it difficult to bond with many of the young ladies in the pueblo.  After all, they were all long married by now, but even if Victoria had married at the proper age, she still would not have made many friends.  She was too outspoken, too unconcerned about convention, for most of the women in Los Angeles.  However, Maria joined her in shunning convention.  She did not care if the man she was talking to knew that she was more intelligent than he was, and she usually shared her opinions about many subjects.  She just used more discretion than Victoria.

Alejandro saw her smile brighten and become shyer as she spotted Diego.  So, she did have some feeling for his son.  He hoped Diego realized it soon, and quickly handled the issue before the young lady's heart was broken.  Many señoritas over the years found their hearts taken by the de la Vega heir, but none managed to capture his.  At least Diego now had an heir, since he was in the process of adopting Felipe.  While Don Armando was here from Santa Pablo, Diego was to finish signing some of the necessary paperwork today.  Alejandro needed to ask him how it went when they had some time alone.  Diego's adoption of Felipe had only been discussed between his family and Victoria.  No one else in the pueblo knew about it, yet.

"Hello, Don Diego!  It's good seeing you again," Maria said with that same sweet, shy smile on her face. 

Alejandro watched as years of conditioning took over his son.  Diego was furious, but he was a caballero raised to be polite to a lady.  He forced himself to return her smile and greeting.  "It's always good to see you," Diego said as he bowed over her outstretched hand.  Alejandro blinked, having always thought that his son did not have a romantic bone in his body.  "That dress, like its owner, is a work of art," Diego complimented Maria.

Vicente eyes widened and his jaw dropped open again at hearing Diego say such a gallant statements.  It did not take long for new residents of Los Angeles to realize Diego de la Vega's passions were reserved for his books and science.  Learning was the only true passion anyone knew he had.

Maria blushed.  "My maid was the seamstress.  S-she's incredibly talented," she stuttered.

"Ah, but even the best works of art must have the proper backdrop to show their beauty.  With only the proper setting can a work of art sparkle, and that gown is a wonderful enhancement for your beauty," the man who looked like Diego continued.  Alejandro was beginning to wonder if his hearing was going, or if perhaps this really was a dream.  After nine years, his son was showing himself to have a way with words.

Maria's entire face was bright red, but she looked pleased by the compliments.  "Th-Thank you, Don Diego.  Y-Your to-too k-kind," she managed to say.

"To speak the truth is not kindness," the new, gallant Diego replied.  Alejandro was aware of several men at near-by tables avidly listening to the conversation.  Dinnertime in the pueblo would be an occasion of lively discussions tonight.  Victoria falling out of love with Zorro, and Don Diego apparently finding a woman to love, or at least a woman who brought out something in him no other woman had managed to do, would be the main topics. 

Alejandro barely managed to keep his own jaw from dropping.  Diego could be romantic?  He would never have believed it, but then until a few months ago, he would not have believed his son could handle a sword, either.  It was simply another secret Diego had chosen not to share with him.

"I want to shop in the plaza, and I was hoping you would escort me," Maria said shyly, barely looking up at Diego.  She was finding her shoes fascinating today.  "Father's willing to go with me, but I know I'll be hearing sighs and groans as I walk from vendor to vendor." She smiled warmly at her father.

"I'm sorry, my dear, but shopping for fun is for the young.  I did it when I was courting your mother, but--" Vicente shrugged.

Diego stood absolutely still as he watched the kitchen's entrance.  Victoria remained hidden away by the curtain.  "Perhaps it would be for the best," he whispered before returning his attention to Maria.  "A lady should be able to enjoy her shopping, so I would be honored to escort you, my lady," he said in a proper little voice and sweeping bow. 

Accepting his offered arm, Maria laughed.  "Thank you, Diego.  I really appreciate the sacrifice," she said with a giggle as they walked out the door.  Alejandro saw the longing in her eyes as she looked up at his son.

"An afternoon spent in your presence is an honor and not a sacrifice," Diego replied.  Alcalde DeSoto, walking into the tavern to order his usual light lunch, stopped to stare at the departing de la Vega.  He glanced at Alejandro, and then looked back at Diego.  Shaking his head, he walked over to an empty table.  Alejandro understood what the man was feeling himself.  It was easier to believe yourself imagining things than believing Diego was a born flirt.

Glancing towards the kitchen, Alejandro noticed Victoria.  To his surprise, she stood by the entrance watching the departing couple.  The look on her face was disturbing to him.  He saw a mix of fear, longing, and anguish that made no sense to him.  He looked back at the door his son just exited and then back at Victoria.  Excusing himself from Vicente, he walked over to where she was standing.

"Victoria," he said softly, not wanting to frighten her.  She was so lost in thought that Alejandro knew she had not noticed him walking towards her.

She looked at him and tried to smile.  She struggled to make the muscles in her face obey, but Alejandro watched as she lost the battle.  "Can I get you something, Don Alejandro?"  She managed to put on her business-owner's face.

"I just noticed you looked unhappy," he said gently, hoping she would tell him why seeing Diego leave with Maria caused her so much pain.

Victoria's smile was sad and wistful.  "It's hard when you feel so lonely to enjoy seeing your friends find love.  I'm happy for him, but—" She remained silent for several heartbeats.  Crossing her arms, she asked, "Do you think he will really be happy with her?"

Alejandro smiled at the question, understanding her apprehension.  Diego often exasperated Victoria as much as he did his father, but she was genuinely fond of him.  Even in her heartbreak, she could find it within herself to be concerned about him.  "I think so.  They have a lot in common.  To be truthful, she seems to be the first lady that has ever loved him for what he is instead of who he is," he answered truthfully, trying to reassure her.  Her flinch of pain surprised him.  He wanted to ask her a question; he just did not know what the question was.

"She's in love with him, because he is the kind of man who can appreciate knowledge," Victoria said quietly, sounding like a schoolteacher quoting from a textbook.

Alejandro nodded slowly, wondering why he felt like Victoria was talking in a foreign tongue.  "You and I both know that Diego is too busy living life through his books.  He takes no risks!  I admit she isn't the type of wife I would choose for him--I'd want someone who could inspire him to action--but she seems to love him.  Her gentle nature compliments Diego's well.  She will make him a good wife, if he decides to ask her," he continued.

Victoria laughed, but it sounded hollow to Alejandro.  "Oh, he'll make that decision!  If you will excuse me, I don't feel well.  I'm going to leave Isabel in charge of the tavern while I go lie down."  Alejandro watched, with both confusion and concern in his heart, as she talked to her helper briefly before slowly climbing the steps to her room.