"You see, she's determined to see me wed to him. Or someone like him."Fernanda was telling Lance.
"Then why don't you?"
"Because I don't want to. I simply wont't."
"Will she listen to you?"
"No, she won't."
"Then what are you planning to do?"
"If only there was a why to put him off me in some way. I don't know. What would be something that…what kind of girl would you never marry. What would she have done to…make you consider her not worthy of you anymore?"
"Um…well, if I were someone like Fernando Ortiz…maybe…some kind of an insult…like…um, she's not my class, you know. She's…a nobody. I don't know."
"Well, I'll think of something."
"And I don't think you should spend so much of your time here. I think they're starting to notice. You do stand out. Bright colors, expensive clothes, among horses, and the monotony, of the uniforms."
"This is my family's house. You are one of their employees, you are in charge of my mare. Isn't it normal for me to check on her?"
"I guess it is, but still…"
He gestured towards the rest of the boys.
"You're wanted."someone told Lance.
"Where?"
"In the palace. By His Excellency's aunt."
"For?"
"You're wanted in her rooms as soon as possible."
Blob, Toad, and Pietro were there, too.
"Wow. These people are really rich."said Toad.
"What do you think we're here for?"
"Don't know."
They were led to a room, where a lady dressed in black waited for them. With her were several eunuchs, and her maid.
"I've been hearing some disturbing news regarding your conduct."she said.
"Our…conduct?"
"Yes. In especially you. Quite improper!"
"Uh…"they didn't know what to say.
She got up, and walked toward the window.
"My niece has been seen in your company several times."
"Oh, there's always someone else around. She just likes to spend time with her mare. She's very fond of her. And she's always said she's pleased with the way I look after her."
"It is not proper for a young lady to spend so much time in company of a…caballerango."
"Uh-huh."
"We've been doing our jobs very well."Pietro put in quickly.
Her eyes flashed.
"No one has given you permission to speak! And if I ever hear again that any of you are doing anything to damage my niece's reputation, then not even prison shall be a sentence good enough for all of you!"
"She looked like she meant it."said Pietro.
"And you think she would have been joking. She's told me about her aunt before. I just always thought it was an exaggeration. I mean, the lady is very…dominating. It definitely looks like it."
"You'll just have to make sure you don't even look at her anymore. We can't give up this job for anything!"said Toad.
"And what do you suggest we do?"
"What she tells you!"
"I can't be ordering her niece around! She should do something about her, not me!"