Chapter 2

Diego left the tavern a little later to work in the Guardian's office.
The work there had been piling up for the past weeks. It took several hours before Diego felt he had caught up in everything. He had skipped lunch. And when the tavern had reopened after the siesta, Diego was about to walk for a well-deserved break when Felipe entered the office and started gesturing.

Diego raises his hands to calm the boy down. "Don't say anything. All you heard is just a silly bet between Victoria and me about how quickly Zorro is informed when something is happening in the pueblo."

Felipe gestured again.

"Yes, Diego made a bet about Zorro with Victoria.
The one who wins gets the other as a servant for a whole day."

Felipe gestured the words. Isn't that cheating?

"In amore et bello omnia pulchra." Diego utterered.
The boy looked at his mentor questioningly. "All is permitted in war and love." Diego translated the Latin proverb.

Felipe grinned and then made his gesture for Victoria and win.

"Whether I intend to let Victoria win?" Diego guessed the meaning of the gestures Felipe made at once.
"Tempting. But not as tempting as it is to let Diego win. Victoria does deserve a day of rest. And maybe it will help her realize that Zorro isn't always on standby to come to her aid."

Felipe laughed. Then you better not go into the tavern now. Everyone who enters hears about how important it is for Zorro to hear.

Irritated by this news, Diego thought, Victoria is so careless. De Soto must have heard of it and was likely planning to set a trap.
"I was almost done here. Let's go back to the hacienda. There's plenty of work to do there."

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At siesta time, Victoria had gone to church to tell Padre Benitez what she had done.
He disapproved of her behaviour. "Do you realize you might let Zorro risk his life for a bet?"

"Don Diego mentioned almost the exact same thing," Victoria muttered. "But sergeant Mendoza has promised to stand guard tonight. Should he spot Zorro, the lancers won't hurt him. Or so he promised me." Her voice fainted away.

The padre seemed to disapprove of her clumsy explanation. "And I take it you will come to confession on Friday?"

Victoria nodded contritely.

"Very well, I will tell you frankly should Zorro come to me tonight. I will not defend your actions should he ask."

"Gracias, padre. I understand the hard position I put you in."

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The following morning was a busy one. It was close to siesta time before Diego walked into the tavern for lunch.
"And?" He asked Victoria interestedly. She was standing behind the bar polishing glasses. "Have you heard whether Zorro came last night?"

"No, I waited for you. It is only fair. I did visit the padre yesterday to tell him Zorro was coming." Victoria hesitated for a moment before continuing. Mendoza had been at the tavern early and had not brought the news she had expected to hear. "Mendoza says he didn't see or hear anything." If only to encourage herself, Victoria hastened to add. "But of course, that doesn't say anything. It happens often Zorro is out at night and doesn't get seen. Can you hold on for a quarter of an hour? I'll close the tavern, and we can go and ask the padre together."

Diego nodded and ordered a portion of tamales with a glass of lemonade.

By the time Diego had finished his meal, Victoria had closed the tavern. They walked to the church. "And have you prepared yourself for raising early tomorrow? It's tough hearing a day's work in the tavern." Victoria remarked teasingly.

"Who says I'm going to lose?" Diego replied wittily.

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Victoria still couldn't comprehend it. Zorro hadn't shown up in the pueblo last night. She had briefly wondered whether Zorro could have known that it was a bet. She dismissed the possibility. Victoria had made the sergeant swear secrecy on two portions of tamales in prospect.
Diego could not have said anything either. He had too much integrity. The don was not the kind of man to want to win a bet dishonestly.
Furthermore, no one else had been present in the tavern when the bet got made. And even if Zorro had known about it, he would never have abandoned her. To her horror, Victoria had to admit Zorro did not know about her asking for him straight away. Losing the bet meant tomorrow she would have to act as a servant for Diego de la Vega. She clamped her jaws together while uttering several indignities. The intention had been to teach the spoilt don a lesson, not to have to obey every whim of don Diego.
Victoria was too proud not to accept her loss. But she hated the day that was to come.

As agreed, for she was a woman of her word, Victoria was at the hacienda at eight o'clock in the morning. Don Alejandro opened the door.
"Ah, Victoria, Buenos Dias. Diego told me you were coming today."

"Did he also say why?" She wanted to know.

Alejandro looked at her pitifully. "Yes, I'm sorry for you. From what I heard, he won fair and square."

"Unfortunately, si."

"What shall I say. I suppose you were aware that when you make a bet, it can mean you can lose." Confidently the man whispered. "If he takes it too far, you can come to me. I'll put him back in his place. Diego is waiting for you in his sitting room. Or so Maria has told me." Alejandro patted her arm encouragingly.

Victoria heaved an invisible sigh of relief. At least it seemed like Diego didn't expect her to act as his valet.

Alejandro preceded her to the family wing. It was in the part of the hacienda where she never came.
He knocked on a door and before he opened it he said. "Look at the bight side. It is only for a day."

Victoria entered the elegantly furnished private room. She glared around and was slightly surprised at how masculine the room was. She imagined Diego having a more feminine taste. Diego was waiting at a table wearing only trousers and a shirt. Victoria noticed he was barefoot. In front of him was coffee, juice, and all the necessities for a full breakfast.
"Victoria, you may come in."

She had seen Diego without a tie and waistcoat before. Even once, she had seen him with rolled up his sleeves. The sight of him made Victoria feel uncomfortable. The top button of his shirt was still open. His feet are out in the open. In the confines of his private quarters, this all felt strangely intimate.
Diego had not noticed her strange attitude as he did not even look at her but was more interested in the book lying open on the table.
Carelessly he gestured to a corner. "On that chair, I have put some clothes that miss a button. You can start by putting the buttons back on."

On the small table beside them stood a richly decorated Mahony chest containing the necessary sewing utensils.
Victoria swallowed a snide remark that came to her mind. Diego wanted to play the don who could boss her around? Fine.
She would play his game along.
On the chair Diego had pointed at, she found a waistcoat, two shirts, and a jacket. Victoria recognized the jacket as belonging to don Alejandro.

Half an hour later, Diego wiped his mouth on a napkin, and Victoria had finished putting on buttons.
He got up from his chair and disappeared through the door behind, where, Victoria guessed, the bedroom was.
After a few minutes, the door opened again.
Victoria bit her lower lip as she felt some regret that Diego was now fully dressed.

"Are you done? Then you can clean up the breakfast mess and come to the library afterwards."
Without even glancing at her, Diego disappeared into the corridor.

The angry look she gave him got merely seen by the closed door.
If Victoria were honest, she had to admit that she had been looking forward to making Diego sweat in the tavern. She had already planned some unpleasant chores. She had made a bet and had to take her loss as sportingly as possible.
Victoria tidied up the sewing equipment, hung the garments neatly over the chair and collected the dishes on the tray to take to the kitchen.

In the library, she found Don Diego standing between piles of books spread out all over the floor.
"I thought I would take advantage of your help to re-categorize the library. I'd like all my books in author and alphabetical order."
He pressed a stack of books into her hands. "Just put these over there somewhere."

Two hours later, Victoria had to admit that this task was not even that unpleasant. Diego was helping her, and he knew which authors and books he had.
What made the job a lot easier was that he had already made a list of the authors in alphabetical order.
It was, therefore, only a matter of collecting the books of the corresponding author who was next on the list.
While sorting, it often happened that Diego gave a summary of a book that he recommended.
Either because it contained an entertaining story. Or because it contained a scientific subject that had once aroused his interest.

Diego had always had a fascinating way of telling stories. Although many subjects could hardly interest her, Victoria always enjoyed listening to the timid don's gently voice.
The de la Vega's had a huge library with many bookcases and a countless amount of books.
Yet, almost all the stacks had disappeared from the floor. Most books got placed back into the cases faster than Victoria had expected.

According to the clock on the mantelpiece, it was almost eleven o'clock when don Alejandro came in carrying a tray of drinks.
"So, that does look a lot better." He praised their work.

Diego looked at the result with satisfaction and remarked. "And it has become a lot more orderly."

"Yes, although you know I don't remember all those names anyway. So when I want to read a book, I'll still just have to search for it.
Victoria, sit down. You could probably use a drink and some rest. Let that son of mine do the last few stacks on his own."

Diego sighed wearily. "Father,"

"Diego, stop it. This is my hacienda and my library. Victoria may be here because she lost a bet to you. To me, she's a guest. Victoria, please, sit down."

Victoria laughed. "Never mind, don Alejandro. The work is nearly done. I don't mind doing this. At least you get credit for your work. I can't always say the same for scrubbing the kitchen floor."

Ten minutes later, the last book was also in place, and Victoria emptied her glass.
"What do you want me to do next?" She asked Diego, sitting on the sofa opposite her, sipping his glass.

"I wanted to go for a horse ride."

"And you want me to muck out the stables." Victoria guessed, not looking forward to this.

"No, both Esperanza and Athena could use some exercise. I wanted to ask you to accompany me by riding Athena."

"I didn't count on that." Apologized Victoria gesturing at her clothing. "I'm not dressed for such a thing."

"That's been taken care of.
I've asked Felipe to pick up your riding costume. It's in one of the guest rooms.
I'll saddle the horses. Why don't you go change in the meantime."

Surprised, Victoria looked at Diego, wondering if she would ever understand this man?

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Victoria quickly changed her clothes and then hurried towards the stables where don Diego was already waiting for her. On each side stood a beautiful mare. The one on the left was the golden-haired Esperanza. She was Diego's favourite horse and was universally known for her gentleness. The other was light grey with black manes. You did not need to know horses to see Athena was one of the de la Vega's most valuable horses.

In comparison to her old mare, all the horses in the de la Vega stable were gems. Without exception, each horse was extremely precious. Victoria knew the men were proud of all their animals and had built up a reputation reaching as far as Spain. In the past, it had happened several times a Spanish high representative had combined an obligatory visit to Los Angeles with the purchase of one or more of the outstanding animals.

Diego helped her into the saddle of the light grey mare.
"Her name is Athena. She will respond to the lightest of beckons and is very reliable," he said.

After helping her and adjusting her girth, Diego mounted Esperanza.

Victoria was used to riding her mare. A fine horse to have in front of a cart. The mare was slightly less suitable to be used as a riding horse. It didn't matter to Victoria because she usually used her cart when she needed to get somewhere. Athena was a horse of a different calibre. While galloping across stretched grounds, the young mare gave Victoria the feeling she was flying.

After about three miles, Diego slowed his pace until Victoria came to a stop beside him. She was panting slightly with exertion.

Diego said, "We're near the ocean. How do you feel about a picnic?"

Victoria patted Athena on her neck as she uttered. "How did you think of doing that?"

Diego jumped out of the saddle, grinned, and conjured up a generously filled basket from behind a boulder. "That's my secret."

Victoria laughed. "I didn't know you go picnicking with all the workers on the rancho."

Diego also laughed. "I merely hoped we could spend an enjoyable afternoon together."
Suddenly there was an intense tension. Victoria didn't know where to look to avoid Diego's glare.
Diego quickly hiccupped after it. "As friends, I mean. Let's face it, it was also a nonsensical bet. Both my father and I agreed you deserved a day off. You work way too hard."

Victoria asked. "What about this morning?"

Diego gave her a mischievous wink. "It was still a bet, right?"

Together they burst out in laughter.

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Victoria enjoyed the beautiful view from the cliff.
There was a lovely sea breeze. Diego had chosen a gorgeous spot for their picnic. At first, Victoria had been afraid the young don might show advances. Nonsense, of course. Diego was a good friend. Nothing more, nothing less. It was common knowledge Diego was more interested in dead writers, poets and science than in women. He never showed any interest in her before, so why start now. Diego remained appropriately aloof and gallant as ever.

The food was excellent. Diego amused her by telling entertaining stories about his sea travels. His time at the University of Madrid. The plays he had seen. The stories he told her from years ago also brought back memories of times long gone by.

Diego and her brothers had always been close friends. The boys were notorious throughout Los Angeles and the surroundings for the pranks of the three rascals, usually led by Diego. Before he had left for Spain, everyone was sure the intelligent young man could become a worthy successor to his father. A leader in the best sense of the word. It saddened Victoria to think how much the Diego of those days had changed in Spain. She had to swallow away a feeling of sadness.

Boys became men. Just as girls turned into women. She had changed. From an infatuated, stupid girl. Into a businesswoman. As a fourteen-year-old girl, she had made every effort to unobtrusively charm the young don enough to arouse his interest in her.
Even then, Diego had shown no interest in her whatsoever. To him, she had always been the little sister of two friends. An irritating, annoying brat whose proximity had to be regularly tolerated by her brothers under parental duress.
Diego had left, and things in Los Angeles had started to change rapidly.

Victoria was proud of what she had achieved. After her mother got executed, her father and brothers left to join the rebels. People had told her she had better sell the tavern and get married as soon as possible.
Victoria had barely been sixteen and had ignored both pieces of well-intentioned advice. Selling her inheritance had never been an option as far as she was concerned. And she only wanted to get married for love. Victoria had worked very hard for years, but she had never regretted her decision. Within a radius of dozens of miles, her establishment got known as the best in the region.

Victoria closed her eyes, enjoying her day off.
Diego was right. She made long days. In the morning, she was up before the rooster crowed. And it was often after midnight before she crawled into bed, feeling exhausted.
Victoria relaxed a little and leaned back against a rock.
Diego was slicing apples and kept giving her quarters, which she then ate.
Further on, the horses were grazing.

She mischievously confessed to Diego. "Had you won, I would have let you muck out my stable, and you would probably be washing dirty bedclothes."

Diego reached to give her another piece of apple and took a bite out of the other quarter himself.

"Then it's a good thing I didn't lose. It's far too beautiful place to do anything but enjoy yourself."

Victoria could only agree. "Yes, this is a beautiful place. And I should have known better. Zorro is amazing, but even he can't do and know everything."

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After a pleasant afternoon, Diego helped her back into the saddle, and they started the ride back to Los Angeles. "I'll accompany you back to the tavern."

Slightly bemused, Victoria followed in Diego's footsteps. It was barely four o'clock. The bet had been on all day. For some obscure reason, Victoria felt saddened to know that she would be back in the pueblo hours before the day had passed.
Victoria was too absorbed in her thoughts to notice the thick plumes of smoke rising as they approached Los Angeles.

Diego had noticed and stopped Esperanza. "There's a fire in the pueblo." He said, peering into the distance.

Victoria squeezed her eyes together. The cloud of smoke seemed to be rising from the centre of the pueblo. Where the plaza was and...,
HER TAVERN!

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