Chapter 2 [Rosie's—Fifteen Minutes Later]

Victoria sipped on her coffee. Her eyes surveyed the area. Despite the trip's fine food and lodgings, familiar surroundings appealed to her. Thanks to Trinidad and Pilar, the hacienda sparkled like a brand new penny. Despite Dr. Plante's orders, Vaquero helped with chores as well. Help was welcome indeed.

Especially with the tasks ahead….

Outrage burned within her. Don Fernando's manner at the High Chaparral and Don Carlos' actions in Los Angeles discredited those people in Guests' and Diplomats' eyes alike. Ortiz took the Granadas and their bandidos back to Mexico after the break in at the cave. Pity jerked her heart over Angelina's former state of affairs.

Maria placed her hand on Victoria's arm. "Victoria, it will be all right. Those dreadful people are getting exactly what they deserve. They cannot hurt us. We will exhume Don Sebastian tomorrow. He will have his rightful dignity. You have Rancho Montoya once again. Angelina will open her tavern. It will all work out."

Victoria frowned. "I fear she has torn everything apart. Doña Maria, I cannot bear to look!" She grimaced.

"Then you will rebuild." Maria shrugged. "I still cannot believe what my brother did to our family's fortunes. I am very fortunate that Ricardo wanted to marry me. You are a strong woman. We have a supportive family. We will survive." She sighed. "I have not heard anything from Penelope since our return. I am concerned about her."

"Blue said Penny is trying to slow down. Martha does the cleaning and cooking. He is very anxious." Victoria bit her lip. "John will not say so. He is as well."

"And so are you. So are we all." Maria raised an eyebrow. "I understand Blue's feelings. They're perfectly natural. John and you are going to be grandparents. Ricardo and I are those babies' aunt and uncle. We have so many eyes watching that rancho. It will be all right."

Victoria took another long draught from her mug. "I still worry. Those niños…" A smile spread across her face.

"There! You see? That is much better!" Maria relaxed. "There they are now." She waved to Ricardo and John. "Angie? Whatever are you doing here?"

"It is a nice morning. I need to think. I rode in." Angelina sat down beside them.

"This is not Los Angeles. We do not know who is out in the desert. ¡Por favor! Be more careful. We do not want anything to happen," Victoria implored.

"I do not wish to disturb you. I am used to riding in every morning by myself. There are open meadows still around the city there." Angelina squirmed.

"Just the same, you should have someone with you." John shook his head.

"And you do not 'bother' anyone." Ricardo frowned. "Si necesita algo, consúltenos. ¿Entiendes me?"

"Sí. Gracias." Angelina looked around the room. "There are so many new faces." She noticed Reverend Jackson and Sister Mercy walking toward them. "There! You see? God sends another man of the cloth." She stood. "Buenos Dias, Reverendo."

"Good morning. I am sorry. My wife and I do not speak much Spanish. Were you over at the construction site earlier?" Reverend Jackson inspected Angelina.

"Si. I was. It will be a tavern." Angelina nodded. "I am Angelina de la Vega. And you are?"

"I'm Reverend Jackson. This is my wife, Sister Mercy. We're building a new Congregationalist church on the south side of town." Jackson stuck his hand out.

"That is a good thing. I am sure Padre Miguel will agree." Angelina shook hands with both of them. "We all serve."

"Is she related to you, Don Ricardo?" Sister Mercy wondered.

"She is my cousin, Sister Mercy." Ricardo motioned to Rosie. "Would you like to join us?"

"We are heading back to the church site. If you folks would like some help, we'd be happy to offer it. You have a good day." Jackson tipped his hat. "It was very nice to meet you, Angelina." He escorted Mercy from the area and toward the door.

"Eso fue muy extraño." Angelina frowned. "Did I say anything?"

"Manolito and Buck met her last year. She and Reverend Jackson arrived just before we came to visit your family." Victoria looked at a menu. "It is as you said, Angie. He is almost competing with Miguel."

Maria shook her head. "He has yet to learn that in a Catholic town. Well shall we order? Then we can make arrangements for the funeral."

The others took their menus out. Business waited. Appetites however needed to be dealt with first….