Chapter 2 [Late Afternoon/Early Evening—Rancho de la Vega]
Diego rode the horse back into the corral. Exuberance lifted his spirits. His composition spanned two pages. Metaphor, Rhyme and Meter simmered together into a perfect literary delight.
Sarcasm entered through the Alcalde's attitude….
…only to be sharply dealt with by Victoria's look and tone….
If only I could go in there as Zorro. He rolled his eyes. Who else would be their own worst rival? Sometimes I have to wonder. After the fight is over, we can be together. He strode into the hacienda. "Good evening, Felipe! Where is my father?"
Felipe grimaced. He signed a response with his fingers.
Diego sighed. "I can well imagine. I will be ready for dinner shortly." He cut through the parlor and down the hall toward his room. He changed his vest. He combed his hair. "There! Now Father will not be so terse."
"Perhaps I would not be, Diego, if you wouldn't spend all day in your books." Alejandro watched him through the open door.
"Good afternoon, Father. I was just making myself presentable for dinner." Diego turned to face the elder man. He noticed Impatience clearly chiseled across the other's face.
"At least you do look that part, Diego. Some times I have to wonder about you. Fencing, administration or looking after the people, those are the activities for a proper caballero. Instead you daydream, write poetry and gaze at flowers." Alejandro scoffed.
"It is what I enjoy, Father. I observe and watch a great deal. Did you know the Alcalde's about to have an emissary from Spain?" Diego walked back into hallway. He started toward the living room again.
"So I understand. Diego, I presume you're going to interview him for the Guardian?" Interest suddenly drew Alejandro toward his son.
"I intend to do so, Father. I did have a thought. Perhaps we might offer the hacienda for a welcome dinner? It could be seen by the Alcalde and Emissary as a positive," Diego suggested.
"That is a splendid idea! We can welcome our guest in the manner befitting him. I will invite the Alcalde tomorrow." Alejandro grinned. Pride lit up in his eyes.
"I have a great many of them. By the way, I plucked the weeds around her cross. Then I put the flowers on the grave. You should've seen it, Father! The meadow is just turning green. The flowers are budding. It was really nice." Diego smiled and savored the memory.
"I can imagine. Of course, you could have ridden out there and back, Diego." Alejandro frowned.
"Then I would not have sampled Victoria's chili and the new tea. You should try them." Diego sat down at the table.
"She brought the chili recipe home. Did she?" Alejandro raised an eyebrow. "There are a few places there that make especially good food."
"As I recall, you are correct, Father." Diego drank from his glass. "Perhaps we should invite Victoria as well?"
Alejandro nodded. "Si. She should be there. Perhaps you might let her know?"
"I will be there tomorrow," Diego agreed. He took a bite of roast beef.
Plans were being made…..