Chapter 7 [Next Morning]
[Sunrise]
Manolito slipped out of his bedchamber. Shadows danced throughout the hallway. His eyes beheld the colors streaking the sky outside. A beautiful morning for us indeed! Not so red, I think! He shook his head at the old pescador saying. He eased his way down the stairs. His boots whispered across the threshold and into the courtyard.
Oftentimes he'd steal away for some tavern, an illicit affair a few towns over or perhaps a bandito raid. On this day, it was to think.
He walked across the stones. His eyes beheld the servants' and vaqueros' preparations for that momentous day. He waved to them and wished them well. His grin growing by the heartbeat. Hope tugging at him toward a bright future. Still, his mind remained on one person at that point.
The roses beckoned. Their leaves swayed in the slight breeze. A few more blooms had opened overnight. Their scent sweetened the air. A discerning ear could almost hear that mistress humming an old Spanish tune while tending to them.
Mama. Manolito straightened his blazer. He took off his hat. Anxiety's butterflies clanged up against his stomach. "Hola, Mama. It is a fine day. No. it is a truly special day. As always, you knew. Did you not? You told us that Mercedes and I were meant for each other." He sniffed deeply of one pink bloom. "It is but a few more hours. Then we shall make that dream come true. Gracias, Mama." He kissed his fingertips and touched a red bloom.
"Your mother certainly did know people." Sebastian stepped into the light. "I do believe this is her work." He considered the arbor. "My Esperanza. She so loved her beautiful things."
"Si, Papa. She did. You know I am glad. The weather is not so hot or cold. We have a pleasant sky. It may not be in a cathedral. But we have this. Do we not? She would've liked it better," Manolito surmised. "We can share the moment with her here. This is Dignity, Papa. It is also Love."
Sebastian smiled. "It is. Your mother would appreciate that very much, Manolito. I am sorry you will not get to marry by that stream. It is a nice spot. Still, your mother will be here with us. She'd want peace between everyone."
"Buena suerte. Doña Lupe will not be happy," Manolito presumed. He frowned. "I wish she would understand!"
"Ah! I understand to a point. I do not want your sister living as she is at High Chaparral. Still, she is building a legacy there. I can see that Mercedes believes she can do the same. She has certainly tamed you. I cannot blame Don Ricardo for his thinking on the matter, Manolito," Sebastian noted. "That is why he builds that hacienda."
"It is too bad Vaquero is the alcalde in Casa Cueva. I would ask him to come back. The people there need him." Manolito gazed to the east.
"There are others. You will find another servant. I am glad you chose Blue Cannon. He has grown up. He will grow more. Perhaps Penny will be Mercedes' helper?" Sebastian assured him.
"Papa, they are family. Si. They will do their share of work. I do not doubt that. I know that Uncle Domingo is beyond hope. We should not compare them to him," Manolito assured him.
Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Nobody can be that bad, my Son. Do not allow him to get involved with this rancho. I mean that. It will not end well."
"I have heard enough of him to know better, Papa. Gracias. Today, we look to be happy." Manolito noted Sol's climb above the eastern peaks. "It will not be long. I think." He smiled at his father.
"No it will not be. It is good that you look at things in this way. It sets my mind at ease. I believe breakfast will be waiting. Vamanos," Sebastian declared. He led his son toward the door and passage beyond.
Manolito nodded to himself. He knew Mercedes and Penny would remain sequestered as per the marital customs until the ceremony later that morning. Impatience goaded him to sneak up to the room. Still, he wouldn't tempt Fate's wrath.
All he could do was keep turning the hourglass and let the sands run down….