Chapter 18 [Dirt Road—Just Outside of Rancho Montoya]
Victoria fidgeted on the wagon seat. Anxiety had jostled her as much as the road for the entire trip. Questions in her mind demanded answers. Once again, she wondered about her father's denials over the Comancheros. She hoped that he would work with Big John to deal with the threat. She didn't like leaving the Chaparral before Buck and Blue returned with the fresh ammunition. Fear chilled her over Manolito's condition. And then there as the visitor, Mercedes.
Too many concerns to be frank….
She dimly recalled the Vega de la Granada family's visits to the rancho. Señor and Señora Vega de la Granada had seemed pleasant enough. Mercedes, on the other hand, was more difficult to pin down. Like her parents, Affability and Warmth shone from her. The other girl had talked with her in the garden. They both enjoyed the roses together. Still Rebellion did poke through Mercedes' thinking. Rather than act like a lady as her parents expected, she'd sneak away for horseback rides to the river. She so loved to climb a certain crooked tree along its bank.
That rebelliousness attracted Manolito. At times, he'd try to pull her out of that tree. They play for hours down there.
Those two! She sighed. I wish I could say I was surprised Mercedes came back here. She did have fun. Mano and she were close in those days.
"Victoria?" John cut in.
She snapped out of her reverie. "I am sorry. I was just thinking."
"Worrying you mean," he corrected her. "I don't want to talk about your father but…."
"But he brought this about with his scheming? Si. You are not insulting him. You speak honestly. He pays no attention except for his own gain! If he'd helped you before, this would not have happened. Poor Manolito!" she fumed.
He patted her on the hand. "Manolito will be all right. You'll see. I did want to ask though."
"Yes, John?"
"This woman Buck mentioned. You know her?" he asked.
"Mercedes? Si. It has been years though since her family's last visit. She would come to the rancho with her parents. Her older brother, Miguel, was quiet and studious. Mama had me bring Mercedes to the garden. She always seemed nice enough. Still she would defy her parents by riding away without permission to the river and playing there. She and Mano would spend hours together down there." She sniffed. A warm smile spread across her face. "Papa would be furious. Still those two were happy…even if they'd come back soaked and dirty."
He nodded getting a little more of an understanding. "So she's not just one of his saloon conquests then?"
She shook her head. "Mercedes and he had something. Perhaps…¿Como se dice?...a connection. You remember Pilar and Maria, the woman who became a nun? Mercedes is like them both. I believe this might be what Mano needs."
"If he can keep his mind on business," he reminded her.
She rolled her eyes. Fury's tempest crashed onto the conversation's shore. "Men and their business! I speak of life and happiness! There is more than just work. Es muy importante. Si. But there is love. Manolito needs that inner meaning. He needs more than those…those…." She shuddered.
"You mean like that woman, Perlita?" he recalled.
Revulsion puckered her mouth akin to a sour apple. "She is the worst! What woman gets engaged and keeps throwing herself at other men? Then she demands they steal for her. What kind of decent woman does that?" Her eyes narrowed. "I hope we can help Mercedes. Perhaps she can keep Manolito's mind on business as you put it."
"If she can do it, more power to her," he agreed. He guided the horses around the bend and started up the incline. "We're almost here."
She bit her lip. Concern welled up inside of her again. She saw they the iron gates open to allow them through.
The vaqueros stopped by the front door. Jose signaled to the white-clad servants to bring their Padron. Then they watched as the rest of the caravan rode into the compound.
John pulled up on the reins just behind the vaqueros. He stepped down, walked around and helped Victoria down. "Ready?"
"As I will ever be." She turned her eyes toward the door. As Don Sebastian walked out, she called, "Papa!"
"John Cannon! Victoria! ¡Bienvenidos! Come! We shall get you settled. Then we shall speak." Sebastian embraced her and shook John's hand.
John gave her a look. Eagerness did not often motivate his father-in-law in such ways. Still he kept his observations to himself for the moment.
"Papa, how is Mano? Is he awake?" she pressed.
"Si. He rests and recovers. We'll see him shortly. Now follow me!" Sebastian insisted.
John hefted his own bag into the house. He watched as the servants brought Victoria's inside. His eyes narrowed.
This was going to be some visit….