Chapter 14

Two weeks after the kidnapping of Doña Victoria Escalante and the subsequent death of de Toledo made headline news around the city, the de la Vega household was in a panic; a panic that had nothing to do with any criminal deeds but due to the coronation of Diego de la Vega as Marqués of Villafranca which was to take place at 4pm that afternoon at the Royal Palace.

They had moved into their official residence a week prior; a large, spacious two storey five bedroom villa with formal dining room and sala as well as several informal rooms for their own private use. There was a ground floor office for Diego and Teo and at the rear of the villa was a large kitchen and laundry and on the west side was a large courtyard and garden which had a water fountain in the centre, and on the east side was the stable for their horses and nearby were separate quarters for their newly hired servants; butler, housekeeper, cook, two maids and a stableboy.

Victoria was stunned by the luxurious home that she was to oversee and she was worried of how she would do that so she asked her father-in-law for suggestions and he had jokingly told her to run the villa just as she would her tavern but after thinking about it, his suggestion made some sense. Her tavern had six bedrooms, including her own, the taproom was like the formal dining area of the villa and Pilar and Maria were her staff, she couldn't call them servants because she never saw them as such; they were her friends as well as her workers.

What she didn't know was how they could afford it. At first she was hesitant to ask Diego for they had never really discussed money matters but as she was to handle the housekeeping books, she needed to know where the income was coming from. So when she questioned Diego about it, he confirmed that the villa and the staff was being paid for by the state, while he himself would receive a small retainer because they had no lands of their own in which to obtain rents from tenants or money from harvests and with the money that his father gave him from the profits of their ranch in Los Angeles, it was more than enough to live on.

But now Victoria sat at her dresser and gazed into the mirror as her maid styled her hair into a formidable looking bun; she thought it was too severe but Eve had assured her it was the current fashion. She was pleased that the cut on her cheek healed and there was only a small scar that was unnoticeable unless someone actually knew it was there and looked for it. She still remembered that day as though it was only yesterday and of the nightmares that she had that night and the following two nights where she had cried out in her sleep until Diego woke her and held her, comforting her until she fell back to sleep.

Her musings were interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by Don Alejandro's voice. "Victoria, may I come in?" he called out.

Victoria smiled. "Of course, father." she answered as she turned to Eve. "Gracias Eve, that will be all for the moment." she said.

Eve smiled as she dropped a small curtsey. "Yes ma'am." she replied as Don Alejandro walked in carrying a small box. He gave the young woman a smile as she left before he turned his attention to his daughter-in-law. "You are look beautiful, Victoria." he complimented with a warm smile.

She flushed a little as she stood up and gazed down at her emerald green formal ball gown with a white wrap and matching white elbow length gloves which she would put on later. "Gracias father, you are looking very handsome yourself." She replied as she took in his dark suit with vest and sash and pinned to his chest were three medals. "I never knew you had medals, was it from your time in the military?" she asked.

Don Alejandro nodded. "Yes, it was. I haven't worn them for a very long time but it's appropriate for today." he replied. "I have something for you." he said as he held the box in his hands.

"Oh father, you've given me too many things already. I don't need anything else."

He smiled at her humility. "I know but I want you to have this. When my wife passed away, I allowed Diego to have her jewellery for his future wife, if she so desired them..." he paused as she nodded; her engagement ring was one such item. "Well I held back several pieces that I wanted to give to my daughter-in-law myself." He said as he opened the box.

Victoria gasped as she saw an exquisite emerald and diamond necklace with matching earrings.

"The ring that you have completes the set and it is very dear to me. I gave this to Felicidad on our first anniversary and she wore them every time we went to the Governor's Spring Ball." he replied with a husky voice.

She felt hot tears well in her eyes. "But...I...can't take this from you, not with all your memories of her."

Don Alejandro's eyes misted up at her consideration for his memories of his beloved wife. "I thank you for that Victoria but I want you to have them, I know that Felicidad would want you to have them and for you to give them to your daughter or daughter-in-law when the time comes. Besides, I don't think they would look good on me." he joked, trying to lighten the moment.

She chuckled even as she struggled with her feelings. "No, I don't think they would." she replied.

He nodded as he placed the box on the dresser and removed the necklace. "Let me put it on for you." he said as he moved behind her and placed it around her neck and fastened it. "There. Now with the earrings on, you will outshine all those other ladies at the ceremony."

Victoria no longer fought back her tears as she wrapped her arms around her father-in-law and hugged him fiercely.

Don Alejandro was overwhelmed her embrace and fought to control his own feelings. "Hey, stop this, you don't want to go to the ceremony with bloodshot eyes do you?" he said hoarsely.

She shook her head as she pulled back and wiped her tears away. "I guess not." she sniffled.

"Good, now I'll let you finish getting ready and I'll see you both downstairs." he said as he turned and left the room before he disgraced himself.

Victoria took a deep breath and turned back to the box and with trembling hands, she placed the earrings on.

"Father is right, you will outshine all the others, querida."

She twirled around and saw her husband just inside the door to their private bathroom. "You heard."

Diego nodded as he came towards her. "Those emeralds are nothing compared to your beauty." he said softly, his voice full of love.

She looked down at the necklace and gently touched the precious stones. "Did you know about this?"

He shook his head. "Not until the day we left Los Angeles. I do have some vague memories of seeing mother with this necklace and earrings but I had completely forgotten about it until father told me that he wanted to give you something special."

Victoria nodded. "So this is why you wanted me to get the green coloured gown, so it would match these stones."

Diego gave her his most innocent look. "Would I really interfere in the selection of your clothing?"

She chuckled; she didn't believe him. "If it suited your purpose then yes, I think you would." She replied as she took in his state of undress. "Don't you think it's time for you to get dress yourself."

He grinned as he looked down at his trousers and shirtsleeves. "Oh I don't know, I thought I might go like this."

"Oh you, go and get dressed Diego." She ordered as she shoved him in the direction of his wardrobe.

Three hours later, Don Alejandro, with Victoria and Felipe and with Teo and his wife Teresa standing beside them, watched proudly as his son, dressed in the ceremonial red robes was crowned Marqués by the King of Spain in the Main Hall of the Royal Palace, in front of a hundred other people from the ranks of Nobility and from political area, including the Prime Minister of Spain as well as influential business leaders. The prayers had just been read by Cardinal Luis Maria de Borbón y Vallabriga and now Diego knelt on one knee in front of the King, waiting to be to ordain as the newest member of the Nobility.

Ignacio de Soto could barely contain his smirk at seeing his former foe looking uncomfortable. "I don't think I have ever seen your son looking so...so awkward as he is now." He said quietly.

Don Alejandro couldn't disagree. "Never have I, Ignacio." He whispered back with a smile of his own.

Diego felt very self-conscious as he knelt in front of the King, mindful of the long red robes that he was wearing; he didn't want to trip on the heavy material. He never liked being the centre of attention which is probably one of the reasons that he put on the mask but this time he had no black silk to hide behind. He dared not look at his family for he didn't know whether he would burst out in nervous laughter or whether he would be sick, so he kept his eyes on the square marble tile on the floor.

King Ferdinand took the coronet from the red cushion that his private secretary was holding and over it over Diego's head. "I, Ferdinand the Seventh, House of Bourbon, King of Spain and her Glorious Empire, hereby proclaim Diego Sebastian de la Vega, Marqués of Villafranca." he announced as he lowered the coronet onto his newest Marqués head. "Rise Kinsman."

Diego rose carefully to his feet so not to dislodge the coronet from the top of his head. "Your Majesty." he said with downcast eyes as required by Royal Protocol.

The King nodded as he gestured to his aide, who stepped forward. "Your Majesty, Lords and Ladies, may I present his Most Illustrious Lord, Diego de la Vega, Marqués of Villafranca." he announced to all, which marked the end of the official ceremony and the beginning of the festivities.

Diego again felt very conspicuous in his red robes as there was a round of polite applause before the King spoke up. "Congratulations Kinsman, perhaps one day we will have that talk about El Zorro but for now, enjoy yourself." He said with a smile before he gestured to his young Queen, who placed her hand on his arm and together they walked down the Hall, causing the gathered crowd to bow or curtsey as he walked by them.

His family came up to him with large proud smiles on their faces, while Teo began to introduce them to the citizens who came up and offered their congratulations; some they had already met in the last two weeks at varies luncheons and dinner parties held in their honour, while many others were meeting them for the first time.

Ignacio waited until everyone had offered their congratulations before he crossed over to Diego and gave a small bow. "Congratulations, my Most Illustrious Lord." he greeted with a gleam in his blue eyes.

Diego frowned at the smirk that was tugging on Ignacio's lips. "Ignacio, its bad enough when others bow but when you do it to, it's highly annoying. You're enjoying it way too much." he added.

Ignacio stroked his beard in an effort to hide his amusement. "'Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown' eh Diego." he quoted.

Diego smiled despite himself at the Shakespearean quote. "Something like that." he replied as he gazed around the crowd and his eyes came across his family talking with a middle aged Count and Countess, who seemed to be wearing more jewellery than the Queen herself.

"Diego, there's someone who wants to meet you." Ignacio said carefully.

Diego raised an eyebrow at the warning in his friend's voice. "Oh who?"

"Don Ambrosio Maximiliano Hernádez."

"Ah, the leader of the Liberals. I can see why you are being cautious Ignacio, but how do you know him. I wouldn't have thought that you would support them"

Ignacio shrugged slightly. "My loyalty is to the Crown but that doesn't mean that I can't see what is happening between the factions; I just try and stay out of it as much as I can. Don Ambrosio is politically important Diego, which is why he is here, the King would have been foolish to insult such an important person by not inviting him." he paused for a moment and he gazed at the younger man. "I believe that Don Ambrosio wants to sound you out about your own political views."

Diego nodded thoughtfully. "I guess this is something that I have to deal with now, isn't it. Politics."

Ignacio was surprised by the ignorance or rather the naivety of his friend. "Whether you like it or not, politics is now part of your life. You will eventually have to decide which side you are on or at least learn to walk a fine line between the factions. Surely Teo would have discussed this with you before you decided to take the title?"

Diego sighed. "Actually he did; he himself is moderate in his political leanings and in a lot of ways, I agree with him but I just didn't think it would come up so soon." he replied as he had a strange fleeting sensation that he might have had made a mistake in accepting the title for he had never really been interested in politics other than making sure that the people were treated fairly and with justice; even those who were guilty of a crime were entitled to a fair hearing but that odd feeling disappeared as fast as it came.

"Well, led on Ignacio." He said.

From inside the Grand Ballroom, the strains of the prelude to a popular waltz being played by the musicians, floated across to Diego, signalling to him the beginning of the dancing. He went in search of his wife as they were to open the dancing and he found her talking with several ladies who were bedecked in their finest gowns and jewellery.

He bowed his head. "Please forgive my intrusion, ladies." He said with a smile as he turned to his wife. "I believe that this is our dance." he added as he held out his hand to her.

Victoria smiled at her husband as she took his hand. "Please excuse us." she said to the Countess and her friends.

"Of course Marquesa." The eldest of the ladies said with a smile.

Diego led Victoria out to the dance floor and took up the position for the waltz and as he held her, he felt how stiff she was. "Relax and enjoy the dance querida." he whispered as he began to move them in time with the music.

"I can't Diego, not with all these people watching." She whispered back as she tried to keep a polite smile on her face, even if it meant that her cheeks burned with the strain.

"Well at least you didn't have to wear the robes and the coronet that I thought was going to fall at the King's feet." he teased as several other couples joined them on the floor.

She relaxed a little, pleased that they were no longer alone on the floor. "At least you're not wearing them now. It would be hard to dance while wearing them."

He chuckled softly as he twirled her around. "Yes it would be." he replied but then he felt her stiffen again. "What is it?"

"It's Felipe, that young woman just refused to dance with him." she hissed; she was becoming quite protective of the young man.

Diego turned them so he was looking in the direction and saw his son moving away from a rather attractive young woman. "It's okay Victoria, it's just the risk we take when asking a lady to dance, even I had a number of rejections when I was his age and it probably won't be his last either. Look, see, he's with Teo and he's introducing another young lady to him." He said as he turned enough to allow her to gaze over his shoulder before he twirled her around again. "You see, they're going out to dance." he grinned, pleased that his son hadn't let the earlier rejection put him off from asking another lady to dance.

Victoria saw them and forced herself to relax and she began enjoying herself but as Felipe and his partner danced, she saw him flick a glance to the young woman who had turned him down and no matter what Diego had said, it was obvious to her that Felipe was indeed affected by it and she wondered what the woman had said to him.

Even as Felipe enjoyed himself as he danced with Lady Delfina Cintrón, who had been introduced by Teo, he still felt the sting of the comment by the other lady. He knew that he would face prejudice because of his speech; he had practiced hard the last two weeks so that he wouldn't stutter as much as he did but he never expected such a hateful comment from someone who should have better manners than himself.

"You dance very well Don Felipe." Lady Delfina complimented with a smile.

Felipe pulled his thoughts back to the young woman in his arms. "Gracias. " he replied with a shy smile. She was quite beautiful with her honey colour skin and her dark expressive eyes. "So...do do yo..you." he winced at his stutter. He expected her to make a comment about it but was pleased that she ignored it.

"Thank you Don Felipe, although my dancing teacher once said that I had two left feet and that I would end up tripping my partner and so I'm delighted to prove him wrong." She commented pleasantly. She was quite surprised that he held her in a firm but easy hold; not like some of her male acquaintances who seemed to think that dancing was an excuse to hold her tight against them.

He smiled at her comment. "I..did...trip my...fa..father once." he replied as he again winced at his speech.

Lady Delfina noticed his unease because of his stuttering and her heart went out to him. "Please forgive me for saying this Don Felipe, but don't be embarrassed about your speech. I have a cousin who stutters and he doesn't let it stop him from doing anything." she said understandingly.

The smile that reached his dark eyes showed just how much he appreciated what she had said as they settled into the waltz and he glided her around the floor with a lightness in his heart.

The celebration was ending and as Victoria made her way to the ladies cloakroom to collect her wrap, she came across the young woman who had rejected Felipe with several of her friends, including the young woman who had danced with him, talking nearby.

"Really Delfina, how could you have danced with him; he's not part of our class, he couldn't speak without stuttering and even his accent was terrible." she said cruelly.

"Oh Eloisa, don't be like that, Felipe de la Vega is quite nice." Delfina replied.

Victoria knew she shouldn't be listening for it was bad manners to eavesdrop but she couldn't move without them noticing her so she stayed where she was. She felt a presence behind her and gasped softly to see a white faced Felipe standing there and she squeezed his arm in support; he too had overheard the cruel comments about himself.

"For a commoner, you mean. " commented another young woman. "No-one knows who his parents were, they could have been criminals for all we know."

Delfina shook her head. "You really are snobs, even you came from common stock, Ester."

Ester took exception to that remark. "How dare you say that Delfina, I'll have you know that I'm descended from the old Kings of Spain."

Delfina snorted delicately. "So am I, but even those kings were once nothing but barbarians who were conquered by the Ancient Romans and it was the Romans who civilised us."

"Believe what you want Delfina, nothing will change the fact that he is a commoner and will always remain so, even if he takes the title." Eloisa said as she turned with a flick of her head and strode away with Ester following her.

Delfina sighed as she watched her friends leave; she had liked the young man, he was different from the other men of their acquaintance. He didn't have the smug arrogance that the others had and he was shy in a very sweet way. She shook her head as she followed them; why should it matter how a person was born, it should be the way they behave towards others, that was more important, she thought to herself.

Victoria slowly let out an angry breath and turned to Felipe. "Don't let what they said get to you, they are just ignorant young women who should know better. Your true friends will accept you as you are and if they can't, well that is their problem not yours and besides that young lady, Delfina, she stood up for you." She sort to re-assure him.

Felipe nodded as he saw his father come up behind them, along with his grandfather and Teo and Teresa.

"Ready to go home?" Diego asked.

Felipe quickly made signs to Victoria, knowing that she wouldn't understand him but she saw his plea and nodded slightly, she wouldn't mention what happened, at least not right now but he knew that she would tell his father later; there were no secrets between them.

"Yes, we're ready Diego, I'll just get my wrap and we can go." She replied.

A/N - One chapter to go :)