Chapter 14
Two months later, the citizens of Los Angeles were waiting with an air of excitement, of anticipation for their new Alcalde to arrive. As the stage approached the small pueblo, the citizens gathered in groups, talking and laughing when Victoria moved to Diego's side and slipped her hand into his. He looked down and smiled at the woman he loved more than life itself and squeezed her hand.
Victoria finally had her masked bandit where she wanted him and they were slowly showing the citizens of their deep love for each other, to allow her time to transfer her affections from Zorro to Diego. For Zorro had rarely been seen in the last couple of months and Diego had taken the opportunity of the change in leadership to finally reveal his secret to his love. He chuckled to himself as he remembered her reaction. She had yelled at him, punched him in the chest and then she threw herself into his arms and kissed him soundly.
"Just what are you laughing about Diego." she asked with a smile.
Diego grinned, squeezed her hand and whispered. "I was remembering your reaction to the secret."
She grinned back. "The look on your face was well worth the wait."
He chuckled. "I guess it was. I love you Victoria."
She shivered by his warm breath on her neck. "I love you too Diego." she replied softly.
Just then the stage rumbled down the street and everyone's attention was drawn to the dusty carriage as it came to a stop in front of the tavern.
Ignacio smiled at his wife and daughter. "We are here. Ready?" he asked.
"Si, we are." Carolina replied with a smile of her own and she squeezed her daughter's hand. "Remember what I said Juanita, this is a very small pueblo and..."
"Oh mama, I know, I won't say anything bad about it." the eleven year old girl replied as she rolled her eyes. Both her mother and stepfather had told her many times to behave herself when they reached Los Angeles.
Carolina gave her husband a knowing smile over her daughter's head.
Ignacio chuckled as he had caught both their looks and he felt another rush of love for them both. He was still a little overwhelmed by these strong feelings that he had never felt before and was coming to terms with this new sentiment and how contented it made him feel.
The citizens watched with excitement as the door of the stage opened and out stepped Ignacio de Soto. The loud cheers and whistles that had been growing amongst the gathered crowd, dwindled away to nothing and it was replaced by loud gasps of disbelief and then deadly silence. They couldn't believe their eyes as they took in the sight of their former leader. Surely they didn't deserve this, they didn't deserve his harsh treatment of them. They didn't want a return to the old ways.
Ignacio smiled at the reaction of the gathered crowd as he turned and helped his wife and daughter down from the stage. He shared an amused look with Carolina.
"Senor...de Soto..." Don Alejandro spluttered, for once in his life, he couldn't finish his words.
Ignacio turned back. "Si, Don Alejandro, I have returned as your Alcalde." He shook hands with the elder man. "May I present my wife Carolina and my step-daughter Juanita de Alvaro."
There was another ripple of surprise throughout the crowd.
"My dear, this is Don Alejandro de la Vaga and his son Don Diego."
Both men recovered quickly and bowed slightly. "Senora de Soto, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Carolina smiled warmly. "Gracias Don Alejandro."
"Welcome to Los Angeles Senora and Senorita." Diego smiled at the young girl standing by her mother, who seemed to have familiar features but he couldn't place it.
Juanita giggled at being singled out and curtsied. "Gracias senor."
Carolina smiled her thanks to the handsome young Don for making her daughter feel welcome.
"May I present Senorita Victoria Escalante, she owns the tavern."
The two women smiled at each other. "Welcome Senora, if you need anything, just let me know."
"That is most kind of you senorita, gracias."
"Ah Sergeant, it's good to see you again." Ignacio said as Mendoza came over to him.
"Welcome back Alcalde and senora." Mendoza said with a smile.
Carolina smiled at the portly lancer as her husband continued. "Sergeant, can you please arrange to have our luggage transferred to our quarters."
"Si Alcalde."
Ignacio turned his attention back to the gathered crowd and he raised his voice so all could hear. "I know this is a shock for most all you, for it was a shock to me too." silence greeted his attempt at humour, he cleared his throat self-consciously and continued. "However I was sent here to do a job and I will do that to the best of my ability. I give you my word."
"Your word means nothing to us." a male voice called out from the back.
There were low murmurs of agreement from the gathered citizens.
Ignacio nodded. "I don't blame you for thinking that way, considering my previous actions. But that's all changed. To that end I would like to call all citizens together in two days for a forum. A forum where everyone can have a say on what should be done to improve Los Angeles, to make a safe place to raise our children, a place we can be proud of." he paused and caught Victoria's sceptical gaze.
"Senorita, I would be most grateful if I can use your tavern for the forum."
Victoria was surprised to say the least, he had never before asked to use her tavern. Usually he would simply assume the tavern was his personal meeting hall. "Si, of course."
"Gracias senorita, if everyone could please spread the word, so that as many people can attend."
With a slight bow, Ignacio turned and escorted his family towards their quarters.
The whisperings began as the citizens watched their Alcalde cross the plaza.
"I didn't know that he was married." Victoria said.
Diego shook his head. "No, he wasn't. She is a beautiful woman."
"Si, she is, somewhat older but still beautiful." Don Alejandro added.
Victoria looked directly at Diego. "I want to know the real reason that he is back and what about Zorro?" she whispered.
He shrugged. "If he wanted to arrest me, he would have already done so. Perhaps he really has changed his ways and wants to do right by us."
Don Alejandro snorted. "Well it will take more than words to persuade me of that."
Diego nodded and stared thoughtfully after his old university colleague. "Yes, sometimes actions do speak louder than words."
Victoria grabbed his arm. "Don't you dare... you wouldn't!" her heart pounded, now that she knew, she didn't want anything to happen to the man she loved.
He smiled down at his lady and shook his head. "No querida, there's no need for that."
"That went well Ignacio." Carolina said as they crossed the dusty plaza.
He nodded. "Si, it did." he paused, then grinned. "I don't think I've seen them so surprised as I did just now."
She chuckled. "Si, even if the King himself stepped out, they would not have been so astounded."
They reached the door of their new quarters. "It's small." Ignacio warned as he opened the door and allowed Carolina and Juanita to enter first.
He was right, Carolina thought to herself as she looked around the cramped quarters. The main bedroom was taken up by the large four poster bed, and a side table, the bathroom was off to one side, was only large enough for a porcelain tub and a wash stand. She opened a second door and frowned at the mess it was in. It was full of boxes, old steel cabinets, stacks of papers, along with a lot of dust and cobwebs.
"Ah, we used this as a storeroom." Ignacio said almost apologetically.
"I'm not staying in there." Juanita protested.
"We'll clear out the mess and turn into a lovely room for you." Carolina told her daughter.
"But its small." the girl whined.
"Juanita." her mother said in a warning tone.
"But..." she persisted.
"No buts, young lady. There is nowhere else for you to stay."
"Why don't you see if Sergeant Mendoza is bringing our things" Ignacio said.
Juanita gave a loud sigh and left the room.
Ignacio chuckled at the sight of his pouting daughter, she reminded him of himself at that age. "I am proud of her, even though..." he stopped as he gazed at his wife.
Carolina placed her hand her husband's chest. "I know you are. I was quite surprised at how easily the two of you connected."
He lifted her hand and placed a soft kiss to her warm skin. "So am I. I just wish I could..."
"I know, I wish you could as well. But I do have some news that you will be pleased about." she smiled and placed his hand on her stomach. "You can claim this one as yours."
Ignacio felt his jaw drop. "Dios...you'rr...isn't it too soon to know..."
She shook her head. "No, not really. We have been married for two months. You're going to be a father."
"Dios." was all he could say. He was going to be a father and this time, the child will bear his name. He gazed into his wife's eyes and saw her happiness.
"I want to give you a son Ignacio." she said.
"But it could be another girl."
Carolina nodded. "Will that matter?"
"Of course not." he replied.
She raised an eyebrow.
He smiled sheepishly. "Okay, I can't deny that I would be pleased by a son but a girl would be welcome too."
There was a bustle at the door as Mendoza and two lancers brought in their luggage, with Juanita following them.
"Thank you Sergeant." Carolina smiled.
"De nada Senora."
"Mendoza, we will need to clear this room out to turn it into a room for Juanita." Ignacio commented.
Mendoza nodded. "Si, Alcalde, we'll make it into a lovely room for the senorita." he smiled as the young girl, who smiled back.
"I'll see it to Alcalde."
"Gracias Sergeant." Carolina said again.
Mendoza nodded and left. He was pleased by the respect he was being shown but he was wary at the same time. He knew what de Soto was capable of.
"Ignacio, where will Juanita sleep tonight? I don't think the room with be ready by this evening."
He nodded. "I don't believe it will either." he paused as he had an idea. "If you agree, perhaps we can let Juanita stay at the tavern."
"The tavern, you can't be serious. Juanita is only eleven!" Carolina replied heatedly.
"Carolina, Senorita Escalante runs a very respectable tavern, she doesn't tolerate any bad behaviour, of any kind."
She gazed at her husband and knew that he would never place their daughter in danger but a tavern, anything could happen. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Juanita bouncing excitedly on her toes.
"Please mama, I promise to be good." she pleaded. She was excited to stay overnight at a tavern all on her own, away from her mother and stepfather.
"I can always post a lancer at the tavern." Ignacio offered, he too saw Juanita's eagerness.
Carolina looked between her husband and daughter and knew that she was outvoted. She sighed. "Alright, alright, you can stay at the tavern for one night only."
Juanita gave a squeal of delight and hugged her mother. "Gracias mama. I promise to be good."
Then she impulsively hugged Ignacio. "Gracias stepfather."
He was too stunned by her unexpected action to reply as she skipped out of the room. His heart flipped in his chest, never before had his daughter hugged him and he felt rather embarrassed as unmanly tears burned his eyes. He cleared his throat. "I better see if Senorita Escalante has a room available."
Carolina hid her smile as he tried to control his emotions. "Of course."
"Senorita Escalante." Ignacio called out as he entered the deserted tavern. It was siesta and he was surprised to find the doors still open. Then he smiled, thinking that she must be in the kitchen. He crossed the floor of the taproom.
"Senorita." he said as he passed through the curtain. He stopped suddenly at the sight of Victoria in a passionate embrace with Diego. The couple pulled apart rather guiltily.
"My apologies Senorita, Don Diego, I'll wait outside." he grinned as backed out of the kitchen.
Victoria and Diego followed moments later.
"Is there something we can help you with Alcalde?" Victoria said politely if somewhat annoyed at the interruption.
Ignacio noticed the blush over her lovely features and thought that Diego was a fortunate man.
He smiled. "I was wondering if you have a room available for tonight."
She nodded and smiled. "Of course, in fact I don't have any guests at the moment."
"Isn't your quarters up to your standard Alcalde?" Diego asked as he leant against the bar.
Ignacio snorted. "They are adequate but unfortunately the room for my stepdaughter is not. We wish for her to stay here tonight, with you, while the room is cleaned out."
Victoria smiled warmly. "She would be most welcome here, she seems like a lovely girl."
He nodded. "She is but Juanita has a mind of her own, so don't take any nonsense from her."
"Congratulations on your marriage, Ignacio." Diego smiled warmly.
Victoria nodded. "Si, it was a surprise to us."
Ignacio chuckled. "No more than me." it was then he noticed a sparkling ring on the Victoria's finger. "I see I need to offer my own congratulations to you both."
Victoria blushed again while Diego wore a large grin on his face. "Thank you Ignacio, you are the first to know."
"Well it's about time you married your tavern wench Diego." he grinned back.
Victoria frowned, she always hated that term. "I need to close up for siesta Alcalde." she saw the amused look the two men exchanged. "You too Diego."
"What, you're kicking me out?" he looked at his fiancée in surprise.
She hid her smile. "Si, I am. Now out both of you." she pushed Diego towards the door.
Ignacio snorted. "Good luck Diego, you will need it." he said as he walked out of the tavern.
"Victoria..."
"Out, out." she pushed him again in the direction of the door.
Diego let her push him but as he reached the door, he turned, captured her hand and placed a soft kiss to her skin. "I love you Victoria."
She gazed lovingly into his blue eyes. "I love you too Diego. Now go."
He chuckled as he left.
Later that evening, Carolina entered the tavern with her daughter and carried a small bag. The whole tavern was abuzz with the news of the surprised engagement of Victoria Escalante and Diego de la Vega.
Victoria saw Carolina enter and she crossed over to her. "Senora, senorita welcome." she smiled at both of them.
Carolina smiled back. "Gracias senorita. May I offer my congratulations to you and Don Diego."
Victoria blushed. "Gracias senora. I have a room ready for your daughter and its right next to mine. I give you my word that she will be safe here with me."
"Thank you senorita, Ignacio told me that you ran a respectable tavern and I trust his opinion."
Victoria was a little taken aback by this compliment from a man who had never shown any respect for her or for anyone else for that matter. "It's nice to have the good opinion of the Alcalde. Come, would you like me to show you to your room Senorita." she smiled at the young girl.
Juanita looked at her mother, who nodded. "Si".
Victoria led them up the stairs and to the room next to hers.
The following morning, Carolina walked around the back of the tavern and she heard her daughter giggling. She reached the rear door, which was opened and smiled as she stood silently watching Victoria give her daughter cooking lessons.
Juanita saw her mother out of the corner of her eye. "Mama look, Senorita Victoria is teaching me to cook." she said happily.
Carolina smiled warmly at the younger woman. "I hope you haven't been annoying the senorita in her work."
"Oh no, senora, Juanita has been helping me and is doing very well too."
The young girl beamed with happiness. "Can I stay again?"
"Well, that would be up to your mother." Victoria smiled as Juanita looked to her mother.
"Perhaps one day, you could stay again but we don't want to take up to much of the Senorita's time. Now go get your things."
"Yes mama." she skipped away through the curtains.
"Thank you for allowing my daughter to stay here senorita." Carolina reached into her purse and pulled out several coins and handed it over.
Victoria smiled. "It was a pleasure having her here but please call me Victoria." she replied.
Carolina smiled back. "Gracias, if only you call me Carolina."
The two women smiled at each other as Juanita came back with her bag.
"Say thank you to Senorita Escalante." she urged her daughter to say.
"Thank you senorita for allowing me to stay."
"You're welcome Juanita." Victoria smiled at the young girl.
"Adios Victoria."
"Adios Carolina."
She smiled as she watched them leave.