Chapter 8
Over the next two weeks, Victoria, Alejandro, and Felipe kept a very close eye on Diego. He was slowly becoming strong enough to walk in the garden, but he tired quickly. Several well wishers came by to visit with Diego.
"When are you returning to the Tavern? I miss your cooking and the garrison food is terrible." Mendoza complained to Victoria as she walked him to the door.
"Pilar can cook just as good as I can, and you can survive a few more days on garrison food Mendoza. But if it worries you that much, I will be back next week." She reassured him and shook her head.
"Oh, I hope next week gets here soon." Mendoza mumbled to himself as he mounted his horse and rode away.
Diego read to Victoria and taught her simple English words, and as the days passed, several questions were answered about Zorro.
The Alcalde kept to himself, and Diego was wondering what he was up to. "He is up to something, and each day that passes can only mean trouble." He complained while on a walk with Victoria.
"Felipe will tell you if anything happens, and besides, you aren't cleared to ride yet." Victoria reminded Diego quickly and glared at him.
"But what if Zorro is needed?" Diego asked with concern.
"Even Zorro needs to take time to heal, and he also has someone else other than himself to worry about now." She glanced up at him with a sly smile.
"That's true, he does have his hands full with a certain lovely señorita." He turned to face Victoria and brushed his lips lightly over her forehead.
"And this señorita has her hands full with a handsome, and stubborn man whom she loves very much." Victoria reached up and cupped his face for a kiss. Diego responded with a quick kiss on her waiting lips.
"As much as I would love to stay out here with you, my father will be looking for us." He glanced around the garden before leading her back through the garden to the back door.
"Can we go for a walk in the morning?" Victoria asked with a sly grin.
"Sure, but for now, we need to have dinner. Then we can read the next chapter of Robin Hood." Diego squeezed her hand and gently lead her inside.