Victoria was bundled into bed as soon as they arrived at the hacienda, and the guests were politely told that she was unwell.

"I hope it is not too serious," Capitan Destara said softly.

"I heard about your instalment as Alcalde, Destara," Diego said with curiosity.

"I will endeavour to do a quality job, Diego. This pueblo deserves more leadership than it has received over the years. As I plan to settle here with my future wife and have many beautiful children, I will only be acting in my own interest to ensure peace in the territory in and around Los Angeles."

"Peace at what cost, Alcalde?"

"I will be consulting with community leaders, such as your father and property owners and managers, such as Victoria. Everyone's views will be taken into account. I am considering giving Zorro a pardon, so we can discuss the issues of Los Angeles in a calm and respectful manner."

Diego's eyebrows lifted, and he nodded. As his father gestured him over, he was drawn to his responsibilities as co-host with Alejandro. "Please excuse me, Max," Diego said softly, as he moved away.

"Hernandez said that the cactus tea was a good idea. She's come to no real harm, but sleeping off the effects of the wine will be a good thing. Strange to have an engagement party without the bride in attendance." Alejandro gave Diego a hard look.

"I just peeped in at Victoria," Isabella said coming across to the men. "She's murmuring about Diego's muscles or something else completely inappropriate…"

Diego flushed a soft pink, and looked away. "I am sorry. I didn't think. One glass shouldn't have caused such reactions."

"She said something about drinking yours as well," Alejandro said.

"Two glasses?" Isabella said with a surprised look. "What were you thinking?"

"She is a tavern keeper," Diego said softly. "I would have expected some more caution – I wasn't expecting such excitement. I thought she may have an awareness of the powers of champagne. It does have a reputation."

"As if Victoria has had much experience with champagne? It costs a fortune, and she is unlikely to stock it. Diego, you are so naïve around women. A man of your age should have a little more confidence and ability around them," Alejandro said thoughtfully. "Diego…have you…do you need me to…" He glanced at Isabella with a raised eyebrow.

"I am well aware of what marital intimacy consists of," Diego said, a trifle flustered. "I did have a social life in Madrid…" He glanced at Isabella. "Not suitable for female ears, either, Father."

Isabella blushed a little, and smiled. She saw someone she wanted to talk to, and left the father and son. They waited for Diego's colour to drain from his face, and then mingled with the guests. They kept their distance from each other for the rest of the party.

Zzz

Diego sighed as he dropped himself into his chair near the small flickering fire in the library. His father was already reading a novel in the other chair, and Isabella was dozing on the chaise lounge.

Diego glanced at the pretty widow.

"Do you want me to carry her to a guest room, Father? One near the nursery, do you think?"

Alejandro lowered the book, and glanced at his fiancée with affection.

"She is exhausted, look at her. She should be entering her confinement, that baby will be born in a few weeks."

"Francisco's child will be born before any wedding then," Diego said softly. "I thought you both wanted to marry before he got here."

"As I remind Isabella constantly, the little one may well be a girl."

"You'd like it to be a girl?"

"I don't mind. A boy would answer her prayers, but it neither here nor there. A baby is a baby. The future is the future…"

Diego approached the lady, and easily lifted her into his arms. She sleepily raised her arms and wrapped them around his neck to make it easier for him to carry her.

"Francisco…. I love you," she murmured. Diego glanced at Alejandro, who shrugged and picked up his novel again.

"I'm sure I say similar things in my sleep as well. It is understandable under the circumstances."

Diego alerted a servant once he took Isabella to a guest room, and left Isabella settled in the soft bed with the servant to assist with any undressing and fuss.

"Father," Diego said as he strolled back to the library. "Destara is the new Alcalde."

"I am aware of the change of authority. I make sure I am aware of what goes on around the town," Alejandro said softly. He glanced up, and stared at his son. "What is it?"

Diego sighed. "He is considering consulting with the entire community over the future of Los Angeles."

"That is a good thing, surely?"

"He wants to issue a pardon for Zorro," Diego said thoughtfully.

"You distrust him? You think it may be a trap? What is wrong?"

Diego shook his head slowly. "No, I think I trust him. Am I mad? Should I consider it a trap?"

"You know the man, Diego. You can't trust him with women, but politics are different. He is a brilliant military man. I have received letters from friends, and they insist that his reputation is sound and sure. He has already started to get those lancers into better shape, and it has only been a few weeks."

"I have noticed that. Zorro makes it his business to patrol the pueblo daily. No Alcalde since my return has let loose on the pueblo without supervision."

"Such pride, Diego. A little too arrogant?"

"I am my father's son, I'm afraid."

"Yes, I am aware of that, now."

Diego glanced at his father. "I am sorry that I have been so troublesome this year. I should have told you about Zorro from the start, as I wanted to. I have wasted five years of my life, when I could have been the son you wanted all along. I could have told Victoria long ago, and been married years ago as well."

"This has probably all worked out for the best, Diego. We are all older and wiser. We have all experienced events that have moulded us into the people we now are. If it happened when we were all younger, perhaps we would have all reacted in the wrong way, and spoiled it."

"That's an interesting thought," Diego said.

"Now, if you ever want to play cowboys again, put a work shirt on and go and see Juan in the stables. I am sure he will find something for you to do."

"Should I accept the pardon, if it is issued?"

"It hasn't been issued yet, Diego. Wait until it is."

Zzz

Diego wandered into the tavern, and saw Victoria working hard behind the counter. He sat in his normal seat at the bar, and she smiled tiredly at him.

"Do you feel well, Victoria?"

"Of course," she said. "Your father wouldn't let me set foot in the tavern until the doctor declared it would be better than pacing up and down in the hacienda."

Diego smiled a little.

"There is a poster on one of the posts in the main hall. You may be interested in reading it, when you get a chance."

"What is it?"

"A pardon for Zorro."

"As if he will accept? The nerve of that Alcalde…"

Diego turned to glance at the man who had spoken. Victoria poured him his usual.

"Good morning, young man. Congratulations on your engagement…" The older man raised his glass and smiled.

"Why do you think Zorro won't accept?"

"Why would the farmer want to pardon his pest?" The vaquero murmured. "Will he invite the fox to sit on his lap like a lapdog?"

"Destara is talking about the differences he is planning. That's a good sign," Diego said.

"The fox will wait. You watch him. He'll wait and judge the man by his works, not his words. A lemon tree doesn't grow oranges, does it?"

Diego smiled. "I know a professor in Spain who can make such a tree do that…" All it took was the right knowledge of grafting and such a thing was possible.

"Perhaps a cactus doesn't grow the oranges," Diego murmured to himself. Was Max Destara a cactus or a struggling orange tree? Perhaps the vaquero was right. Time would tell.