My thanks to PamZ. Her transcripts contribute significantly to the creation of this story.
Chapter 19
After Zorro had left the pueblo at full gallop and the alcalde hurried to his office to assess the damage and lick his wounds, Don Alejandro walked over to Victoria and Margarita.
Alejandro gallantly bowed and spoke, "Victoria, I see you have met the other soon-to-be bride, de la Vega. May I introduce you to Margarita de Madera? Margarita, this is Victoria Escalante, Diego's fiancée."
Victoria turned to Margarita, smiled kindly, and extended her hand. "Then you must be the fiancée of Rafaël. Nice to meet you."
Margarita gazed at Victoria's hand as if she feared it might get contaminated with a serious disease before disdainfully replying, "Nice to meet you, indeed."
Don Alejandro nodded approvingly. "I'm sure you two will become good friends. Ah, Rafaël, come and meet Victoria Escalante."
As they shook hands, Margarita's eyes fell upon the magnificent ring on Victoria's finger. She had her own engagement ring, but that one was obviously less valuable than the tavern owners. "What a beautiful ring you have." She cried.
"Thank you. Diego told me that this ring belonged to his mother," Victoria replied.
Alejandro explained with a tinge of sadness in his voice. "The ring didn't solely belong to his mother. This ring has been in the family for at least four generations. When the eldest son reaches a marriageable age, the doña presents the ring to the son to welcome his future wife into the family. Unfortunately, this honour befell me with Diego. Of course, I would have preferred Felicidad to give the ring to Diego,"
Margarita turned green in envy. She continued, "What a lovely idea. Sadly, my ring has a less interesting history."
"Then let us be the founders of our own history and continue this tradition. Years from now, you can give your ring to our son," Rafaël suggested.
Margarita hummed sarcastically. "Perhaps."
"But first, let's return to the hacienda. Maria is preparing a delicious meal. Will you join us, Victoria?" Don Alejandro asked, giving Victoria an inviting look.
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A servant opened the door of hacienda de la Vega, ushering in Margarita, Rafaël, Victoria, and Don Alejandro. Diego was engrossed in a painting, which he quickly covered with a cloth.
Rafaël quipped, "Is it that bad that we're not allowed to see it?"
"No, not at all. But there's someone in this room who shouldn't see it until it's finished," Diego replied while casting a glance at Victoria. "I hope to present it to her the day after tomorrow."
Victoria was momentarily speechless. Was Diego making a painting for her as a wedding gift? What a thoughtful gesture, putting in so much time and effort. She had expected him to give her a piece of jewellery or something else that was rather easy to buy and impress. That he made her a gift himself felt much more personal. Whatever was on the canvas, it was precious to her already.
Margarita couldn't resist expressing her opinion tactfully. "A homemade gift. How charming. You're lucky, Victoria, to have a man willing to go to such lengths for a present," she said, with a friendly tone that didn't sound entirely genuine. She emphasized some words in a way that made it clear she meant something else. She laughed and placed her hand on Rafaël's arm.
Rafaël now turned to Don Alejandro. "The territorial governor needs to be informed about what your alcalde has done today..."
Don Alejandro poured in wine for everyone and juice for Diego. Looking somewhat weary, he settled into a chair. "The governor is working with the alcalde. I was just glad there was enough distraction to escape arrest."
"Arrest?" Diego asked, concerned.
As Victoria handed out the wine glasses, Rafaël remarked, "Oh, it wasn't much. The alcalde can't just arrest me without sufficient evidence."
Margarita turned excitedly to Diego. "And guess who we saw? Zorro!"
Diego took a sip of his juice. "That's always thrilling."
"Oh!" exclaimed Margarita, delighted. "I've never seen anything as exciting as him. He fooled all the alcalde's men. And he even had time to spare to wink at me!"
Rafaël winked at Diego. "This Zorro is truly a comic hero. The peasants may adore him, but according to the law, he's just a criminal."
Don Alejandro agreed. "That's true. If Zorro ever gets caught, he will certainly get hanged."
Diego stood beside Victoria. "And that would be quite a spectacle."
Victoria recoiled at the thought of Zorro getting hanged. She had a dislike for all forms of execution. Her mother got killed by a firing squad because she helped a rebel. Sometimes she was still plagued by nightmares of that day. Victoria understood that some criminals deserved the death penalty. But she abhorred the casualness in which such things often got carried out without a fair trial.
"Let's hope that never happens. I suggest we get ready for dinner. Shall we meet in the library in an hour?" suggested Don Alejandro.
Victoria was the only one who didn't need to change and preferred to help in the kitchen instead of waiting alone in the library while the others got ready. "I'll see if Maria needs any assistance."
Don Alejandro nodded approvingly. "That's kind of you, Victoria. You're a guest, so it's not necessary. Feel free to wait in the garden or the library."
"It's no problem," Victoria replied without further thought, not noticing the expression of disgust on Margarita's face.
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Over an hour later, the company had taken their places at the grand, elegantly set dining table. The aroma of delicious dishes filled the room, including grilled lamb chops, chicken and cheese enchiladas, and a colourful salad of fresh vegetables.
Margarita was still raving about what she had seen in the pueblo earlier. "Oh, Victoria, I truly don't understand how you could remain so calm. This Zorro is simply breathtaking for any woman, isn't he?"
Victoria politely chuckled, inwardly grateful that no one seemed to notice how impressed she had been by the man in question. "Zorro has performed impressive feats before. But that doesn't change the fact that he fights violence with violence and often performs dangerous stunts. Not only putting himself but also those around him in danger," Victoria replied.
Margarita looked at her curiously. "What do you mean? I saw him fight. He could have easily defeated another dozen men. He was magnificent."
"There were children in the plaza. Those lancers were carrying loaded rifles. What if one of the bullets meant for Zorro hit a child?" Victoria expressed her concern.
"Oh, I'm sure Zorro can handle it. Besides, they're just peasants," Margarita dismissed Victoria's fear with a wave of her hand.
Diego can no longer listen to this. "Señorita, I like to believe all lives matter. And since Zorro not only freed my father from prison but also prevented peasants from being whipped for being unable to pay taxes, saved Indians from being robbed of their land, and even returned the lancers' salary to the authorities after the stagecoach got robbed, I like to think he feels the same way."
"Well said, son. I agree that Zorro doesn't distinguish class. He helps anyone in need," Don Alejandro adds.
Margarita continues, "Victoria if all of this is true, I don't understand why you're so negative about Zorro. I mean, he's a hero to the common people, is he nog? You're one of them. And I can't imagine that you, like all the other women, you don't have secretly..." She interrupts herself and giggles to soften her remark. "a small crush on him."
The conversation is not going as Victoria would like. It's already difficult enough to speak negatively about Zorro without someone suggesting she's in love with him. She's on the verge of letting Margarita experience her fiery Escalante temper. However, Margarita is engaged to a beloved family member of the dons. Victoria keeps her face neutral and responds thoughtfully, "I appreciate Zorro's courage and determination, but I believe there are other ways to fight for justice without violence."
Margarita savours the excitement of the game she's playing. With a grin on her face, she takes it a step further. "But Victoria, you don't have to be ashamed if you have feelings for Zorro. Everyone will understand. He's a hero, a mysterious and charming figure."
Victoria feels increasingly cornered. She tries to hide her irritation and decides not to shy away from the confrontation. With determination, she speaks out, "Margarita, I assure you, I have no feelings for Zorro. Many forget the fact that because Zorro has a high bounty on his head, it also attracts a lot of scum in the name of bounty hunters. Often these are men with their own criminal records."
Diego, who has been attentively following the entire conversation, feels a mixture of sadness and pride. He admires Victoria's patience. Even the part of him that is spineless don Diego has difficulty restraining himself from pouring the soup tureen over the woman's head.
Margarita is enjoying the uncomfortable moment and seizes the opportunity to deliver another jab. "I can believe that last part. And many of them will benefit from the..., services you provide at your tavern," she adds sarcastically.
Rafaël senses the tension rising and warns Margarita, realizing that his fiancée is teetering on the edge of impropriety. "Margarita," he says sternly, hoping to calm her down.
Margarita ignores his warning and continues, "Of course, I mean the accommodations and the excellent food she serves. Did you make this salad, Victoria? It tastes quite good, almost as delicious as the one our kitchen help makes." Margarita had barely touched her plate and maybe eaten two small bites of the salad.
Victoria maintains her composure and responds calmly, "Maria made the salad. I merely helped her set the table."
Margarita looks down at the table arrangement in an attempt to further provoke Victoria. "And you did a splendid job, although it can't compare to the elegantly set tables in Santa Barbara. Have you ever been there? You'd be amazed. I can't find words to describe how refined life is there. We have magnificent ballrooms, lush gardens, and stately mansions." Contempt is clearly audible in her voice.
Victoria remains calm and ignores the condescending remark. She refuses to make a scene at the table, knowing it's not the behaviour expected of her. She gathers her thoughts and responds with a subtle smile, "But I believe true wealth and elegance are not solely found in material things. But rather in one's values and character. I appreciate simplicity and sincerity over the false pretence of politeness."
"Oh, I completely agree," Margarita chirps shamelessly, relishing in the discomfort she's causing.
Diego, who has been silently listening, feels it's time to intervene. He wants to prevent the situation from escalating further. "Let's not forget that traditions and customs don't determine who we are, but how we behave and interact with others," Diego says firmly. "Regardless of our backgrounds, whether from the city or the countryside. It's our actions and words that show good upbringing."
Rafaël nods in agreement and adds, "Diego is right. It's not appearance that defines a person, but rather their inner qualities and values that truly matter. We should respect and accept each other, regardless of our backgrounds."
Margarita, relishing in belittling Victoria, decides to take things a step further. "Of course, but it's no secret that Diego is a wealthy man," she says with a sly smile. "Victoria might have more than one reason to eagerly wanting to marry him. She might even have more than two. An engagement of less than a month is so exceptionally short that it can raise questions among people."
Victoria looks Margarita directly in the eyes, her determination shining through. "Margarita, I can assure you of this. There is only one reason why I accepted Diego's proposal. Our choice got based on mutual feelings for each other," she confidently replies.
Diego feels a wave of warmth flows through him at Victoria's words. Under the table, he places his hand on Victoria's, a sign of support and devotion.
Don Alejandro tries to ease the tension and changes the subject. "Let's not discuss this further and focus on the delightful dinner Maria has prepared for us. Let's fill this evening with delicious flavours and pleasant conversations. Victoria, perhaps you can persuade Diego to play the piano later."
Margarita quickly retorts, "Otherwise, I'd be happy to perform some musical pieces. Christobal Escalona once said I play the piano very well. He is a first cousin of the Duke of Escalona. Isn't that right, Rafaël? And you have a beautiful instrument, don Alejandro."
"Margarita indeed plays the piano excellently," Rafaël confirms, relieved that they have transitioned to a safer topic.
However, Margarita still isn't finished in her attempts to put Victoria in her place. "Victoria, do you play an instrument? We could try to perform something together."
Victoria feels uncomfortable and admits, "Unfortunately, I don't."
"Oh, well, you can't help that. Not everyone can afford a proper education. Perhaps you can assist me by turning the pages for me," Margarita remarks.
Rafaël loudly clears his throat, trying to silence Margarita. "Diego, amidst all the commotion earlier and just now, I almost forgot to ask. I would be honoured if you be my best man."
"Rafaël, I am honoured. It would be my pleasure," Diego begins, but he gets distracted as he feels a hard kick against his shin.
"And..." His father makes eye contact with Diego and gestures meaningfully towards Rafael, indicating that he wants him to ask something.
Diego ignores his father. "I have asked Felipe to be my best man."
"Felipe!" Margarita exclaims in shock. Has Diego chosen a destitute orphan boy as his best man over his own cousin?
Diego, slightly irritated but determined nonetheless, says, "Felipe has been part of our family for years. He has always been loyal to our family. I think of him as a brother. And I want him to be my best man."
"But he's just an orpha..." Margarita realizes that if she were to finish her sentence as planned, she would go too far and jeopardize the family's hospitality. "He's deaf and mute," she quickly changes her words. "How can he be a best man when he doesn't even hear what the padre says?" Margarita asks.
Victoria remarks with a hint of sarcasm, "Felipe is an excellent lip-reader. Personally, I fully support Diego's choice to ask Felipe."
Rafaël says, "Completely understandable. Diego, I can only support your decision."
Alejandro seems hesitant for a moment but eventually agrees. "You're right, Rafaël. It's ultimately Diego's decision. If you both agree, who am I to have an opinion?"
Diego gratefully smiles at Rafaël and raises his glass. "Then let us toast to family, loyalty, and choices we make in life."
"And," Rafaël adds, as well lifting his glass, "to our beautiful fiancées."
"Fiancées!? Margarita exclaims, throwing her napkin on the table.
You mean fiancée. Our wedding is off, Rafaël de la Vega," She rushes off to the guest quarters.
The others are left dumbfounded. Rafaël stands up. "Excuse me. I should go and see what's going on."
.
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I never really liked Margarita. She fell in love with Zorro too easily.
She dumped Rafaël like a hot potato. Only to change her mind back just as fast.
In this story, she is not at all likeable. I'm still not sure if their relationship can get saved this time. Not after the way she acted towards Victoria.
Not sure whether it is true, but I remember reading somewhere that the actress playing Margarita was Patricia Martinez's (Victoria's) sister. When you look closely, you can definitely see similarities between the women.
Except for two chapters, the story in Dutch, is finished. I only need to translate it into English and fine-tune it. I will post a new chapter as soon as it gets finished.
I anxiously wait for your reviews and opinions.
