Chapter 13

Aria admired the de la Vega roses and the quiet ambiance of the beautiful garden. She enjoyed coming to sit out here and understood why Diego's mother enjoyed it so much. She must have been a fine woman to raise such a compassionate, understanding son as well as maintaining a place in her husband's heart after so many years...Her presence could still be felt in the hacienda that she had called home. She was a truly remarkable lady...

"The garden is beautiful," Ramon stated as he sat next to the former courtesan. Aria was polished and witty but she had a certain resolve about her that he admired. She was intelligent and not afraid to speak her mind on occasion. In that respect, she reminded him of his little sister although he would not tell Victoria that...Why had she become a courtesan with so many other options at her disposal? What man would not be proud to have her as his wife despite her past?

"It is very peaceful here. I wish that I could stay here forever but a good houseguest must not overstay her welcome, no matter how gracious the hosts."

"Why did you become a courtesan? You are a beautiful, educated woman Aria.."

"I was chosen based on breeding, social skills, intelligence and beauty. I came from a wealthy background. In my country, some courtesans are treated as equals to noblewomen. My father saw it as a way to advance himself politically. When I was no longer useful, I came here to start over."

Ramon knew the pain of living on your own and that life was not always easy. He had known various types of women yet this one intrigued him like none other...He wanted to know more about her even if it took a lifetime...

"Most men would be put off by my past..."

"What right do I have to judge you? I have not exactly been a saint myself." Several gentlemen in the town had thrown admiring glances her way but she did not seem interested. If she were not interested in Diego or the other men, then could she have possibly been interested in him?

You are a special man, Ramon Escalante. The more I learn about you the more I want to know...

ZZZ

Ramon Escalante sat beside the cot while Diego slept quietly. The bleeding had subsided and the wound was healing nicely. Thankfully, Don Alejandro was used to Diego's absences and no one was any wiser to the fact that Zorro was not seen as often. Ramon made one appearance at night on the back of a reticent Tornado. With a little coaxing and a treat from Felipe, Diego's faithful horse fulfilled his role in making sure that the masked man was seen from a discreet distance. Everything was proceeding according to plan. If only the rest of my life was that simple but still...

"What is that smile about, Ramon?" Diego quickly glanced at his friend.

"I didn't know that you were awake."

"Evidently not. Judging by the faraway expression on your face...Are you thinking about a certain female houseguest? I know what it means to have a woman occupy your thoughts. Victoria was not the first woman to capture my heart but most certainly, she will be the last."

"You have been apart too long. What do you think of…," he hesitated.

"You and Aria," he finished, "she is a good match for you…she is spirited and intelligent... and reminds me of Victoria in many ways. Don't tell that to your sister, amigo. I don't think she would like the comparison... Do you love her enough to put up with the criticism? The snide remarks about her past?"

"She is not the only one with a past, Diego. Her past is not important to me. I didn't exactly descend from royalty either. I can handle it, amigo. It doesn't concern me what other people think or say about our relationship."

"Your happiness is important to me, Ramon. You will always have my support."

"Thank you, Diego," he stated as he rose from his chair. "I will check on you in the morning. Good night, my friend."

"Good night, Ramon," Diego yawned, "Ramon, I just had a thought. Could you imagine Victoria and Aria as sisters-in-law?"

"It would be nothing compared to the fireworks between you and my sister."

ZZZ

Diego stretched after several days of recuperating. He was more than ready to return to the main floor of the hacienda. Felipe had provided Don Alejandro with a plausible excuse for Diego's absence. Later this evening he would reappear and resume his normal routine. It would be good to be with his friends and family again...

'You are looking better,' Felipe signed as he entered the room.

"Gracias, amigo," he smiled, "how are things upstairs today? I hope Ramon has kept Aria occupied during my absence." Aria was an intelligent woman and not easily fooled.

'He seems very attracted to Senorita Aria. She seems pleased by his attentions.'

"I can imagine Victoria's reaction to Aria and her brother."

'She is not thrilled but she has not interfered so far. She is a bit preoccupied.'

"How so, Felipe?"

'Seeing her brother going on with his life has caused her to think about her future with or without Zorro.'

"Zorro has been between us for so long. It is time to move forward…" Victoria finally saw him as a man not just her best friend. The more he considered it the more he thought that the two could make a go of their relationship.

'It is about time.'

"I am sure that my father has been up to a bit of matchmaking, no father cannot resist the opportunity, "Diego laughed, "It is good to have his matchmaking attempts focused on someone else for a change."

'Don't get too excited. He has his sights set on Ramon and Aria at the moment. He will direct his attentions toward you and Victoria as soon as you return.'

"Maybe, I should stay in this cave forever then."