Chapter 14
"There you are son. Did you complete your experiment, son?"
"Yes, father. It turned out better than I expected."
"It is good to have you home again. I missed you, Diego. The hacienda was empty without you."
"Gracias, Father. It is good to be home." You have no idea, Father.
"It is time you dealt with more important matters, namely your relationship with Victoria. You're not getting any younger you know."
I should have known that father would not wait long before resuming the topic... "Victoria's affections cannot change overnight."
"I know but sometimes you can be a little…slow and..."
"and deliberate. Is that what you were trying to say." I should be glad he hasn't brought up the subject of grandchildren yet.
"Take advantage of the fact that she is interested in someone other than Zorro. We have Aria to thank for that."
"I plan on asking Victoria to dinner tomorrow evening so that should put your mind at ease."
"I will let it rest now that you have taken some action."
"I did not see Aria or Ramon at dinner."
"They had dinner at the tavern..."
"And I am sure you had nothing to do with it, Father. You think of Ramon as a second son so it stands to reason that you would not be averse to trying your matchmaking skills on him and Aria. I know you, Father."
"I confess that the thought has crossed my mind, son."
"It has not only crossed your mind but embedded itself in every nook and cranny."
"I dropped a few subtle hints to Ramon."
"Not just to Ramon but Aria as well, I presume."
"I only want to see this hacienda filled with children...You cannot hold it against an old man for trying."
Old man, indeed. This will be a long evening.
ZZZ
Aria and Ramon stood inside the sala enjoying the quietness of the evening. "It has been a wonderful evening, Ramon though I am sure that Victoria does not approve."
"It does not matter whether she approves or not. Victoria is free to live her own life and so am I."
"I know that you love her deeply. I don't want to cause any trouble..."
"Victoria may have the Escalante stubbornness but she will come around, of that I have no doubt. How do you feel about the possibility of this relationship becoming more serious?""
"I was interested in Diego at first but I find you very attractive."
"Would you consider letting me court you, Aria?"
"I would be honored, Senor."
ZZZ
Don Alejandro watched from a distance as Ramon bestowed a gentle kiss to the senorita's hand. My instincts were right. Now if things would only move as quickly with his son and Victoria..I would be a happy man indeed.
ZZZ
Victoria frowned as she thought about Ramon and Aria's simple yet eloquent display of affection last night. It was reassuring to know that Aria was truly out of the picture but not necessarily all that wonderful either. Aria could be my sister-in-law.
"Victoria….Victoria?"
"I'm sorry, Diego. I didn't hear you. What can I do for you?"
"You can display the pueblo's most beautiful smile and then I would like to order lunch, por favor. What is bothering you?"
"Nothing, Diego. Let me go to the kitchen and get your order," Victoria stalked back to the kitchen followed closely by Diego.
"Victoria, how can you get my order if you have not asked me what I want?" Diego smirked as he handed her the pad. "You are upset even if you trying to hide it from me."
"Why would you think that?"
"Your behavior just now…my order, the pad."
"You are so exasperating, sometimes, Diego de la Vega," she admitted as she took the pad from his hands.
"Pilar can take care of it while we can talk. Is it Ramon, perhaps?"
"I wonder about his choice in women."
"Women or just Aria? She does not exactly have a sterling past."
"Aria was interested in you and now suddenly she is interested in my brother?"
"Her interest in me was quite harmless."
"Men see a pretty face and lose all common sense. It certainly has not escaped your notice."
"I would have to be blind not to notice her. I am not interested in Aria, I am interested in you."
"Ramon is my brother. How do I know that Aria does not have any ulterior motives?"
"What ulterior motives? What could she be after? Ramon's considerable fortune, perhaps or could it be that he is a single available man who is interested in her?"
"I trust Ramon but I don't trust her..."
"They are not exactly engaged you know. Maybe this relationship will not led to marriage but on the other hand…"
"But what, Diego?"
"Aria could be your sister-in-law," he teased.
"Men, sometimes you can be so full of yourselves." Victoria stalked off towards the kitchen to the sound of Diego's laughter.
"Now, what was that all about?"
"Just a difference of opinion, Ramon. Nothing for you to worry about."
"My sister seems quite upset…is it you or me?"
"A little of both. Ramon, what is going on with you and Aria? You are interested in her. Is the feeling mutual?"
"I believe so, my friend. I take it that my sister does not approve."
"Your sister has concerns about Aria and her former profession."
"It is time that I set her straight on a few things."
"Victoria's temper gets in the way of her common sense but she has a good heart."
"If my sister steps out of line…"
"Victoria and Aria will work this out."
"I hope that you are right, Diego. I will see you later. I promised to take Aria shopping today."
"I hope you enjoy it," the caballero smirked.