Chapter Seven
"Buenos días, señorita," Garcia greeted cheerfully as he lifted his large form from his seat in respect. The Captain and Diego did the same.
"Please, there is no need for such formality," she urged them as her eyes frantically darted about the room in embarrassment at such a spectacle. Diego found this action odd. Surely, she would be used to receiving such attention.
"It is no formality to stand in front of such a beautiful señorita, but an honor," the Capitán replied. Reaching out to take her hand, he raised it to his lips.
A delicate blush graced Olivia's cheeks. "I do not believe I shall ever become used to you Spaniards and your customs. Not that I am complaining."
"You must be Señorita Walker," Estevez realized suddenly as he listed to her voice. "If I may introduce myself: I am Capitán Julio Ramon Estevez, Comandante of the Pueblo de Los Angeles." His introduction was quite different than the Sergeant's had been. Instead of being loud and boisterous, it had been soft and warm—Diego noted—and he was looking at her quite intensely.
"Ah, so that means that you must have been the one all of the fuss was about yesterday, then," she grinned prettily at him.
"Erm... yes. I hope it all did not disturb you. Unfortunately, as a soldier, those sorts of troubles happen more often than one would like."
"No, it did not disturb us. In fact, it was quite exciting to see. From what I understand, that outlaw Zorro strikes here often."
"We were actually just discussing that. You may join us if you would like." He waved his arm in a welcoming motion.
"That would be lovely. Thank you."
Diego offered up his chair to her which she accepted gratefully. As he pulled over another for him, he noted her maid was standing at the bar. He saw Bernardo waggle his fingers at her in greeting. She smiled at him and began to sign to him in a flurry of motions. Of course, the signs that Bernardo knew were different than hers and the mute looked toward his master for help. Diego could only silently laugh at him as he watched his mozo urge the girl to slow down.
"Gracias, Diego," Olivia's words of thanks pulled his attention back to the table and the woman who now sat beside him. She looked very different than the last time he'd seen her. The dirt of travel had been cleared away, and the exhaustion on her features had disappeared. Her eyes were soft as she glanced his way and her smile was friendly and warm. So warm that he could almost feel it washing over him like a soft blanket.
"De nada, señorita."
"Now, what have I missed?" she asked eagerly as she turned to look at the two others sitting across from them.
"I was just telling the Sergeant and Don Diego about the visit I received from Zorro last night," Capitán Estevez informed her.
"Striking twice in one evening?" Her eyes widened in excitement. "It is as if he is just asking to be caught."
"But, it was not Zorro who saved the Capitán, señorita," Garcia informed her.
"No?"
"No. It was someone else. But, his purpose for being in Los Angeles and reason for saving my life is still unknown. I would suggest that you not travel alone, just to be safe." Estevez paused as he sipped from his glass of brandy. "Whoever he may be, though, I thank him. From what I have heard, it would not have been the first time a Comandante had been killed upon arriving in the pueblo."
"But, do not fear, señorita," Garcia was quick to reassure her, "our pueblo really is usually quite peaceful."
"Yes, unfortunately, we've had a few bad apples in the bunch," Diego added, "but the rest of the population is quite different. They only want to live simple, honest lives."
"What more can one hope for?" she mused aloud.
Diego smiled in agreement with her. Indeed, what more could one hope for.
"I must say, señorita, the brooch you are wearing is quite beautiful. I don't believe I've ever seen another like it before."
She glanced down at the piece of jewelry that adorned her collar. Diego noticed it as well. It was made of silver and designed in the fashion of a cameo. Carved into it was a wolf howling at a crescent moon. "Gracias, Captain. It is the mark of my family. I am afraid that I am feeling a bit homesick this morning."
"It can be quite difficult being so far away from home," Diego said, knowing full well what she was missing. The years he'd spent in Spain had been exciting, yes, but he'd missed the shores of California. He'd missed his home, and he'd missed his father. "I can understand completely, señorita."
He noticed the slight blush she wore as both he and the Capitán fought to claim her attention. The sight of it made his heart do a flip inside of his chest. It was a feeling that he hadn't experienced in years. He could recollect one other rivalry he'd been involved in that involved another woman. Unfortunately, that hadn't ended up so well for Diego. Perhaps, things would end up differently this time.
"You know, recently, I read the writings of one of your American authors," Estevez regained her attention, much to Diego's chagrin. "I believe it goes something like: 'Where we love is home—home that our own feet may leave...'"
"...but not our hearts'," (1) Olivia finished for him. Leaning back in her seat, she stared at the Capitán with new interest. "I am impressed, Captain."
"Gracias, señorita," he smiled at her.
Diego was feeling a bit uncomfortable at how familiar they'd become so fast. Why did he dislike it so much when the Capitán smiled at her?
"Um... if I recall, Sergeant Garcia said something about filling out an official report of my visit?" Olivia asked before turning to signal to Emily to approach. The girl responded immediately and was at her mistress's side in an instant. A few hand signs were exchanged, then the fair-haired woman was gone, disappearing up the stairs toward their rooms. "I just sent Emily up to fetch our papers," she informed them when she was met with expressions of confusion.
"Yes, of course. If you and your servant would accompany me to my office. And, perhaps after you are finished filling out the report, we may discuss a bit more about American literature."
"That sounds like a rather pleasant afternoon, Captain. Thank you." Emily reappeared a moment later, the leather billfold back in her grasp. Olivia took it from her, signing her thanks. "Shall we be off, then?" she asked the officer.
"Of course. De la Vega, gracias for joining in on our discussion. Perhaps we can chat again about things other than that rascal Zorro."
"Of course. Oh, and before I forget, my father and I are arranging a celebration of your arrival for this Friday evening. We would be honored if you would attend."
"Well, I can't exactly miss a fiesta held in my honor, now can I?" Estevez joked with a sly grin. "Tell your father that I accept and am very grateful for such a kind welcome."
"Erm... Comandante," Garcia chimed in rather sheepishly, "Don Diego and Don Alejandro have also invited all of the soldiers in the garrison who are not on duty. Are we allowed to attend as well?"
The commanding officer didn't even take a second to think about it. "Of course, Sergeant. Tell every man who is not on duty that he may also join in on the festivities." The Capitán glanced in the señorita's direction with what looked like a flicker of hope to Diego. "I hope you will also be in attendance?"
Surprised at the question, Olivia glanced between the Captain and Diego. "It would be a pleasure, of course, but I have not been invited."
"That is lunacy. A woman of such beauty should not be relegated to be alone in the tavern when there is a fiesta she could be attending. Diego, tell her she is also invited."
Even if the Comandante hadn't made the request, Diego still would have offered up an invitation. "It would be an honor if you would also attend, señorita, of course."
She seemed stunned that he would not hesitate to extend the invitation to her and almost looked as if she was mentally weighing her answer. "I would love to as long as it doesn't interfere with business. Remember, I am only in California for a short time."
Diego snapped his fingers a thought just struck him. "Which brings me to the reason for my visit to the pueblo, this morning. I was hoping to see you to tell you that I have arranged a meeting between you and Don Tomas tomorrow if you are still interested in looking at his colt."
He seemed to stun her again that he had remembered his promise of introducing her to a few of the other Dons. It was almost as if she wasn't used to such niceties. With every moment he spent with her he seemed to end up with more questions. "Yes, of course. Gracias, Diego."
"Fantastic. Shall I pick you up tomorrow, then? Around ten o'clock?"
She nodded in agreement and couldn't help but give him a genuine smile. "Perhaps we shall make a day of it? I would enjoy it if you would show me more of your gorgeous countryside."
Diego's smile felt just as genuine. "I look forward to it."
"As do I."
The Captain cleared his throat as he dug into the pocket of his uniform jacket looking for a peso he would toss on the table for his and the Sergeant's drinks. "Now, if you would come with me, Señorita Walker, I'll escort you to my office." He made his way around the table and approached Olivia to pull out her chair for her.
As she stood up, both Diego and Sergeant Garcia did as well.
"Adiós, señorita," Garcia grinned in his familiar way with childlike glee and waggled his fingers at her in farewell.
"Adiós, Sergeant. Don Diego." She nodded to both men, then turned to make certain that Emily knew to follow. As she moved, her foot became caught around the leg of her chair and she pitched forward. "Oh!" she cried out as she fell forward.
Diego and the Capitán both reached out to catch her, but she was able to find purchase with the tabletop before either man's assistance was necessary.
"Are you alright?" Diego questioned frantically as he watched her body begin to tremble. Her face was hidden from his view for the moment. "You didn't injure yourself, I hope?"
She shook her head as she lifted her face into his view. Tears had flooded her eyes and her face had flushed pink, but she wasn't sobbing. She was laughing. "Oh, Diego, no. I am perfectly fine. Forgive me, gentlemen. I am horribly clumsy."
"You are certain you did not hurt yourself?" Garcia questioned, his eyes wide in horror.
"No. I am perfectly fine." She continued to chuckle as she raised herself to her full height, brushing the back of a finger against her tears. "I fear my feet are terrified of being on the ground for too long. They never seem to want to remain there."
All three men seemed relieved at her reassurance that she was not injured and visibly relaxed.
"Perhaps it just means that you are light on your feet," Diego commented with a teasing grin.
"Sí, I am very eager to see how well you dance," Estevez added with a grin of his own.
She shook her head at the two of them, seeming to take their teasing in stride. "I fear it would be at the expense of your poor feet. I consider myself lucky if I can walk in a straight line. Grace is certainly not one of my qualities."
"We shall see," Diego shrugged, offering her a playful wink.
"We should go, señorita," Ramon told her as he placed his hat back onto his head. "Garcia, I expect you back at your post in ten minutes." He didn't wait for a response, knowing that the large man would follow his command. Garcia was a man of great integrity and an asset to have in this new posting. He was loyal to the core and was quickly becoming a fast ally.
He took a gentle hold of the señorita's arm—for stabilization, he told her, teasingly as they exited the tavern and walked across the plaza toward the cuartel. Emily was following a few steps behind.
She turned away from to so he wouldn't see her roll her eyes at him, but he had noticed and it only made him laugh even more. "If I remember my manners correctly, señor, it is impolite to tease a woman in such a manner." She was pretending to be affronted by his actions, he knew. It was quite adorable.
Then suddenly she had stopped laughing and had stopped in her tracks as they passed through the garrison gates, her eyes focusing on the occupied cell. The failed assassin that was locked inside was under heavy guard, and Ramon reached out to steer her away from setting eyes on him in case the sight would disturb her. But, she wouldn't budge. Her feet remained planted and her gaze remained fixed. Then he looked closer. It wasn't the man on the inside that drew her attention. It was the soldier standing on the outside of it.
Lieutenant Allende had been assigned to get information out of the prisoner, but by the look of it, he wasn't being successful.
"Is something the matter?" Ramon questioned. He noticed the way her back had gone ramrod straight. She was clearly on edge.
She continued to stare, almost frozen in place at the sight of him. Emily urged her to turn away, but she didn't seem like she could do it. "Forgive me. It's just... his eye..."
"Oh, yes. It is a bit gruesome, isn't it? He said it happened about a year ago while he was chasing after some bandido. The ruffian chose to fight back with a knife and cut his eye."
"He seems to almost wear it like a badge of honor," she cringed at the sight of the milky-white eye that was now turned toward the gates. Staring out. Unseeing.
"More like a warning to anyone else who would try something similar. Lieutenant Allende is not a man who goes down so easily."
"So, I can see." Ramon was successful in his second attempt to usher her toward his office with a gentle hand to the small of her back. It was the encouragement she needed to finally turn away and focus again on the Capitán. "How long has he been working under your command?"
"Only about three months. He was in Spain before that. This is his first visit to California."
"At least you are in good company, then," she teased.
He chuckled as he opened the door to his office and stood off to the side to allow her to enter first. "That I am, señorita. Now, if you'll please come inside, we can finish with all of this official business, and perhaps you can tell me a bit about your home."
The two women stepped inside and before he followed, he glanced over the garrison to make certain all was well before following them inside.
1. A quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. from his poem "homesick in heaven".