Happy Sunday, all! I hope you all are dressed and ready for a fiesta.

I know I am. :)

Enjoy!

Linny

Chapter Thirteen

It was clear that the servants of the de la Vega hacienda certainly took pride in their work. The patio was beautifully decorated with strands of fresh green garland and dotted with bunches of small white and pink flowers that hung over every eave and wrapped around each pot. Paper lanterns were scattered throughout, the candles inside casting the large area in subtle, warm light.

Foods of all kinds had been expertly arranged on the finest silver platters sitting on a long table that had been set up along the wall furthest from the main gate. A large bowl of sangria took up its place at the end, along with a large set of matching glassware.

There was a small group of musicians in the corner. Their sound flowed over the collective din of the crowd that had gathered. The middle of the patio had been designated as the dance floor, where dozens of men and women had already gathered. It seemed like everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Capitán Estevez was impressed by the reception. The people of Los Angeles were being most accommodating. The Dons greeted him with the utmost respect, while the señoritas fawned over him like they were infatuated school girls. He could get used to such attention, but then that kind of attention was what had led to the downfall of his predecessors. He would have to keep his ego in check and not fall into the same traps that they had. He needed to remember that it was the uniform that was attracting them.

"Ah, Capitán Estevez," Diego greeted him, genially as he approached the officer. His suit was dark blue and was adorned with silver brocade. He looked every bit the caballero he was supposed to be. "I hope you are enjoying yourself this evening."

"Yes, gracias. It seems that you and your father spared no expense, Diego." He may be an officer in the King's Army, but he could only imagine the kind of money it would take to throw such an elaborate gathering.

"To welcome you to our community, no expense is too much." He was cradling a full wine glass in his hand, a bit sloshing over the rim of the glass as he moved. The young man had clearly been imbibing well before the party had been in full swing. What it must be like to have so few worries in one's life.

He wasn't being fair to Diego, he realized. From what he had heard about the man, there was a great deal more to him than what lay on the surface. He was a poet and a pacifist—what some would call a popinjay. He didn't carry a sword, but Ramon had learned that he had a biting wit that had ground at the nerves of one or two wrongdoers in the past. He'd also heard stories—mostly from Garcia and Reyes—about how he would die to protect his home and family if it came down to it. He was the kind of person Ramon would like to consider a friend.

"I am grateful that you and Don Alejandro were willing to use your home for such a celebration. It has given me the chance to meet the local Dons in a more intimate setting than the garrison would be. Much less intimidating, I would say."

"And I would have to agree with you, yet with what you have already shown of your character, I highly doubt even your office would seem threatening." Diego had meant it as a joke and he was just lucky that Ramon had a sense of humor.

"A man has many sides, señor. You have only seen one of them. And I hope that is the only side you ever get to see."

"Me as well." Glancing around, Diego noticed that a face was missing from the crowd. "Where is Lieutenant Allende? I assumed that he would have joined us as well, seeing as you and the rest of your men seem to be enjoying themselves." He motioned to the refreshment table where the majority of the soldiers had gathered around, taking in the fare set out before them.

The Comandante followed his line of sight and chuckled. The men weren't on duty and deserved an evening to relax. He'd found that happy soldiers were usually competent soldiers, so he would allow them their enjoyment. "The Lieutenant opted to remain behind in the cuartel. He is not too fond of large groups; says that there is too much opportunity for someone to surprise him."

"And who does he think will surprise him here?" Diego sounded insulted. Ramon couldn't really blame him.

"I figured that it was better than to ask. The man is certainly... particular in his ways." Definitely in ways he could never understand. Allende's past was a checkered one, from what he understood. He didn't know all of the details, but Ramon knew that it hadn't been as easy for him to rise through the ranks as it had been for himself. He'd had to fight hard, even if that meant at the expense of others.

"And you have known him long?"

Why was Diego asking so many questions about his second-in-command, he wondered. It just seemed odd to him. "Not particularly, no. But, he is a very capable soldier."

"I will keep that in mind, now if you will excuse me, I have other guests to greet," Diego glanced over Ramon's shoulder to see three señoritas laying in wait behind him, fanning themselves and hoping to catch the officer's eye. "And it seems to me that there are quite a few who would like to meet you, Comandante."

Ramon glanced in the direction Diego had been looking and was greeted with the sound of girlish giggling. He smiled back at the young Don who he was quickly considering to be a friend and shrugged his shoulders. "I would not wish to disappoint, Diego. And please, in settings like this, you may call me Ramon. It was my father's name and I am honored to be named after him. The name Julio, however..." he shrugged with a hint of distaste, "not so much."

"Of course, Ramon. Now, do not make these señoritas wait too long or I may have to take them off of your hands."

"I promise you, my friend, I am up to defend myself against such a challenge."

With a chuckle, Diego was cordially patted on the shoulder before being quickly abandoned. He watched as Ramon approached Señorita Marcelina Volante and asked her to dance as the band struck up a new song. He then wove his way through the patio, greeting a few family friends and business partners of his father.

He was playing the part of a good host by checking on his guests, but at the same time, he was keeping an eye out for trouble. He didn't really expect for it, but one could never be too careful. That was why he had put on the façade of already being tipsy with drink for the Captain, though his ploy hadn't seemed to work. Of course, the officer would become suspicious if he was to ask too many questions. He would need to shift his attention to someone more susceptible.

He met Bernardo's gaze as he made his way through the throng, armed with a silver tray and ears that would be able to hear if anything was brewing. His servant shook his head to tell him that things were still going smoothly. He nodded toward him to keep floating about the patio before Diego returned to doing the same.

He passed by his father and patted him on the back as Don Alejandro spoke with Don Tomas on his way toward the refreshments. That was where—to no one's surprise—he found Sergeant Garcia and Corporal Reyes.

"Good evening, gentlemen. Are you enjoying yourselves?" Each man held a glass in their hands, but by the rosy hue on their faces, it was obviously not their firsts.

"Sí, Don Diego," Reyes replied as he nibbled on a croqueta.

"Muy gracias for inviting us, Don Diego," Garcia said as he drank deeply from his full glass. Two gulps and it had been empty.

Perhaps they should have set out tankards for the soldiers, Diego thought humorously to himself.

"You are always welcome here, my friends," Diego replied, though a bit distracted. Pulling his watch from his pocket, he glanced down at the time. The fiesta had been in full swing for nearly half an hour, now, and every guest had arrived. All but one.

Perhaps she had changed her mind and wasn't going to attend after all. It was a pity. While he hadn't been able to see the dress she and Doña Dorotea had worked on in its entirety, he'd caught a glimpse of the fabric of the skirt. It was a shame he wouldn't have the chance to see her in it.

"Is something the matter, Don Diego?" Garcia asked as he sampled a tapa from the closest tray.

Forcing himself to focus on the present, Diego shook his head. "How can anything be the matter on a night like tonight?"

"Mmm, that is true. It is a beautiful evening, is it not? But, something is still missing, no?" The larger man's grin was knowing with the slightest hint of teasing.

Diego couldn't help but laugh. While Sergeant Garcia wasn't the smartest man in the world, he was quite knowledgeable about certain things. "Just what are you implying?"

"Oh, nothing, Don Diego. Nothing at all." Garcia chuckled as he drank some more.

The din of the party-goers quieted a few decibels as the main gate opened, revealing the beautiful sight of the woman who had just entered. She stood there like a vision in a pale blue dress with silver accents along the collar and sleeves, drawing the attention of the small crowd. She looked apprehensive as her gaze scanned the throng in search of familiar faces.

Diego wanted to be the first to greet her, but the Capitán had arrived at her side first. They chatted for a few moments before the soldier held out his hand and bowed his head slightly in respect. She accepted the offer with a smile of relief and they made their way to the dance floor.

The group watched as they moved together somewhat gracefully. They paused a time or two as she stepped on Ramon's toes, but they merely laughed it off and continued. Murmurs rumbled through the guests as they discussed the couple.

"Dancing is certainly not one of her strong suits," Garcia commented with a shake of his head.

"No. She is quite clumsy, isn't she?" Diego chuckled as his gaze focused solely on her. She looked beautiful. Her hair had been pinned up for a change, yet a few curled brown tendrils had escaped their bindings and framed her face with a halo-like glow.

"Yes. Luckily the Capitán is so understanding. At least they will have a great deal to talk about while they dance."

Diego frowned in confusion as to his meaning. "What do you mean?"

Garcia stumbled upon his words as he tried to form a response. "Erm... I just meant that with them sharing lunch together that they have gotten to know each other quite well."

"Lunch together? Do they do this often?"

"Sí," Reyes replied without thinking and without taking his eyes off of the refreshment table. "Ever since she went to the Comandante's office to sign her papers."

So, was that why she hadn't wanted to have lunch with him and his father yesterday? Diego wondered. And today, when her dress had been completed, she had been eager to return to the pueblo as well. Was Ramon the reason why?

He felt a slight pang of jealousy at the thought. He knew he held no claim over her and she was free to dine with whomever she wished. But, it didn't mean he had to like it.

"I had no idea," he said as he noticed the familiar way Ramon leaned into Olivia as he spoke to her and the sparkle in her eyes as she laughed at his comment. Diego would be lying if he said that it didn't sting a bit to watch them together, but he knew he shouldn't jump to conclusions. For all he knew, things were completely innocent between them.

He decided to ignore it for the time being and returned his focus to the Sergeant and Corporal. "I have noticed that Lieutenant Allende did not attend." He knew that the two soldiers were deep enough into their cups that he would be able to gain some information that the Capitán wouldn't have provided.

"No. He chose to stay behind in the cuartel," the Sergeant told him without looking up from his freshly-poured, yet quickly emptying cup.

Diego was surprised that he hadn't swiped a bottle from one of the servants and decided to drink out of that instead. "What a shame. I was looking forward to learning more about him."

"We don't like him," Corporal Reyes blurted out.

"Quiet, baboso," the Sergeant chided him with a glare. He glanced over his shoulder to see that the Capitán was still dancing and wouldn't overhear their conversation. "What the Corporal means is that he is not very popular among many of the soldiers."

"Oh? Why is that?" This is exactly the kind of information Diego had been hoping to get. After they were finished with this conversation, he would have to tell Bernardo to get these two larger glasses.

"He's cruel," Reyes responded in his usual offhanded manner. Diego couldn't tell if it was just because he was inebriated, though, because that was a statement that carried a great deal of malice.

"Shut up!" the Sergeant hushed him again. "He means that the Lieutenant is very adamant about his duties. Things must be the way he wants with no exception."

"That doesn't seem quite fair. What does the Capitán have to say about it?"

The sheepish expressions the two men wore told Diego all that he needed to know. They hadn't told him, yet. The Sergeant felt the need to elaborate, though. "The Capitán is still getting settled into his quarters. His belongs only arrived yesterday and he is still trying to get everything situated."

"I understand. But, you do realize that he will want to hear about this, I hope?"

"Sí, Don Diego," they both replied as if he had just scolded them.

That hadn't been his intention, of course. "But, I suppose it can wait until morning, no?"

"Oh, Sí, Don Diego!" The Sergeant's large face lit up with absolute glee. "We will talk with the Capitán right after inspection."

"Good, now that that is settled, you two enjoy the evening." He knew he was pushing his luck by asking too many questions. They might not realize that he had been fishing at first, but sooner or later, they were likely to become suspicious.

"Gracias, Don Diego," Reyes replied as he refilled his cup and reached for an empanadilla.

Continuing through the throng, Diego greeted a few more guests as he circled the patio. He heard the familiar murmurs of a few Dons talking business, a young señorita being complimented on her dress from a possible suitor, and a few ladies speaking of their children who were tucked safely into their beds at home. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits this evening. So, then why were the hairs standing up on the back of his neck?

Something seemed amiss, but whatever it could be, he couldn't put his finger on it. He scanned the crowd for any unfamiliar faces, but all he saw were the people he had known for years. Yet, there was something still keeping him on edge.

His father would call him paranoid, but with this new unknown threat lingering in the air, he couldn't help but be a little uneasy.

"So disgraceful," he stopped in his tracks as he heard the comment from Señora Castellanos, a widow who had nothing but time for gossip. Her comment made him curious and he couldn't help but wonder if his feelings of uneasiness were justified. "What kind of woman travels such a distance without a proper escort? It's practically scandalous," she hissed to the wife of Don Javier Encinas, a horrible and selfish woman that had only been invited because her husband was a business associate of Don Alejandro. Really, Diego had never really been fond of either of them.

"Look at the way all of the men are fawning over her. A foreigner." The last word was almost spat out in disgust like the other woman held a bad taste in her mouth.

Diego followed their gazes to Olivia as she now danced with Don Tomas, stumbling over her own feet, yet the older man was quite gentle with her. He even looked like he was enjoying himself.

"She is probably only here to seek out a rich husband."

"Pfft. Aren't there enough of them where she came from?" The old widow sneered at the sight before them.

"Do not listen to them, Diego. They are only jealous that they were never so lovely when they were her age," Doña Dorotea approached him, speaking loud enough for the two crones to overhear.

"Dorotea, you are looking quite lovely this evening." Señora Encinas greeted her with a frosty air that was just as cold as the woman's heart.

"Gracias, Doña Adalina. And I must say that I am pleased to see you this evening and I am glad to hear that your rash has cleared up." Diego held back a snicker of amusement at the comment as he watched the other woman flounder with a response.

"Why I never!" Señora Castellanos crowed with offense.

"And Doña Simona," Doña Dorotea continued as she turned on the other woman, "I see that you are just as bitter as always."

"Watch your tongue. When I was your age-"

"You were just as terrible as you are now. Remember, ladies, Señorita Walker is a guest here; as are the both of you. It would do you well to remember that that is only because of your husbands. Diego and his father can do without your bitterness and jealousy."

Neither woman said anything in response. They each knew better than to argue with the Doña de Velasquez. Instead, they mumbled some unflattering language as they slunk off to another corner to continue their vile gossip.

"Gracias, Doña Dorotea," Diego chuckled at the way she had ruffled the feathers of the other two women.

"It was nothing, Diego. We women are a fickle group and sometimes we need to be told what we don't want to hear. Especially when we end up saying things that hurt others."

"I did not intend to eavesdrop."

"Bah! I would take whatever they've said with a grain of salt. Neither of them has much joy in their lives so they feel that they must make it miserable for the rest of us."

Diego smiled; he had always liked her. She was a feisty woman who didn't take much flak from others. "I shall try to remember that. And, I must say, señora, if you were a few years younger, I might try to whisk you away from your husband."

She laughed loudly at his statement and shook a finger at him. "Oh, I do not doubt that you would try, but you would not succeed. However, I may be persuaded to dance with you if you asked nicely."

"Then, it would be an honor and a privilege." They both continued to chuckle as they weaved their way through the group of dancers, joining them.

They were silent for a minute before Doña Dorotea glanced to her right where her husband and Olivia continued to dance. "Doesn't she look lovely, Diego?" she asked, loudly so that the señorita would hear.

Glancing their way, Olivia smiled, her cheeks dusting with a rosy hue. "Gracias, señora," she thanked the other woman.

"Yes, your skill as a seamstress is perfectly on show," Diego complimented. The dress fit Olivia like it had been made for her. And with her brown hair pinned up, she looked like she was surrounded by a warm halo. The silver drop earrings she wore matched the necklace around her neck, both picked out to accompany that dress. He wondered if she had borrowed those from Doña Dorotea as well.

"Sí, but I feel as though it compares little to the one who wears it. Even I have never looked so lovely in it."

Diego turned his attention back to his dance partner so he wouldn't seem rude, but occasionally his gaze would shift back over to Olivia. "I highly doubt that. From what I have heard, you still turn the occasional head. Even among those who are my age."

"It sounds like you are trying to steal my wife away from me, young de la Vega," Don Tomas's teasing tone was masked by a wave of feigned anger.

"Ha!" Doña Dorotea scoffed loudly. "He can try, but youth and vigor simply cannot compare to experience, my love," was his wife's retort.

"Then, querida, shall we show him what he will never get to have?" he offered his hand out for her to take and bowed low in respect to the woman he had loved for the majority of his life.

"It would be a pleasure." She accepted the hand and was whisked away, getting lost in each other as they moved to the music.

Laughing, Diego shook his head as he watched the two move to their own tune. They had been married for as long as he had known them, but after so many years, they were still so in love. It was certainly a romance he had admired and aspired to have one day.

"They certainly are something, aren't they?" Olivia's voice penetrated his thoughts.

"Yes, they are."

"Have you ever been in love like that?"

He was surprised by the question. Glancing her way, he tried to see if her face would give away her reasons for asking, but she was not very easy to read. "I thought I was once," he answered, truthfully.

"Oh?" Was that the flicker of disappointment in her eyes?

He smiled reassuringly at her and offered up his hand just as Don Tomas had to his wife. "How about I tell you while we dance?"

"Are you certain you are willing to risk it? My feet aren't exactly very nimble."

"I shall take my chances."

She smiled and capitulated, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her back into the fray. "So, what was she like? This señorita who had stolen your heart."

"There isn't really much to tell."

"Now, I don't believe that. A woman who can capture your attention must be something special."

"That she is, Olivia." The way he had responded had taken even him by surprise. Their eyes met and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away until it was just the two of them.

She was the first to look away, awkwardly clearing her throat, but she never left his embrace. "And was she beautiful? Intelligent?"

"Yes. She was both of those things. Along with being stubborn and bullheaded. But, I would have given anything to be with her, as well."

"She sounds like a perfect match for you. What went wrong?"

While he'd only thought of Ana Maria in passing over the last year or two, it didn't mean thinking of her was any less painful as it had been when they last parted. "She'd loved another man more. Someone I could never compare to."

She seemed surprised by the fact. It did his heart good to see it. "I can't imagine that there is any other man who could be considered better than you." She hadn't realized she was saying the words until after they had left her tongue. Her cheeks burned bright red and she couldn't look at him for a few beats. "I just mean... most of the señoritas I have spoken to tonight have only spoken words of admiration for you." She motioned to the small collection of women who were gathered together near the punch bowl, eyeing up the soldiers who were much more interested in the refreshments than them.

"Admiration, yes, but not affection. They see me more of a brother than a lover."

"I suppose it is the downside of being a pacifist," she mused aloud, though there was no malice behind it. It wasn't the usual response he received when others heard that he didn't fight. It left him slightly off-kilter. "I am sorry that this particular señorita couldn't see you the way you deserve to be seen."

"Gracias, Olivia." Her words meant more to him than he realized and that made him smile as he pulled her a bit closer as they danced. "The wound she had left has healed with time and opened me up to other opportunities."

Their eyes met again and he was pleased when she didn't pull away this time. He felt as though he was losing himself in her eyes—which he realized were a mix of blue and gray. It was like looking at the sky after a storm. Dark and almost calming, but containing the hint of danger that hid behind the blackening clouds. There was something wild deep down inside of her and it almost frightened Diego to know what that could be.