My thanks to PamZ. Her transcripts contribute significantly to the creation of this story.

Every word you recognize from the series isn't mine.

Chapter 10

It took several days for alcalde Ramon to recover from the disappointment of his failed plan to unmask Zorro. What frustrated him the most was that it had cost him a thousand pesos. He needed to get that money back. And for that, he had planned a new tax. Only the weather had to cooperate. Since it was summer and getting hotter by the day, his mood improved with the rising temperatures.
In the first few days after the tournament, it was mainly the lancers who had a hard time. They were ordered on daily patrols to search for traces of the criminal in the Los Angeles area. However, there was no sign of Zorro anywhere. The soldiers didn't make much effort because they knew it was a hopeless task. Zorro was able to disappear as suddenly as he could appear. Instead of hunting for a ghost, the men preferred to look for ways to escape the heat.

Relative calm returned to the pueblo. It was in contrast to the uproar in the de la Vega hacienda. At the moment, a new guest was staying there who could change the old don's life.

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Four days later, Victoria Escalante was on her way to the de la Vega hacienda. She had heard what had happened and was very shocked. Of course, she felt sorry for don Alejandro, whom she was fond of. There was a second reason that brought her to the hacienda today. The fear she had felt when she heard what had almost happened to don Diego was indescribable.
Someone had tried to murder don Diego. Victoria didn't know exactly what had happened. The wildest rumours were circulating in the tavern. Two facts remained the same. Don Alejandro almost married a woman younger than his son, and Zorro had, once again, performed a heroic act by foiling an assassination attempt. Victoria was grateful that there were no victims. From what she understood, a cold-blooded killer and his female accomplice had come to the pueblo under false pretences. The woman had posed as the widow of a correspondent friend of don Alejandro's. She had cunningly seduced Don Alejandro into making marriage plans. Victoria found it all strange from the moment she met señora de la Peña. Why would a woman pretend to be over thirty years older than she was? And why did she claim to be interested in a man of don Alejandro's age, while in her letters, señora de la Peña had never shown any interest in his wealth? Victoria had found it a strange story from the beginning. And as it turned out, she wasn't the only one. Don Diego had also questioned the señora about her intentions.

Diego was right, the woman couldn't be trusted. He had discovered the truth. Señora de la Peña was not who she claimed to be. Her name was not even señora de la Peña, and she was not a widow. The woman had not come to Los Angeles alone. Together with her accomplice, who turned out to be her lover, she had plotted to take possession of the de la Vega lands and fortune. The further course of the events was even more unclear.
After the woman had confessed part of the truth, don Diego had gone to Los Angeles because someone in the pueblo was planning to kill his father. Somehow, Zorro had heard of it as well. Zorro realized that it was not only don Alejandro's life in danger, but also don Diego's. Zorro had managed to warn Diego, and together, they had prevented the assassination attempt. The woman in question, along with her presumed husband, got arrested.

After the woman had confessed part of the truth, don Diego had gone to Los Angeles because someone in the pueblo was planning to kill his father. Somehow, Zorro had also heard rumours of this. However, he realized that it was not only Don Alejandro's life to be the one in danger but also don Diego's. Zorro had managed to warn Diego, and together they had prevented the assassination attempt. This morning, the prison wagon had picked up the couple, and they were now on their way to Monterey. There, both would stand trial for murder and complicity in an attempted murder. The real señora de la Peña had got brutally murdered by the couple.

Victoria liked the young don very much. Very much indeed, she had to admit. When Victoria heard how Diego had narrowly escaped death, she realized something. She would have no objection when Diego de la Vega was attracted to her and asked if he could court her. Because, as it turned out, she was drawn to don Diego in a way she couldn't ignore. Victoria admired his intelligence, his caring nature, and his calm character. So Diego was not her type, that was a sure thing. It didn't change the fact she was head over heels in love. Never before had a man stirred up so many emotions in her. Of course, she had had a few youthful infatuations. She was twenty-one, and many men had tried to win her over with their charms. Most of them she found pleasant enough. However, she knew she never wanted to marry any of them. With Diego, it was different. Yes, he had his shortcomings, but he also had positive qualities. She felt safe in his presence. Diego was not a man to do impulsive things, like joining rebels and risking his life. He wouldn't be provoked into pointless duels or drunken behaviour. He barely drank alcohol.
To be honest, she found his fashion style a bit ridiculous, but on the other hand, it was fashionable, and most caballeros dressed similarly. Diego believed in diplomacy over violence and threats with weapons. Somewhere, that appealed to her. His father claimed that Diego didn't care about the people in need. But Victoria knew that Diego had seen the padre and that they planned to set up a class to teach adults how to read, write, and count. Diego also still went to the Indian camp almost weekly to help with their work in the copper mine. No, Diego was not an ordinary caballero. He didn't gamble, barely drank alcohol, and didn't make inappropriate remarks to her or her helpers. Instead, he spent his time reading, playing music, and indulging in the arts. The latter had saved his life today.
Victoria didn't know how Zorro had become aware of the danger. The masked man had his ways of staying well-informed about the happenings in the pueblo.

The hacienda came into view, and as Victoria dismounted, the front door was opening.
Don Alejandro came out, followed by don Diego. Alejandro was pleasantly surprised and greeted her with a warm smile. "Victoria, what brings you here?" He greeted her.

"I came to inquire about how you all are doing."

"That's very kind of you. We're doing excellent, as you can see," He invited Victoria to come inside. "I must admit, to my shame, that nothing human seems to be foreign to me. Not even something like thinking that a young woman like she was could be interested in an old man like me."

Victoria laughed kindly. "Don Alejandro, a man with your charms can captivate any woman, regardless of her age."

Don Alejandro laughed as well. "I feel flattered." He took her hand in his hand to kiss it. "Let me inform Maria that we have a visitor. Diego, would you take Victoria to the garden? It's lovely weather to sit in the shades."
Don Alejandro walked briskly towards the kitchen. Now it was his son's turn. The charms of a woman could do strange things to a man's clear mind and judgment.
During their correspondence, he thought he had built a strong bond with the true widow de la Peña. He got blinded by dreams of a happy union and loneliness that became familiar to him for years. The good thing was his loneliness had diminished significantly since Diego had returned. And hopefully, soon, there was be a new doña de la Vega.

It had actually been a passing remark, hoping his son would admit that he was indeed at the age to consider if there was a woman who could catch his attention. Playfully, Alejandro had mentioned his intention to pay a visit to Moreno Gonzalez and her marriageable daughter. His son was of the age to marry. He himself was at the age to become a grandfather.
Diego had replied that he wasn't interested in the widow's daughter. At the same time, he had confessed that there was a woman he wished to court. And by chance, the woman in question was now visiting. As a good father should, he intended to patiently wait and see whether love could blossom between his son and Victoria Escalante. If Diego succeeded in courting Victoria, the hacienda might soon be filled with joyful laughter and children's voices. Grandchildren, Alejandro mused, were something he looked forward to more than a wife.

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Victoria sat on the chair Diego had indicated.

"Victoria," he said softly as he sat down in the chair across the table. "I'm pleased to see you."

"I'm glad to see you too, don Diego," she replied a bit shyly, her heart starting to beat faster. "How are you doing?"

He smiled at her, but his eyes looked weary. "I'm doing better now that it is all over. Despite what people might think, I wouldn't mind my father getting married again. But due to the circumstances, I must admit I am glad it is all over. It was a frightening experience."

"No one will think that. You are a good man and son." Victoria felt a strong urge to comfort him. To be closer to him.

He looked deep into her eyes, and there was a moment of silence between them. Then he spoke with sincerity, "Victoria, I appreciate your concern for me and my father."

There was a brief silence. Victoria cleared her throat and quickly changed to a safer topic. "It's a pity for your father. He seemed so happy and convinced that he had someone to love again."

"I think my father was mostly in love with a dream. He'll be fine. And who knows, he might be happier in love in the future," Diego replied, slightly distracted.

"What beautiful geraniums you have there," Victoria remarked, pointing to one of the planters where white geraniums were in full bloom.

"It was my mother's hobby. She brought numerous plants from Spain, hoping they would thrive here as well. And as you can see, she succeeded."

"Could I perhaps have a few cuttings for the tavern? I have red geraniums. I think these white ones would complement them nicely."

"Of course, I don't expect my father to object to that," Diego replied.

Diego had been expecting his father to return. The fact that don Alejandro had stayed away for so long might reveal his hope that his son was serious about his intentions to court Victoria, which he had shared with his father. Seizing the opportunity, Diego asked, "Victoria, I have something to ask you."

Victoria nervously fidgeted with her skirt, hoping to know what Diego wanted to ask. With a voice filled with restrained anticipation, she uttered, "Please, tell me what you want to ask."

Diego took a deep breath. "I appreciate your company a great deal. I would enjoy spending more time with you and getting to know you better."

A blush rose to Victoria's cheeks. "I would like that too."

A smile played at the corners of Diego's mouth. "May I invite you to take a ride together after Sunday's church service, followed by a picnic?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She smiled at him and was about to answer with a resounding yes when she was interrupted.

"Here we go," Don Alejandro said as he walked onto the terrace. In his hands he carried a tray with a jug of orange juice and four glasses. "Diego, do you have any idea where Felipe is? He might must thirsty as well and wish to have a drink, but I can't find him anywhere." Alejandro looked around to see if Felipe might be in the garden.

Diego sighed. Couldn't his father have waited for ten more seconds? It was no surprise his father couldn't find Felipe. As far as Diego knew, Felipe was busy behind the cave, giving Toronado some exercise and fresh air. He gazed at Victoria and saw her nod her head slightly. Hopefully, this meant she accepted his invitation to spend Sunday afternoon together. However, his father was right. Felipe would probably want something to drink.

"He's probably in his room or something. I'll go find him," Diego said as he stood up.

Victoria also stood up and uttered, pointing to the glasses, "I will fill the glasses."

Don Alejandro sat down and watched as Victoria poured the juice in the glasses. "Thank you, Victoria. I'm sure you're curious to hear how I fell for a pair of pretty eyes and a fake smile. The pueblo will surely be buzzing with rumours."

Victoria took his hand and gently squeezed it. "Don Alejandro, I came here primarily for you. You deserve love and happiness. I'm sorry things turned out as they did, but please don't be discouraged. Your never to old to fall in love. So it might happen someday."

He smiled gratefully at her. "You're a good woman, Victoria. I appreciate your words. No, if these events have taught me anything, it's I've reached an age where I have other wishes for the future."

Victoria looked at the don with a questioning gaze.

He ignored her by taking a sip of his drink and asking, "Tell me, what's going on in the pueblo?"

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You might have guessed. The next chapters will be inspired on the episode 'Water'. S1E3