PART TWO
Thursday, July 20
Two days later, Toni is feeling much better. However, Diego will not let her get out of bed. He insists she get more rest. Toni reluctantly agrees to stay in bed and while she is resting, Diego has Bernardo deliver another note to Jeff Bradley informing him that Toni is conscious.
Later that afternoon, after Toni had a short nap, Diego introduces her to his Father. There is a knock at the door and Diego proceeds to open it. His Father steps in. Both men approach the bed. Diego states, “Toni, this is my Father, Don Alejandro. Father this is Toni Austin from Philadelphia whom I told you about.”
Don Alejandro welcomes Toni and wishes her a quick recovery. He then begs her forgiveness for leaving so quickly. He explains he has some business he must see to in the pueblo.
Toni remarks, “I’m pleased to meet you Señor de la Vega. I hope we can be friends.” She senses that Don Alejandro seems to have some misgivings about her being there but keeps her feelings to herself.
Alejandro smiles then departs leaving Toni and Diego alone.
After Diego’s Father leaves, Diego tells Toni the sad news about her horse. “Toni, I hope you are strong enough to handle what I have to tell you,” said Diego.
“What is it?” asks Toni.
“Zorro told me he had to shoot your horse,” said Diego. “He was bitten twice by the rattlesnake you encountered on the road. Zorro had no other choice. I’m so sorry, Toni.”
Tears come to Toni’s eyes and she looks away from Diego to stare out the window. Diego senses she would like to be alone and comments, “Toni, I know the hurt you are feeling, so I’ll leave you for awhile.” She does not answer and he turns and leaves the room.
A short time later Bernardo returns from the pueblo. He seeks Diego and signs, //Jeff Bradley is on his way to the hacienda//. Diego waits on the patio for Jeff’s arrival. When he arrives, Diego greets him, “Buenas tardes, Señor Bradley. Would you please wait here. I will see if Toni is awake.”
Diego goes to his room to tell Toni that Jeff is downstairs and asks, “Toni, do you feel up to seeing him?” Toni takes a few seconds to reply since she is still overwrought about the news of her horse.
“Yes, Diego, I will see him,” she answers.
Diego returns to the patio to tell Jeff that Toni is awake and will see him. Jeff climbs the steps to the bedroom and enters. Diego senses trouble may be brewing, and follows Jeff up the stairs and waits outside his room. Toni is sitting up in bed when Jeff enters. He goes to the side of the bed to be closer to her.
“Good Evening, Toni,” Jeff said. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling much better Jeff, I’m glad to see you. Where have you been?”
Angrily, Jeff said, “I have been at the pueblo worrying about you. I warned you not to go riding alone, but you wouldn’t listen.”
“Jeff, this isn’t the time to discuss this.”
“Yes it is!”
“Jeff, a rattlesnake attack could happen anytime, any place. I was fine until then.”
“If you hadn’t been riding alone you wouldn’t have fallen off your horse.”
“I didn’t fall off my horse, I was thrown when he stumbled. A horse that has been bitten twice by a rattlesnake would have been uncontrollable in every sense. Jeff, I don’t want to discuss this any further. I think you should leave.”
“No, I am not leaving until you promise me you will not go riding alone again.”
“I will not promise you that, so please leave.”
Diego had quietly slipped into the room and is leaning against the door listening to the argument. Toni saw him there, but didn’t give him away.
Jeff is becoming angrier, loses his temper, and is about to strike Toni when Diego grabs his arm. “Señor, I think you should do as the Señorita asks and leave,” Diego cautions. “When you calm your temper you may come back.”
While Diego is escorting Jeff from the hacienda, Toni is trying to catch her breath from the argument. When Diego returns, he notices she has her eyes closed with tears running down her face. Diego approaches the bed and takes her hand in his. She opens her eyes. He asks, “Toni, are you all right?”
“Yes,” replies Toni, “I’m sorry, I didn’t want you in the middle of this argument.”
“I warned him, again, to calm his temper if he wants to come back. Let’s put the argument aside. I think you should relax for the rest of the evening, and I know just how to do it.” Diego motions to Bernardo to bring a bottle of wine and after several glasses, Toni is more relaxed and drifts off to sleep.
Later that night, Diego is standing in the patio thinking he needs to ride as Zorro tonight to help a friend in the pueblo, but he is in a dilemma because he needs to get to the cave. His Father is entertaining guests in the Library—that way was not accessible. The sala is to close to the Library and he could be seen by someone—that way too was inaccessible. Another way was through his own bedroom. Should he chance it, he thinks to himself, with the Señorita occupying his room. If she is a deep sleep I may be able to quietly slip through.
Bernardo approaches, sees his troubled face, and signs, //What is the problem?// Diego explains and Bernardo signs again, //Let me go in first to see if she is asleep and, if so, I will wave to you to come through after I open the secret door.//
That is a good idea, Bernardo. Let’s give it a try.”
They ascend the steps to the upper level and stop in front of the bedroom door. Bernardo enters. When he approaches the bed and looks at Toni he feels she is asleep. He then opens the secret door and waves to Diego. However, Toni is not asleep, but pretends to be. She is curious as to what is going on.
Diego, as quiet as a mouse, slips across the room and disappears into the secret room as the door closes with a soft click. Toni gets out of bed and goes to the wall next to the fireplace where she saw the door open. She places her ear against the wall to determine if she can hear anything—she does. She hears Diego talking to Bernardo. All of a sudden she realizes that the sensations she had that night in the Inn and in the cave now make sense.
“Diego is Zorro.” Since she cannot find the latch to the secret door, she climbs back into bed and reflects that her feelings for Diego are now growing to great to jeopardize his secret. Deep inside her she feels he will tell her when he is ready. For now his secret will remain her secret, too. She also realizes that Bernardo must be able to hear if Diego was talking to him. Interesting!
Friday, July 21
The next day, Toni insists on getting out of bed, but Diego is not sure it would be a wise idea. However, he agrees, but insists she stay in the room until she gains more strength. Later in the afternoon, Toni feels much better and is standing by the window admiring the view. When Diego comes into the room he sees her by the window, quietly comes up behind her, and embraces her from the rear. Toni smiles, continues looking out the window, and says, “Diego, this country is so beautiful. I don’t want to return East.”
He turns her to face him and said, “Don’t go back, then. Stay in Los Angeles as long as you want.”
“That would be nice, but I’m not sure I can do that. It would be a big decision.”
During the afternoon, Toni is sitting at Diego’s desk in the bedroom and is thinking about Sally Hensin, her school roommate back in Boston. She is deep in thought and doesn’t hear Bernardo come into the room with a lunch tray. He walks over to the desk and places the tray on the desk in front of her.
Surprised to see him there, she said with a flinch, “Bernardo, you startled me.” Oh, drat, she said to herself, he’s not supposed to be able to hear me. Bernardo looks at her with a sideways glance. She manages to ask him for pen and paper. He points to the paper in the desk.
She writes, “Do you read lips, if so, then I can just talk normally to you and you will understand.”
Bernardo nods his head yes. He knows he can hear her and realizes that if she thinks he is reading her lips then that would be a good way for her to talk to him instead of signing. Then Bernardo suggests she eat her lunch. When Bernardo returns for the tray, Toni is standing by the window and approaches Bernard. She wants to thank him for being such a sweet and understanding person, so she hugs him and kisses his cheek.
They look at each other and smile, and Toni slowly says, “Thank you for being such a good friend, Bernardo.” His smile broadens and he nods his head ‘yes’. Before Bernardo leaves with the lunch tray, Toni asks, “Bernardo, would it be okay if I use some of the de la Vega stationary. I would like to write a letter to a good friend back in Boston.” As Bernardo leaves the room he nods his head in agreement.
It has been a long time since Toni has communicated with Sally and she has an enormous story to tell her. And so…Toni begins her letter to Sally. She tells her about her trip across the country to California, about her riding accident and the loss of Sailor, and about meeting her “Knight in Shining Armor” and how deeply she is falling in love with him.
She writes, Sally it would be a mistake to marry Jeff and I now know that he was only an infatuation. Diego is the most sweetest, most gentle, generous, passionate, and chivalrous man I have ever known. He knows how to love a woman. Well enough of my ramblings. It sure would be nice if you could manage to come visit us sometime. You will be most welcome. The de la Vegas never turn away a visitor.
Oh! By the way, Jeff doesn't know about my love for Diego, yet, since he has only visited me once during my convalescence from my riding accident. To be truthful, I don’t really care if he ever visits again. Well, Sally, this letter is dragging on, It would be wonderful to see you again. You know True Love is blissful and I hope you can find it someday, if you haven’t already.
Friends forever,
Toni
Just as Toni finished the letter Diego knocks on the door. “Toni, are you presentable?”
“Yes, Diego, please come in,” she answers.
As he approaches the desk, she turns to look at him and he sees how bright she seems to be. “What have you been doing?” he said.
“I hope you don’t mind if I used some of your stationary to write a letter to my good friend, Sally Hensin, in Boston. She was my roommate at a school that I attended while in Boston. I also invited her to visit sometime, that is if I’m still here. I hope I wasn’t out of line by doing so.”
“Of course not Toni. You are our guest and must make yourself at home. We will be happy to have your friend visit anytime she wants.”
“Thank you, Diego. I was hoping there wouldn’t be a problem. I haven’t seen her or communicated with her since last March.”
“If your letter is ready to be posted, I’ll have Bernardo take it to town this afternoon.”
“Yes it is ready, and tell Bernardo thank you also. I wrote such a long letter, I now know what writer’s cramp is all about.” Diego chuckles. “Diego, I’m also feeling a little tired. Would you mind if I took a nap for a few hours.”
“Certainly I don’t mind, by all means. We do not need any relapses.” He then helps her to stand and draws her close to him and gently kisses her before he picks up the letter and leaves the room.
Later that evening, Jeff returns to the hacienda to speak to the de la Vegas. He apologizes for his behavior the other day and asks for a favor. He explains that he wants to continue his journey to Sacramento to seek the horses he is after. He mentions that he can’t wait for Toni to fully recover and asks if she could remain at the de la Vegas to finish her convalescence. He explains that he plans to return in about three to four months. Diego and his Father agree to have Toni stay. Diego then suggests that Jeff inform Toni about his plans.
Friday, July 21 –Later that Evening
Diego excuses himself from the conversation. “If you will excuse me, I’ll see if Toni is still up.” Diego goes to his room, knocks on the door, and slowly opens it. As he enters Toni sees him and beckons him to come in. She and Bernardo are playing checkers by the fireplace. Diego informs her that Jeff is downstairs and would like to see her.
Toni said, “It is okay, Diego, I will see him. Would you please stay nearby, though? After the other day, I am again beginning to fear him. He may also be jealous of you.”
Diego raises his eyebrows and smiles at her with a twinkle in his eyes and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be outside the door. There won’t be any trouble.” Then he and Bernardo exit the room.
A few minutes later, Jeff comes into the room. He apologizes for his temper tantrum of the other day. He then informs her about his decision to go on to Sacramento and states, “The de la Vegas have agreed that you can stay here until I return. I may be away three or four months.” Toni looks at him and says she understands and wishes him good luck. Jeff then bids her goodbye and tells her he is leaving in the morning.
Toni sees him to the door. Jeff realizes Diego had been waiting outside and almost loses his temper but remains civil and said, “Good evening, Diego, I’ll see you both when I return.” Diego then sees Jeff out of the hacienda.
When Jeff left the pueblo to make his visit to the de la Vegas, he had been followed by a Lancer, Corporal Lopez. Sergeant Garcia had ordered him to follow Señor Bradley and report his actions to the Commandante. As the Lancer followed Jeff he kept his distance so he wasn’t spotted. Although Corporal Lopez couldn't hear what was being said at the hacienda, he was able to watch Jeff from a group of trees not far from the front gate.
When Jeff departed the hacienda, Corporal Lopez decided to reveal himself. By doing so, he thought, he might be able to find out what was said. As Jeff road along the road back to town, Corporal Lopez appeared behind him.
“Buenas nochas, Señor Bradley,” Corporal Lopez shouted. Jeff was startled. He didn’t know anyone was behind him. He reins his horse to a stop to let the Corporal catch up.
“Corporal Lopez, I’m surprised to see you this time of night.” Jeff exclaims. The Corporal joins Jeff and together they ride toward town. While on the way, to make his appearance unsuspicious, Corporal Lopez states that he is on his way back from Monterey where he had to do an errand for the Commandante. Corporal Lopez asks if Jeff had a pleasant visit at the de la Vegas. Jeff explains the purpose of his visit and that he would be leaving for Sacramento in the morning. The Corporal then bids Jeff goodbye, “I must get back to the cuartel. I’m late as it is. Have a safe journey.” He nudges his horse into a gallop and leaves Jeff alone on the road. Corporal Lopez immediately reports to Monastario and informs him of Jeff’s plans.
Knowing that Jeff will be gone for a length of time, Toni feels a heavy burden has been lifted from her soul. She knows she is falling deeply in love with Diego. After Jeff left the hacienda, Diego went back to check on Toni. He enters his room and finds her gazing out the window. She turns and says with a sigh, “Diego, I am so glad you were outside the door. I wasn’t sure what might happen.”
Diego embraces her and passionately kisses her. She returns his kiss and becomes very weak in the knees. “Diego, I think you had better leave before I lose control.”
Diego agrees, but said, “Now that you will be staying at the hacienda for some time, I’ll have your luggage brought from the Inn. Tomorrow we will move you to the guestroom.” Again they embrace and kiss. Then Diego bids her a good night and leaves the room.
Saturday, July 22.
Toni is still in Diego’s room when the doctor arrives just before noon. After examining Toni he said to her “I’m so pleased to see you are recovering so speedily. Diego must have a magic touch.”
She smiles at the doctor and said, “It is more than magic, Doctor and I’m very thankful for all he has done.” The doctor informs her that she can go about normal routines, but no horseback riding for a few more days. He also indicates she doesn’t need the sling unless her shoulder becomes painful.
After the doctor leaves, Diego summons Benito, his head vaquero, and asks him to retrieve Señorita Austin’s luggage from the Inn and informs Benito that she will be a guest for several months. Diego said, “Benito, when you return, please put Señorita Austin’s luggage in the guestroom next to mine.”
Benito acknowledges Diego’s request and departs for the pueblo. When he returns to the hacienda, he reports to Diego to let him know the Señorita’s luggage has been delivered.
“Thank you, Benito, you may leave now,” said Diego. After Benito leaves Don Alejandro inquires about Señorita Austin’s condition. Diego tells him the doctor has given her a clean bill of health, except no horseback riding for a few more days.
Don Alejandro looks at Diego and said with anxiety in his voice, “Diego, I can see your feelings for this young lady are becoming stronger. I want to caution you, and don’t get angry, that she is an Americano and her feelings may not be all they seem. Please be careful, my Son. That is all I ask?”
“Father, if you are saying what I think you are, that she is after our wealth, I must disagree, but I’ll keep your cautions in mind. I am sure Toni will be joining us for supper,” Diego remarks with a smile, “but I want to give her a tour of the hacienda before then.”
“Are you planning to leave the grounds tonight.”
“No, Father, maybe tomorrow.”
“Very well, I’ll have the cook set another place at the table.”
“Thank you, Father. Now if you will excuse me, I’ll see if Toni is ready for the tour.”
Diego goes to the guestroom, knocks on the door, and calls her name. Toni answers, “Diego?”
“Yes,” he answers back.
“The door is open, come in.” Diego enters and then exclaims, “Well, you look rested. How is your shoulder?” “A little stiff, but otherwise fine,” said Toni. She has changed from the bedclothes she had been given to a skirt and blouse from her own wardrobe.
“If you are not to tired from unpacking, I thought you would like a tour of the hacienda before supper.”
“I would love to see the hacienda. When do we start?”
“Right now, if you are ready.”
“Lead the way!”
They leave the guestroom and Diego has Toni’s hand securely planted in the crook of his arm as he leads her down the steps. When Toni sees the patio and garden she is overwhelmed. “How enchanting!” she exclaims. They continue their walk through the patio, past the house, and onward to the stable. When they arrive at the stable, Diego shows her a young palomino horse. “Diego, he is beautiful. What is his name?”
“Amigo,” said Diego. “He is only a year old, very spirited, and as fast as the wind.”
“Hello Amigo. I hope we can be friends,” said Toni as she caresses the horse’s nose. Diego then looks at his watch. “It is getting close to supper, we should return to the house.” But, before they leave, Toni turns to Amigo and gives him a kiss on the nose. The horse gives a little nicker and shakes his head. Diego and Toni laugh and when their eyes meet again they embrace and kiss.
After supper, Diego escorts Toni back to the guestroom which is now her room. This time Toni has trouble controlling her emotions. She opens the bedroom door, pushes Diego through it, closes the door, and leads him to the bed where they sit together. She looks into Diego’s hazel eyes, kisses him, and said, “Diego, I can’t hold back any longer. I must tell you that I have fallen in love with you. I have loved you from the first time I saw you in front of the church.”
Diego is caught off guard and, yet, in his heart, he too feels the same love, although his Father’s cautions keep haunting him. He then asks, “What about Jeff?”
She replies, “I think I was infatuated with him in a time of sorrow and loneliness and thought I really loved him.” She continues to tell him about her parents death, the school in Boston, her room mate Sally, her loneliness that caused her some depression and how her early morning rides brought her back to reality. She also told him of the sale of the farm. “Jeff purchased the farm with the condition that I stay on to run the domestics. Since I was alone and didn’t really have any place to go, I agreed. One thing led to another and six months later we were engaged. Before we started our trip West, he was a kind and gentle person. I don’t know what made him change. He may still be angry with me because I insisted on coming with him to California. He only consented if I would agree to give up my morning rides. Not wanting to stay at the farm alone, I agreed. After sometime on the trail, I began to notice the change in his personality—his temper also became more agitated. All of a sudden I was beginning to fear him.”
“Toni,” asks Diego, “The other day he went to strike you, has he ever tried that before.”
Toni closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before answering. “Yes, he did while we were crossing the country. I don’t remember what provoked it, but after he hit me I grabbed a knife that was lying near the pack and warned him not to do it again or I’d kill him. I kept that knife with me the rest of the trip. He didn’t try again until the other night. I don’t know if I could have killed him, though. I feel he could become dangerous and that is why I asked you to stay nearby.”
Diego is happy she confided in him and his feelings become even stronger. But, again his Father’s words will not go away.
When Toni is finished her story, he caresses her face between his hands, looks into her eyes, and gently kisses her. They get up from the bed and he said, “It has been a busy day for you, and it is time for me to say good night. Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.” He turns and leaves the room before his emotions explode.
Meanwhile Bernardo saw Diego and Toni go into her room and waited for Diego to come out. Bernardo signs to Diego //There is a problem in the pueblo that needs Zorro’s help//. Diego and Bernardo go to the cave. Diego changes to Zorro, rides to the pueblo, and solves the problem. Later when Diego is back at the cave, he finds Bernardo waiting. Together they return to Diego’s bedroom.
Diego remarks, “Bernardo, I had an interesting conversation with Toni tonight. She is a most extraordinary woman. I do not feel my Father’s cautions are valid.” Bernardo looks at Diego and communicates his observations that Toni loves Diego very much.
“Yes, Bernardo, she has told me so tonight.” Bernardo signs, //Do you feel the same about her//.
“Bernardo, I think I do, but I don’t want to go against my Father’s concerns just yet. Let us let the course of time flourish and we’ll see what happens.” Bernardo looks at Diego and makes the sign of the “Z” and places his hands over his heart. “Yes, Bernardo, Zorro must also be considered in this triangle of love. You think I should tell her about Zorro.”
Bernardo nods his head in agreement, but Diego remarks, “If I tell her about Zorro she could be in danger and I don’t want to endanger her life in any way.” Bernardo has a sad expression on his face, but understands his patróns concern.
Monday, July 24.
It is an extremely hot day, although there is a gentle breeze. Diego takes Toni to the lake for a picnic and then to the mission to visit Padre Felipe. While enjoying their picnic at the lake, Toni gets a wild idea and decides she would like to take a swim in the lake. Diego has started to put the picnic equipment back into the carriage when he realizes Toni has disappeared. She has hidden behind a large tree by the water’s edge and calls out to him.
He answers, “Toni, where are you?” She extends an arm out passed the side of the tree and waves at him. Puzzled as to what she is doing, he heads for the tree. Before he gets too close, Toni, in undergarments, dashes from the tree and plunges into the lake.
Diego is startled at first, but then displays a big smile on his face. Toni’s head pops out of the water. She waves at Diego. “What are you waiting for, come join me, the water is fabulous.” Diego doesn’t know what to make of this action, but doesn’t waste any time joining her either.
Soon he and Toni are enjoying their swim and one thing leads to another—they are in one another’s arms once again. A short time later they emerge from the water. Since they didn’t have any towels with them, Diego retrieves the picnic blanket from the carriage. They wrap themselves in the blanket, sit on the ground by the carriage, and enjoy being together. Diego has his arms around Toni as she leans back against his chest with her head against his shoulder. Toni said as she looks up at the cloudless sky, “It is so peaceful here Diego, I think I could stay right in this spot forever.”
“It is one of my favorite spots, too.” Diego replies. After they have cuddled in the blanket for a short time, Diego decides he wants to talk to Toni regarding their relationship. “Toni, there is something we need to talk about.”
Toni’s first thoughts were that he knows I know about Zorro. “What is it, Diego?”
“Well…it’s hard for me say this, but my father seems to have some misgivings about your intentions. He feels because you are not of Spanish decent that you may be trying to lay claim to our wealth.”
Toni is quite hurt by his words. She turns to face him and replies with tears in her eyes, “Diego, do you feel that way, too. Is that why you cannot bring yourself to express your feelings for me. I hope not. Diego, I love you not your money. The money is nice, but it is you I love, only you.”
Diego is annoyed at himself for having brought up the subject and doesn’t answer her but he felt the facts had to be brought out in the open. She looks at him for a few seconds and realizing she is not going to get an answer, she turns away, struggles out of his embrace, and runs back to the tree to get dressed.
Diego also gets dressed and returns the blanket to the carriage. Finally, Diego calls out “It is getting late and we have another stop to make. We had better be on our way.”
When they arrive at the mission, Padre Felipe comes out to welcome them. Toni then comments that she would like to visit the chapel for some prayer. Diego is surprised. He didn’t consider that Toni is Catholic. While she visits the chapel, Diego has a talk with Padre Felipe. He expresses his concern regarding his feelings toward Toni. “Padre Felipe, I am a bit confused about my emotions for Toni. I know I’m in Love with her but my Father’s words of caution keep getting in the way.”
“What did your Father caution you about?” asks Padre Felipe.
“He has cautioned me to be careful because she is an Americano and that she may be more interested in the de la Vega wealth rather than me. I don’t feel that is the case; however, I don’t want to go against my Father’s concerns. When I spoke to Toni about this I think she was extremely hurt when I expressed his concerns. She asked me if I felt that way too, but I didn’t give her an answer. Now, she won’t even look at me.”
“Diego, God is the only one who can help you sort this out. Pray to him and follow your heart. I don’t know Señorita Austin well enough to render an opinion, but from the brief encounter in Los Angeles, I think your fears and your Father’s may not be warranted. Go to the chapel Diego and examine your conscience. You will see the light eventually, and when you do you will do the right thing.”
“Yes, Padre, you are right. Thank you for our conversation.”
Diego leaves the Padre’s office and goes to the chapel. He slips into the last row of pews and says a few prayers. Then he slides into the pew where Toni is praying. He clasps her hand in his, but she pulls her hand away. Sadly he said, “It is getting late, we must return to the hacienda.” A few minutes later Padre Felipe enters the chapel and bids them a good evening.
That night, during supper, Don Alejandro notices that Diego and Toni seem distant from each other and thinks maybe Diego finally agrees with my concerns. Then after supper, Diego tries to talk to Toni again, but she is still hurt from the afternoon’s conversation and doesn’t want to see him.
“Diego, I don’t want to talk to you tonight. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go to my room. Good night.”
After Toni returns to her room she sits on her bed and tries to piece together the events of the day. She thinks I really shouldn’t be mad at Diego—he was just stating his Father’s fears. I can understand Don Alejandro’s reaction. Their Spanish heritage is very strong and different from American ways. I guess I’d be apprehensive, too. Oh God, give me the courage to go to Diego and apologize. A short time later after regaining her composure she dries her eyes, washes her face, and returns to the patio.
She doesn’t see Diego anywhere and wonders if he had to ride as Zorro tonight. Out of the shadows a figure approaches. She is startled, but when she realizes it is Bernardo she relaxes. Having their special way of communicating, Toni inquires if Bernardo knows where Diego might be. Bernardo points to the sala. Toni nods her head to thank Bernardo and heads to the sala. She walks in quietly—Diego is sitting in a chair near the railing reading a book. She stands there watching him a few minutes.
Before she has a chance to speak, Diego realizes she is there, gets up from the chair, and said, “Toni, how long have you been standing there?”
“Not long Diego. I’m sorry I was rude to you after supper. I hope you will forgive me. I’ve thought about our talk at the lake. Your Father has a right to be concerned. I’m a stranger in a land whose traditions are much different from mine. But, everything I said to you at the lake I meant. I do love you. I hope you believe that.”
Diego approaches her with open arms. When he reaches her he takes both her hands in his. “Toni, there isn’t anything to forgive.”
Staring into his hazel eyes takes her breath away again but she finds the courage to continue. “Diego, I sensed your Father had doubts awhile ago, but I thought they would go away. I just didn’t want to hear it from anyone, let alone you.”
Softly he mumbles, “I know, I could have been a bit more gentle when I approached the subject. It is you who needs to forgive me.”
“I do, Diego, I do.”
“Good!” he exclaims happily, “The night is still young, shall we take a moonlight stroll around the grounds.”
“Yes, I would like that.”
Diego and Toni take that stroll arm in arm and end up in front of the stable. “Would you like to visit Amigo before we return to the house?” asks Diego.
Toni, with a smile on her face, looks into Diego’s eyes that are glowing from the starlight and says, “Yes, my darling, I would like that.”
They enter the stable and stand in front of Amigo’s stall. Toni softly speaks to the horse as she strokes his neck. “Hello Amigo, do you remember me?” Amigo nickers and nods his head. Diego and Toni laugh.
She is still caressing Amigo with her back to Diego when he leans close to her, nibbles on her neck, which sends chills down her spine, and then whispers in her ear, “Would you like to have Amigo for your very own?”
“Diego, he is such a beautiful horse, anyone would want to own him, including me.”
“He is yours, then,” replies Diego.
Toni is quite surprised by his remark. “You… can’t be… serious.” she stammers. “Yes, I am. I know the loss of Sailor has pained you terribly. I want to ease that pain with a horse I know you will adore. I think Zorro would be pleased to know you have another horse, as well, since he was the one who had to shoot Sailor.”
“Zorro! I had almost forgotten about him. I do not blame him for Sailor’s death. I know he had no choice. If it would ease Zorro’s mind, and yours, then I will accept your generous gift.”
Toni turns to face Diego, looks into his sparkling hazel eyes and knows she was right to apologize for her rudeness. “Diego, I love you so much. I haven’t been this happy in a long time.” Once again he draws her close and gently kisses her. Then they return to the house. However, he still can’t bring himself to say those three little words.
When Toni is alone in her room, she looks at Jeff’s ring on her hand, hesitates a second, and removes it. She stores it in a drawer for safekeeping so she can return it to Jeff when he comes back to Los Angeles. Love Blossoms for me. I sure hope it has for Diego—Good Night My Love, she thinks to herself as she climbs into bed.
Unbeknown to anyone in the hacienda, a lone soldier, in civilian clothes, is hiding in the trees keeping a watchful vigil on the comings and goings at the de la Vegas. Corporal Ortega has been lurking around from the early morning hours and is becoming very tired, but he has a good deal to report to the Commandante. His watchful eye saw Diego and Toni leave for their picnic in a happy mood, but return in a less friendly mood. Corporal Ortega doesn’t know what their problem was but thinks the Commandante would like to know. After Corporal Ortega’s replacement arrives, he rides back to the cuartel to report to Monastario.
“Very good Corporal Ortega. It seems the Señorita has recovered from her riding accident. We need not worry about her fiancée—he has left town. Thank you Corporal Ortega, you may go back to your regular duties and put your uniform back on.” Now that the Americano Señorita is back on her feet, it is time for me to devise a plan to use the Señorita as bait to catch Zorro Monastario thinks to himself.
July 26, 1820
Two days after Toni receives Amigo she begins enjoying her newfound friend and is giving him the exercise he needs. She has resumed her morning rides. Before she did so, though, she wanted Diego to know she was starting again and hoped his reaction wouldn’t be like Jeff’s. Diego did not object but cautioned her not to stray to far from the main road.
He also asks “Toni, would you mind so terribly if I accompanied you the first time out. I really would like to be sure you can handle Amigo. Toni happily agrees. Her plans are to ride to the San Gabriel Mission at least twice a week and to the lake and the surrounding countryside on the other days.
While they are riding, they stop at the lake to let the horses drink. Toni is admiring the scenery of this wild land and then without warning, she pulls Amigo’s head up, nudges him with her heels, turns him toward the road and yells back, “Catch me if you can.” Of course Diego was not expecting this action and is slow to respond.
He chases after her but has a hard time catching her; Amigo is a fast as the wind. He thinks even Tornado might have trouble catching Amigo. Toni decides to slow her pace and let Diego catch up to her.
When he does, he laughs and said, “Señorita, please warn me the next time you do that.”
“Ah, Diego, that wouldn’t be as much fun, now, would it.” They look at each other, smile, and then break out in laughter.
When they arrive back at the stable Diego said to Toni, “I need not worry about you handling Amigo—you do that very well.” “Gracias,” replied Toni, and then he puts his arm around her waist and they walk back to the patio.
On her second day back in the saddle, she rides to the mission. She too, has wanted to confront Padre Felipe regarding Diego. “Padre, thank you for seeing me,” said Toni.
“What seems to be your problem, my child.”
“You know the last time Diego and I were here we were somewhat distant from each other. We had a light argument. I wasn’t being fair to him when all he was trying to do was express his Father’s opinions.”
“Yes, I remember that day. Are you still distant from each other?”
“Yes and no, Padre. On the ‘no’ part we are not distant. You see that same night I was still feeling hurt and was rude to Diego. I finally realized it wasn’t Diego I should be mad at but probably his Father. Later that night I apologized to Diego for my rudeness and all was forgiven. I feel his Father’s concerns are what is holding him back and I wish I could find a way to set Don Alejandro at ease. I can’t be mad at him either, though. He is one of those gallant men that are not found too often, as is Diego. His concerns are understandable because I am an American and not of noble decent. Padre rest assured I have no desire to claim their wealth. I only want to lay claim to Diego and be happy with him. I love him more than anything on this Earth. I’ve told him so many times but he can’t seem to let go of his Father’s concerns, and that is where the ‘yes’ comes in.
“Toni, my child, give it time. Diego does love you—he told me so that day. Yes, you are right, his Father’s concerns are holding him back. Be patient and pray to God for guidance. Everything will work out. You will see. Go to the chapel and speak to God.”
“Yes, Padre I will. It felt good that day being back in church again. When my parents died, I drifted away. I had felt so depressed and lonely at that time. I didn’t want to see anybody or do anything. Then one beautiful Spring morning I found I didn’t want to be depressed any longer. I guess that was God speaking to me. Then Jeff came along and later we became engaged. Then the trip to California. Now there is Diego. I knew the first time I met Diego that Jeff wasn’t the right person for me. So you see, I never thought of money at all. I didn’t even know about it at that time. Padre, I’ve been away from the Church too long and want to visit the chapel as often as I can.”
“You are welcome to the mission any time you want to come. Not only for prayer, but for fellowship as well. Now go, my child, and say a few prayers. Then I think you best get back before you are missed.”
“Thank you for listening. I will go now, but I’ll be back often.”
Toni went to the chapel for a short visit and upon leaving the mission felt very enlightened. Once again, she and Amigo seemed to fly over the road. When she arrived at the stable, Benito was at the corral and came to help her as she reined Amigo to a sliding stop.
“Good morning, Benito. That was an exhilarating ride. Diego is right; Amigo is as fast as the wind, maybe faster. Would you do me a favor, please, and brush him down for me. I must get back to the house.”
“My pleasure, Señorita, but I don’t think you need rush. Breakfast hasn’t been served, yet, and no one has been looking for you.”
“That’s good, but I must clean up before seeing anyone.”
As Toni entered the patio she came face-to-face with Diego. “Oh no, I hope I’m not in trouble,” she thinks.
“Good morning. Did you enjoy your ride?” Diego said with a little annoyance in is voice because she was gone longer than he had expected.
Toni answers a little nervously as she detected the annoyance in his voice. “Yes, I did. Diego, you are right, Amigo is as fast as the wind.” Diego’s annoyance quickly disappears as he stands there looking at her with raised eyebrows and a crocked grin on his face.
“What do you find so funny?”
“You my dear. I haven’t seen you that dusty since that first day in Los Angeles.”
She looks down at her clothes and then back at Diego. They both break out in laughter. “I am a bit dusty aren’t I. Well, if you give me a little time, I can fix that problem.”
“Where have you been to get so dusty, anyway?”
“I went to the San Gabriel Mission to talk to Padre Felipe. The time just got away from me. I realized I’d be late getting back so when I reached the main road I let Amigo have his head and he flew like the wind stirring up the dust.”
“You went to the Mission, eh!”
“Yes, is that a problem?”
“No it isn’t,” he said. “Do you plan to go often?”
“Yes, I thought twice a week.”
“Just let me know when you plan to visit the mission so I won’t need to worry as much. That is a long ride.”
“I was thinking of Tuesdays and Thursdays and I don’t want you to worry about me.”
“Oh, but sweetheart, I do. It is my duty to worry about a pretty Señorita when she is out riding alone. I know how well you can ride, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t worry.
Toni smiles at Diego and her eyes reveal the compassionate love she feels for him. Diego takes her hand in his and leads her up the stairs to her room. While they are walking up the stairs Toni thinks he actually called me sweetheart—maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
“Breakfast will be in half an hour. Can you be ready that fast?” Diego asks.
“Try me,” Toni responds.
Half an hour later, Toni appears at the breakfast table with not a speck of dust on her. Diego is watching her with a mesmerizing smile.
“Toni, after breakfast I would like to talk to you regarding your morning rides.” Diego said. After breakfast they go to the patio and Diego asks, “Would you mind if I wait for you on the patio every morning; just to be sure everything is all right.”
“No, Diego, I don’t mind. I am very flattered that you are concerned for my safety and I will look forward to meeting you every morning.
