A New Beginning
Chapter 2
The young Senora de la Vega with her
energetic temperament brought a new life to the somber rancho. During
the years following the death of Don Alejandro's beautiful wife there
had been only a male influence felt at the rancho. Many suitable women
had approached the new widower but he never took another wife. Don
Alejandro was satisfied raising his young son, Diego, and caring for
the rancho he loved so much. Soon the young don was sent to Spain by
his father to receive the education necessary for a young cabellero.
Rarely during the three years Diego was at school had Don Alejandro
opened the hacienda to any merriment. Anna Maria changed life at the
hacienda for the better. The joy of years gone by returned to the
hacienda through her bubbling personality and the many parties given at
the rancho.
Now sadness and fear were felt by those at the
hacienda since Anna Maria's sudden illness. Don Alejandro and the
governor remained in the library playing a game of checkers to pass the
time while Leonar, the commandante, and Sergeant Garcia spoke quietly
in the sala anxiously waiting for news of Anna Maria and her unborn
child. Diego maintained a steady vigil at his wife's side even after
she regained consciousness. Almost immediately Anna Maria tried to get
up but Diego insisted she not move until the doctor arrived to examine
her.
"Anna Maria there is nothing to
discuss," Diego said flatly. "I know how stubborn you can be but it is
not just your health we are speaking of but our child."
"Of course you are right as always, my husband," she smiled. "What would I do without you."
"Well you will never have to worry about that for I plan to be by your side for as long as you wish."
"Oh
Diego if that were only true but...Diego, we must speak of
something...," she began just as there was a knock. Diego opened the
bedroom door to find Dr. Avila waiting.
"Doctor, gracias for
coming so quickly," Diego said standing aside to allow the doctor to
enter. "Anna Maria has had another spell and we would feel better if
you would let us know all is well."
"Of course," replied Dr.
Avila. "Anna Maria, I hope you have been taking my advice and
resting. Now, let us take a look at you."
In the sala, Monastario showed
increasing impatience while waiting for news of Anna Maria. Leonar
and Sergeant Garcia tried without fail to focus the commandante's mind
on something other than Anna Maria. Finally hoping to change the
commandante's mood, Leonar suggested a walk in the garden. Taking the
capitan by the arm Leonar led him through the french doors leaving
Sergeant Garcia alone in the sala. Once alone Sergeant Garcia
meandered over to the table on which sat a bottle of wine and serveral
glasses. Lifting the top off the wine bottle Garcia poured himself a
glass. The first sip of wine was so good that in one gulp the sergeant
swallowed all the wine in the glass. Looking around the room while
wiping his mouth with the back of his hand Garcia lifted the carafe and
poured himself another glass. Walking toward the windows looking out
on the patio Garcia observed the commandante and Leonar walking in the
glow of the afternoon sun.
"Enrique, I am worried about you,"
she said concerned. "None of this has been your fault. Anna Maria is
a strong lady. She will be fine."
"Leonar, I know you are
trying to make me feel better but..." Monastario said bowing his head.
"I have already been the cause of one incident and now Anna Maria could
lose the child or worse. If something happens to her or the child..."
"Mi amor, you must not think this way," she said frightened. "Nothing will happen."At
that moment they turned to see Diego coming toward them. Diego's face
showed the strain of worry yet he met them with a smile.
"Leonar,
capitan," he said forcing a smile. "Anna Maria is resting and the
doctor, who arrived just a while ago, informs me there is no danger at
the moment. Con promiso, I wish to inform my father. I am sure he is
eagerly waiting for some news."
"Gracias Diego," Leonar said
breathing easier. After Diego was out of sight she turned to
Monastario and continued. "Enrique this is very good news, do you not
think?"
"Leonar, I am happy that Anna Maria is doing well
but I still blame myself for her troubles. Right or wrong, I do. I am
going into the sala to speak with Sergeant Garcia. I think it would be
better if I returned to the cuartel now that I am well"
"Why
must you do this now?" she asked. "I thought we could spend more time
together. There is so much I want to say to you. That we need to say."
Trying
not to show the disappointment she felt, Leonar smiled and followed the
capitan back to the hacienda where Sergeant Garcia waited. The rumpled
soldier, who was watching the young couple in the garden, quickly
stepped away from the windows and set down his glass. As the capitan
entered the sala, Garcia stood erect and raised his arm in a salute.
"Sergeant
Garcia," said Monastario forcefully. "I have decided to leave the
hacienda. I will be resuming my duties at the cuartel. Please see
that our horses are saddled and brought to the front gate so you may
accompany me into the pueblo."
"At once, mi capitan," Garcia said grabbing his hat and heading for the open sala door.
"Enrique," Leonar said softly. "Is there nothing you wish to say to me?"
"I have no right," he said leaving her standing alone in the sala.