A New Beginning
Chapter Three
After
passing news of Anna Maria on to his father and the governor, Diego
left the library followed by the two gentlemen. As the three men
conversed their eyes fell on Leonar sitting alone in the sala visibly
shaken. Diego ran directly to the young woman.
"Diego, Father, Don Alejandro," she said greeting the men while wiping away tears.
"Leonar, tell me quickly has something happened to Anna Maria?" questioned Diego.
"No,
not Anna Maria," Leonar replied placing her hand on his arm. "I am
sorry if I frightened you. It is Enrique that has upset me. Sergeant
Garcia and he have returned to the cuartel. Enrique does not wish to
impose on your generosity now that he is well."
"Hmm, the man has some dignity," spouted Don Alejandro. "We are well rid of him."
Upon
hearing the don's harsh words Leonar began to sob. Her father took her
in his arms to comfort her while Diego shook his head at his father.
Don Alejandro shrugged realizing his remark hurt Leonar but it was too
late, the remark could not be taken back. Diego gestured to his father
to take the governor out to the garden while he spoke with Leonar.
Once they left Diego sat down with Leonar.
"Leonar, I am sorry
for my father's harsh statement but he and the commandante have had
their moments," Diego said. "I know he did not mean to hurt you."
Quietly
pulling her self together Leonar replied, "Don Alejandro is very much
like my father. They both say what is exactly on their mind. It was
not your father's words that upset me but the sudden departure of
Enrique. Oh Diego he was so...different."
"What do you mean?" asked Diego.
"It was as though he was lost...I am so worried. He never returned to say goodbye before leaving for the cuartel."
"Leonar, are you aware of what brought about this sudden decision to leave?" Diego questioned.
"Si,
Enrique felt responsible for all the trouble at the hacienda and for
Anna Maria's problems. Diego, your father has always been angry with
Enrique but are you now?"
"No, I do not believe Monastario is
responsible for Anna Maria's illness," he said taking her hand. "The
commandante has made many mistakes but I believe he has changed. In
recent months I have seen the difference. He helped Anna Maria the
first time she became ill and was willing to give his life during the
incident with Don Miguel. The people are content in the pueblo and
things go well."
"Oh gracias Diego," she said with a smile. "You are a friend. I do feel better."
"As
a friend I will speak with the commandante and see if I can help," he
added patting her hand. "Be patient, there is many things our "friend"
must work out for himself."
"Again gracias Diego," Leonar kissed his cheek just as Bernardo entered.
"Leonar,
why do you not go into the garden and join the men. I will see that
Bernardo has the cook prepare a lunch for all of you. It is a
beautiful day and the garden would be an excellent place to relax."
"That is a wonderful idea. I will do that at once," Leonar said walking through the sala's open french doors.
Diego
quickly gestured to Bernardo to come into the sala and join him. Diego
explained the situation with Leonar and the commandate. Bernardo shook
his head knowing the concern in Leonar's heart. He motioned to Diego
that he would accompany him into the pueblo whenever he was ready.
Diego smiled and patted his friend on the back before climbing the
stairs to check on Anna Maria. Bernardo watched his friend and
sighed. He knew Anna Maria came first in Diego's life. As soon as
things were right with Anna Maria, Diego would go into the pueblo and
see the commandante... perhaps play matchmaker. Smiling to himself he
made his way toward the kitchen.
Dr. Avila stood on the landing
outside Diego's bedroom. The doctor's face showed a deep concern.
Diego walked slowly toward the doctor almost afraid to ask about his
wife. Swallowing hard and speaking softly so that those on the patio
could not hear Diego spoke.
"Dr. Avila, has there been a change in Anna Maria's condition?"
"Diego,
my boy," said the doctor. "I have known you since you were a small boy
and I would not keep anything from you. Anna Maria is the same but
there is something bothering her. We must get to the bottom of this or
it will affect her and the child she carries. I do not wish to alarm
you but this is very important. Anna Maria must relax and not have any
tension."
"I will see that she remains in bed," Diego added..
"If
only it was that easy. Staying in bed is helpful but having a clear
mind is most important. She is too tense. This is not good for her.
Please go to her and see what you can do?"
"Gracias doctor," Diego said taking a deep breath.
Diego
entered his bedroom to find Anna Maria sleeping in the bed in which
they made love for the first time and where their child had been
conceived. She looked so beautiful. Anna Maria had become part of him
and he was not about to lose her. Diego suddenly understood how the
commandante had become so bitter over his wife's death. However he
would not sit back and let that happen. Diego closed his mind of all
adverse thoughts as he raised Anna Maria's soft hand to his lips.
"Diego, mi amor, I was just dreaming of you and here you are," she said her eyes still filled with sleep.
"Of course I am here. I promised I would never leave you. I love you, mi corino," his lips touched her small delicate hand.
"Diego, just in case something should happen...," she began.
"Nothing
is going to happen to you or our child," he said firmly. "You will
follow all the doctors advice and there will be no further problems.
First you must tell me what has been troubling you."
"I started
to tell you before the doctor knocked on the door. I know I promised
not to worry about Zorro. It is your business but...oh Diego I believe
the commandante is not the only one who knows the secret of Zorro."
Surprised Diego asked, "Who is this unknown person?"
"It is Sergeant Garcia," she replied.
Diego began to laugh uncontrollably until he saw the look on his wife's face.
Obviously
she was not joking and she really believed what she said. Gaining
control of himself he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"Anna
Maria, I am sorry for the outburst," he said humbly." This is just hard
to believe. Garcia has not given me any reason to believe this is
true. After sending for the doctor all he could speak of was your
health and his concern for me. Why do you believe this?"
"Diego, perhaps it is woman's intuition but I saw the way Garcia looked at you in the garden. I know that I am not wrong."
"Alright,
then I must talk to him at once. No, no there is nothing to worry
about, mi amor. Garcia is a friend. I trust him just as I trust the
commandante when he gave me his word to keep silent. Everything will
be fine. You have my word. Anna Maria you mean everything to me,
please do not upset yourself. This will all be cleared up. I promise
you."
"Si, I will be strong just as you are my husband," she
said confidently. "Go do what you must and I will be here waiting for
you."
For just a moment the two held each other tight and then
Diego was gone. Anna Maria trusted Diego with everything she held dear
and laid back against the pillows as she promised. Garcia was a
soldier but his high ideals and friends always came first. The time
for Zorro was coming to an end. Monastario had become the right sort
of man to run the pueblo and Garcia a good second in command. She
laid her hand on her stomach and smiled before drifting off to sleep.