Anna entered the kitchen and was surprised to find it relatively quiet. Breakfast was being served in the tavern proper and the fiesta dishes had been transported outside to the de la Vega wagon. Walking to the counter that lined the walls of the kitchen, she took two glasses and sat them next to each other. She placed her hands on her hips as she glanced around the kitchen.
Out of the corner of her eye, Anna saw Inez hurry in and quickly scoop salsa onto the eggs she was serving. She returned to the dining hall. Anna took one of the glasses and walked to the table where Inez had stood. She placed a few spoonfuls of salsa into the glass. The girl reached across the table, careful not to knock the glass over, and grasped an egg from the basket at the edge. She cracked it on the edge of the table, emptied it into the glass, and threw the shell in the wastebasket.
Wiping the egg white from her hands onto her apron, she stirred the egg and salsa together. Anna wrinkled her nose. Adding some water, she stirred the concoction again then tapped the spoon on the edge. Anna filled the other glass with lemonade, set the glasses on a tray, and walked back towards the stables.
Anna looked around the barn. It was peaceful. In a back corner, Matthew was brushing down a beautiful mare. The English girl smiled then turned to where he had placed their saddlebags. She knelt next to her bag and lifted the leather flap. Inside, rows of small envelopes were neatly attached to the leather with rings of fabric.
Anna ran her finger along the third row and chose one of the larger envelopes. She quickly closed the bag, placed the envelope in her apron pocket, stood, and walked back towards the kitchen. Inez, Nia, and Juanita were standing around the kitchen table chatting when Anna reentered the building.
Inez stopped midsentence and all three turned to watch the English girl. Anna met their stares, but quickly looked back to the floor. She continued across the room to where the tray and two glasses sat. Anna was used to the stares by now—there had been many since she and Matthew had left England.
She heard the women turn to each other and begin to whisper as she opened the envelope from her pocket. Anna measured a pinch of the contents on the palm of her hand then carefully poured the powder into the lemonade. Lifting the tray, the girl walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
With a soft knock, Anna walked quietly into Roberto's room. The sun was beginning to streak through the window around the dark curtains. She could see Roberto's dark form sprawled on the bed. He hadn't bothered undressing for bed or even getting under the covers.
Anna grasped the pitcher of water on the bureau, walked to the side of the bed, and placed the tray on the nightstand. The servant girl dipped one of the provided towels into the pitcher and wrung it out. The water was cool and felt good on her skin. Anna sat gingerly on the edge of the bed, and reached over to Roberto's face.
"Roberto." she called and patted the cloth on his face. "Roberto." The man didn't move.
Anna picked up the glass of salsa and raw egg and held it under his nose. With the pungent aroma and the cool cloth on his forehead, Roberto groaned. Anna wrinkled her nose; he reeked of alcohol. "Roberto." Anna said, placing a refreshed cloth on her master's face.
Roberto groaned again, swatting at the cloth. He rolled toward her onto his side. Anna furrowed her eyebrows—there were too many things to do to be stuck as his nursemaid all day. Anna placed a soggy rag on his face. The excess water ran into his ear.
"Roberto!" Anna called. Roberto groaned and rubbed his eyes. Sitting up on his elbows, he looked around, confused. The sound of Anna wringing out the rag in the pitcher again, made him turn. "Get out," he growled.
Anna ignored him; easy to do because she didn't know what he said. She reached out to him to place another rag on his face. Roberto slapped her hand. The girl started and drew back. "Get out," he ordered, sitting up straighter.
Anna tried again. Suddenly, Roberto grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the bed. Anna gasped and struggled against his grip. Roberto placed his other hand over her mouth and leaned his body on top of her. Anna could barely breath from his weight on her chest. He drew his face close to hers, his eyes bored into her.
"Get… Out," he hissed, and threw her onto the floor. His message easily crossed the language barrier. Anna struggled to her feet as Roberto stood beside the bed. Wide-eyed, she backed away towards the door. Roberto lunged and raised his arm to strike. Anna ran out the door in terror and fled to the stables and the safety of Matthew's arms.
Matthew jabbed the pitchfork into the hay. +I'll kill him+ he growled. +I'll kill him.+
+No, Matthew. He was drunk; he didn't know what he was doing.+ Anna pulled her knees up under her chin as she sat in the loft with her brother.
+Bah! He knew bloody well what he was doing.+
+I'm fine, though. Nothing happened. Nothing's going to happen.+
+You're right nothing's going to happen. I'm getting you out of here.+
+How? I can't just walk back to England. Come on; we're stuck, and you know it.+
+We can go to the United States.+
+Be serious.+
Matthew grunted and grabbed the pitchfork again. Swinging more hay down to the horses below, he said, +What am I to do?! I am to protect you! I cannot do that here!+
With that he threw the pitchfork to the ground below. It clattered loudly, causing the horses to stir. His knees collapsed under an invisible weight, and he sank to the floor of the loft.
Anna crawled through the hay to his side. +You've said before that we'll stay with His Lordship until he returns to Spain. Then we'll find a way home from there. Remember?+
+His Lordship… Don't call that pig `His Lordship.+
+What am I to call him then?+
+Anything else you wish. Lord Wyclythe is `His Lordship' to us. Never forget that, Anna.+ Matthew turned to the girl behind him.
She placed her hand on his face. +Dear, sweet, Matthew. You know I'd do anything for you.+
+Go to Rosa, now. We must leave for the fiesta soon.+
+And Roberto?+
+I shall tend to Roberto.+
Anna nodded and crawled to the ladder. She climbed down carefully and left the stables. Matthew sat alone in the hay.
The carriage jostled as the Martinez' clan made their way to the de la Vega hacienda. Rosa had taken her precious time in preparing, much to Don Martinez's chagrin. He was anxious to get to the luxurious hacienda—it had been too long since he had felt rugs beneath his feet and had many servants at his beck and call.
He glanced at his daughter as she stared out the window. The time was near for her to find a husband. But whom would he choose for her? Someone rich, of course. Someone he could control. Someone without the clout to stand on his own. He had yet to meet a man with those attributes.
The Don shifted in his seat. It was so very hot in this cursed country. Hopefully, his mission would soon be over. Surely, this Zorro wouldn't be too hard to catch. Then the king and the emissary would be satisfied and he could return home.
Roberto grunted and fanned himself with his handkerchief. The man looked awful, thought Martinez. Probably another hangover. Oh, well, such were the irresponsibilities of youth. As long as he acted smart in front of the other officials, he cared little what his son did in his free time. Martinez would buy his son's way into a high- ranking military position. There was nothing to worry about.
The carriage entered the gates of the de la Vega hacienda. Martinez sat straight. What beautiful land! Large herds of cattle grazed peacefully. The main house appeared on the horizon. What splendor! Columns of stone buttressed the fine building. Large windows stood open and richly colored curtains fluttered in the coastal breeze.
Yes, thought Martinez, I will enjoy my time here. The carriage rolled to a stop. His manservant Matthew opened the carriage door for him, and Martinez stepped to the ground.
"Bienvenidos, Don Martinez, to our hacienda!" Don Alejandro gushed.
"Gracias, senor. My daughter, Rosa," he said, gesturing to the woman who stepped out behind him. "My son, Roberto." Roberto climbed reluctantly into the bright sun.
"Hola," said Don Alejandro.
"Hola," replied Roberto, blinking rapidly.
"And this is my son, Diego, you remember."
"Si, hola, Diego." Don Martinez said and gripped Don Diego's hand firmly. Martinez noticed that the other man did not wear a wedding band.
"Come! Come inside and rest yourselves!" Alejandro welcomed. The group began to move towards the front entryway. Martinez turned to Matthew and nodded for him to secure the horses and their belongings. The Don turned back to the group and they walked inside the house.
Matthew sighed and walked to the horse behind the carriage. He lifted Anna from the saddle and took her horse's reigns. +Do you know where I am to take Rosa's dresses?+ Anna asked her brother.
+I have no idea.+
+Well, I suppose I'll find someone who can point the way. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out.+ She smiled sweetly, grasped the satchel from her horse and walked towards the servant's entrance.
Matthew smiled at her back and led her horse and the horse he had ridden to the stables. A man met him at the entrance to the stable and attempted to take the reigns. Matthew recognized him; it was the man his sister had met in the tavern. The Englishman held securely to the reigns, pulling against the Spaniard's grasp.
Their eyes met. Matthew's gaze was steady and strong—the Spaniard met it in kind. For a moment, they stood, neither willing to acquiesce. Finally, Matthew released the reigns; his point was made. He turned on his heal and walked back to his master's carriage.
"Did you see him?!" Rosa gushed. "He's absolutely the most handsome caballero I have ever laid eyes on!"
Anna smiled as she brushed her mistress' hair. She did not understand what the woman was saying, but from Rosa's blush she had a feeling it had something to do with Don Diego de la Vega. Putting down the brush, Anna walked to the armoire and opened the door to reveal the two dresses that she had brought. The girl reached in, pulled the dresses out, and held them up for Rosa to see.
"The red one with the lace." Rosa ordered, signing "red" so as to be sure that Anna understood. The girl nodded and returned the blue satin dress to the cabinet. Anna assisted her mistress into the dress and began to fasten the tiny buttons that lined the back. "Oh, do hurry! I hear the music starting! I want to dance with him! Hurry."
Anna ignored her and continued fastening the buttons at a pace she could handle. Finally, everything was straight and all the lace was in place. Rosa took one last look in the mirror, pinched her cheeks to a bright red, and swept out of the room. Anna was left standing alone in the large guest room.
The girl turned to survey the room. A large mahogany bed stood imposingly in the center of the room with small tables on each side. Anna walked to the window, reopened the curtains and pushed the windows open. The sunset was lovely; the sea breeze felt good and smelled salty—like home.
Rosa's travel dress lay discarded on the small couch. Anna picked it up and smoothed the fabric. Longingly, she held it to her body and twirled in a small circle. Oh, to dance again! But it was not to be, she knew, at least not for a long while.
She stepped lightly across the Turkish rug and placed the dress on the bed. The English girl reached for a hanger on the bedside table and placed it in the neckline of the dress. Turning she walked to the armoire and placed the dress inside. The girl walked to the dressing table, straightened the brushes and chair, and walked from the room. The sound of laughter and music filled the hacienda. More and more carriages pulled up to the front of the hacienda as Dons and Donas arrived at the fiesta.
Where was Matthew? The girl wandered through the expansive hallways. Servants bustled everywhere carrying satchels and plates of food. Anna found her way to the kitchen. The room was wild with loud voices, commands, clanging pots, and steaming pans. Anna slid through as best she could, but did not catch even a glimpse of Matthew.
He must be in the stables, she thought. Turning, she made her way out of the back door. The English girl walked quickly through the night air. The breeze blew through the garden and wafted the scent of roses to the girl's nose. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent. With a shift of the wind, the smell changed from roses to horses. Anna wrinkled her nose at the smell of manure.
Reaching the stables, she placed her hand on the doorpost. The de la Vega's vaqueros were hard at work organizing all of the visiting horses and carriages. The men were also brushing down their own steeds for the night. Anna's wide blue eyes searched the stables for her brother.
Two vaqueros walked into the stables behind her. She turned, startled. The men continued into the building, watching the pale girl at the entrance of their domain. Anna saw the men's eyes wander down her figure. She looked to the ground and turned back toward the main house. Anna made her way quickly around the outside of the house.
Reaching a patio, her sandals clicked on the hard tile. A double door opened into the main hall of the hacienda. Anna heard the strings and piano playing and saw the Dons and Donas dancing wonderful ballroom dances. Anna's pace slowed. She placed her hand on one of the columns in the courtyard and leaned her head on the cool stone. The torch- light glittered in her eyes as she stood in the shadows watching the splendor before her. Rosa flirted unabashedly with the young de la Vega caballero. Don Diego looked exasperated. Anna studied his face closely; the exasperation was plain, but an admiration for someone in the room—she couldn't see who—was less obvious.
The girl's eyes moved to a corner of the bright room. Don Alejandro was pushing a protesting young man towards a blushing senorita. It was her friend-- Amigo? Was that the word these people used?-- from the tavern. Something twinged within her; something she did not recognize—envy?. Anna turned her eyes back to the dancing couples.
+You miss it, don't you?+
+Yes+ she answered quietly. Matthew looked over his shoulder. The coast was clear. +May I have this dance?+ he asked, holding his palm to his sister.
+Matthew!+ Anna giggled, +What if someone sees us?+
+Let them see! Dance!+ he wrapped his arm around her waist and swept her around the patio. Around and around they danced, as graceful as any inside. The music soon ended and a new song began. Matthew continued to dance with his sister. Anna laughed and leaned her head back into the breeze.
Neither of them noticed a crushed senorita sit in a winged-back chair in a corner of the ballroom or the young man who walked to the doorway of the patio and slipped into the shadows of the garden. The song ended to all too soon. The dancers in the ballroom applauded the orchestra, as brother and sister stood in the garden. "Anna!" Rosa called from inside.
+Thank you, dear brother. I must go.+ Anna said and ran towards the light streaming from the ballroom. Matthew smiled, then turned to walk to the stables. He hoped with all his heart that she was happy, even if for only a moment.
Don Alejandro, his son, and Victoria stood in a corner of the ballroom as couples swirled to the music. "So, what have you learned about Don Martinez?" Alejandro asked the innkeeper.
"Hmm. Not much. He is usually either in the quartel or his room. Matthew takes his food up there. I only see him come and go."
"Who is Matthew?" Diego asked.
"His manservant, the Englishman. His sister's name is Anna."
"Anna is the deaf girl, right?" Alejandro asked.
"Oh, no. She's not deaf." Victoria said, glad that she had new information to share. It was almost like gossiping at the tavern. "She speaks only English, but she and her mistress use signs to communicate."
"How ingenious." Diego remarked. "You said that she is his sister? They are not married then."
"No, she's his sister. That's what Matthew said. His accent is so funny!" Victoria giggled.
"I heard the Sergeant say that Martinez had come to capture Zorro." Alejandro remarked as he took a sip of his drink.
"But why bring his family?" Diego asked. The man looked across the room at Martinez's daughter who was signing to her servant. Rosa signed for Anna to take her fan to her quarters; Anna nodded and left the room.
"I don't know, but I would kick that son of his out in a heartbeat if it weren't for his father." Victoria fumed.
"Oh?" Alejandro asked. "He's a loud-mouthed, rude, spoiled brat. And an angry drunkard, too," she spat.
"All that?" Diego chuckled.
"Yes, if not more." Victoria huffed, "He harasses my girls, drinks all my wine, and lounges around in my way. See him over there?" she asked, nodding her head.
Alejandro turned, "Mmm. Hmm."
"He's probably begging his father to let him go back to his room now." They watched as his father argued with him, yet tried to maintain a dignified demeanor. Finally, Roberto turned and stormed out the front door of the hacienda.
"There goes my tavern. It'll probably be in shambles when I get home tomorrow." Victoria said.
"Oh, I'm sure Zorro will look out for it for you." Diego said.
"Yes, Zorro never lets anything happen to your tavern." Alejandro agreed.
Victoria blushed. "I guess he does look out for me."
Diego sighed and stretched. "Actually, I think Roberto may not have such a bad idea."
"What?" Alejandro asked.
"I'm bushed. I think I'll turn in. It's almost eleven o'clock."
"Diego, you can't possibly be tired." Victoria scolded.
"Senorita, I regret to say that I am. Buenos noches." Diego bowed to her, "Buenos noches, father."
"Buenos noches, Diego." Alejandro sighed and watched his son leave the room. "I don't know what I'm going to do with that boy." Victoria smiled a sad smile and laid her hand on her elderly friend's arm.
Anna walked into her mistress' room and placed the lace fan on the bed. She glanced around, analyzing the cleanliness and, finding it to her satisfaction, left the room in search of Matthew. The girl's sandals clicked on the stone floor as she walked through the twists and turns of the hallway. She was soon lost.
Nervously, Anna peeked into some of the rooms, hoping to find one she recognized. One room was filled with plants; another had a wonderful piano in it. The girl traced her fingers over the keys before leaving the room again.
Next, she entered a softly lit room at the end of the hallway. She gasped. Rows and rows of books lined the wall. Curiously, she walked to the shelves. Her fingers ran lightly over the book jackets as she read the title of each. Most were in Spanish; she did not understand what they said.
Then in a corner, she saw something that startled her. English! Books written in English! Macbeth, Robin Hood, Shakespeare's Sonnets, Romeo and Juliet, Beowulf! All of her favorites. The girl's breath quickened, and she pulled one of the books from the shelf. Persuasion. She hadn't read that one. As she stood facing the wall, her back to the door, she began flipping through the pages. Immediately, she was engrossed in the story.
+Oh, you are a reader, too.+ A voice behind her said.
Startled, Anna dropped the book to the floor and turned to see who had discovered her. A tall man in blue stood before her. His face was kind, but she backed cautiously away.
+It's okay. Which one did you choose?+ he asked, bending to pick up the book.
+You—You speak English+ the girl stuttered.
+Yes, I learned a lot at the university in Madrid." Diego said. "Ah, Persuasion! You'll like it.+
+Who are you?+ she asked, recognizing him from the tavern.
+Don Diego de la Vega. This is my hacienda. You are Anna?+ Diego asked.
+Yes.+
+Here you go.+ He said, attempting to hand her the book. +You will enjoy it.+
Anna shook her head and backed away further. +Oh, no. I couldn't. I mean, I can't. Mister Martinez doesn't allow us to read. He says it's dangerous.+
+You don't agree+ the man said.
+It doesn't matter what I think+ she said, looking at the floor.
+Oh, but it does+ he said.
Footsteps in the hall, interrupted their conversation. Anna stepped behind Diego as he turned to face the door. A man entered and walked immediately towards Diego. Anna blushed at the sight of him. Felipe had not seen her and began signing quickly to his patron.
"Felipe!" Diego chided. "Where are your manners? We have a guest." Felipe stopped, confused. He saw no one. Diego reached behind his back and pulled the girl from behind him. He smiled as he watched Felipe's eyes widen.
"Felipe, I'd like you to meet Anna.” +Anna, this is my servant Felipe.+" Diego introduced, pushing Felipe towards the English girl. Felipe's heart was in his throat; his hands were sweaty and his mouth went dry. The seconds seemed like years.
He couldn't think—all he could see was Anna standing before him, her hands clasped together, her beautiful eyes looking at the floor, her cheeks a soft rose color. Diego elbowed him, and the fog cleared for a minute.
*It's.. it's very good to see you again* He signed, his hands tripping over the words. Anna smiled and brought her fingertips to her mouth.
*Thank you* she signed, bringing her hands together.
"Oh, so you've met already?" Diego asked. Felipe nodded.
*Yes, at the tavern* signed Felipe.
"Wonderful! Are you enjoying the fiesta, Anna?" the caballero asked, turning to the girl. Anna blinked, looked to Felipe, then back to Diego. Felipe understood.
*Are you enjoying the fiesta?* he signed with a smile.
Anna returned his smile. +*I have been busy, but it seems nice.*+ She signed as she spoke so that both men would understand.
"My, this is complex. You two seem to be fine without me. I'll turn in for the evening then. +Anna, this is for you. I want you to read it.+" Don Diego pushed the book into Anna's hands. "Buenos noches, Felipe. +Goodnight, Anna+." Diego said and walked quickly from the room, amid Anna's protests.
+Senor-!+ Anna called, moving towards the door. It was too late; Diego had already exited the wing. Anna turned back to Felipe.
*What's wrong?* he asked, furrowing his eyebrows. Anna looked at the book in her hands. She wanted to read it; she longed to read it. Felipe saw the change in Anna's demeanor. She seemed sad, or angry? At whom? At what?
*What's wrong?* he asked again. Anna looked up at him. The girl walked to the bookshelf and with a deep breath placed the book back on the shelf. She turned back to the Spaniard. *You must tell Don Diego that I thank him, but I cannot take that book*
*You can read?*
*Yes*
*Then why can't you take it? Didn't he give it to you?*
*Yes, but if someone caught me with it…* her arms dropped to her side. They stood in motionless silence, looking at each other. Felipe was captivated. Anna's eyes sparkled in the soft light. Her hands were graceful when she signed, and he wished that he was a caballero so that he could kiss them the way the gentlemen did. What were they talking about? Oh, the book.
*Will you tell him?* Anna asked.
Swishing skirts and clicking shoes in the hallway caught their attention. Rosa swept into the room. "There you are!" she scolded. Felipe backed out of the way to avoid being trampled. "I absolutely must have that yellow gown to wear tomorrow. The one you chose simply will NOT do. Diego would NEVER notice that! You must go back to town tonight. That's all there is to it. Hurry!" Rosa commanded, then rushed back to the ballroom.
The two servants watched the senorita leave the room, then turned back to each other. Anna giggled, *What did she say?* she signed.
*She wants the yellow gown for tomorrow.*
*But she had me bring the blue one!*
*She wants you to go back to town and get it.*
*Tonight?!*
*That's what she said.*
Anna smiled.*So that Diego will notice her*" she asked. Felipe nodded and returned her smile.
