"Such stupidity!" yelled Emma to the retreating figure. People heard her rude remark, and laughter could be heard in every corner of the big house. Emma laughed, as her big fat stomach quivered, while her feet remained propped up on the stool. She had a habit of wearing shoes too small for her feet because it was the custom. Men adored women with small feet, and hers were the tiniest, if not the fattest.
Victoria and Felicia had not joined the rest of the guests; they had slept late. They sat on the bed giggling and talking about the previous night.
"Do you like it?" questioned Victoria, showing her cousin the golden amulet around her neck.
"Oh! Victoria, it's absolutely lovely! Juan is so handsome, too. You were right about him, his manners and looks. But what are you going to do about marrying Ricardo?"
"Ah! I do not know! But I knew I loved Juan the first week he was here." She put her index finger to her lips and lowered her voice. "My parents don't believe in instant love, and they arranged my marriage to someone they knew and his family, someone wealthy, for my security." She glanced around and quietly got off the bed in her nightgown and headed toward the door with a look of distrust. "I don't want anyone to hear me, especially Yolanda. She is such a snoop. Last night, Juan proposed to me."
"Oh! Victoria," cried Felicia with glee. "He proposed to you! Honestly! How romantic! But what are you going to do when we come back from school?"
"Honestly, Felicia! You surprise me. In two years, many things can happen, and by then, I'll have it all worked out. Now! Let's fix our hair and get dressed. We have an exciting day coming up."
"Will you be seeing Juan in Monterrey?" Felicia asked, with shock written all over her face, while she unraveled her hair to be combed. "He could get himself in a lot of trouble with the powerful Del Calderóne family. Politically I mean."
"What can they do?" replied Victoria. "And yes, he'll be seeing me at the convent," she said, feeling confident and so sure of her future. "But promise not to tell, especially your mother. She seems to be fond of Ricardo and his family. I wish that Ricardo's brother would be of interest to you."
"Come on! Ricardo's brother Luis is an outcast, according to my mother. He has spoken out against the Del Calderóne family and was ordered out of their home never to return. Rumors are that he has also joined some of the revolutionists against his own family."
"All that my parents could do is dispatch me back home. Now, Felicia, promise not to tell!"
"I promise!"
"What happened last night with your stepfather? I noticed while I was dancing with Juan that he was standing over you and grabbed your arm, and you walked away. What did he want?"
"What he always wants! But one thing leads to another with him. I can't stand him holding me. He has a filthy mind, and I knew what he was wanting. He whispered in my ear that I have been gone too long, and how he missed me. He said more, but I can't repeat it. I told him to go dance with my mother. I turned around, leaving him standing on the floor. As I left, Victor Salinas asked me to dance, and I did. I had a good time. He made me laugh, and he's a good dancer."
"Good for you. How do you like the Salinas boy? He comes from a wealthy family. His family owns thousands of cattle on a ranch close to Chapin."
"He is divine! He asked if I would dance with him tonight. He said he would be waiting for me. He wants to be my dancing partner. I can't wait!"
Soledad had been attending Doña Francisca through the night. When she went downstairs to get La Señora and herself some food, she overheard Yolanda talking with some of Emma's servants, putting the blame for all the trouble on Soledad's coming to Spanish Acres. "Soledad is the problem," said Yolanda, still acting boastfully, after her nighttime tryst with Juan. "We have not had any trouble in this area, but she brought with her evil forces, evil roots, evil omens. And now, José Esquibel's death! How is she going to explain his death? Now, she has nobody to help her, except the Juelson family, who feel sorry for her, because she was raped and beaten. We are all raped when we make love." She laughed mockingly.
The rest of the busy servants giggled but stopped when Soledad entered the kitchen area.
Doña Francisca cried upon hearing the news of José Esquibel's death but consoled herself with her rosary, votive candles, and her statues of Catholic saints standing next to her bed.
"It's my fault!" cried Soledad sitting on a chair next to Doña Francisca's bed, sobbing and feeling guilty for José Esquibel's death and her presence at Spanish Acres.
Between her coughing fits, Doña Francisca replied, "Don't pay any attention to gossip, my dear. People will say anything in times of hysteria. Everyone is afraid, so they will say things to console themselves, always blaming someone else, as if blaming others will bring José back. You had nothing to do with the young Esquibel's death. We all know that."
"Everything bad has happened since I came to your place. I'm so grateful to all of you here. You have been so kind. All of you saved my life. I have no family." Sobbing, she blew her nose and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.
"Soledad, calm yourself. Good things are coming to you. In spite of everything that has happened, you're a good person. God has a way of handing us burdens in life, but consider them as a good experience and a blessing. We have all suffered in our own way. It is how we handle the situation that matters. This is what life is all about. In our lifetime, we are all going to laugh and cry and suffer heartaches because it teaches us to be strong. It gives us strength and the indomitable will to survive. Be grateful that you were sent to us and to live here in this area. And be happy that José took an interest in you."
At that moment, Don Federico walked into the bedroom and surprised them. He was pleased to see his wife eating and feeling better. He thanked Soledad for caring for his wife, while others in his household were enjoying themselves. "Corazon, you’re looking wonderful," he said. He smiled at her and sat down on the edge of her bed, then took her hand and kissed it.
Not wanting to upset her, he chose his words very carefully. "Querida," he began. "Your father and mother have asked to take you to Monterrey, where you'll have excellent medical care. They have good doctors and the best facilities for getting you back to normal." He said it with confidence, displaying a bright smile and a spark in his eyes. "I agree with your father. I think it best for you to go with them and get well again with better care."
Doña Francisca became obstinate. "I can't leave now! I have too many things to do! Mother has already suggested it, but I disagree. Victoria is leaving for Monterrey and staying there for the next eighteen months, and I have to get her clothes ready. And now José's death—" She began coughing, and quickly grabbed her handkerchief.
"I'll see that everything will be taken care. You don't have to worry or do anything. Victoria turned sixteen. She is a big girl now! She is not the same little girl we remember. She can take care of herself. Mamá Maria will oversee everything before she goes to school."
"Too many things to do before we get ready and leave for any trip," snapped Doña Francisca. "I need to get up from this bed and visit the Esquibel's family and console them for their terrible loss."
"You're in no shape to go anywhere!" said Don Federico. "Your illness has been a constant worry for me for months." He got up from her bed, his voice displaying his anguish. "All I want is for you to get well and be yourself again. I have spent many sleepless nights worrying about your condition, and it's about time you get the medical help you deserve. I will not take 'no' for an answer."
"But—"
"No buts. It's time you start thinking about yourself and your health instead of everyone else's problems. If you continue this way, you will not make it past this year."
"All I have is a bad cough," commented Doña Francisca weakly.
"Don't give me any excuses. You have more than a cough!” he said, raising his voice. “You need medical help. That's final! I'll have Yolanda or Mamá Maria, or for that matter, Soledad, start getting your clothes and bags ready.
That's final! I don't want to hear another word," he repeated.
Soledad nodded her head and said humbly, "Why, of course, I'll do anything, Señora."
"For now, you need your rest!" He kissed Doña Francisca on her forehead and began walking outside into the long hall. On his way out he said, "I'll have your mother come up and join you. Everybody is having a good time, and the fiesta is not over yet. If anybody needs me, I'll be in the library."
The sala and patio were full of people eating and drinking, while many of the couples danced to the beat of the musician's rhythm. The festivities had produced an eventful experience: Many people had become ill with indigestion or diarrhea; one small boy had fallen from a citrus tree and broken his leg; a small child was bitten by a scorpion; another had been bitten by a rattler; and, worst of all, Jose Esquibel was dead.
But the music and gaiety continued. Victoria and Felicia had finished their breakfast and headed to the stables, where her grandparents presented her birthday present: a four-year-old, pure white filly, from their villa in Monterrey.
"What are you going to name her?" questioned Felicia.
"I don't know. Why don't you help pick a name?"
"Since we're both going to Monterrey. How about calling her Reyes?"
"That's a man's name! How about calling her La Reyna?" The girls laughed and agreed.
They both swooned as they caught sight of Juan returning from the stables and looking serious, even in his smooth, charming, raffish manner.
Victoria, in her effervescent and joyous mood, approached him close-up, as if wanting a hug or a kiss. Wearing the golden amulet prominently displayed around her neck, she was expecting Juan's comment.
But he was solemn and in no mood for any serious affection. He said, "Did you hear about José?" His face was full of concern and his green eyes widened, indicating a feeling of uneasiness.
"No! What happened?" the two girls asked at the same time. They turned to look at each other, shocked.
"We found him dead, early this morning, inside the cemetery. He was beaten, tortured, and shot to death. Apparently, Los Rinches had a part in the murder. We found a burned-out cigar that belongs to one of them. Your father recognized the cigar. Roy said that it was probably those corrupt Texas Rangers. He thinks that man Hanson had a part in it and was spying on the hacienda last night, with the rest of his thugs." He decided not to describe the gory details of how they had found the body.
"So what is Father going to do?" asked Victoria, disappointed and concerned that the incident would disrupt her celebration.
"I don't know. I just got word that your father wants to talk to me in the library. I'm on my way." Juan, drained and nervous, was trying to sort out the turmoil in his head, but he could not forget the image imprinted on his mind of José's mutilated body. "I'll see you later tonight, Victoria." He smiled faintly.
The girls shuddered.
In the late afternoon, the great sala was set for Victoria and Fred to perform for the guests, with Miss Bell accompanying them at the piano. Sitting at the piano and perusing the music sheets, Victoria presented a stunning vision in her new low-cut, pink organdy dress. She kept a vigil on all the entrances coming into the grand sala, and caught a glimpse of Soledad coming from the kitchen with a tray full of champagne glasses. But Juan was nowhere in sight.
"Soledad," Victoria said. "Has anyone see Juan? I haven’t seen him since noon when he said he would meet me later. Do you know where he is? Have you seen him?" She spoke, trying to appear nonchalant, not realizing that other ears were listening.
Emma was sitting next to Señor and Señora Hinojosa in the large sala. They were all facing the group and overheard Victoria's questioning. Emma raised her voice and said, "He left several hours ago!" she hissed in a viperous tone. "Manuel and Yo-Yo helped him with his clothes and saddled his horse. They sent him on his way."
She smiled with superiority, pleased as though she had been given permission to discipline Victoria. She began fanning herself from her hot flashes, then spoke again, lashing out. "That young man has no business whirling you around the dance floor like he did last night," she said. "You are making a complete fool of yourself and leading him on. You have no shame, and it is unbecoming, not ladylike behavior, knowing you'll be married in a couple of years to Ricardo Del Calderóne." She twisted her mouth with a smug smile, looking condescending as if Victoria's parents themselves were delivering the hateful admonition.
Embarrassed, Victoria's face turned beet-red, and anxiety and uneasiness overtook her. People sitting and standing around her began laughing. Another wave of whispering from waggling tongues rolled around the room. Her grandmother Gloria was appalled; however, not Don Hinojosa, since he had already protested to Don Federico about Victoria's behavior.
Felicia, ambling in from the courtyards, stood and held her breath. Soledad turned pale, set the tray of glasses down, and quietly walked away. Fred, standing next to Victoria's side, was wiggling his hurting hind-end and fiddling with his suit. He glanced at Victoria and grabbed his violin. He was shocked at the intense atmosphere and overcome by Tía Emma's remarks, worried that at any moment his sister might explode into one of her tantrums and start throwing things.
Miss Bell, who was dumbfounded at the present dialogue, rescued the situation by waving her hands in front of Victoria and Fred. She was wearing a black, full-length skirt, and a white, high-collared, lace blouse with a cameo brooch at her throat. "Now children," she said. "First we will play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, and then we'll do Für Else, followed by John Philip Sousa's El Capitán." She cleared her throat. "And if the people want another tune, we will play the difficult piece by Frederic Chopin that we have been practicing this past week."
Controlling her dismay, Victoria managed to play the piano, as the color from her face receded slightly, but the frown did not. If women were lesser creatures than men and were being dominated, were not supposed to be objective, then how come Tía Emma got by with her domineering ways? Her Amazonian proportions were enough to gag any man, much less her repulsive mouth. Where was Doña Adela's potion? Victoria's anger fomented a demonic urge to clobber Tía Emma. As the moment passed, she did not have time to think of what became of Juan.
Victoria's forehead was perspiring and her fingers were sweating, sticking to the piano keys. She could feel the sweat rolling down her back as she played each note flawlessly. Fred followed with his violin, and the combination of the two musical instruments became intoxicating, with an almost mystic precision. The crowd applauded and showed their approval as the musical piece was played. They had never heard such beautiful music! Miss Bell bowed and smiled, pleased with her accomplishment as a music teacher, and with Victoria and Fred, who heaved a collective sigh of relief. She then pointed to the two students, as they bowed and curtsied. The crowd stood cheering and applauded again. Many hugged the two students and praised them for their skill and expertise. Many questions were asked of Victoria, who was in her height of glory over her performance, pretending to be charming and giddy. Many of the elite crowd congregated around Miss Bell, congratulating her on her knowledge of music.
Don Federico had appeared, standing and applauding with the group of dignitaries with whom he had been having a discussion in his library.
The twin Montoya girls, who lived on a large ranch northwest of Mercedes City, approached Victoria in a friendly manner, as they, too, would also be going to the convent school.
"It's surprising that we're all attending the same school," replied Rosa, the nosey, seventeen-year-old, who was full of curiosity and questions, and talking inches away from Victoria's face. "By the way, the man that you were dancing with last night, is he your novio? He is so handsome that he stands out in the crowd. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him! I didn't see him here tonight. Did he have an emergency? Does he live in one of the ranchitos here in the valley? What's his name? And your mother, someone said she was ill. Is she feeling better? I didn't see her tonight enjoying the cele
bration."
Victoria could feel her blood beginning to boil. "No! His name is Juan Alvarez. He is not my novio. He is a friend of my father, and we met several months ago here in the hacienda. And yes, he had to leave. He is on a special mission. Yes, he is single and looking for a good-looking wife who has money!" She said it hatefully, knowing that it wouldn't apply to either of the twins, since they were both ugly, with bad complexions and protruding teeth. She continued, "And no, he is not from this area. He comes from Monterrey, Mexico. And yes, Mother is resting and feeling better. Thank you for your concern."
"Oh!" replied the other boisterous twin, Rosalinda. She brought her hand up to her mouth, tossed her head flirtatiously, and eyed Victoria mockingly. "So you say! He is single! What a catch!" She giggled and nudged her sister. They both looked like two fat hens.
The other twin addressed Victoria with much enthusiasm. "What does he do?" she asked, rolling her eyes.
She would ask that, the ugly witch! Thought Victoria, still sweating. She had to think fast to find the right words to describe Juan's occupation. She couldn't say that he was out collecting money for the benefit of the Revolution since everyone was afraid of the coming war. She dared not mention Madero, for at this moment his name was like poison in political circles. Instantly she blurted out, "A diplomat! Yes, that’s what he is. A diplomat! With a very important mission!"
"A diplomat for President Díaz? How impressive, "said Rosa."And he lives in Monterrey? Will he be coming to visit you at the school?" She kept asking nosey questions.
"Yes, for the government of Díaz," she lied. If Juan knew that she had said that remark, he would have a fit and fall in it. For it was against Díaz that he was fighting, for the poor people of Mexico, for their liberation and freedom. As for answering whether Juan was coming to see her at the convent, Victoria was not going to put her foot in her mouth on that question. She curbed her temper and ignored it.
Roots of Indifferences Page 25