Emma, hampered by over a hundred and fifty pounds of fat, was at the head of the table looking radiant with bright trinkets and feathers on her head, intimidating the Christmas tree with all of its ornaments. The sarcastic, bigoted, Howard Ale wore a black suit and red tie at the opposite end of the table, looking gloomy and eyeing the young girls, from behind his heavy spectacles, and grabbing their behinds, unexpectedly, if he got the chance. Dan Land and Felicia sat next to Emma. Victoria was seated next to Ricardo and in front of them, across the table was Juan and at his side was Magdalena, wearing Victoria's elegant gown. The gown was beautiful, but being too big in the bust, it hung awkwardly on her body. Señora Del Calderóne, in a handsome, dark brocade dress, was on Ricardo's left and kept stretching her neck, trying to spy on Victoria. She was always complaining and disapproved of Victoria's behavior, and she was trying to find some reason to find fault with her.
After the champagne glasses were filled, Emma stood up, with her enormous weight eclipsing the view of the Christmas tree behind her. The dining room had become a chattering room. She brought her glass up in the air to make a toast, waiting for the others to join her and do the same. Everyone was talking, engrossed in their own conversation with their table partners, so she tapped the glass of water in front of her with a spoon to catch the guests' attention.
"I have invited all of you, who have an important part in this community, first to contribute to charity and donate money, if you wish, to the families who have very little for their children during the coming holidays. All the women members of the Catholic ladies club are busy cooking and making cakes and food to take to some of the families, who are in terrible need at this time. All of this takes time and money. I also need to introduce you to, El Doctor Juan," Emma said. "He has been totally wonderful, finding out what my medical problem was, and he is going to heal me. Juan is courting Magdalena, and we need to celebrate that blessing; also Felicia and Dan have gotten engaged and will be announcing their marriage in the coming year." There was cheers and laughter, and the majority clapped their hands with joy, except Howard Ale, who had been sipping heavily all afternoon did not find any of this expensive, joyous occasion necessary. He was still searching for ways to get even with Felicia.
Victoria looked beautiful with her hair piled up on her head, a diamond hair comb, a diamond broach, and dangling diamond earrings to compliment her black velvet, loose-fitting top. On her shoulders was a brightly colored embroidered shawl that fell to her side. She was already feeling the tension among the guests, tension that could be cut with a knife. She was amazed that Aunt Emma, of all people, who had complained and criticized Juan at her birthday party, was actually praising him and throwing this grand party for him.
Victoria tried to remain aloof from everybody and was avoiding eye contact with Juan, but she was feeling the pressure from across the table. She took a sip of eggnog and instinctively her eyes raised and lingered toward the other side of the table. Juan honored her with a warm, congenial, loving smile. How could she forget his radiant smile, so pleasant, accentuated by his trimmed, dark mustache? It lit up her spirit. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment. Heaven knows what each one was thinking. Perhaps they were remembering their last encounter in the little mining village at the hot springs cave high in the mountains above Monterrey, where they had made passionate love. Did he know she was carrying his child? He averted his gaze. However, he had been casually watching her actions and expressions, not letting others become suspicious of his interest, and yet, his attention had never left her.
In the background, the musicians were playing Over the Waves, and it brought back memories of Juan dancing with her at Spanish Acres. So many weeks and months had flown by since that happy time, with so many memories and tears of grief.
Ricardo, even in his arrogance, felt out of place, and was livid since all the attention was being lavished on "the great doctor." He was embarrassed over the shiner on his left eye, which created an uncharacteristic sense of inadequacy, causing him to feel comfortable only with his mother. He felt a pang of jealousy and immediately stopped his conversation and pivoting, viewed Juan, who at the moment was obviously enthralled with Victoria.
"It's so nice to see you again, Señora Del Calderóne." Juan nodded his head and spoke politely, but his eyes narrowed, becoming magnetic, boring right through to her soul. "It's been a long time," he said, smiling warmly.
Victoria blushed and her heart was pounding. She nodded her head. "Yes," she answered, "it's nice seeing you again—and yes, it's been a while."
The conversation was interrupted by Ricardo's belligerent personality. He had lost complete control. How dare Juan be speaking so dotingly to my wife! With all the sarcasm he could muster, he leaned forward, confronting Juan. "How long has that been?" he said, tapping the table with his fingers, making a point. "Yes, tell me how long?" His question was taunting; he was unmistakably begging for a fight, ignoring basic social etiquette.
Victoria turned to Ricardo angrily, lips pursed, face flushed, and glared at him, as he was completely out of line. She glanced up and viewed her father's reddened face. Ricardo had gotten the attention he craved, as the guests were now captivated by the scene unfolding before them.
Don Federico heard the conversation, stood up instantly with a glass full of hard liquor in his hand. "Ricardo! Juan's our guest and a friend of the family." He spoke with authority and with a direct command. "We've been friends for some time now. We are all very thankful that he came all the way from his post in Reynosa to help us with all of our medical emergencies. This joyous, grand dinner is for Juan, and let's all enjoy the evening!"
Juan was obviously embarrassed by the accolade but smiled at Victoria with a charming smile. Ricardo glared at Juan and remained annoyed.
There were loud applauding and cheers since the guests at the table had not yet eaten and were already feeling the effects of the strong liquor.
"What I want to know—" the calculating Howard Ale spoke loudly, holding himself halfway up on the table, his speech slurred, already his body limp, feeling the whiskey he had earlier and a large glass of the newly flavored eggnog, "—is where in the hell did you get that goddamn black eye?"
Everyone laughed. Ricardo's face turned pink. From the far end of the table, the enormous figure of Emma called out, "Howard, mind your manners!" She sighed with embarrassment.
"Have the doctor give you something for that, will ya'? Where's the food? I'm hungry," her husband yelled.
There was another roar and applause as the servants began circling the guests. A huge pig with an apple in its mouth was brought on a gigantic platter; large slices of ham had already been cut and arranged on the side of the plate along with a large silver fork. The food served was amazing: big saucers of mashed potatoes; a bowl containing dark gravy; cut glass crystal bowls of buttered corn, broccoli, and cauliflower; fresh green beans mixed with almonds and onions; and candied sweet potatoes covered with dark piloncillo and cinnamon. The finest imported wine from France was offered. The servants brought in an enormous crystal platter with different fruits, including white and red grapes, which in this region and at this time of year were hard to find. These were placed in between the two tall, lit candelabras in the middle of the massive table.
As the servants passed the platters of food around, the conversation naturally turned to the conditions in Mexico and of the instability of the Mexican government. Many had relatives who sons who had died earlier in June in Matamoros; now the city was being controlled by the Carranzistas. Everyone was asking about the newly elected President Huerta and about the horror stories they were hearing of how dangerous it was to travel to Mexico. Venustiano Carranza was opposing Huerta, the President of Mexico and so was the United States. Carranza's right-hand man was General Alvaro Obregón, who with Pancho Villa's other Allies were fighting in both the northern states and Zapata down south. Much of the news was propaganda, some guests were saying. "They'll write anything to get a story."
After dinner, the guests stepped out into the large sala with a drink in hand to enjoy the music. All of the distinguished men were given Cuban cigars. Some couples danced. All were talking and mingling with each other.
Felicia's glance met Victoria's, and she motioned with her head, raising her eyebrows, for the two to go upstairs. Felicia noticed that Ricardo was hovering directly over his mother, apparently in a deep discussion about a business venture. Juan and Magdalena had their heads together, each with a drink in their hand. Howard was arguing with a guest. Emma was busy in the kitchen with the servants. Don Federico was talking to a circle of businessmen. Next to him was La Señora McCray, who was visiting with another guest, with an ear turned to Don Federico's conversation. La Señora Hinojosa talked to several of the women, as they were asking her questions about the death of her husband in Mexico City and the situation in Mexico. The older children, Fred, Carlos, and the twins, played hide and seek and chased and caught each other, running around the house, going up and down the stairs, making a racket. Dan Land had gone outdoors checking on one of the horses that were causing some disturbance. Perhaps a hungry coyote nearby had smelled food.
Felicia's eyes wandered toward the end of the sala as if counting each individual in a great game of chess, making sure where each person fitted in the move and where everyone was stationed.
Victoria quietly passed through the noisy crowd and slowly made her way upstairs to meet with Felicia. There, in one of the bedrooms, Felicia quietly informed her in a low whisper that Don Federico was questioning Dan about their trip coming home from school in Monterrey. "I think your father knows about Juan and the mystery of your baby. He was asking too many questions. Dan had gotten real nervous and had twisted the story to make it sound right, but by looking at your father's puzzled face, he wasn't buying it. I don't think he was convinced by Dan's story."
"What surprises me is how my father and your mother have taken such a great liking toward Juan," Victoria replied. "We are grateful, of course, that he was able to save Roy's life and get him well and help with Tía Emma's health. Do you remember how mad my dad was with Juan in Monterrey? My father has changed since mother's death. He's made a complete turnaround in his attitude towards me. I get the impression that something happened between Ricardo and Dad. It changed his feeling toward the Del Calderóne family. Father knows that I do not love Ricardo and knows how unhappy I have been. I think that Father knows something, and I think he has an idea who the baby's father is. I think Dad and my mother both knew that it was a mistake in having me marry Ricardo."
"Victoria, you are with child, and be grateful that he married you. If not, imagine what the church people and the community would have said. How would you have explained about your baby?"
"Well, at this point all Ricardo thinks about is his mother and sister. He is not concerned about me and my condition."
"Why?" answered Felicia, looking right into Victoria's eyes and sounding serious. "What makes you think that he is only looking out for his family?"
"Because of the money, he stole from the oil company instead of paying the workers. He used it to bring his mother and sister from across the border into the Valley. He wanted to protect his mother and make sure that his sister is well taken care of. He is not only selfish but a liar, too. Father doesn't trust him and keeps a constant eye on him."
"That must have been when he appointed Dan to handle the company's money. However, things are working better for everyone in the oil fields and everyone is getting good money. Ricardo seems to be happy living most of the time in Spanish Acres and working there."
"Sure!" snapped Victoria. "Because Yolanda is there and pleasing Ricardo all the time."
"Oh! Yolanda is a stupid, uneducated girl. She has no class, no dowry. She sleeps with anybody, just to get attention. I wouldn't let her bother me." Felicia paused, "Getting back to your story about your Father and Juan—"
Victoria interrupted. "I don't know what Juan has told Dad. It would be stupid if he did admit to anything. I still cannot believe that Juan is pretending that he's so in love with Magdalena. I think he's putting on a theatrical show to get back at me. A person just can't forget what happened in the past so lightly. And I still love him!"
"Maybe," answered Felicia, "but, remember, you are now married." She said it as if that were the final word on the subject. "You are Catholic and married and there's no divorce."
"And I hate it!" Victoria spoke with her head down, regretfully, feeling tricked, cheated and trapped. Tears rolled down her face.
"I'm sorry," answered Felicia. "Don't try to do anything foolish. It's your baby that needs attention." Her eyes blinked rapidly, betraying her anxiety. "We must hurry down to our guests."
Victoria hugged her cousin and wished her the best with Dan. She was so happy for them and knew that the coming year was going to be a real challenge. "We will talk later when we are alone and have more time."
Felicia hurried downstairs, as Victoria stood in the bedroom collecting her thoughts, trying to compose herself. She brought her shawl over her head and blew her runny nose with her laced handkerchief. She heard a noise coming from the back of one of the tall dressers. She peeked over the side, and there was Fred looking up at her, blinking nervously, crouched down and holding his knees.
"How long have you been here?" she said angrily and felt her blood drain down to her feet.
"Long enough to hear everything!"
"You heard everything?" Victoria wanted to scream but managed to compose herself. "Well, now you know! Keep it to yourself and don't repeat any of this, especially to Father or Ricardo!" she commanded nervously. "Absolutely no one else must know— only you and Felicia."
"I knew that you have always loved Juan," answered Fred, who seemed to understand her dilemma. "But I didn't know that you were going to have his baby. That's going to create family problems."
"Not if nobody knows! Keep this to yourself, and there will not be any problems. You and I will talk later when we are alone. Promise?"
"Promise," Fred said.
*****
The evening ended with Don Federico's suggestion that Juan spends the night with them at their new home. Juan had not seen the modern house and Emma already had too many other guests staying with her. Juan would be leaving early in the morning back to his post in Reynosa. As each guest departed the evening's festivities, they were given a basket full of apples, with packages of homemade fudge, candies, and cookies from Mexico and a large package of peanuts, which were not in season and were hard to find.
Ricardo had informed Don Federico that he was staying a while longer at Emma's, wanting to have a word with his mother and his sister about their future plans. He would have one of Emma's drivers take him home later.
Upon entering the big Juelson mansion, Juan stood amazed as he viewed the beautiful, large, contemporary house with its Gothic structure, with its wide stained-glass windows its winding staircase, and the spectacular glass chandeliers.
The servants helped Juan with his baggage and took him to a studio bedroom on the first floor next to Don Federico's expansive library. He and Don Federico talked into the night, with the Don making arrangements to reward the young doctor for his service and his willingness to come to Texas.
Ricardo returned in the middle of the night, drunk and disorderly, wanting to pick a fight with the household. Don Federico, already disgusted with his behavior, ordered him to leave the premises. Perhaps Spanish Acres would have a bed for him since he was still working on the oil rigs.
By the crack of dawn, Juan was gone, but on the little ornate mirror table near the front entrance, he had left a handwritten envelope inscribed with Victoria's name on the outside. One of the servants had found it early in the morning as she was cleaning and dusting the furniture. She gave it to Victoria the following day with her breakfast tray. Inside was the repaired golden amulet with the chain that had been torn from her neck at the convent in Monterrey. On the back wa
s the etched inscription: "All my love forever."
Juan had included a beautiful poem that he had dedicated to Victoria:
Your Marvelous Face
In order for God to find two superlative foreign stones, rare of its kind,
And to form two precious ideal eyes, God searched in the carunculous of the porous minerals; created the tears more divine and pure. Overlooked the mother-of-pearl colored coral, seabed blue. Disregarded the luxurious, opulence of the oriental stones; by-passed the magnificent brilliant fire of the Aurora-Borealis domes; Unheeded the particular facets of the sumptuous, sparkling diamonds. And not being able to find luminous material to adorn and be fair, for your marvelous face, and for that matter, expressive and rare. God bit his red lips in anger and gazed with love… took his own eyes…and carefully placed them in your face.
The poem had been written in Spanish by Señor Miguel Cervantes, but Juan had translated it into English.
Victoria stayed in her bedroom and cried for two days; perhaps this was the cause and the beginning of her labor pains. How she loved him!
CHAPTER 28
Days before Las Posadas, the holidays leading up to Christmas, Victoria delivered a seven-pound boy. The baby was named Luis Martin Del Calderóne after Ricardo's brother Luis, who had been injured in a battle fighting with Carranza close to the port of Tampico, Mexico. The newborn's name had pleased La Señora Del Calderóne, since she had not seen or heard from Luis in many years, and her heart yearned to see him again. It was a joyous occasion. Mamá Maria and Yolanda had been brought from Spanish Acres to assist Victoria. Soledad had wished to come but stayed at Spanish Acres to nurse the ailing Roy. The house became crowded, with Grandmother Gloria, Emma, Señora Del Calderóne, and the servants, all trying to assist by giving orders regarding the newborn.
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