Spellbound: a Tale of Magic, Mystery & Murder

by Louise Ann Barton

CHAPTER 30 -THE WEDDING

  Two days later, Carolina telephoned Jose at the hotel with exciting news. Cousin Carlos was getting married. And if Jose could wheedle Jacob into granting them a special discount, the wedding would take place in Cristo.

  Little Rosalinda was overcome with joy. The beautiful dress she'd been saving for a special occasion was finally to be worn and admired by others. A chance to celebrate. A chance to see and be seen. She ran to the hotel to share the happy news with her American friends.

  "This is so exciting!" Cat exclaimed. "Tell us again, what does this wonderful dress look like?"

  Rosalinda described the very special dress that had been made in Paris and was so becoming to her. "It has lace and it is all in white. Dazzling white! A dainty cotton, with eyelets, and very tiny, rolled-silk roses, with lacey ribbons trailing here and here," she said, pointing. "And, the best part, it has a little, matching umbrella, which I may rest on my shoulder and twirl in an elegant manner."

  "Umbrella?" Robin asked. "I think you mean a parasol."

  "I do not know this word. Parasol."

  "An umbrella," Robin explained, "is used to keep the rain off you. From what you've told us, your little umbrella is for a decorative purpose and, perhaps, to shade you from the sun."

  "So, it's called a parasol," added Samantha. Rosalinda nodded, repeating the word several times. How perfect, she thought. My very elegant item has a very elegant name.

  "The dress sounds exquisite. The very best of luck to you while wearing it," Robin said, "but if the bride will be wearing white, you may want to rethink this."

  Rosalinda frowned. "She may be. And, surely, her dress will not have come from Paris. What can I do? "

  "Maybe we can add a little trim, perhaps similar roses in pale peach, with a matching ribbon here and there," Samantha suggested. "The change would have to be carried over to the parasol."

  "We could paint your fingers and toes with Frosted Delicate Peach nail polish to match the new trim," Raven said.

  "And I remember seeing a dainty, white sandal with a tiny heel in the boutique," Cat added. "Bet they have it in your size."

  "We'd be delighted to alter the dress so you're not confused with the bride," Robin announced. "We're willing to pay for the new trim and the shoes."

  "If you'll let us," Raven said. Rosalinda nodded happily.

  "We'd have to see the dress first and then we'd probably have to go into Santo Domingo to find trim," Samantha decided. "This could take time. When's the wedding?"

  "The end of this week," Rosalinda declared. "That's to give everyone time to travel to Cristo. Carlos is to take a room here at Las Naranjas."

  "Ha!" Cat snorted, remembering Susan's mention of the entire bridal party taking over one room during the honeymoon. Robin kicked her under the table.

  "I can bring the box to your room tonight," Rosalinda offered.

  "We'll be waiting," Raven assured the child. "Room 206, about 8 o'clock. And don't be late."

  Rosalinda hurried home to help her mother prepare lunch.

  How wonderful! she thought. These kind Americans were not only going to help her, they made her feel grown up. And, in her new splendor, she would look like an adult at the wedding, especially when she twirled her parasol. No one else at the wedding would have a parasol. She was sure of it. It was a chance to be treated as a grownup. A beautiful woman.

  It was a chance to see, and be seen, and admired.

  Unfortunately, on the wedding day, as Rosalinda walked to the hotel in her new splendor, someone did see her. And he did admire her.

  Ramon was driving past the market when a young woman appeared, walking in the opposite direction. He was instantly taken by her beauty and elegance. So thunderstruck he could hardly breathe, he stopped the car, the better to observe this exquisite creature. Unbelievably tantalizing, he thought, then pinched himself to be sure he wasn't dreaming.

  Her dress was most becoming against her warm, brown complexion. And so different from anything he'd ever seen. The lace, the ribbons, the skirt swayed deliciously as she walked. She twirled a matching umbrella, the tiniest he'd ever seen, on her shoulder in a most delightful manner. Her flawless face, with full lips and large, dark eyes, was framed by delicate tendrils of shiny, dark hair, the rest pulled up to fall in a cascade down her back.

  Not recognizing his own niece, Ramon decided to make this lovely, young woman his next victim. He would take a special delight in training this one.

  Why had such an incredible creature come to the village of Cristo? Who was she? Obviously Dominican, he was sure of that, but if he let her pass from his sight, how would he find her again? Better to take her here and now, he decided. Surely, if he waited for her to go past the next copse of trees, she could no longer be seen by those at the market. He turned the car around and drove past her, stopping at a more advantageous spot.

  He'd have to be quick and he'd have to be strong as Joseph wasn't here to aid him. And he wanted to take her without damaging the dress. It will be especially arousing, he thought, if I could force her to parade up and down for me first. Swaying her lace and ribbons and twirling her umbrella.

  He got out and opened the back door, then pretended to fiddle with the hood. The exquisite creature drew abreast of him and he turned with purpose. Startled, she eluded his grasp. "Ramon? Uncle? Is it you?" she asked, trying to see his eyes behind the sunglasses.

  Ramon froze, his body blocking her path.

  "Rosalinda?" he whispered. "Can it be you? You're all grown up."

  There is something very wrong here and, if I run, he will grab me, she thought, so she swallowed her fear and forced herself to stand in the road, speaking cordially. "It is this lovely dress, Uncle. That is why you did not recognize me. I am going to Las Naranjas for Cousin Carlos' wedding."

  "I was not invited!" He scowled.

  "But Uncle," she stammered, "you have chosen not to attend so many family functions." Her voice dropped apologetically. "We realize you are an important man and your business takes so much time." Rosalinda stood her ground, twirling the parasol nervously.

  "Si, this is so," he agreed. "Perhaps it was an oversight."

  "Si, si," she insisted, attempting to maneuver past him. "The wedding party is at the hotel if you would care to join us."

  "Perhaps, if I am not too busy," Ramon lied, still thinking of taking her.

  To Rosalinda's great relief, she spotted her parents hurrying toward them. She waved frantically in their direction. "I must go now," she told Ramon.

  Ramon turned and saw his sister and brother-in-law. Snarling, he hopped back in the car and drove off quickly, raising a cloud of dust in his wake.

  "Wooooof!" grunted Jose as he waved the dust from his face. "That man is dangerous, Rosalinda! You take a chance just talking to him!"

  Maria frowned. "What did my brother want?"

  "I am uncertain," Rosalinda whispered. "I think he wanted me."