Golden Paradise (Vincente 1)

by Constance O'Banyon

When they topped the next hill, Rosalia pulled up her horse and pointed down the valley. "Look, a herd of antelope," she cried excitedly. Valentina leaned against her saddle and watched the graceful animals as they grazed on the sweet, grassy slopes. Her heart was pounding from beholding such beauty. Nature had splashed blue across the heavens, thrown in green for the trees and grasses, adding a multicolored kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Truly this land was blessed. The perfume of lavender, mint, and heliotrope filtered through the air, alluring, tantalizing the senses. It took very little imagination for Valentina to envision mounted conquistadors, their ranks marching behind with clanking armor.

  "This is Vincente land as far as you can see," Rosalia announced with pride. "God be willing, it will be in our family until the end of time."

  Valentina nodded. "I, too, have land that has been in my family for many generations. I am sorry to say my family does not cherish our land as you Vincentes cherish Paraiso del Norte."

  Rosalia looked astonished. "My grandfather says land, like God, is eternal, it being the one thing a man can bequeath to the children of the future."

  "Your grandfather is right. I envy your family your sense of belonging."

  Rosalia nudged her horse in the flanks and laughed back at Valentina in order to overcome the awkwardness of the moment. "I will race you to the river," she challenged.

  Valentina dug her heels into her mount and the two girls raced down the hill, scattering the herd of antelope. As they neared the river, Valentina could feel her horse tense. The animal whinnied and shied to the right, almost unseating her. Before Valentina had time to wonder what had spooked the horse, a loud growl came from a clump of scrub oaks just ahead. She held her breath when a huge brown grizzly bear came lumbering toward her.

  Rosalia's horse reared on its hind legs and began racing back toward the hacienda. Rosalia tried to pull up the frightened animal to no avail. Twisting around in her saddle, she screamed back at Valentina, "Follow me. That is the rogue bear!"

  Valentina tried to spin her dancing horse around and follow Rosalia, but the dun mare had a mind of her own. With rolling eyes and laid-back ears, the horse reared up on its haunches. Valentina lost her grip on the saddle and felt herself slipping. At that instant the mare took a frightened leap into the air and sent Valentina flying. She landed with a heavy thud on the rocky ground, which knocked the breath from her body. She did not take the time to find out if she was hurt. The grizzly had paused, as if sniffing the air, and Valentina scrambled to her feet, then made a dive for the horse's trailing reins. With a frightened snort, the horse twisted and whirled, pulled the reins from Valentina's hands, and galloped away in a cloud of dust.

  Fear sharpened Valentina's wits. She was alone with the bear and there was no one to come to her aid. The grizzly was standing up on its hind legs and still sniffing the air. At the moment, it seemed he had lost interest in her, leading her to believe he had caught another scent. She took a cautious step backward. A thin sheen of perspiration covered her body and she recognized the bitter, acid taste of fear in her mouth.

  There was a tree about fifty yards to her left and she could see what appeared to be the river just beyond that. Valentina did not know anything about a bear's habits. If she made her way to the tree and climbed into the branches would the animal follow? she wondered. Would it be better to run for the river and plunge into the water? She weighed her options carefully, all the while taking cautious steps backward.

  Now the bear returned his attention to her. Bellowing and snarling, he dropped down on all fours and clumsily plodded in her direction. Valentina's legs suddenly felt rooted to the spot. What should she do? God help me! she silently cried, unable to move.

  With flared nostrils and reddened eyes, the brute quickly closed the distance between him and Valentina. Somehow finding strength she did not know she possessed, she forced herself to turn around and run in the direction of the nearest tree.

  Seemingly from out of nowhere, a rider appeared. Simultaneously a shot rang out, and the rider caught Valentina about the waist, lifting her onto his horse and placing her across his lap. Marquis held Valentina against his body while he murmured huskily into her ear, "Easy, do not panic. You are safe now, Silver Eyes."

  Her strength drained, her courage wilted, she melted in his arms, pressing her head against the lapel of his coat. Tremor after tremor shook her body as he ran a soothing hand across her back. "Must I spend my life rescuing you from trouble?" he asked with amusement in his tone.

  "It does appear to be the case, doesn't it?" she replied in a little-girl voice that endeared her to him, wrenching his heart. Marquis had the overwhelming«desire to take care of her, to always protect her from harm. "I do seem to get into a lot of difficulty, don't I?"

  He smiled down at Valentina, warming her with his soft glance. As his eyes looked deeply into hers, she saw his pupils dilate darkly. "You can stop trembling, Silver Eyes. You were never in any danger. We have been tracking the bear all morning. I saw you fall from your horse and had the bear in my rifle sights the whole time."

  "Rosalia—was she hurt?" Valentina inquired, looking in the direction Rosalia's horse had taken.

  "No, she was not hurt. I saw her bring her horse under control. I told one of my vaqueros to see her safely back to the house."

  Hearing the bear's loud bellows of rage, Valentina turned to find that several of Marquis's vaqueros had thrown a heavy net over the beast. With pointed sticks they were urging the grizzly up the ramp and into a heavy cage that rested in the back of a wagon. "Was the bear wounded?" she asked.

  Marquis swung around in his saddle to see his men herd the animal into the cage and lock the door behind him. "I did no more than graze his head, dazing him so my vaqueros could easily get him into the cage."

  Already a man had climbed onto the wagon and was driving the horses forward. "What will be done with the bear?" Valentina wanted to know.

  "He will be used in the bear and bull fight later in the year. The bear will be allowed to recover from his slight wound before he is matched against one of our bulls."

  Valentina's mouth flew open in horror. "You cannot mean . . . you wouldn't have a bear and bull fight against each other?" Her eyes sought his questioningly. "You wouldn't do such a thing, would you?"

  His mouth quirked upward briefly. "Indeed yes. It is one of the sports enjoyed by my people. I can assure you it is a more even match than you may suppose. A bull can hold his own with a bear."

  Valentina shuddered, thinking about the cruelty of such a match. She tried to remember she was a guest in this country and had no right to challenge the native customs. "I . . . thank you for coming to my rescue," she said, glad to change the subject. "Again I am in your debt."

  "Are you hurt?" he inquired, looking her over carefully.

  Her smile was like a breath of springtime. "No. Only my pride in my horsemanship was wounded when I fell off the horse."

  Marquis helped her to the ground and dismounted beside her. "Under the circumstances you did well. As I said, you were never in any danger. I am going to give you a few moments to compose yourself before I take you back to the hacienda."

  Valentina realized for the first time that she and Marquis were alone. So she would not be tempted to look into his wonderful, probing eyes, she gazed at the river. It was so" peaceful here. The glittering torrent swept the rushing water past the riverbank where Marquis's horse grazed on the fresh green grass, swishing its tail to ward off the insects.

  Marquis was leaning against a wide-based oak tree. When Valentina turned sharply to look at him, she found he was staring at her. He shifted his stance and frowned. "You are an enigma to me, Senorita Barrett. I have never met anyone like you before."

  The sun had already dropped behind the mountains and there was no warmth in the blood-red sky, yet there was fire and warmth in the dark eyes that assessed Valentina. She felt vulnerable under his intense scrutiny. If she were an enigma to him, he was a complete mystery to h
er. His dark handsomeness was in startling contrast to all other men she had known. He was like this land that had bred him—wild, beautiful, and totally unpredictable.

  His eyelids flickered and the dark orbs stared at her. "What is it that makes you stand apart from other women I have known?" he asked softly, almost to himself.

  "My maid, Salamar, would say it's my capacity to rush headlong into trouble without the means of getting myself out."

  His laughter held amusement, delight. "Do you often find yourself on the wrong side of a carriage or left behind by a fleeing horse?"

  "No, this was my first time for both those experiences. But you have already been warned that I am always in one kind of trouble or another. Salamar says I can't seem to keep my feet on the right path."

  Marquis was completely enchanted by Valentina. Even the sound of her voice was uncommonly sweet to his ears. He found himself wanting to see her smile—really smile so that her silver-blue eyes would light up with laughter. He wanted to know everything about this charming creature—her past, her present. . . her future. She had aroused his desire, but he knew his passion would have to go unsatisfied. She was an angel, untouchable and pure. There was fire in her veins, but he would not be the one who would bring it to the surface.

  In a daze, Marquis walked toward Valentina. Her back was to him and he reached for her hand, turning her to face him. "I could so easily love you," he whispered, surprising not only Valentina but himself as well.

  Valentina stared at him, unable to look away. There had been something strong and electric between them from the start. His words danced through her mind and she knew she could easily love him also, if indeed she was not already in love with him. It never occurred to her to question his sincerity. She had the strangest urge to reach out and touch the dark lock of hair that fell carelessly across Marquis's forehead. Fearing she would do just that, she clutched her hands tightly behind her back.

  "You should not say these things to me. It isn't proper." Her voice sounded unconvinced, her words meaningless, even to her own ears.

  The dark eyes that caressed her face and finally rested on her lips were compelling, pulling at Valentina. "I do not know what is proper where you are concerned, Valentina Barrett. Do you know I dreamed about you last night?"

  She shook her head. "I don't think you should—"

  He placed a finger over her lips. "Shh, do not say it. You and I both know there is something powerful between us, something over which neither of us has any control. Do not bother to deny it." The yearning that lingered in his eyes caused the denial to die on her lips.

  Color crept up her neck and suffused her face. She did not answer because she did not know what to say. She was unprepared for Marquis's next action. When he pulled her tightly against him, she felt as if a bolt of lightning had jarred her body. Dozens of scalding remarks formed in her mind, but she could not utter them, not while his hard, lean body stirred and stoked the fire within her.

  Time and space fell away when he bent his dark head and ever so gently brushed her lips. Valentina was trapped by soft feelings of being wrapped in lamb's wool—she was safe, warm, secure.

  Yet all too soon he raised his head and rested his face against hers. "Forgive me, Valentina. I had no right to do that. But like last night in the garden, I was compelled to kiss you," he whispered huskily. "Now if we never see each other again, I will remember the touch of your lips for the rest of my life."

  Before Valentina could say anything, Marquis moved away, reached for his horse's trailing reins, and climbed into the saddle. Reaching out his hand, he lifted Valentina up beside him.

  As they rode toward the hacienda, both realized they might be seeing each other for the last time. Aware that their bodies were touching, Valentina tried to hold herself rigid, though all she really wanted to do was melt against him.

  As if it could not stop itself, Marquis's hand drifted up to touch her hair, and he pulled her back against him. They were both silent as the sun splashed its final dying rainbow of color across the horizon.

  When they reached a hill that provided a magnificent view of the hacienda, Marquis reined in his horse. "I have decided that I will see you again, little Silver Eyes," he said. His hand moved to her face and he cupped her chin, raising it up so their eyes could meet.

  Valentina shook her head. "I don't think that would be wise. We are from different worlds, and each of us has his own destiny to follow. This will have to be good-bye for us, Marquis."

  His eyes took on a sadness. "Perhaps what you say is wise, but I will see you again, never fear." Nudging his horse forward, Marquis propelled him homeward. Valentina knew that the world was about to come crashing in on her. She wished she could stay forever in Marquis's arms.

  When they reached the house, they were given no time to say more. Rosalia and Dona Anna ran to them, inquiring if Valentina was all right. Marquis helped Valentina down and she was hurried into the house by his mother and sister. Valentina had the strongest urge to turn around for one more look at Marquis, but she did not give in to her desire, though she could feel his eyes burning into her back. When she reached the top step, she heard the jingle of spurs, the creaking saddle leather, and knew he was riding away.

  That night at dinner, Marquis and his grandfather were both absent from the table. Valentina was told Don Alonso was too ill to come downstairs, but no one explained to her why Marquis was not there and she did not ask. Even though Valentina knew she had no right to feel so, she was hurt because Marquis did not make an appearance on her last night at Paraiso del Norte. After dinner Valentina accompanied Dona Anna and Rosalia into the parlor, where she attempted to prolong the evening, hoping Marquis would come. When it was time to say good night, Marquis still had not appeared. Finally, with a sinking heart, Valentina excused herself and went to her bedroom.

  When she entered the darkened room, she dropped down on the bed and covered her face with her hands. She wished the next morning would hurry and arrive so she could leave this place forever. She did not belong here. Valentina thought of her mother and hoped the medicine had helped her overcome the fever. Valentina had made her mother a promise that she would find her father and somehow she intended to keep that promise.

  Her hand brushed against something soft that was propped against the pillow and she glanced up. There in the middle of the bed was a single crimson rose with a note attached to it. Her heart skipped a beat. Even before she read the note, she knew it was from Marquis. Her eyes devoured the words:

  Silver Eyes, I will not see you tomorrow, having chosen this form of communication to say my good-bye. I have a feeling I was by far too bold with you last night and then again today. I beg that you forgive any offense you feel I have committed toward you. I assure you I have the greatest respect for you. As I promised, I will see what I can find out about your father. Never take it upon yourself to try such a dangerous venture on your own again. You will hear from me before too long.

  Don Marquis Domingo Vincente

  Valentina held the rose to her nose, breathing in the delicate fragrance. Tears of heartbreak and hopelessness fell on the crimson petals. In that moment, if anyone had asked her why she was crying, she could not have told them.

  Valentina thought of Salamar and the strange predictions she had made about California. She tried to recall all that Salamar had told her, but her mind was in a muddle. She could only remember Salamar's speaking of a man whom she would love. There was very little doubt in her mind that Marquis Vincente was that man.

  To Valentina's surprise, Santiago was waiting downstairs for her the next morning to accompany her back to San Francisco. She was glad to hear that they would be traveling on horseback rather than by buggy.

  On her walk through the house, she mentally said good-bye. She would often think of the beautiful garden and remember the Vincente family's graciousness toward her.

  Saying farewell to the Vincente family proved harder than she had thought it would be. Rosalia
cried and Valentina felt her eyes sting with unshed tears. Dona Anna, as always the matriarch of the Vincente family, stood stiff and unyielding, and Valentina sensed she was glad to see her go. Valentina was greatly touched when Don Alonso got out of his sickbed to see her off. He made her promise that she would come to visit them again so he could take her on in a game of chess.

  Marquis did not appear, but then she had not expected him to do so, since he had made his good-byes in his note. The rose he had given her was tucked inside Valentina's gown. She knew she would treasure it long after the color had faded and the fragrance had disappeared.

  As Valentina and Santiago rode away from Paraiso del Norte, she could not resist halting her mount and gazing back for one last look. The rolling hills were bathed in golden light. The red-tiled roof gleamed brightly against the background of blue sky. In the distance, the mighty Sierra Mountains shadowed the land as a reminder that man was but a speck against the giants of nature. Her heart ached at the thought that she might never see the Vincente family again.

  Turning her horse, she rode away with a deep feeling of loss. She had no way of knowing that Marquis, astride his prancing black steed, watched her departure from a distant hillside. After Valentina disappeared from sight, he turned his mount and rode back to the house.

  The trip back to San Francisco passed uneventfully. Valentina and Santiago rode hard each day, stopping only to rest the horses. The first night they dined on food prepared by the cook at Paraiso del Norte and slept beneath the stars. After that, they dined on their usual fare of beans and tortillas.

  Valentina spoke little, trying to clear her mind of the past few days. She had visited a land and a people as different from her as day was from night. Yet a dull ache reminded her that she had left a part of herself behind.

  9

  It was dusk when Valentina and Santiago reached San Francisco. The town was coming to life as Valentina dismounted and bid the little man good-bye. Watching him ride out of sight leading the horse she had ridden, she raised her hand and waved to him. Out of the corner of her eye, Valentina saw the curtain move in one of the windows of the Lawton house and knew she was being watched. Easily dismissing her landlord and her sister from her mind, she quickly made her way toward the cabin, eager to see her mother and Salamar.