In the courtyard Sergeant Garcia remained watching as several soldiers cleaned up the stalls and prison cells while others concentrated on their regularly assigned duties. At the main gate two soldiers opened the large wooden doors to allow the morning patrol to leave. Garcia smiled to himself happy that everything was going smoothly. As the doors began to shut the two guards suddenly stopped and came to attention. Curiously the sergeant walked toward the gate then suddenly came to a halt. Walking through the main gates past the guards toward Garcia was His Excellency, the Governor of California.
"Your Excellency, this is an honor," said Garcia. "If only you sent word of your coming we would have greeted you in a more fitting way."
"That is not necessary Sergeant," replied the governor. "I wish only to speak with Capitan Monastario on a personal matter. Please inform him that I am waiting?"
"At once Excellency," Garcia said. "Please come this way."
The men approached the commandante's office where Corporal Reyes was posted outside. As they climbed the steps the corporal, who was asleep, awoke and jumped to his feet dropping his rifle. Garcia shook his head and called out "stupid one" then knocked on the door.
"Pass�," said the voice from within.
As Garcia entered he raised his hand in a salute and said, "Capitan, His Excellency, the Governor, is here to see you."
"Very well show His Excellency in at once," said Monastario.
The commandante quickly made his way from behind his desk to greet the governor as he entered. He showed the governor to a chair and sent Garcia to bring some refreshment. Breathing deeply Monastario sat down at his desk. Ever since his engagement to Leonar he feared a visit from the governor. Would this be the end to his relationship with Leonar? Would the governor openly voice his disapproval?"
"Capitan, I have come to discuss an important matter with you," said the governor.
"Si, I expected that you would wish to speak with me," added Monastario. "Your Excellency I give you my word I will do my best to make Leonar happy. I realize that my behavior in the past was not...I have not lived up to my responsibilities but I will do everything I can to make up for it."
"Capitan, this is not what I have come to speak with you about but it does my heart good to hear you say it. I have something to give to you. No, no, no. This is not from me but from Senor Carlos Ramirez."
"Don Carlos asked you to give me something?" questioned the commandante.
"Don Carlos spent sometime in Monterey after his son's death," stated the governor. "We became quite friendly. We spoke of the horrible things Don Miguel was responsible for in Spain and in California. Don Carlos truly regretted the aid he gave his son. He really believed in his heart that he was innocent. When you become a father I think you will understand the blind faith a father has in his children."
"Do you have this same faith in your daughter regarding her relationship with me?" asked Monastario.
"Capitan, Leonar is an excellent judge of one's character. When she told me of her feelings I was somewhat mystified. I did not believe you deserved the love and respect of such a woman but I have come to understand you much better and my daughter was correct. I believe if you wish to remain as commandante you will do the job the way it should have been done. Fairly and without any selfish motives."
"Gracias, but what do you mean "if" I wish to remain as commandante'"
"Now to the reason I am here. Don Carlos wished to do something for Leonar and yourself to celebrate your union. As you know Don Miguel owned a rancho just outside of Monterey. Someday I believe it can be one of the finest ranchos in California."
"Are you saying he has given us this rancho?" inquired the commandante.
"Si, Don Carlos has signed the property over to you as a wedding gift," said the governor handing the deed over to Monastario.
"I do not know what to say...I will have to discuss this with Leonar."
"Of course that is the way it should be," the governor said as he walked toward the door. "Whatever you both decide I will do my best to help."
"Gracias your Excellency," responded Monastario. "Your Excellency before you go I must ask a favor."
"Please ask your favor,� said the governor.
"It is regarding Zorro."
***********
Meanwhile in the nursery of the de la Vega hacienda Anna Maria and Diego embraced their children as Abuelo looked on warmly. Thanks to Zorro and Capitan Monastario Maria Isabella was returned to the hacienda unharmed and in time for her baptism. It was a joyous time not only for family and friends but for the entire pueblo. The celebration following the service was a jubilant affair that continued into the late hours of the evening.
"Mi corino, I am so grateful to the almighty for giving you and Capitan Monastario the strength to bring Maria Isabella home unharmed," smiled Anna Maria. "We are so fortunate."
"We must not forget the courage that Paco showed in his journey to bring us Padre Felipe's message," added Diego.
"Si, I am eternally grateful to Paco. He and Padre Felipe took a great chance that no one would discover their plan."
Placing the children down for their morning nap Anna Maria and Diego smiled to each other as they watched Abuelo tuck the childrn in. Abuelo had become a meaningful member of the family and a close confidant to Anna Maria. Leaving the nursery the couple walked toward the staircase when Leonar's voice rang out.
"Anna Maria, the seamstress is here for my last fitting," Leonar said happily. "Would you please join us?"
"I would be honored, just give me a moment," smiled Anna Maria. "Diego, I am sorry but I promised I would help Leonar."
"Do not worry I understand," Diego said kissing Anna Maria on the cheek. "I will be in the library with Father going over the last minute preparations for the party."
When Anna Maria entered the room she found dresses and other accessories strewn about the room. Anna Maria smiled to herself remembering her own wedding. What fun it had been to pick out patterns and material for her trousseau. She hoped that Leonar would also remember fondly the days before her wedding. Several minutes past and then she saw her dear friend standing in front of the screen in her wedding gown. The off-white dress made of a lace floral pattern organza with a fitted bodice, natural waist, full skirt, and a ring neck with sheer yoke on the front and back fit perfectly. Tiny taffeta roses were placed along the drop shoulders of the gown while thirty tiny pearl buttons ran down the back. Lying softly over her upswept hair was a matching floral lace mantilla.
"Leonar, you look exquisite," said Anna Maria wistfully.
"Do you think Enrique will think so," asked Leonar.
"My dear he would be a fool not too," responded Anna Maria turning to the seamstress. "Oh Carlotta you have done a remarkable job with the entire trousseau in such a short time."
"Si, I am so very pleased. Mucho Gracias," added Leonar.
Within moments Leonar was out of her beautiful gown and along with Anna Maria and Carlotta packed the new clothes into the two trunks near the bed. Once the trunks were ready Don Alejandro arranged for two vaqueros to take the trunks into the pueblo to be delivered to the cuartel. Leonar and Anna Maria escorted Carlotta to the gate and once again thanked her. As the carriage pulled out they saw a rider approaching. A wide grin appeared on Leonar's face as Capitan Monastario approached on horse.
"Enrique, I have so much to tell you," said Leonar taking his arm.
"I, too, have somethings I wish to discuss with you," spoke Monastario.
What was so important that Capitan Monastario wished to share with Leonar?? Did he wish to resign his commission as commandante and become a haciendado in Monterey? Or was the favor he discussed with the governor something that would change not only his life with this woman but that of Diego and Anna Maria.
~*~