Untamed Fire Read online

  “Go on.”

  “The babies weren’t even a year old when they were found one morning at the mission doors.”

  “Babies?” Rafael repeated.

  “I forgot. There were two girls left—twins.”

  A vision of an empty cradle flashed through Rafael’s mind.

  “But it was Gaby who was smiling so wide and brightly. I remember how the padre went on about how the baby could still smile after all she had been through.”

  “How could the padre know what she had been through?”

  Padre Jose gave thought to the idea a moment, than shrugged. “I suppose he meant being left in a basket, deserted, no one to love her. Anyway, the padre set about finding good Christian homes for the girls. Gaby was taken in by the Alvardos, being they were childless. Then soon after Dolores Alvardo discovered she was pregnant and six children followed. They claimed God smiled down on them because they took Gaby in, and they love her as though she was their own.”

  “And the other twin?”

  “Given to another family in the parish. But they moved near the San Jose Mission a short time afterwards.”

  Rafael asked the question that had haunted him since the padre had begun the tale. “Does Gaby know of this?”

  The padre shook his head solemnly. “No, she knows nothing of it. She thinks the Alvardos are her true parents. Padre Manuel felt it was best for everyone.”

  Rafael wondered over the pain such news could bring her. Would she find it difficult to accept? Would she give thought to her real parents? That raised another question on Rafael’s mind.

  “Did Padre Manuel ever discover the twins’ true parents?”

  “Not that I know of. Come to think of it, he never even spoke of it to me. He didn’t even mention if he searched.”

  “Perhaps Padre Pablo could shed more light on this matter.”

  “Yes, I suppose he could, since he was here when it all happened. He has a sharp mind, remembers everything.”

  “I will send him a letter requesting his presence.”

  “I’m not sure he will come.”

  Rafael once again picked up his glass. “He will come, Padre. After the donation I make to his mission, he will come.”

  Padre Jose nodded in agreement. If anything could make Padre Pablo make a journey, it was the promise of money.

  Rafael waved his hand to two chairs. “Sit, Padre, and tell me more of Gaby’s childhood.”

  He took the offered seat. “Are you certain you wish to hear of this? I thought you sent for me to discuss the Holy Day Festival.”

  “We will discuss the festival, but first I wish to hear more of Gaby’s childhood antics. I find them amusing and at the moment I can use some amusement.”

  “Oh, there is much I can tell you that will bring a smile to your face or make you laugh. Of course, it didn’t always make the padre laugh, especially the time Gaby walked into his quarters, thinking him gone, ready to take his robes for washing. There stood Padre Manuel naked as the day he was born and what did Gaby do?”

  Rafael leaned forward his eyes wide. “What?”

  “She smiled and said she’d just be a moment and casually went about picking up his robes.”

  “She didn’t?”

  “She did, and the padre had the metalworker put locks on all our doors that very day.”

  Rafael laughed and with each story he laughed harder. By the time an hour had passed he realized what a special person Gaby was and his heart ached, for he wanted her even more badly than before.

  “Enough, Padre,” he said, before lifting the glass of wine to his lips and drinking. He held the empty glass in his hand, noticing the decanter was almost empty as well. “I think it is time to speak of the festival, or I will find my stomach cramping from laughter or shock—which, I’m not certain.”

  “Yes,” the padre said with a smile that had widened from too much Madeira. “The preparations are going splendidly. The men are busy building the booths. The women are stitching the brightly colored banners. The young men are lining the torches along the street, and best of all, a large clearing is being prepared for dancing.”

  “Good. The food and wine will be brought to town a few days before the Holy Day.”

  “Gaby will be attending, won’t she? All the young men are looking forward to dancing with her. She is an excellent dancer. When she dances all eyes watch her. But then, all your servants attend the festivities, so Gaby will be there,” he said, answering his own question.

  Rafael remained silent. The thought of her dancing with other men fueled his temper to boiling. But he had no right to deny her an evening of fun and pleasure. After all, he would be attending with his mother and the Ortegas.

  “You will watch her dance, Senor Rafael?” the padre asked.

  “Si, padre. I will watch her,” he answered calmly. I will watch her all night.

  “You will not be disappointed. There is a magic about Gaby when she dances. Many have made mention of it. You will enjoy it.”

  Rafael couldn’t help but smile. Gaby had said he needed to learn to enjoy. Perhaps she would be the one to teach him after all.

  “I will enjoy, Padre,” he said. I will enjoy.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Gaby sat impatiently still. She was anxious to be on her way. Her sandal-covered foot tapped repeatedly against the buckboard.

  Lupe’s hand patted her knee. “We will be leaving soon. You have all night to dance and enjoy. Patience.”

  A smile tickled Gaby’s lips. “I can’t wait to hear the music, taste the food, laugh, sing, and be free.”

  “Yes, but do not forget it is a holy day,” Lupe reminded her. “You must pay your respects and make an offering.”

  “I will visit my family, make the offering, then enjoy.”

  “Good. I hear Sanchez can’t wait to dance with you.”

  “I look forward to it,” Gaby said. “I hear he is an excellent dancer.”

  “Si, he is,” Elena assured her, squeezing closer to Lupe to allow more room for the other servants climbing into the buckboard.

  “Well, perhaps I’ll find out, if we ever get there,” Gaby said.

  “We’ll get there,” Lupe insisted. “See, the Ortegas and Dona Maria are ready now.”

  Gaby watched as Dona Maria walked toward the carriage. She looked beautiful even though she wore black. She had insisted that it wouldn’t be proper to wear any other color. But Gaby sensed the woman wanted to look extra special tonight, especially with Senor Serra attending. So she had searched the woman’s wardrobe and discovered a black lace dress that narrowed at the waist and flowed down in layers to her ankles. Dona Maria felt young again, Gaby could see it in her eyes, her smile, and her light step.

  Gaby grinned with satisfaction, but it quickly faded as her eyes caught sight of Louisa Ortega. The woman looked stunning. Her dress was all white lace from the delicate lace of the mantilla that covered her dark hair to the lace points that touched the back of her hands. The fine lace even covered her chest and rode high up to her neck. It hugged at her waist and fell in layers down to her feet. She looked not only beautiful, but like a wife of a rich and powerful ranchero.

  Gaby rubbed the white cotton skirt she wore and glanced down at her white embroidered blouse. She also wore all white, but a simple and plain outfit befitting her station.

  Rafael’s strong command for everyone to mount forced her head up with a snap.Her breath caught in her throat. She had never seen him look so splendid, so handsome, so much the powerful don.

  He wore black... all black—with one exception—a wide red sash tied about his waist.

  He reached for his saddle horn, his familiar black gloves hugging his hands. His black wide-brimmed hat sat low on his forehead. He grasped the horn firmly and, after securing his foot in the stirrup, he swung with ease into the saddle. He sat astride Bella, surveying his surroundings.

  Gaby closed her eyes against the sight of him and what he represented; what they al
l represented... wealth and power.

  The buckboard lurched forward. Voices were soon raised in excited chatter and a guitar strummed a familiar tune from another buckboard. This was her life, her people. She opened her eyes and smiled, joining Lupe and Elena in their talk of the crafts they hoped to purchase and the food they hoped to enjoy.

  No one, not even herself, realized how much her heart was breaking.

  The chatter grew in volume as they neared town. The torches that lined the main street could be seen from afar. The buckboard stopped just outside of town, and everyone quickly scrambled out.

  “I’m off to find my parents, Lupe,” Gaby said, giving the plump woman a hug. “I will find you and Elena later.”

  “Go, go,” Lupe said with a laugh.

  Gaby disappeared into the crowd of people.

  “Lupe!”

  Lupe turned at the sound of Don Rafael’s stern voice. Even Elena stood silent and still as he spoke.

  “Where is Gaby?”

  “Off to find her family,” Lupe answered, then quickly added, “Is there something wrong with Dona Maria?”

  “No,” Rafael snapped, “but I wished to speak with her for a moment.”

  Lupe relaxed, happy there was nothing wrong with the senora. “It will be easy to find her, just follow the music.”

  Rafael stiffened and his nostrils flared. He didn’t say a word, he just walked away.

  Elena shook her head. “Trouble, Lupe. I tell you there is going to be trouble.”

  Rafael helped his mother along to the special area they had sectioned off for the Cabrillo family and guests, which held large comfortable chairs and the table set with an abundance of wine and food. Servants stood by to assist them and would be replaced throughout the night so each would have a turn to enjoy the festivities.

  “How I’ve missed this festival,” Dona Maria said with a sad smile.

  “But you are here now and you will enjoy, “Eduardo Ortega insisted and poured her a glass of wine.

  Dona Maria raised the glass. “To a night of pleasure.”

  Louisa lifted her glass as did her father.

  Rafael joined in, eager to be off to find Gaby. While the others talked he removed his hat and gloves and scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. He recalled she wore white, but then many young unmarried girls there wore the pure color.

  “Rafael,” his mother called, “you must take Louisa to the booth of the Blessed Virgin to make an offer. She has her own as well as mine.”

  Rafael couldn’t refuse, but he could delay it. “First I must make certain all is going well. Let me speak with Padre Jose and then I will return and take Louisa.”

  Louisa was not about to be put off again. She was determined to remain beside Rafael Cabrillo not only that night, but all his life. “I don’t mind accompanying you and waiting while you tend to your business.”

  Eduardo Ortega was about to interfere, sensing Rafael didn’t want his daughter’s company at the moment, but the fierce look in his daughter’s eyes held his tongue.

  Rafael, not wanting to upset his mother and spoil the evening, extended his arm to the young woman. She took it with a wide smile and they were off.

  ~~~

  “Juan, be still,” Dolores Alvardo warned her son for the third time.

  “But I want to go now,” the small boy insisted, jumping up and down.

  “As soon as I finish with your sister’s hair.”

  ‘Girls!” Juan cried and plopped down on the chair.

  Gaby laughed and reached out her hand to him. “Be patient and let mother finish my hair. Then I will take you to the candy booth and buy you whatever you wish.”

  Juan’s face lit with a smile that seemed to spread from ear to ear. “Anything?”

  “Anything, you little devil, you.”

  Juan stayed silent until Dolores Alvardo had wound the white ribbon through Gaby’s long braid and pinned the large white blossom to the side of her hair with a small comb.

  “Finished,” he said, jumping and grabbing Gaby’s hand. “We go.”

  Gaby barely had time to tell her mother she’d see her later. Juan yanked her out the door and toward the festivities.

  Juan and Gaby stood staring at the street in front of them. Every year she had seen it and every year she was awed by the sight. Torches lined each side, setting the street ablaze with light. Booths and tables were set up along one side, traveling to the very end. There was free food and wine in abundance. The crafts the women sold were for the benefit of the mission. Banners and flowers of all colors and sizes dressed the booths and the street, and added to the gaiety of the event. At the far end was a booth where the statue of the Blessed Virgin stood adorned with flowers. It was there where the women came to make their offering. In return, the Blessed Mother, if she thought it wise, would grant their favor. Healthy births and happy marriages soon followed this event and while some gave much, others could afford only a little. It mattered not, though, the Blessed Mother did not care what the offering, as long as it was made.

  “Come on, Gaby,” Juan cried, tugging at her hand.

  “I must make my offering,” she said.

  “Later. You promised me the candy.”

  Gaby looked into his anxious face. “Yes, you’re right. I will get you that candy now for being so patient.”

  ~~~

  Rafael stood by the padre as Louisa went forward to make her offering to the Blessed Mother. The women moved out of her way and she stepped in front of the statue, placed the gold coins at her feet, kneeled before her, and bowed her head in prayer.

  “Her offering will be answered,” Padre Jose whispered. “She is a good daughter of the church.”

  Rafael knew she prayed for them to marry and he knew that was what was expected of him. However, he couldn’t help but wonder what Gaby’s prayer would be.

  Rafael bought Louisa a lace handkerchief and a pink flower that she immediately slipped into her hair. Many people stopped him and extended their thanks for his generous contributions of food and wine to the festival. He accepted their expressions of gratitude with grace and cordiality while Louisa stood beside him not even acknowledging their presence. Her indifference irritated him.

  “Enjoying yourself, Mother?” Rafael asked as he assisted Louisa into her chair.

  “Oh my, yes,” she answered. “And I see you are as well.”

  Rafael’s smile didn’t come easy, nor did the nod of agreement. He had searched for the last two hours for Gaby and could find her nowhere. He had seen her sister Teresa, but didn’t question the girl since her eyes grew wide with fright when she caught sight of him. He had heard the music and the sounds of people dancing, but he was afraid if he took Louisa to the area she would expect him to dance with her most of the night and at the moment he had no desire to do that.

  “I must tend to some other business, Mother,” he said, bending over and kissing her lightly on the cheek. “I shall return shortly.”

  ~~~

  Gaby was having a wonderful time. She had bought the candy for Juan and as she expected, he chose the biggest piece. Then he ran off with his friends. She had saved some coins she had made doing extra sewing and jobs for others at the hacienda. She had only a few left and needed to save a good portion of those for her offering to the Blessed Mother. She roamed the booths, sampling all the foods. She met up with Elena and Lupe and joined them in sampling the sugar cakes. They were delicious.

  She was soon off on her own again, drifting toward the lively music until she recalled she had not made her offering. She changed direction and headed down the street.

  The statue was crowded with women and Gaby walked to the side to wait.

  “You have an offering, Gaby?”

  Gaby smiled at Padre Jose and jingled her handkerchief filled with coins. “I need all the help I can get, Padre.”

  The padre laughed. “I believe you do, my child, I believe you do.”

  His attention was drawn away an
d Gaby found herself standing off alone waiting for the group of women to finish.

  She picked up her head and listened, certain she had heard something strange. There was nothing. Then she heard it again—a small cry of sorrow or perhaps pain. She followed the pitiful sound until it brought her to a group of bushes. She walked around them.

  “Carmen?” Gaby asked, staring at her friend huddled in a ball, weeping.

  “Oh, Gaby,” she cried and flung herself into her arms.

  Gaby held her tightly. Carmen was a year younger than her and such a good girl, sweet, innocent, and trusting. “What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, God, Gaby, I’ve done a terrible thing.”

  “Nonsense,” Gaby said, pushing her dark hair out of her face. “You could never do anything terrible.”

  “I’m pregnant,” she cried.

  Gaby shook her head. Her heart went out to her friend and she offered what help she could. “Do you love the father of your child?”

  “Yes, yes, of course.”

  “And does he love you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you’ve done nothing wrong. You will marry and have a healthy baby.”

  Carmen shook her head.

  “He won’t marry you?” she asked, ready to find out his name and give him a good piece of her mind.

  “I haven’t told him yet.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m afraid.”

  “Of what?”

  “Of him saying he won’t marry me.”

  “Of course he’ll marry you, especially when you make your offering. The Blessed Mother will not refuse you.”

  Carmen cried again and had trouble controlling her tears this time. “I have nothing to offer.”

  Gaby didn’t know what to say. She remembered how poor Carmen’s family was and knew the girl was speaking the truth.

  “I cannot tell him, Gaby, especially tonight.”

  “You can and you will,” Gaby said firmly. This could not be delayed. The longer Carmen waited the more fearful she would grow and then perhaps she would never tell the young man. “Now dry your eyes and fix your hair. You’re going to make your offering.”

  “But I have nothing.”

  Gaby took her handkerchief filled with coins and placed it in Carmen’s palm, closing her fingers over it. “You have your offering.”