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When breakfast concluded, Lupe arrived with Isabella’s purse and coat, as well as gloves and hat. Isabella secured the large straw hat atop her head. The creation was quite striking, having been dyed the same color as her overlays. There were clusters of bright yellow flowers grouped around the brim to add decoration.
She pulled on her gloves as they made their way out to the carriage. To her surprise, instead of a carriage, there were two automobiles.
“These are my pride and joy,” Mr. Greer announced. “New Cadillacs. Aren’t they grand?”
“Indeed,” Isabella’s father declared. “Most impressive.”
“I’ve had the tops put down. It makes for a most comfortable ride. We’ll ride in the first car, and your daughter, her maid, and Mr. Bailey can come along in the second.” He motioned for the drivers and gave them instructions before sending them back to their cars.
Isabella was intrigued. She’d never ridden in an automobile before. Aunt Josephina had preferred carriages and horses. The driver opened the back door for her. She climbed up and took her place, and Lupe quickly joined her.
“I’ve never been in one of these,” her maid said in awe.
“Me neither.” Isabella couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice.
“You ladies are in for a real treat,” Aaron declared, taking a seat up front with the driver. He turned to smile at them over his shoulder. “I’m sure this Cadillac gives one of the finest rides.” He looked at the driver. “What say you?”
“It is a very nice ride, sir.”
Isabella wished once again that Diego could be by her side. Spending the day and evening with Aaron Bailey was not what she had hoped for. How wonderful it would be to share this experience with Diego rather than Aaron. Perhaps when it came time for the evening celebration, she could remain with her parents—even suggest they give Aaron the night off so they could enjoy themselves as a family.
The driver put the car in motion, and Lupe reached for Isabella’s arm. Normally Isabella would have chastised her for such unacceptable behavior, but not this time. She was more than a little anxious herself.
Aaron looked back at them and grinned. “Here we go!”
Diego was no fan of the silver mine. It was cold and damp, and the job of picking up ore was the lowest of all jobs. With each minute he spent doing the tasks required, his hatred of Daniel Garcia grew. There was even some bitterness toward Isabella. After all, if it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t be here.
Yet if not here, then where? He’d wasted too much time, and his father had made it clear that he wouldn’t support Diego any longer. His only hope of marrying Isabella and going back to his comfortable and lavish lifestyle was to give her father this year of his life. With any luck, Daniel Garcia would die soon, and the terms of the will would be null and void. Obviously, there wouldn’t be any way to assure Isabella married a man approved by her father if he were no longer alive.
“You’re lagging behind, Morales,” his supervisor, Mr. Briggs, yelled in the open chamber. It seemed to amplify the sound, and everyone glanced over their shoulder to see if Diego would respond.
Diego knew better than to open his mouth. He’d already protested once, and that only served to earn him extra duties. Instead, he picked up the pace and doubled his efforts. For now, he had to do things this way, but in time he’d figure out something else. There had to be a better way.
No doubt Mr. Garcia would write to Esteban Morales and tell him of the arrangement. Diego planned to write his father a letter as well. He would exaggerate the kind welcome he’d received and the generosity of Isabella’s father in giving him work. He knew Garcia would no doubt tell his father the details of the job, but Diego intended that his father see it from his perspective as well. He might even add that Garcia had mentioned his illness and the need to have a son-in-law who could take over his business and obligations. Perhaps he could convince his father to advocate for Diegoto be given more responsibility. After all, he and Isabella’s father were long-time friends.
It was worth trying.
Daniel Garcia stood with his arm around his wife’s waist, more to steady himself than to put on a display of affection. Helena was constantly vigilant regarding how he was feeling and whether he might be overdoing it, and she was the one who urged him to take advantage of her being next to him.
“Why don’t we sit and have something to drink?” she suggested as a band of musicians began to play.
Daniel nodded and followed her to a bench, where he eased down with a sigh.
She smiled, but Daniel could see the grave concern in her eyes. “You’re far too weak to be out here all day and then all evening. I think I’ll fetch the driver. We’ll go back and rest and then return later when it’s time for the fireworks.”
There was no arguing with her. Daniel didn’t have the strength, and the thought of napping for a while was very appealing. He wondered about Isabella and Aaron. They should be told of the new plan, but that would require additional energy. He knew Isabella intended to consider the Indian wares being sold at the Plaza. Perhaps he could send the driver to find her before they left.
He closed his eyes for a moment. Thankfully, the herbal concoction one of the women in Silver Veil made for him helped control his coughing fits. He’d only had a little trouble that morning before they headed out. The coughing worried Helena, and he hated to do that. He never lied to her about how he was feeling when she asked him, but neither did he volunteer information when she didn’t seem to notice.
“I found the driver,” Helena announced when she returned. “He’s bringing the car closer and will take us home.”
“What about Isabella and Aaron?” Daniel took a couple of breaths to gather the strength to stand.
“The other driver is going to find them and let them know.” She smiled and helped him up. “I’m sure they’re having too much fun to worry about us.”
Daniel nodded. He hoped so. He wanted more than anything for Isabella to fall in love with Aaron Bailey. He had considered this for some time, and the only way he could die in peace was if they were together and Aaron agreed to take charge of his affairs. Otherwise, he couldn’t let go of life and die. He just couldn’t.
