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In the center of the Plaza, a musical band struck up, and Isabella followed the others to watch the musicians as they played in the Mexican style. The day was turning out so differently from what she’d expected, and she realized she was enjoying herself.
By suppertime, her parents had returned, and she showed them her treasures. Mama was particularly fond of her squash-blossom necklace.
“I don’t know when I’ve seen one as lovely as this,” she said, admiring the piece and lightly touching the stones. “You chose well.”
“Thank you for thinking to give Aaron money to pay for these things.” She surprised everyone by giving her father a kiss on the cheek.
They joined the Greers at a long table for supper. There was a feast of all sorts of Mexican and Indian foods, as well as foods inspired by the white settlers who had ventured to live in the territory. It was rather like having a large family celebration. Lots of long tables had been put together for the celebration, and a mishmash of chairs lined each side. There was laughter and shouts amidst the eating, and it was a most joyous occasion. Isabella might’ve even been a bit glad she’d come.
Still, in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help thinking of Aunt Josephina and how she would never see her again. She wasn’t even able to be at the funeral to say good-bye. And who knew how much longer her father had? How could she celebrate when her aunt wasn’t even cold in the ground? Yet Papi wasn’t having any trouble with it. Perhaps because his time was short, he wanted to put death from his mind andenjoy life for as long as he could. Isabella could hardly fault him for that. Aunt Josephina would have wanted it that way.
Still, Papi had said nothing to anyone about his sister, and in fact had encouraged them all to remain silent about it. There was no sense in drawing disapproval for their presence or condemnation for not observing a lengthy period of mourning, he’d said. Life was too short to spend it in sorrow. Isabella would have agreed with that at one time, but lately her ability to reason what was acceptably proper and what was not seemed skewed. She forgave Diego even if what they’d said about him was true, but she couldn’t excuse Papi for selling the Garcia estate?
I must forgive, she chided herself silently. The Bible said one must forgive others in order to receive forgiveness. She remembered that from a Sunday school lesson. She had to forgive Papi for the past and all that he had done to her recently. The estate was just a place now. All the people she loved were no longer there.
Her exhilaration and enjoyment in the festivities faded as her thoughts continued to darken. She set down her fork without finishing her meal.
Several people took seats on the bandstand stage. One by one, they rose to address the crowd. The governor talked about the new statehood status and what it would mean for New Mexico. There was already protection for the area as a territory, and soldiers stood at the ready to ward off Mexicanbandidos, but statehood would bring even more benefits. Several other men spoke, but Isabella paid them little attention. She didn’t want to care about this new state. Finally they unveiled a map of the United States of America. It had been carved in wood with two pieces missing—Arizona and New Mexico. Someone came forward and fitted the piece for New Mexico, and the crowd cheered. Isabellaclapped and forced a smile but wondered when they might be allowed to return home.
Home. She had no home. California was gone now, and tonight they would sleep in a stranger’s house. At least a stranger to her. Silver Veil was all that was left to her, but that had never felt like home. Not really.
“I hope you’ll dance tonight, Isabella. When you were a little girl, you loved to dance,” her father said.
“I’m tired and doubt I will.” She hoped the manner in which she’d answered would keep him from trying to persuade her. When he said nothing more, she relaxed and raised her gaze. She found Aaron watching her and for a moment found it impossible to look away.
He eventually turned to answer a question from Mr. Greer, and Isabella contemplated her supper plate. It really hadn’t been such a terrible day. If she could keep her thoughts from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, she might actually enjoy the present. That thought confused her. Was that at the heart of her misery? Did she make herself unhappy pondering things she could never change?
When supper was over, bonfires were lit, and the dancing started. Isabella had to laugh at the awkward way some folks joined in. Especially when older folks danced with the children. But they were having so much fun that she couldn’t think badly of them. Actually, this was probably the best day she’d had in some time, despite being tied to Aaron Bailey. He’d been quite cordial. In fact, he’d been rather fun to be with. He knew a lot about the new state and the various people who lived here, and something about the way he told the stories appealed to her.
“Would you care to dance?” Aaron asked her. “I know you told your father you don’t intend to dance, but I hoped you might have changed your mind.”
Isabella couldn’t hide her surprise. “I ... ah...”
“Go dance with the poor man, Isabella,” her father said, smiling.
She looked at her father and then back to Aaron. “All right. Let’s dance.”
They only danced twice before the fireworks began and people stopped to admire the display. The weather had been lovely but cold, and the celebration was a perfect way to spend the day. Isabella found herself almost wishing it wouldn’t end. If Diego could have joined her, it would have been perfect.
“You’re frowning again,” Aaron said.
She turned to see that he looked concerned rather than annoyed. “I’m fine. Really. I was thinking about how it turned out not to be a bad day after all.”
“And that made you frown?”
She smiled. “No, I was just wishing Diego could have been here to enjoy the celebration.”
“Is he fond of New Mexico?”
She shrugged. “Not that I know of, but then again, there’s a lot about him I don’t know. At least according to my father.”
They walked a little ways from the main crowd. “I’ve never known your father to lie,” Aaron said.
“He’s lied to me for at least fifteen years.”
It was Aaron’s turn to frown. “Because he didn’t tell you he was sick?”
“He should have. Instead, he kept it from me.”
