AllFreeNovel
Share Us
11
The ladies had just finished sorting the clothes and shoes into groups by size. Isabella listened to the women telling stories while they worked. Most spoke in Spanish, which Isabella spoke fluently. There was much laughter, and they even broke into song from time to time. Praising God seemed to make the work go more quickly.
Isabella was surprised by how easily her mother spoke to the women in Spanish. It used to be that her ability was minimal at best. Now she spoke as if it were a language she’d been born to. Not only that, but she made herself such a part of their company that it was almost as if she were one of them, rather than a lady of means.
When Mama and Papi married, Mama had been living the life of a well-to-do politician’s daughter. She spoke some Spanish due to the household staff, but her life was one of high society and the very latest fashions. The shock of a white woman marrying a man of Spanish and Mexican descent caused more than a bit of scandal, and Mama was ostracized from her family. Isabella’s grandparents hadn’twanted anything to do with Mama from the moment she’d taken Daniel Garcia as her husband.
Mama missed them but often told Isabella that their prejudice and bitterness had cost them the honor of being grandparents to Isabella. Mama had hoped Isabella could one day mend the gap between families, but her grandparents had died only a few years after her birth, and Isabella never had a chance to meet them, much less help bring the two families together. Isabella sometimes wondered if that reconciliation was the sole reason God had put her on earth. Then she’d reason that if it had been, God would surely have worked out the details and kept them alive.
“Are you ready to go?” Mama asked, pulling on her wool cloak as the mine whistle blew the end of the shift.
“I am. I’m famished.” Lunch had been hours ago, and Isabella was used to stopping for tea in the afternoon. Now, as she and her mother made their way to the carriage, the sun was already setting, and it would soon be time for supper.
“I didn’t mean for us to be so long,” Mama said, waiting for Isabella to climb into the carriage. “But we got so much accomplished.” She checked her pockets. “Oh, my gloves aren’t here. I’ll be right back.” She hurried back to the church.
Settling into the carriage, Isabella was surprised to see snowflakes falling ever so lightly. It had been a long time since she’d seen snow fall. Mesmerized by this, she was startled when a man’s voice broke the silence.
She turned to find Diego standing next to the carriage. He was filthy from working in the mine, but he gave her a smile and instantly charmed her.
“How are you, my dear?” he asked.
“I’m well. How are you? I feel terrible that you are having to work so hard. I’ve tried to talk to Papi about it. I suggested he at least let you live in the house, but he said theother workers would treat you horribly if they thought you were his pet.”
“And they would, no doubt. They are a ruthless and cutthroat bunch.”
Isabella frowned. “Are they dangerous?”
“Yes, very much so, but you shouldn’t worry. I can take care of myself. And I would endure anything necessary to win your hand.”
His words touched her heart, and Isabella immediately felt guilty for the fact that, of late, she’d not given him much thought. She’d been far too worried about her father.
“Papi’s condition is growing worse. He has so little strength.”
“What will happen if he dies?”
Isabella shrugged. “I’m not sure. He and Mama expect me to remain here and help with their work. She has no desire to leave Silver Veil, so I’m not certain what will happen.”
“But you hate it here,” he reminded her.
“I do. Although I suppose it’s not so bad, since I no longer have my home in California to return to.”
“Once you have inherited, you will have enough money to buy a home in California. Perhaps even buy the rancho back from my father.”
“I know, but it wouldn’t be the same. I loved that place because I grew up there. My father grew up there too. However, none of the people I love are there anymore.”
Diego crossed his arms. “I intend to speak to my father about that. There’s no reason with all that land that my brother couldn’t set his racetrack elsewhere. They should be glad for us to live on the property. I could even help with the running of the racetrack. It’s something I know quite well.”
Isabella nodded. “I suppose you do.”
“Don’t worry, my sweet. We will find a way to make them all listen to us.” He reached out his dirty hand and took hold of her gloved fingers. “We will make them listen.”
Isabella glanced back at the church. “My mother will return at any moment. Might we meet somewhere tomorrow?”
“Where?”
Isabella considered their options. “I like to go for rides, but since it’s snowing, I doubt I’ll be allowed to go. Can you sneak onto the property? I could meet you in the storage room behind the stables. No one would have any reason to be there. Come around noon.” She frowned. “Or do you have to work extra hours tomorrow? It’s Saturday, and I just assumed you’d have the day off.” She heard the church door open and pulled her hand back quickly.
Diego smiled and crossed his arms. “I do. And I will come meet you. Never fear.”
