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“Diego. I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Mama said as she returned to the carriage, gloves already on.
“Mrs. Garcia, how nice to see you.” He bowed. “It’s payday, and I must put my money in the bank and save it for our wedding.” He smiled at Isabella.
Mama didn’t smile. Instead, she climbed into the carriage with Isabella. “I’m afraid we can’t stay to talk. As you see, it’s starting to snow, and that will make our road slick. Have a good evening, Diego.” She picked up the lines and smacked them on the horses’ backs.
Mama drove them to where Main Street crossed Washington Street and then turned left. They drove to the next intersection, where she turned left again. Isabella could feel her mother’s tension. Was she that upset to find Diego talking to her daughter? Surely not.
The horses seemed to realize they were heading home as soon as they neared the railroad tracks. Isabella waited until her mother directed the horses past the station and up the mountain road before she spoke.
“It was so nice to see Diego. I have missed him so much.”
Mama shook her head. “I’m sure you have, but I wish you would put him aside.”
“Why?”
“I’ll leave it to your father to tell you everything about his past.”
“I’m sure he’s accused of much, but he’s a changed man. He loves me, and I know we’ll be happy together.”
“Well, that certainly remains to be seen.” Her mother looked up at the sky. “The snow has stopped for the time being. I’m certainly grateful for that.”
Isabella sensed her mother relax just a bit. Perhaps her tension was more about the roads and weather than about Diego. Nevertheless, Isabella wasn’t going to tell her mother about meeting Diego tomorrow.
After lunch the next day, Isabella slipped out of the house and made her way to the storage room. Diego was already waiting for her and embraced her when she arrived.
Isabella wasn’t sure what to do. For some reason, his actions made her uncomfortable.
Stepping back, she did her best to conceal her feelings. “Did anyone see you?”
“No. I’m certain of that. I took the road to the mine, then cut across and behind the equipment buildings and onto your property. I’m sure no one could see me.”
“I know there would be such a fuss if they found youhere.” Isabella glanced around and chose one of several crates to sit on. “I’m glad you could come. I’ve been so worried about you.”
“And I’ve worried about you.” He sat down beside her and took her hand. “I hate this separation.”
“I do too. I don’t see why you can’t live at the house, even if it does make some of the men jealous. You’re very nearly a part of the family. They know you are more than just another worker. If there’s going to be jealousy, I would imagine it’s already in place.”
“Yes. There are some who do recognize my attachment to the family, but they’ve said very little.”
“Have you made any friends?”
“Surprisingly, yes. Several. They are far beneath the people I would usually associate with, but it’s important to prove to your father that I can bend to his will.”
“I met some ladies yesterday at church. They seemed quite nice but of a lower class. Still, my mother treats them like equals. She says it’s important to esteem others as better than ourselves because the Bible bids us to do so. I’ve never really thought much about it, to be honest. There are always people who do the menial jobs and others who are above them and do jobs that require more skill and experience. Above that are people who perhaps own shops or oversee other workers.”
Diego interrupted. “And over them all are the people of means who provide the positions that allow them to make a living. We do not all belong in the same society, however. You cannot be a friend to those you must lead. They will not take instruction or direction if they believe themselves to be equals.”
“That has always been my thought. I believed it was the opinion of my parents as well, but it is not.” Isabellashrugged. “But enough of that. You look so tired. Are you eating enough? Sleeping?”
“As well as can be expected. Your father put me alongside the other workers with no more or less than they have. Which means none of us have much of anything. I sleep on a cot and eat the food of field workers and cowboys.”
Isabella shook her head. “I hate that. Father is being cruel. You are a good man, and just because there are supposed mistakes in your past, one shouldn’t decide you are unworthy of love and consideration. My father preaches that God is all about second chances and forgiveness. Does he mean that for everyone but you?”
“It would seem.” He gave her a sad look, and Isabella felt even sorrier for him.
“I will speak to him again and see what I can do to change things.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything to change, beloved. He has already made up his mind due to my father poisoning his thoughts. I think we will have to elope in order to marry. Your father’s imposed year of work will simply turn into more years or conditions before he allows me to take your hand.” He drew something out of his pocket. “I know you are probably worried that I will not be true and wait for you. I want you to have this.”
