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15
They were nearly back to the house, but Isabella couldn’t leave this news without an explanation.
“What do you mean, he’s already married?”
Papi looked so sad. It was clear he felt a great deal of sympathy for her. “I received a letter from his father a few days ago. I haven’t even had a chance to speak to Diego about it. His father only heard it as a rumor while he was attempting to right some of Diego’s wrongs. He doesn’t know any more about it at this time, but he suggested I speak to Diego about it. If he’s married, he’s lied to all of us.”
To her surprise, it was the lie that bothered Isabella more than the loss of the man she intended to marry. How could this be? She loved Diego. Yet how could she love such a man?
“Diego’s father asked me to speak to him about it. He also encouraged me to keep him here working for the time being, but I don’t see how I can do both. If I tell him I know about the marriage, he will realize his plots and plans are over.”
Isabella found it nearly impossible to speak. She had long heard rumors about Diego but had always chosen to ignore them or silence them before the information could be given to her. It was obvious that she couldn’t ignore this.
“What will Mr. Morales do?” she managed to ask.
“Esteban asked me to speak to Diego, then write to him and tell him what Diego said. He wants to know where this marriage took place and where the woman is now. Diego is joining us for dinner, and afterward I will tell him what I know and ask for the answers his father seeks.” He paused for a long moment. “I’m so sorry, Isabella.” He began to cough, and the severity quickly grew.
“Are you all right? What can I do to help?”
The coughing subsided. “Nothing. This is just the way it is.” He gave her a sad smile. “I would have done anything for you. I wanted only your happiness, but I knew about Diego’s gambling and the rumors of illegitimate children. I just don’t believe Diego will change. Now we have news about this woman he’s supposedly married. If they are still married, this woman must surely wonder where he is. I knew you would never make your happiness on the back of someone else’s pain.”
She shook her head. “No, Papi. You are right about that.”
“I’ve only ever wanted good for you. It was the reason I let you go. I knew you were so unhappy here.”
“I still wish you had told me the truth. I hate the wasted time.” She hated having wasted her heart on Diego Morales, as well. His deception angered her more than her father’s, to be sure, but both had conspired to make her dream of a different future impossible. Now all of her dreams were dashed.
They reached the stable, and the groomsman was immediately there to help. He assisted Isabella first, then helped her father. Once he led the horses away, Isabella went to her father.
“Thank you for telling me the truth.”
“I know you’re hurt by all of this. I will give you time alonewith Diego to speak to him if you like.” He reached out, as he often had when she was little, and gently touched her cheek.
The action reminded Isabella of when Aaron had comforted her in the music room. She put her hand over Papi’s and gazed up into his eyes. “I would rather have the truth, terrible and painful as it is, than live with lies. There have been too many lies, and I want no more.”
“I promise. I will be honest with you always.” He hugged her close. At the sound of the mine whistle, he stepped back. “Come on, now. We should change. Diego will be here soon.”
Isabella made her way to her room and found Lupe had a hot bath ready and waiting. The young woman was really very talented as a maid, and yet Isabella knew she’d never told her that.
“Thank you, Lupe. You are the most considerate of maids.” Isabella pulled off her gloves and tossed them on the dressing table.
Lupe froze, her eyes wide. “Thank you, Miss Isabella.”
“I want you to know that I mean it. I know I’ve been difficult to work for, but things will be different now.” A thought suddenly came to Isabella. “I never asked if you’d prefer to return to California. I have no choice for now but to remain here. However, my father would certainly arrange for you to return.”
“No, miss. Please. I want to stay.” Lupe looked troubled. “I have no one there.”
“I just want you to have choice, Lupe. I know I’ve never given you much thought before, and for that I’m sorry. I will happily give you a perfect reference and money if you prefer to find work elsewhere.”
Lupe smiled. “No. I want to stay with you.”
Isabella couldn’t imagine why, but she didn’t question it. “Very well.”
After her bath, Isabella dressed in one of her many gowns, then waited while Lupe braided her hair, wrapped it in coronet fashion over the top of Isabella’s head, and pinned it in place.
The clock chimed seven, and Isabella made her way downstairs, wondering how things would play out that evening. She remembered how Diego wanted her to pretend to be kidnapped for a large ransom. Could he really have been serious? She supposed a man who married and deserted his wife could do almost anything.
How could she have been so foolish? She thought about what she’d say to him. She was so mixed in her emotions, but what she felt more than anything else was regret. Regret again topped every other feeling. It seemed she’d lived a life of nothing but shame and remorse.
