Chapter 18
Ines
Despite going to sleep well after midnight, Lupe still shows up bright and early to wake me for breakfast. I fight the urge to kick her out because she's so excited with how well the evening went.
"Everyone is talking about you," she gushes as she rips open the curtains.
I hiss when the light stings my eyes.
"Rumor has it you are the most eligible lady of the season!"
A cockiness swells in my chest, spurring me to sit up. The realization I triumphantly deceived the elite has me practically floating across the room to dress for the day.
"What are they saying?" I ask, shameless in my prodding for validation and praise.
"They haven't seen a paso doble performed with such passion in years! If Don Rogelio hadn't occupied most of your time last night, the others would have thought the bachelor-sworn Don Rafael finally met his match."
The mention of Remus – of our paso doble – has my knees buckling.
I purge those memories to the recesses of my mind.
Despite my unwanted attraction for him, there's nothing tangible between us.
He plays a part and he's nothing short of exceptional in the art of deception. I hate that I'm not repulsed by him.
He shouldn't be the man occupying so much of my headspace.
My attention and sights are honed on Rogelio Murrieta who, if I wasn't in cahoots to destroy his father, I would consider a decent man.
During our conversation last night, he spoke of his passion for art and how he has no interest in being involved in politics.
I suspect if he could disappear and not fear the reach of his father, he'd leave this entire life behind and retire in the countryside to practice his craft.
My initial assessment of him being a bore was a true misjudgment.
He's quite well-spoken and is kind and honest to a fault.
Oh, the joy he must feel to be completely blind and unburdened to the maliciousness and misery of others.
He's not at all like his father. When all is said and done, I might feel remorseful when I betray him.
"Dona Otero suspects the young Murrieta will call upon you in a couple days as is customary," Lupe continues, tying me into my day dress. "He will not want to appear too eager, but I'm sure he's aware if he doesn't court you, someone else will."
I've grown used to the tugging and pulling of getting ready and don't bat an eye when she finishes looping the corset. "Let's hope he acts quickly," I run my fingers across the brocade fabric in admiration. "I'm not known for being patient."
"I'm well aware, Mocosa," Lupe teases and motions for me to make haste downstairs.
I make my way to the dining room to join Dona Otero at the breakfast table. I'm used to us eating in the courtyard, but with the slight chill in the air, the matriarch has the spread displayed inside.
"There she is!" Dona practically sings in glee, wiping her mouth with her linen napkin. "I do believe love is in the air!"
I claim my seat but when I glance across the table I find Remus' chair empty. I knew once our charade was in full swing his presence would be less frequent but for some reason his absence saddens me.
Dona Otero's eyes slide in the direction I'm staring before she scoops another spoonful of eggs into her mouth.
"Let's hope his love spurs him to act quickly," I say, ironing out my skirt.
"Are we speaking of the same man?"
I spear a disapproving glare her way. "Don Rogelio, of course."
"Of course," she nods, though I sense mischief brewing. "Although, your performance with another Don seems to be the highlight of the night."
And there it is. Suddenly I'm beginning to despise the paso doble.
I reach for a muffin with the tongs and place it on my plate. "If there is something you wish to say, Dona, say it plainly."
Her brow quirks, as if I've issued a challenge and she's got time to play. "Do you have feelings for him?"
"I'm afraid you will need to be more specific."
"You know exactly of whom I speak, girl." Her chastisement carries warning, but in true Ines fashion, I disregard the sting. "Do you have feelings for him?"
We both know she's referring to Remus. I mull over my answer and know I can't offer her the truth.
Am I in love with him? Certainly not.
Do I like him? Debatable.
Am I attracted to him? Unfortunately.
She doesn't need to have knowledge of my inner turmoil though.
"No," I spout with confidence and bite into my muffin. "I do not have feelings for him."
"Such a pity," she sighs and raises her coffee cup to her lips.
"Pardon?"
She meets my gaze, a sharpness in her eyes. "The ridiculous notion you think you can lie to me."
Before I have a chance to refute her accusation, the butler walks into the room, bows, and announces, "There is a caller for Senorita Lozano."
Dona Otero and I exchange a surprised look. "Who is here?" she asks, setting her utensil down.
"Don Rogelio Murrieta."
"Well," Dona smirks, "it seems you've thoroughly enraptured him. He forgets societal decorum." She turns her attention to the butler and commands, "See him in."
The butler is gone only a moment before he returns with Rogelio in tow. The heir bows as we stand to curtsey, but he lifts a hand in protest.
"Please, don't burden yourselves with standing.
It is I who have disrupted your morning without sending word ahead.
" He shifts from his left foot to his right, the only sign of his anxiety.
"Forgive my intrusion, Dona Otero, but I could not help myself.
Your niece has captured my attention and more importantly seized my heart.
I know a respectable man would wait a few days before calling to declare his affection but I'm a man, unhinged. "
Rogelio finally looks over at me and smiles and for some inexplicable reason, I can't help but smile back.
"Senorita Lozano, I thoroughly enjoyed your company last night and have come to ask if you would do me the great honor of joining me tonight at the opera. I've been a supporter of the fine arts most of my life and have a passion for the theatre. I would love to share that experience with you."
"Don Rogelio," Dona Otero inserts herself. "Should I take this as you expressing your interest in courting my niece?"
Though she's spoken to him, he doesn't peel his eyes from mine. His face brightens. "If she will have me."
I nod, pressing a palm to my flushed face. "I would be honored, Don Rogelio."
"So, you will join me?" he asks as if he was prepared for me to reject his offer.
"I would love to," I smile. "In full transparency, I will need to find something to wear – "
"Leave it all to me, Senorita." He bows once more to me and Dona Otero before plopping his hat atop his head, excitement ripe in his face. "I have intruded on your time long enough."
"Please, join us for breakfast." Dona Otero waves him to sit in Remus' seat and my stomach lurches at the thought of him replacing the Venturan.
"I'm afraid I have some shopping to do in the Market District." He declines politely, fiddling with his hands. "You will receive a package from me later this afternoon. I will see you this evening."
As quickly as he arrived, he disappears, and I'm left speechless.
I've never stepped foot near the Teatro Castillo, much less inside of it.
I've heard tale of the opulence the gold domed opera house offers with handcrafted gold lighting fixtures, red velvet cushioned chairs, heavy embroidered drapery, and a crystal chandelier dangling from a hand painted mural on the ceiling.
I swallow hard, suddenly overwhelmed and feeling insignificant. I'll have to be dressed in finery and dripping in diamonds to remotely blend in with the other patrons.
Dona claps her hands in girlish delight. "I knew you could do it! A proposal will be quick to follow. I can feel it in my bones. We are one step closer to the Murrieta circle." Seeing my face, her smile falters. "What's the matter?"
"I'm nervous," I admit before I can hesitate, failing to keep my cards close to my chest. Her eyes widen and I fear I've disappointed her. "I know you probably hate hearing that – "
"On the contrary," she says softly. "For a while I was beginning to believe you were more machine than human." She reaches for my hand and squeezes affectionately. "You needn't worry. The opera will be lovely, and you won't be there alone."
"What do you mean?"
"There will be eyes on you to ensure your safety." She pushes away from the table and snatches her cane. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have arrangements to make."
Dona Otero leaves without another word, her half-eaten breakfast my only company.
I don't have much time to be anxious about the evening because as promised, Rogelio sends several beautifully wrapped and expensive gifts a few hours later.
There is an off-the-shoulder scarlet gown made of the finest silk and a dazzling diamond bracelet with matching earrings.
Completing my ensemble are a pair of heels with crystals encrusted on the counter and a jeweled broach to clip in my hair.
He thought of everything. I could certainly grow accustomed to being spoiled with lavish presents.
For the remainder of the afternoon, Lupe works her magic. After bathing, fashioning my hair, applying my make-up, and helping me dress, she takes a step back to admire her wondrous creation. "If he wasn't already a love-sick puppy, he will be tonight."
I twirl, admiring myself in the mirror. "You flatter me, Lupe."
"Flatter you?" she scoffs, wiping her hands on her dress. "I deserve a raise for all of this," she motions up and down my person and I roll my eyes. "A true craftsman."
"Anciana." I shake my head.
"Mocosa." She grins and the butterflies fluttering in my stomach dissipate when she grabs my hand. "You are doing great, nina . Keep it up."