Chapter 27 #5
Matthew could not help feeling sorry for Don Pedro, who had once been a proud and unyielding man and was now frail and dying.
For many years, he had imagined the moment when he would tell Don Pedro and Dona María that he wanted nothing that might come from them.
Yet now, he found himself doubting everything.
He remembered all that his mother had told him about the Ruiz family, especially his cousin Manuel, an unscrupulous man who had spent his entire life dreaming of becoming the next Marqués de la Pena.
Jane could see that her husband was troubled, and she leaned closer to whisper in his ear.
“My dear, tell Don Pedro that you need time to consider everything. I believe it would be wise to speak with your father before making such an important decision. You know very well that he and I shall support you, whatever you decide.”
After hearing Jane's words, Matthew realised that asking her to accompany him had been the right decision. For a girl of relatively simple birth, Jane was remarkably intelligent and wise in her counsel to him.
“Thank you, my love. I believe you are right.”
Matthew kissed his wife's hand before turning to his grandfather.
“Don Pedro, I need a few days to reflect upon everything you have told me.”
Don Pedro and Dona María were disappointed by Matthew's answer, but they were relieved that, unlike on previous occasions, he had not refused outright.
“I shall await your answer with great hope,” Don Pedro replied.
As Jane and Matthew prepared to leave, Dona María Alta Gracia stepped towards them.
“Mateo, must you leave so soon?” she asked gently. “Stay a little longer. Tell me about your life. I know nothing about you or your sister. I should like to hear about your work, your home... and certainly more about this extraordinarily beautiful woman beside you... anything you wish to tell me.”
Matthew remained silent for a moment before replying.
“I am sorry, Dona María, but I cannot.”
The marchioness looked at him sadly.
“Not even for a few minutes?”
Matthew shook his head.
“I came today because you told me Don Pedro wished to speak with me, and I believed he deserved that opportunity. But I am not prepared to sit here and converse as though nothing happened all those years ago.”
“Mateo...”
“I bear you no ill will, madam, but neither can I pretend that the past never existed. Perhaps one day we shall be able to speak of ordinary matters. Today is not that day.”
Dona María lowered her eyes, deeply disappointed.
“I understand,” she murmured. “At least... thank you for coming.”
Matthew bowed politely.
“I sincerely hope Don Pedro recovers enough for us to speak again. Good day, madam.”
Jane curtsied to the marchioness.
“Thank you for receiving us, my lady.”
Taking his wife's arm, Matthew quietly left the house. Although Dona María watched them go with tears in her eyes, he could not rid himself of the uneasiness he always felt beneath his grandparents' roof.
That afternoon, Matthew spoke with his father, and James answered his son's questions with complete honesty.
“Father, what do you think my mother would advise me to do?”
James smiled before replying, “Your mother would tell you to become the next Marqués de la Pena. You cannot imagine how deeply she detested the Ruiz family.”
James told his son everything he knew about the Ruiz family and how, despite everything that had passed between Rosita and her parents, she had always been proud of her family's legacy.
“Your mother never ceased to be a de la Garza. That is why she taught you and your sister always to use your maternal surname and speak her language.”
Matthew reflected upon everything for the rest of the day. At last, that evening, as he held Jane in his arms, he told her everything he and his father had discussed.
“There is so much to consider, my dear Jane! So many problems. If I accept the title, we both become minor nobility. I inherit lands and money, but also considerable responsibilities and political concerns. We could live in our grand and beautiful casa solariega, which is similar to a large British manor house. It has been in my family for generations. But, we would also be required to live here at least part of the year, and it is so far away from England and from the family you love. Finally, there is the undeniable problem that everyone here speaks Spanish, a language that is entirely foreign to you,” explained Matthew.
Jane thought, “Well, first, I don’t see how inheriting a large estate, beautiful home, and money count as problems.” Jane laughed. “But I do understand your concerns about responsibilities and politics. Alas, with wealth comes certain duties to those who depend upon you.
However, we are not so far from England that we could easily spend a part of the year in both countries.
Spain would be much less dreary than England on a cold, rainy winter day.
Finally, as to Spanish being ‘entirely foreign’, well, I am learning.
I have been a fairly diligent student in the past when I needed to be, such as when I learnt to read and write in Sunday school as a child.
Besides, I am learning Spanish so quickly… ?Puedo decir que amo a mi guapo esposo!” Jane finished, a little pleased with herself for also having used as correct a Spanish accent as she could manage.
** I can say that I love my handsome husband!
And, until I master the language, I shall at least have the most handsome interpreter… and language professor, in all of Spain!
“Well, then,” said Matthew, thinking quickly. “All that does make the decision considerably easier. My dear Jane… would you object to becoming the future Marchioness de la Pena?”
Jane kissed her husband gently on the cheek and replied, “Only if it is what will make you happy.”
“It will, my beloved Jane, but only because now I know that you will be there, by my side.”
Matthew embraced and kissed his wife. That night, more than ever, he needed Jane's love and support because the following day, their lives would change forever.