Caray, Caray!

We begin with a rerun of Ursula combing Vasco's ratty hair, then a rerun of Cami and Jimena rehashing her meeting with Jorge where he offered to "protect" her in an icky way. Ric comes by; Cami wants to send him away because it's late, but Jimena reminds her that he might have news about Tim's doctor's letter. Ric comes in; Jimena chases the nosy maid away.

Cami gives Ric some attitude. He hints around about wanting a relationship and reminds her that he's not really a pirate, and he's not really engaged; he just said that to wiggle out of Jorge's attempt to marry him off to Ursula. He says he doesn't think Jorge's the one who stole the letter; so far that seems to have been a stroke of luck. He hopes whoever stole it did so to help her, and not to blackmail her.

They talk some more as described in yesterday's recap. She vehemently insists that she's done with Saintly. Ric's going to check up on Claudio's cousin; he'd prefer it if the boy stays behind. He laughs when Cami asks if he'll kill the guy if their suspicions are confirmed. He says he intends to get proof.

He asks her to think about what he's suggested, and she tells him he's the second guy to have offered her something and told her to think about it. She tells him the other man was Jorge. He gives her a chaste hand-kiss and says at least what he's offering is decent. He leaves, and she looks a little dizzy as she brushes the kissed hand across her face, Lis-style.

Saintly asks Ines how how Cami took the news about his impending fatherhood. She says Cami was happy for him and Rita, but Saintly wonders if he should have told her himself. Ofelia thinks not! She says Rita must be tired of hanging out with Mullet Boy (Vasco Jr.). Ines is surprised to hear that Vasco hasn't come home yet. She hurries out to leave a note for him. Ofelia doesn't like the way Ines obsesses over him. Saintly thinks they should fix her up with Ascanio. Ofelia agrees, but shrewdly advises him to let her talk to Camila about it. Saintly takes offense, but Ofelia tells him he should wait longer before going to see Cami again.

Jimena is laughing her head off at the irony... Ric is the one person who can protect Cami from Jorge, so she should go for it. Poor, poor Cami asks, why me? (After all that's happened to her, she asks this NOW?) Marriage is for life, it's family, children, love. Jimena says Ric's in love. Cami doubts this and says she can't marry a guy like him. Even if he's not really a pirate, he lives like one. She'll always be wondering if he's going to come home alive or not. Jimena jokes that if he doesn't come back, that's even better - more money for Cami!

Cami's still not laughing. They're talking about the man who would be the father of her children! Jimena gets an bitter look and says she's laughing out of envy. Then she giggles some more.

Ric finds Mario at the fun-time saloon and complains that he's been looking for him everywhere. Mario tells Ric that this is his element. Ric tells Mario that he just proposed marriage to Camila. (Camila seems to think so too, but I've watched that scene several times and didn't hear anything more than hints. Maybe in those days, marriage was so taken for granted that the slightest hint of courtship was tantamount to a formal proposal?) Mario teases Ric about Cami being his aunt - Ric shuts him down!

Ric also says he really can't get married or have kids, what with the murder rap and the treason. The name he's going by isn't even his own.

Mario makes some suggestions to Ric, which I just can't make out, but whatever they are, Ric dismisses them. Mario points out that they're at a bordello; he picks out a woman and asks Ric if he's going too. Ric looks about as excited at the prospect as Saintly did when he found out Rita was pregnant.

Vasco is getting dressed. He wonders aloud who stole the doctor's letter. Ursula figures it was probably Ricardo, to get in good with Cami. He defends Camila and says he doesn't want to get in the way. Ursula says she's not going to mess with her; she just wants to know. Vasco asks why, what's it to her? Forget about that guy already!

"Whose side are you on?" Ursula asks - in fact, she asks this frequently. He says she's on her side, but not at his family's expense. He makes her promise not to mess with Cami, but she still just wants to find out what's going on with Ric and Cami. He says he'll try to find out. She gives him back the keys, which makes him very happy.

The next morning, a little kid runs up to Saintly; at first I think it's Mullet Boy with a haircut, but it's some other kid named Chalito. Hans und Franz congratulate Saintly on the good news. Hans says to let them know when he wants them to start building a cradle.

Saintly, again showing his great enthusiasm for fatherhood, changes the subject to Ricardo. They tell Saintly that Ric will surely pay what they ask, because he's in a hurry. Saintly isn't sure he even wants to work for that guy. Franz points out that it'll be a lot of work, and Saintly could use the money now that he's got a bun in the oven. Saintly reluctantly agrees. He tries to weasel out of going there on the first day, but the twins tell him he really can't skip it; he needs to arrange things with Ric.

Mullet Boy wants to show Vasco something - something that's a secret. (Hmm, could it be a scorched piece of paper?) Vasco doesn't have time; he has to go see Don Alberto. Ines shows up and asks Vasco where he was last night. He says he was out late partying with some friends. She tells him about Saintly's little miracle. He promises to go see Rita later and takes off.

Mullet Boy wants to hang out in the plaza with Ines; she says no, he has to be a good boy and go to his classes. He complains that it's boring.

Sofia asks Ursula to check out the pictures of her suitors again. Ursula says she remembers what they looked like; they're all ugly. Sofia tells her to think about something else; looks don't last, and marriage is for life. Ursula says fine, then they can pick one out for her, they're all the same to her; just don't pick one that's old. She leaves in a huff.

Fortunata reminds Sofia that Ursula's stuck on Ric. Sofia says that's just because Ric's handsome; they don't know much else about him, though at least he was honest enough to tell them about his existing engagement. (Ha!) Fortunata isn't so sure the engagement is for real; she thinks Ric has a thing for Camila. She sings Cami's praises to Sofia, then says Ursula's even better, plus she has a dowry.

Sofia says Ricardo probably likes other qualities in a woman. Anyway, she thinks this guy named Alvaro Fernandez de la Cueva is Ursula's best bet. (The music swells ominously; he's Claudio's presumably murderous cousin!) She'll invite him over, and she hopes Ursula doesn't squander the opportunity. But if she rejects him, she'll let Manuela have a crack at him! Fortunata doesn't think Manuela is such an appealing thing, but Sofia says she's got a good dowry. She adds that marriage is a business deal. Fortunata agrees; she says that's why she's not married. Sofia says the working class have no dowries and can marry just for love. Fortunata looks sad as Sofia begins writing a letter to Ursula's would-be future husband.

Vasco goes to see Lafont. Manuela runs into him on her way out. He tries to make small talk with her, saying he heard that she was teaching the kids' catechism class. Manuela is very bashful with him and says her father made her do it. Vasco tells her that Mullet Boy really likes her. She very bashfully excuses herself and flees in terror.

Vasco tries to explain his to LaFont why he ran into him outside Jorge's last night - he has a silly story about how he was supposed to bring them an ivory comb from the store, then it fell down the back of a drawer, or something, and that's why he was at Jorge's so late - but in any case LaFont doesn't believe him and doesn't care. LaFont insinuates that Vasco's continuing to see his woman (obviously Ursula) even though she sorta dumped him.

"You like money, right?" Vasco can't deny it. Lafont says especially now that his father is having money problems too. The earthquake, rebuilding their store, etc. LaFont has a job for him, along with a threat: if he screws up, he'll tell Jorge that Vasco's been screwing around with Ursula.

LaFont wants Vasco to scoop some poop on Ric. (Same deal he gave to his daughter to get to know Lis, except she wasn't offered any money.) Vasco says he and Ric don't really get along, LaFont says too bad, fix that up and find out what you can. He asks about Camila, too. Vasco says she's living with some friends; LaFont gets Vasco to tell him what he knows about them, which isn't much, but I guess is more than LaFont already knew. Vasco says that Ascanio wants to start his own business, but doesn't have any money; maybe he could borrow some from LaFont. LaFont warms to this idea immediately and tells Vasco to send Ascanio over.

Vasco goes to Ascanio right away to tell him to meet with LaFont in the afternoon. He asks for Camila; she's gone to visit her sister. Then he asks Ascanio, what kind of guy is Ric? "Normal, like everyone." Vasco knows this much is not true. He says he's asking because Ric has been nosing around his sister. Ascanio says Camila is a widow and can have all the suitors she likes. Vasco thinks it's reasonable for him to want to know if the guy's intentions are honorable and get to know him.

Cami visits Rita. Rita isn't rude, but she doesn't seem glad to see Cami. Ofelia hovers for a moment to make sure they won't kill each other, then excuses herself. Cami asks if she's feeling better. Rita says she has to stay in bed. Cami says she'll be a great mother. Rita admits she's thrilled to be having a baby; but then she has a guilty flashback to the day she intercepted Cami's letter, tore it up and buried it. "If you knew what I've done..." she says, but Cami interrupts and says neither Rita nor Saintly has anything to be guilty about. It was destiny, or the will of God. She just wants them to be happy with their child, with all the love in the world. Rita weeps gratefully and says it means everything to her that Cami isn't holding a grudge.

Rita asks if Cami's thinking of getting married again. Cami says yes, but claims that she's not interested in anyone in particular. (Good, now they're both liars.) Rita says she it would be great if Cami got married. "You don't know the joy of finding out that you're going to give a child to the man that you love." OUCH! Rita claims that Saintly was very enthusiastic when he found out, and practically went nuts. (That is NOT how I remember it!)

On her way out, Cami tells Ofelia that she and Rita made their peace. Ofelia wishes Cami the good luck that she deserves and says she needs to talk to her some more (probably about fixing up Ines with Ascanio), but not right now.

Saintly and the twins go to check out the pirates' new digs. Mario tells Saintly that Ric wants special locks. Fran and Lis show up. Fran is telling Lis that the place isn't very attractive, but at least it's big. Lis wants to know if there are flowers and trees. (Fran puts up her parasol, leaving Lis to poke around with the cane on her own.) Ric introduces them to Saintly. Lis gives Saintly a pretty speech, something about forges and fire. (Ric and Mario exchange suspicious looks.) Mario takes the women on a tour of the property.

Ric takes Saintly and the twins aside to talk about security. He wants the place to be much more secure. Saintly assures him that people don't steal around there. Ric says that's nice, but he's going to be traveling a lot and he doesn't to leave the women at risk.

Inside, Fran complains to Mario about how the place needs to be cleaned up, furnished, and decorated. Lis, poor disinherited Lis, says they have plenty of money and they can hire more servants. Fran wonders who they'll hire, since they don't know anyone and don't want to attract thieves. Saintly shuffles in and says his mother knows lots of people. Fran snottily says they'll just ask Sofia to recommend people. Lis says she'd prefer to accept Santiago's help! Ric looks confused again.

Lis asks Ric how long they're staying in the area; she'd like to make some friends. All those years cooped up with Tim, they didn't get to see anyone. Fran impatiently interrupts and says they'll talk about this later. Lis says "No, auntie, I already know what you're going to say, but I want to do it." Fran rolls her eyes. Lis asks Saintly about his family, and he gives her the whole roll call, including his bun in the oven. She congratulates him. Ric narrows his eyes; Mario strokes his beard ever more suspiciously.

Lis and Fran wander around the house. Fran asks why Lis would take an interest in the blacksmith and his family. Lis says she likes Saintly's voice; besides, she knows Ric likes the "common" people, and she wants him to see that she'd never be unkind to his friends. Fran is skeptical that Lis would enjoy spending her evenings with Mario around. Lis says sure, why not? She wants Ric to know that Lis is the only one who understands him. Fran makes disapproving noises, but Lis says dreams can come true.

Okay... so Lis is nuts, but I'll say this for her: at least she's willing to try something new. And this scene gives us a very sad glimpse into how lonely her life has been with Fran and Tim. If she'd been raised by someone a little nicer, who knows what kind of person she'd be now.

Fran encounters a dead rat. Lis can't see it, but the very idea has her screaming. Mario picks it up and brandishes it at them, I guess to show them that it's harmless; Fran is not amused. Ric assures them it's only because the house has been empty for so long; he promises to get the place cleaned up.

Mario confides to Saintly that women are very fussy. Saintly gallantly says they were just scared.

Outside, Mario wonders what to make of the weird niceness between Lis and Saintly. Ric tells Mario that Lis doesn't like to speak to people of a lower social class, so there must be some motive for her to be talking to Saintly. Something about knowing that he was engaged to Camila and now he's expecting a child with someone else. He mentions that he found Saintly groping Camila the other day.

Mario wants to hear more about the groping, but Fran and Lis join them, and now that they've seen the whole place, they want even more servants than ever. Lis asks Saintly when she can meet his mother. He says whenever.

Mullet Boy and Ines greet Claudio in the plaza. Mullet Boy asks Claudio why he lives with Cami. Claudio says it's a long story. Ines tells him about the baby and invites him to visit, claiming that Rita would enjoy it. Claudio says no and looks sad. He says he misses his mother. With a starry-eyed, mushy face, Ines points out Vasco to Claudio.

Ursula grumps at Manuela for not being around when she needs her. That is, Manuela was off teaching kids their catechism when Ursula desperately needed her to go fetch Vasco for her! Poor Ursula actually had do go and do the errand herself! And then when he showed up that night, LaFont saw him. Manuela tells Ursula that Vasco came to her house that morning. This worries Ursula very much. She scolds Manuela for not finding out why he was there, and swats her a couple of times with a napkin.

Sofia and Fortunata stroll in the plaza. Sofia scolds Fortunata for gossiping, especially about Ursula, and says if she does it again, she'll get kicked out. Fortunata denies ever having gossiped and then says, well, she's sorry if she let some little thing slip, but she's never done it out of malice. They go into the store, and Sofia talks to Justo about someone who would make a good husband for Camila. "We don't know him," Justo says guardedly. (Fortunata pretends to look busy in the background, but is taking in every word like it's candy.) Sofia says he (whoever he is) isn't bad. And there aren't a lot of other choices around here. She says the guy has guts; he rejected Ursula when Jorge suggested they get married. (Aha, so she's talking about Ric!) The guy claimed to be engaged, but she thinks it's a lie, and he's definitely interested in Camila. He's the best husband she could have. At least he's not afraid of Jorge.

From the look on Justo's face, it's clear he's nervous about any guy who wouldn't be afraid of Jorge. Fortunata scurries outside and buys some sweets; Justo comes out of the store a moment later, mopping his face. He bows to her, and she watches him make his way across the plaza.

Lis and Fran ride into the plaza. Ric is a little reluctant to take them to Ofelia's; he says she's probably busy. Fran latches onto this idea: she'd like to send for Ofelia to visit them instead (I'm thinking so Fran doesn't have to be seen mingling with poor people in public). Lis is saying loudly in front of Ric that she'd like to meet new people; she doesn't like being cooped up with Ursula all day. Ric relents and takes them to Ofelia's place.

Vasco welcomes them kindly. Lis holds her nose for a moment, but manages to speak to him without gagging. She's surprised when Claudio runs out to greet Ric happily. Lis and Fran mutter indistinctly.

Sofia is already home (honestly, the scene changes sometimes make me dizzy); Shakespeare shows up for a visit. Oh - no, he's a guy named Marcelino. He seems to be terrified of her. She tells him this meeting will be in confidence, and she doesn't want anyone to know about it, especially Jorge.

She says he knows the area's families' histories well. Did he know Ofelia? And her dead husband? She was preggers when they got married, right? Marcelino says sure, but it was no big deal, you know how it is with novios. Sofia hints that maybe the baby wasn't the husband's. Marcelino stammers that he doesn't know.

Sofia explains that they both know her husband has kids all over the place, but so far they've all been girls; there's not been an heir. "No..." Marcelino says thoughtfully. "And I know he went after Ofelia," Sofia elaborates to this willfully dense man. Marcelino drops his book and scrambles on the floor to pick it up. He reluctantly confirms Sofia's statement. "So... Santiago could be my husband's child? Could he or not?" Marcelino stutters some more. "Sure... he could."
Sofia asks if Ofelia has any other living relative. (I'm not sure what she's getting at - there's Ines - maybe she means older relatives?) Marcelino tugs at his beard now, looking interested in spite of himself.

Sofia comes back to the plaza for Fortunata. Fortunata complains that Sofia disappeared on her earlier. Sofia is annoyed that Fortunata wants to know where she was.

Ofelia feeds Lis and Fran and tells them she knows lots of honest people who need work. Lis continues with her campaign of politeness. Santiago arrives and they make some small talk. Ines tells him it's too bad he didn't get there sooner - Claudio and Ric were there.

Rita comes out to see if there's a party that needs pissing on. They suggest that she go back to bed, but she says she feels okay. Santiago introduces everyone. Lis looks uncomfortable. Seeing this, Rita starts looking nervous, too.

Justo visits Cami to ask about Ric. She explains why Ric lied to Jorge about being engaged. He tells her what Sofia said about Ric being a good husband and not being afraid of Jorge. Would she like Justo to speak to Ric? He's not a bad prospect, Justo says. She says she's afraid. They don't know him, and he lives far away. Justo suggests that it would be better if she went away, to forget about Saintly and have her own life.

Ric is telling Claudio that his investigation will be easier if Claudio stays behind. They run into Justo as he leaves Cami's. He greets them, pauses awkwardly, then excuses himself. Ric tells Claudio he's gotta go too. He takes off after Justo.

Claudio tells Cami and Jimena that Ric didn't want to come in and asks Cami if she's mad at him. Cami says that if anyone's upset, it's Ric. Claudio doesn't think so. He tells them Ric didn't want him to come along on the trip; Jimena agrees that this is best, because he's still hopping-mad, and that kind of courage is never good. Claudio tells them that Ascanio went to see a guy named Alberto. "Alberto LaFont?" the women ask in surprise.

At LaFont's, Manuela bashfully (but giddily) tells Ascanio that her father is on his way. Ascanio has to explain to LaFont where he came from, and how he came to be a slave. He wants a loan for a bakery. LaFont wants to know why he didn't stay at Mariana. Ascanio explains that Lis wasn't nice to him and he agreed to travel with Camila and Jimena for their safety. LaFont says he thinks a bakery would probably be a good deal, as long as Ascanio is absolutely loyal and discreet. Also, he wants to know how well Ascanio knows Ric. "Just a little," Ascanio replies. LaFont says he'll think about the loan, and tells Ascanio to come back tomorrow.

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Jueves
Mario intercepts a would-be assassin; Camila wears scarlet.

Labels: Pasion