Caray, Caray!

I'm sorry if the second half of this got a bit sketchy. I've got a horrible headache and I can't type more than two words without making a typo. Please feel free to make any additions, clarifications, etc.

Vasco tells Cami that he and Inez are getting married next Saturday. Justo wanted Cami and Ric to celebrate their recent wedding on the same day, but Vasco thinks it'd be better if they picked a different day, because Santi and Rita don't like the idea. (I'm not sure why they should have any say in the matter.) Cami bites her lip and agrees. Vasco asks her to tell their father that it was her and Ric's idea to do it on a different day, so as not to upset him. There's a faint hint of disgust in Cami's face as she agrees; Jimena doesn't look thrilled either, but a more offensive sight catches their eye: Jorge's friend Uriel (Dali mustache guy) is unlocking the door to Justo's old store.

Camila flips out and says that's it - they (she and whose army?) are going to buy the mill concession. Jimena and Vasco think she should wait until Ric comes back, but she doesn't want anyone else to beat her to it. Vasco says they need to talk first. Cami asks if this is about the ED card his friend ran off with - Ascanio's gone to look for it. (I miss him already!) Vasco says it's not for sure Ascanio will find him; he gave him directions to Bernabe's family, but if Bernabe went to the capitol instead, it'd be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Cami says sure, or he could be dead and/or simply gone forever, but he's probably not so dumb he doesn't realize that if he comes back he could get killed. Meanwhile, they can't let fear keep them from taking this chance. Jimena and Vasco try to scare her a little anyway and suggest maybe Jorge will sell the mill concession to anyone in town BUT her. Cami says if that's the case, Marcelino will say so.

She makes a beeline for the admin office, leaving them in the dust. Pablo and someone else (I think Jesus, but I'm not sure?) watch as Vasco and Jimena follow her a moment later. Marcelino, nervous as usual, interrupts Jorge while he's attempting to mediate a boring property dispute between two farmers. He seems grateful for the interruption and tells the farmers to go back to the property bureau again and work it out there because he has other matters to attend to. They're not happy to be blown off, but on the bright side, they'll probably bond over their mutual disappointment in Jorge. Especially if they have daughters.

Jorge tells Marcelino to let only Cami in. Vasco can wait outside and if he doesn't like it, he'll be castrated. Marcelino relays a more polite version of Jorge's request to Camila and Vasco. This causes some dismay, but Cami goes ahead with the meeting. Vasco grumbles that she's being irresponsible. Jimena reminds him again that if not for him and his friend, Camila could spend her money however she wanted to.

Marcelino waits in the hallway, leaning against the door as Jorge congratulates Cami on her wedding. Cami says yeah, sorry it was so sudden, but Ric had to go out of town so they decided to hurry it up. He pretends not to mind.

Cami asks him if she's considered a regular citizen. He replies that a citizen is someone who has rights and responsibilities. Women have responsibilities, Jorge says, but very few rights. "Very few," Cami repeats with crafty innocence, "but they have the right to shop, correct?" "Yes," Jorge answers. "Thanks. I want to buy the mill concession, not as Justo's daughter, but as Ric's wife."

Jorge's only question is whether Ric can pay for it. Cami says sure, or would he refuse to sell it to her for some reason? He says no, any financially solvent person can acquire it. She offers to pay right away.

Jorge wants to know why she's trying to buy it, considering all the misfortune she's brought upon her family. She asks/says he's doing this to hurt her family. He says he had to get even somehow. She says okay, well, now you did, so can you leave us alone? "Aren't you afraid of me?" She says she is, but she thinks that a man of his good upbringing couldn't be such a lout (gañán). If he continues to mess with her family, the whole town will lose respect for him. He says he's still hot for her, and frustrated - and frustration is a poor advisor.

Pablo and Jesus (I think) continue to watch from across the plaza, wondering why Vasco and Jimena are waiting for Camila outside. Camila comes out looking smug, and giddily reports her victory. Vasco asks what Jorge wanted in exchange. He doesn't believe Cami's claim that he didn't want anything else. Jimena scolds him for busting her chops. The three run off. Pablo looks suspiciously at Jorge exiting the city building, then he and Jesus follow the New Mill Trio from a discreet distance.

Santi and the twins are replacing some of the space-age roofing materials (palm fronds) over the forge. Crispin (or Pancho) tells Santi that Lis came by to ask him to come over about a job. Santi says they should go instead, so he doesn't have to see Cami's husband. Pancho (or Crispin) says that's what they figured, but she said she wanted to see him.

Lis and Fran are just getting home with some shopping bags from Crate 'n' Barrel. They ask the gateman if Pablo went away with Ric. The gateman says no, he went to town with Camila because Ric wanted him to watch over her. Alone, Lis tells Fran that Ric must be having Cami watched because he doesn't trust her. (Ha! It's only everybody else in the world that he doesn't trust.) Lis says he must be jealous of Santiago - that's why she invited him over. It's okay if she's not there at the moment. She's going to order a big heavy strongbox, and then she's going to keep asking him to make modifications to it, so that he's constantly coming back. Fran thinks this scheme is needlessly elaborate, not to mention futile.

Next, Clothilde comes in wanting a word. She says she's afraid that Camila will fire her, just like she fired her from her old job. She says it was probably Jimena's doing, she thought she was a snoop, but Clothilde swears it's not true. Lis says, well, hmm, actually she needs a snoop, but it needs to be someone who's totally on her side. Clothilde eagerly agrees to be Lis's eyes and ears. Fran wants to know what the snooping was about. Clothilde plays innocent and says ah, you know, like when Camila had visitors, she might have taken notice. Like when Don Jorge came over, and Ricardo, and Santiago. Lis perks up at the mention of Santiago's name.

Vasco, Cami, and Jimena make their way to Justo's house. Cami reminds me of Dorothy, Vasco reminds me of the lion, and Jimena is a new character who needs to ask the wizard for a piece of duct tape for her mouth. Dorothy is telling her friends the Lion and the Duck not to tell Justo she's bought the mill until she has the papers in hand. Jimena is horrified that it's still not a done deal. Cami says it's no problem, she already committed the payment and signed the paperwork with Marcelino. Vasco says those papers aren't worth any more than the papers their father had and lost the mill anyway. She could lose it too. Cami says Jorge wouldn't dare.

As they approach the house, Paco runs out to greet them. He's excited about the upcoming wedding. Ines shows off the necklace that Sofia gave her. Grumpily, Vasco goes to fetch Justo. Paco asks Jimena when she's getting married. Jimena asks why - does he want to marry her? He says no. She hollers in mock anger, calling him an egg-faced brat, and chases him across the yard.

Ines tells Cami that Santiago told her yesterday that she might be able to make a better man out of Vasco, and this made her feel better. Justo comes out to visit, and Vasco excuses himself, saying he has to go to the mill. Cami looks worried that he'll let the cat out of the bag, but he just says he needs to take over a wagonload of wheat that he didn't do yesterday. Justo tells the women about Sofia's visit yesterday, how the wedding is all set and Sofia's so great. Cami says, speaking of which, she and Ric decided not to celebrate their own wedding on the same day as Ines and Vasco after all, since it's all a gift from Sofia. Ines looks disappointed. Justo assures Cami that Sofia wouldn't mind at all. Cami insists that they should each have their own party, and she and Ric would be more comfortable that way. Justo seems suspicious.

Vasco catches up with Santiago on his way to see Lis. Vasco reports that Cami has gone crazy. He tells Santi the whole story of how Ascanio's gone off with a list of addresses to find Bernabe. Santi's annoyed that Ascanio made up a lie to explain why he was going away; Vasco says Ascanio didn't know how much Santi knew. Vasco is still complaining that Cami being stubborn. Santi calls Vasco a wretch and reminds him again that the letter problem is his fault; he should have destroyed it immediately or given it to his sister (erm, that would be his sister Camila, not his sister Rita). Vasco says he wants to die every time he thinks about it, and rehashes all the bad things that will happen if Bernabe sells that letter to Lis. All Cami's money will be gone, she'll lose everything and go to jail.

Santi reminds Vasco that Ric has money. Vasco starts to say something about this, but catches himself. But only for a second, because when Santiago asks, Vasco blurts that the most recent caravan assault was on Ric's stuff. Santiago gets mad and asks why is Vasco telling him all of this, he should be discussing it with his sister's husband. "He went on a trip," Vasco says. He urges Santi to go talk to Cami, because he's the only person who can change her mind (about buying the mill). Santi doesn't want to get involved, but Vasco says the deal will be finalized tomorrow when Marcelino comes over to collect the payment. If she doesn't retract her offer and then Lis gets her inheritance, Cami goes to prison.

Santi gets to Ric's house and leaves a message with Esteban that he needs to talk to Camila when she gets back. Santi watches disapprovingly as the pirates horse around in the yard, doing handstands and throwing what looks like playing cards into a hat that's propped up on sticks. (Any idea what they're doing??)

Lis asks Santi about his recent imprisonment. He says he lost his temper and failed to watch his words. Lis says people have the right to get upset once in a while. Santi says that according to God's law, anger is one of the seven deadly sins, and he's not proud of it. She says she's still glad he's free. He asks Lis what the job is that she wants him to do.

Cami and Jimena are just arriving and wondering what Santiago wants to talk about. She tells one of the maids that when he's finished with Lis, she'll be waiting for him in the salon. Jimena tells Cami maybe she shouldn't meet with him, because if Ric finds out he might not like it. Cami doesn't get why she shouldn't talk to her BIL. Jimena reminds her that Ric's jealous of her ex-fiance, DUH.

Esteban closes the gate behind Pablo and Jesus. I'm not sure why they're waiting outside the gate, but then, I didn't know why they were throwing cards into a hat either.

Santi is just wrapping up with Lis. He says he's got a strongbox that he'll bring over for her to inspect with no obligation. "You can look at it... uh... sorry." She brushes off this minor faux pas and says that her hands are her eyes, and at times one's hands can even know what's in a person's heart. (Fran glances up from her embroidery with an expression of profound distaste.) Lis then asks for Santi's hands. He protests that they're dirty, but she insists. He gives her one clean hand. She says they're strong, like... "like any workman's," Santi interjects, but warm and signifying a generous heart, Lis adds. "You're too kind," he says patiently and she continues to fondle his hand as if it's a... well let's just say I'm relieved when he takes it back and asks if she wants to check out the strongbox he mentioned, or if she wants him to start building a new one for her.

Clothilde finds Hilaria, the maid that Cami spoke to earlier, waiting outside a door. She accuses Hilaria of loafing, but Hilaria explains that Camila is in there, waiting for Santiago to come talk to her after he's finished with Lis! Clothilde's jaw drops.

Jimena and Camila are still debating the wisdom of buying the mill without consulting Ric first, when Santi comes in. He says he'd prefer that they speak alone. Jimena leaves. Santi blasts her for making this huge purchase knowing that Bernabe and that letter are still at large and Ric's lost all of his money. Camila is ultra-super-impactada that Santiago knows about Bernabe and about Ric's loss and demands to know who told him.

Fran is asking Lis where that stuff about seeing with hands came from. Lis says that touching a person gives you an idea of what they're like, and Santi's hands are rough like Ricardo's. Fran disdainfully says sure, but one uses weapons and the other uses a hammer. What Lis did was not proper. He's going to think she's fresh! Lis says she doesn't care what he thinks - she just hopes that the next time he comes over, Camila's home.

Clothilde comes in with some clean towels. She brags that she's scented them with lavender, and by the way, Santiago's taken advantage of his visit here to come chat with Camila in the salon. Lis gets up excitedly and orders Clothilde to spy on them. Fran rolls her eyes, but says nothing as the nosy maid eagerly complies.

Clothilde crouches outside a half-open door and watches and listens eagerly to Santi telling Cami that he knows she wants to help her father, but if that LETTER comes back, she'll go to JAIL and her father will DIE of shame. Cami says that if BERNABE had wanted to EXTORT her some more or SELL THE LETTER TO LIS, he would have done it, and she appreciates Santiago's interest very much, but he shouldn't meddle in her decisions.

"I did it for the AFFECTION I HAVE FOR YOU," Santi says. He thinks she's making a mistake. Her father's already reconciled himself to losing the mill. Cami disagrees that he's reconciled himself to anything. "You don't know him like I do," she says. He's worked hard all his life and now he's sick with no money and nothing to do, he's going to start dying little by little.

Santi reaches for her shoulder but doesn't quite touch it. He says he'd split himself in two to help her. (Clothilde looks like she could use some popcorn.) "Thanks, but I have a husband now," she tells him. "And where is your husband? Every time you need him, he never shows up." She says he had something important to do, and didn't know about this. Santi sarcastically remarks on her great trust. She says she does trust Ric, all the trust in the world. Santi says if that's how she's going to be, then God help her. He picks up his bag and leaves.

Fran is just in the middle of telling Lis that Santi wanting to talk to Cami is probably no big deal, when Clothilde shows up, foaming at the mouth. She says she didn't hear much (yeah, only the entire conversation), but they mentioned that there's a letter that could show up that Liz could buy and then Camila would go to prison, and it was stolen by some friend of Camila's brother Vasco who's named Bernabe. Clothilde just happens to know Bernabe's mother. Fran wants to get on that right away. Also, Clothilde says, Camila did or wants to do something to help her father, Santiago disagreed, Clothilde gets a little caught up in the drama of Justo's plight and Lis urges her back on track. Clothilde reports the part about Ric never being around when needed and Cami saying that he doesn't know what's going on.

Jimena can't wait to know what Santi wanted to talk about. Cami is furious with her. She thought they were like sisters, she swore she wasn't going to tell anyone, so how is it that Santiago knows everything?? Jimena swears that Vasco was the only person she told. It just slipped out, because Vasco was saying that Ric has money and could come to the rescue. She begs for forgiveness. Cami asks how she can trust Jimena, knowing that she will discuss such personal, private things with others. (Ahem, Camila.) Distraught, Jimena agrees and says Cami has every right to throw her out into the street. They hug and make up, but Cami emphasizes that she mustn't repeat the things Cami tells her, especially things about Ricardo.

At the gate, Clothilde haughtily tells Esteban that she's going on an errand for Lis. After she leaves, Esteban tells Pablo that when Lis and Fran got back, they asked where he was. "NOW you tell me?" Esteban says sorry, they didn't ask him, they asked the gateman. Pablo angrily mocks the boy's protests of innocence as he rushes into the house.

Lis is speculating as to what kind of help Cami is giving, and why. She figures it's financial help since Justo has lost his businesses. Fran agrees, and thinks she's hiding it from Ric. They wonder if Ric knows that Bernabe has the letter. Fran thinks it best not to mention it to him. Lis thinks they should tell him, so he can go get it back. Fran reminds her that Ric has no interest in separating Camila from her inheritance, especially now his own money's been stolen. Lis says she'd give back his part of it (the part that belonged to Ric's father, which Ric didn't inherit due to being framed for murder) anyway.

Pablo comes in to apologize for being away all day. He explains that they'd been told to watch out for Camila to make sure no one bother her. (This spoils the ladies' theory that Ric was having them spy on her.) Lis wants to know where Ric went. He says he doesn't know, just that it was only Ric and Mario. Fran asks if he misses life at sea. Pablo says he certainly does. Lis asks why are they all here, then? He hems and haws, and tells them they'd have to ask the captain themselves. Heh.

Then he asks, why did they want to speak with him? Liz says oh, uh, well, we just saw that you weren't here. Pablo excuses himself. Fran checks the door (but doesn't close it??) to ensure that he's out of earshot, and starts going on about how great it would be if Bernabe's mother could hook them up with The Letter.

In town, Clothilde helps Lupe wash some crud off the sidewalk in front of her house. Lupe is saying that Bernabe left without saying goodbye. Vasco's come by several times asking for him, and she's even gone to the authorities seeking (either charity or asking them to go look for him?), but she's afraid that something's happened to him. Clothilde says maybe he's just gone on a trip. Lupe gives her a funny look and says "without any clothes or anything?" Clothilde cuts to the chase and asks about the letter.

Meanwhile, Jimena goes to the mill and unleashes her fury on Vasco, swinging her parasol at him and shouting. Vasco says Santiago had to know about these things. She kicks him and reminds him that he promised not to tell. He says Santi was his last hope to get Camila to withdraw her offer on the mill. Sure he'd love for them to have it, but not at the cost of his sister's freedom. Yeah, yeah, he admits, he's an idiot, a slob, etc, but he told Bernabe not to do it. Jimena worries what Ric will do when he finds out that everyone knows his money's gone. He'll be angry with Camila, and it will be Jimena's fault, and Vasco's. She punches him in the stomach.

At a pub someplace (I think it's an early TGI Friday's, they haven't collected any fake antique replicas yet), Mario is trying to explain why he's not happy with Camila. This inheritance issue they've been dealing with so long is taking over their lives. Ric says it's important to him. Mario says, well, supposedly that's what it's about, but ever since Ric found out that Cami was the widow in question, he's never had any intention of taking that money; Ric says there's no way to justify doing it. And his aunt bribed the doctor to write that letter. Mario would have liked it to stay that way, but no, Ric just had to discover passion for the widow, and to heck with everyone else.

Mario gets up to leave in a huff. Ric pulls him back to his seat. He tells him that when a woman enters your life and becomes important to you, it's normal for things to change. Mario angrily says that if Cami didn't exist, or if she'd been just a fling, they could have gone after Jorge and LaFont like rabid dogs right away instead of trying little by little to get them to reveal where the money is. Ric shushes him and says he's never shredded anyone. Mario says sure, but you've cut some up pretty well. Ric says they'd be suspected right away. Jorge's already suspicious. "The dead don't speak," Mario reminds him, but they could get them to talk first and say where they hid the treasure.

Ric says there are two things Mario doesn't understand: First, they're not at sea, and they can't solve problems that way here on land. People have power, guards, and the support of the law. And they don't have proof. The second thing is, they're no longer on their own turf. He's tired of that life, and the only way out is to get proof that Jorge and LaFont are involved in the caravan assaults. And they talked about that even before he knew about Camila. Mario says the Antillano of before would have burned down Jorge's palace. Ric says he doesn't want to be Antillano any more.

Clothilde is telling Fran and Lis that Bernabe disappeared without warning, and that Vasco's been looking for him. His mother doesn't know anything about the letter. Clothilde excuses herself and leaves. Fran correctly deduces that Bernabe blackmailed Camila, took the money and ran. Lis correctly deduces that Camila must have recognized him. Fran's guess is that he kept the letter in hopes of getting more money out of her. It'll turn up again in time. They need to clean this up. They need to find it. But even his mother doesn't know where he is, and there's no way the two of them can go from town to town looking for a guy they've never met.

Lis again suggests bringing Ric into this. Fran says no way, he'd just tear the letter up. He has no interest in pursuing her father's inheritance. Lis says what good does it do them to know all this stuff and not do anything about it? Fran has a great idea: they'll put it in the hands of Alberto LaFont. For once, Lis doesn't protest.

At the forge, Vasco and Santi discuss their virtually nonexistent options. Santi's plan is to ask God to inspire Bernabe to become a nice guy and reform himself with the money Cami gave him. He wonders if Ascanio will find him. Vasco doubts it and says he hopes Bernabe is dead in the bushes someplace.

Over a game of Chinese checkers, Ursula asks Manuela if she can tell that Ascanio likes her. Manuela does not want to have this conversation, but Ursula (unusually humanely) tells Manuela that the same thing could happen to her that happened to Ursula, she could wind up married to a grody old guy, and then she'll be sorry that she never knew the pleasure of a young man's arms, handsome and not all wrinkly. "I'm not like you, I've told you many times!" Manuela complains.

Of course not, Ursula laughs. She never will be. She's a dingaling. But these things are a lot of fun. Manuela says it doesn't look fun to her. "You haven't tried," Ursula says. Manuela asks if she hasn't considered that it's a sin. Ursula isn't interested in a Sunday School lecture. She's a young, pretty woman, and she has the right. Why should only young men be able to?

Fortunata comes in and hears Ursula ask Manuela what she thinks of Santiago. Manuela says she saw what Ursula thought of him when he came to speak with Sofia. Fortunata spies as Ursula says he's tall, handsome, strong, and has something special about him. Manuela says he's married and his wife's about to have a baby. Ursula says she only wants him for a little while. She giggles wildly as Fortunata hurries to tell Sofia what she's heard.

Sofia takes the news grimly. Fortunata is suprised that her aunt doesn't seem more concerned that Ursula plans to seduce a married man. Sofia says it matters very much - more than Fortunata thinks. Deep down, she's almost been wanting this.

Fortunata is confused. Sofia just asks her not to leave Ursula alone for a moment, at least not until after Ines's wedding. She doesn't want to spoil the family's party. Fortunata doesn't understand what Sofia's talking about.

At La Paloma, Mateo (Marcel waves guy) and Gonzalo share a drink. Gonzalo says he doesn't care what they say, he's had it up to here with Jorge. Mateo reminds him that Jorge's their friend and the señor of San Fernando. "Friend?" Gonzalo replies bitterly. He spits out his wine, says it's bad and demands another one. He complains that Jorge's a señor in name only, otherwise he wouldn't given up trying to screw that woman. He's afraid of that guy, and we all know he's a pirate and he's scared.

Mateo says Jorge's never been a coward, and it'd be a big mistake for Gonzo to insult him again the way he did the other day. He'll put up with a lot, but if Gonzo goes on yanking the rope, he could come to a bad end. Gonzo laughs and asks if the truth is an insult. The short version of Mateo's answer is yes. Gonzo says they're a bunch of lowlifes and buffoons and he's sick of them. He yells at the waiter again because the second wine is not to his liking either.

Uriel joins them. He apologizes/brags that he was late because he was making a list of stuff at his new store. Gonzo complains that Uriel is rubbing their noses in it and not being classy. "Still boozing, huh?" Uriel replies. Gonzo says he's got more important things to discuss: he wants to rob the next caravan. Mateo says Jorge told them not to. Gonzo says Jorge can't do a thing without LaFont, but they can. Mateo and Urkel want no part of it. Gonzo calls them buffoons again and leaves. Uriel says Gonzo's always been overly violent and rash, to his detriment. Mateo says he's got problems with his father's hacienda, too. Uriel says we've all got problems, but this isn't the way to solve them, and if they go through with the plan, Jorge's not going to like it. "Much less Lafont," Mateo adds.

Jimena is again begging Cami not to complete the mill purchase. (I note that she's been wearing pink the last few episodes; it suits her much better than the orange dresses, I think. Much as I love orange, it's not a very flattering color on most people.) She should wait to talk it over with Ric. Cami says someone else would buy it first, and she thinks Ric would say no, so she'd just as soon have it done when he gets back. Yeah, he'll be upset. For the gazillionth time, Jimena mentions the consequences of Bernabe returning with the letter, and Cami says she's known him since forever and he's not a bad guy and she doesn't think he'll do that. "I hope you're right," Jimena says as they arrive at the plaza.

Ines and Vasco join them and also start nagging at her to withdraw the offer on the mill. Vasco says their father would say the same thing, if he knew. "Thanks for worrying so much about me, but I've made my decision and I'm not going to change it." She rushes into the admin building.

Marcelino has the papers ready for a final signature. He asks Camila if she'd like to wait for Jorge, but she wants to get it over with. Just as she's about to put pen to paper, however, she notices an extra signature line with Ric's name printed underneath. Marcelino says yes, since she's a married woman, her husband has to sign off the purchase too. "What if he doesn't want to?" she asks. Marcelino laughs nervously and says she'd have to discuss that with him. She says he's on a trip, and anyway, she was going to pay with her own money. Marcelino says her husband has the right and the obligation to decide how she spends the money they share in marriage, and to veto if he disagrees.

"I'll sign it," she says. "I know my husband, and he won't oppose it."

Jorge has found Gonzalo and is telling him that under no circumstances is he to try to rob a caravan on his own. Gonzo complains that Jorge is relying on Lafont to make decisions, but he doesn't need gills (fins?) to swim. Jorge warns Gonzo that he's being offensive and he's getting tired of it. Don't do it. "Or else what?" Gonzo asks. "You die," Jorge answers.

---

Jueves
Santiago unbuttons his shirt, but I don't see the green scarf.

Labels: Pasion