Caray, Caray!

We start out in the bar with Gonzalo “spitting on the plate where he eats” again by badmouthing Jorge and La LaFont. Gonzo may be a lush but he still has exacting taste in wines—he spits out the wine he’s drinking and demands that the barkeep get him another one. Uriel shows up after checking out his new store. Gonzo rips him for being a lowly storekeeper and says that he thought he had more class. Gonzalo then changes the subject, insisting that he wants to rob the money train. Mateo and Uriel say no way. Gonzalo complains more about LaFont and then gets up and leaves. Mateo and Uriel assess what’s going on. Mateo remarks that Gonzo has always been violent and impulsive. They agree that they want nothing to do with any unauthorized activities. Jorge’s not going to like it.

Jimena accompanies Cami to the government house to buy the mill. Jimena is still trying to talk her out of it, trying the argument that Ric isn’t going to like it. Camila thinks it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. She’s going to do it. When they arrive. Ines and Vasco try to talk her out of it but they don’t succeed. Camila goes in and Marcelino has all the docs ready for her. He asks her if she wants to wait for Don Jorge. She says no. But suddenly she notices that there are two places for a signature, hers and Ricardo’s. When she asks Marcelino, he says of course her husband has to sign, yes, even if she’s spending her own money. Camila explains that he’s on a trip. Marcelino says even how she spends her dowery is subject to her husband’s consent. Camila smiles nervously and says that she’s sure he won’t have a problem with it. She picks up the quill and signs.

Next we see why Don Jorge is delayed, he is with Gonzalo is still lobbying him to do the caravan robbery. Jorge says not without LaFont. Gonzalo whines some more and Don Jorge complains that he’s starting to annoy him. Gonzalo wants to know what would happen if he did it anyway. Jorge says don’t do it or else. Gonzalo actually has to ask “or else what?” “You die” responds Jorge matter of factly.

In the plaza, Inez goes to buy some candles in front of church, Vasco calls her over when Camila is coming out of the government house. Vasco asks her what went down, Camila says it’s done. Vasco wants to know when he can go back to the Mill but Camila admits that without Ric’s signature, the transaction isn’t finished. Vasco says, “God willing…he won’t do it.” Camila asks after her Dad and Vasco says he’s doing well. Then she asks after the wedding preparations. Ines says they are going well and she adds a thanks for her generosity and kindness and she’s sure that God won’t let anything bad happen to her after her goodness. Little Mary Sunshine is our Ines. Even Camila looks doubtful. Camila asks everybody to keep the news that she bought the mill from her father. At least until Ric gets back. Hugs and kisses all around and Camila and Jimena depart. As soon as they are gone, Ines rips Vasco for complaining about Camila buying the mill, saying she’s doing it all for him and their father. Vasco explains to her that if Bernabe comes back and sells the letter to Lis, he’s going get “crucified” by the family. Ines holds out hope that Ascanio will find him. Vasco is doubtful. He thinks Benabe is in the “fifth circle of hell” living in fear because he knows that if he (Vasco) finds him, he’ll kill him. Ines grabs Vasco and insists that they go into church.

Back to Ric and Mario, who are at another tavern, this time out on the patio. Ric asks the waiter about a merchant named Molina Pastor (?) The waiter obliges by pointing him out and Ric asks him to bring him over. Ric and Mario confirm that his name is Diego. When the waiter comes over to say that he’ll be over shortly Mario asks for Rum and three glasses. Just then the guy comes over. He’s older and from his clothes, pretty prosperous looking. They introduce themselves. Ric is Diego …(couldn’t catch the last name) and Mario says he’s Ruperto Gomez. When the merchant asks what they’re trading Ric says “stolen money.” The merchant gets alarmed and says they’ve got the wrong guy. He doesn’t do that sort of thing. Ric says he’s looking to launder some loot and the merchant again tells him he isn’t their guy. Ric and Mario act surprised and start musing aloud how Mancera and Lafont must have deceived them, told them to come to this guy, that he helped them sell their stuff to “that pirate.” The Merchant smiles and says that he’s no government agent; he’s just careful and doesn’t want to get involved in shady deals with people he doesn’t know. The rum arrives and the merchant serves himself and adds helpfully that he knows one of the guys that Ric mentioned, La Font. He did help him in a previous transaction. “But only as an intermediary.” Ric suggests that he could help them too. The merchant seems agreeable to the idea. But he can’t help them if they are in a big hurry. He explains that he has to send a letter to the Antilles and then wait for the reply. That could take awhile. Ric says that La Font spoke of a guy named “Foreman.” Mario nods sagely. The merchant says he doesn’t know. “He’s some pirate or corsair. Who else would buy stolen Spanish money?” Ric laughs and agrees “Only a pirate!” The three clink glasses.

Next we see Ascanio, who has made his way to the countryside, looking for Bernabe. He arrives at a stone house where a couple of children are playing outside. A rooster crows in the background. Ascanio bends down to tell a little girl that he’s come from San Fernando. He asks for “Dona Celia.” The little girl says she’ll go get her Mama. A woman comes out in a few seconds with a baby on her hip. Ascanio tells her he’s looking for her cousin Bernabe. “Have you seen him?” The woman looks suspicious and says no while nervously shaking her head. The baby starts fussing. Ascanio pleads with her—he tells her he doesn’t want trouble with Bernabe, only to talk to him. “A woman is in great danger if he doesn’t find him and talk to him.” The woman relents. She tells him that he was there but he left. He went to another relative’s house. Ascanio checks the list he’s carrying and finds the name, an Uncle Demetrio (?). The woman tells him that he left three days ago. Ascanio thanks her and leaves. As soon as he goes the woman goes inside and there’s Bernabe, sitting there with a bottle of wine, looking a little rough for a guy who just stole a pile of money. She tells him that a guy came looking for him. Bernabe is alarmed and asked if it was Vasco. She tells him no, he had dark hair. She’s freaked out and wants him to leave. Clearly he’s messed with important people and she doesn’t want trouble. She has enough problems on her own. Bernabe snarks that sure she has problems with two kids and no husband. She sure can use the money he’s given her. The cousin says she’s grateful but she’s worried about Ascanio coming back. Which no doubt he’ll do when he finds out at Demetrio’s that she lied about Bernabe going there. Bernabe says if he comes back, just repeat that story. He tells her to stop bothering him. He’ll leave but he has to think of where to go next. The cousin is placated with his answer.

At Mansion Mancera, Ursula is sticking her little jeweled pins in her hair while Fortunata rips her for primping to go to see Santiago. Ursula says that she’s going to go bring a gift to Ines for her wedding. Fortunata tells her that if she’s thinking of trying to seduce Santiago, she’s not going to help her cover it up. Ursula grabs her parasol and says she’s going. Fortunata tells her she’s going with her and runs after her.

Camila and Jimena pay a visit to the Camila’s house where the young maid who replaced Clotilde, Candela (?) is happy to see them. (Pablo and the other pirate—the guy who played Frank on Duelo de Pasiones who are still shadowing them, wait outside). Candela gives a report about the house being dusty since nobody’s there. Only the gardener has been by to water the plants, nobody else. She leaves and Camila remarks to Jimena as she sits by the fountain next to her potted roses that she feels more at comfortable there than at Ricardo’s. Jimena comments that it’s probably just a matter of getting used to the other place. Camila says that she wishes that Ricardo would have moved in with her. Jimena laughs and says, “What would people have said?” Camila says at this point in her life, she really doesn’t care what people think. “I’m married to a pirate!” Go figure!” She sighs and says misses him. She misses his presence, his strength. Jimena smiles at her and says “You really love him, don’t you?” Camila smiles and says “Yes.” They laugh. Jimena recalls how she suggested that she sleep with him on the boat on the way to La Mariana Island. They have a flashback to the ship. Both of them looking pretty grimy, torn clothes and tangled hair. Rick tries to apologize for having their wrists tied and he even tries to put a cloth under the rope on Camila’s to keep it from cutting her. She grabs it in her teeth and rips it away. Back in the present, they can laugh about it. “And what turns life gives,” says Jimena that you would end up marrying him.” Camila suddenly is sad. She misses him and wants him back at her side, never to leave again. Jimena smiles understandingly and sighs.

Ursula is still making her way out of the palace, with Fortunata dogging her. Ursula complains that she doesn’t need a nanny to accompany her. Fortunata tells her she does. Just then Sofia arrives with Tita and asks what the fuss is about. Ursula downplays the dispute and tries to sail out. Sofia says “aren’t you going to greet your daughter?” Ursula doesn’t skip a beat and says “Have a nice day, Tita!” on her way out. The little girl looks crestfallen.

Ric and Mario are now out riding in the countryside. They are conferring about what they’ve learned from the Merchant. They need more than just one merchant’s word for the bureaucratic Spanish justice system, if he’s going to get a pardon, especially if the accused is Don Jorge Mancera. Mario asks what happens if he puts all the blame on Pancho. Ric says no way, he will have the complete truth to give to his godfather. Mario suggests that on the way back to San Fernando, they stop and see Pancho. Pirate central (La Paisana’s town) is right in between them and the town. Ric agrees.

Back to Ursula and Fortunata on their way to see Santiago. They come upon Ofelia who is giving out a home remedy to a blind guy. Ursula asks after Santiago and Ofelia tells her that he’s gone to Ricardo’s on an errand for Dona Lis. Fortunata explains that Ursula came with a wedding gift for Ines. Ofelia says that she needn’t have but..she goes to get Ines but Ursula says not to bother, she can just give it to Ofelia to give to her. Fortunata asks about Justo and Ofelia tells her that he’s doing well. After exchanging more pleasantries, the two women leave Ofelia. As soon as they are a short distance away, Ursula is complaining that Lis has become enchanted with Santiago. Fortunata tsks tsks her, saying that no woman gets enchanted with a married guy. Ursula gets to thinking that Santiago didn’t go there to see Lis, he went to see Camila. It reminds her of how angry she is that Camila stole Ricardo from her. Fortunata shakes her head disapprovingly.

We are treated to a view of the mountain terrain as Mario and Ric scope out pirate central which apparently lies in a valley. Through the scope they see a lot of people and movement, including, FOREMAN himself. They are both impactados that Foreman would show up in Mexico. Neither has any idea why he’s there. Mario thinks it’s risky to go there now. Ric doesn’t think so. He wants to ask him what he’s doing there. Mario says he’d like to do the same. They go.
Over at Ric’s mansion, Santiago and the twins have brought an enormous chest and have stashed it in the ladies’ bedroom. After Lis is done feeling it, she searches for the words to describe what she doesn’t like about it. Santiago suggests that she wanted something more refined. He says that he can get a carpenter over to upholster it with fabric. Lis likes the sound of that. Santiago says that in the meantime, they can use it, since he’s brought the keys. He holds them out to Fran who rejects them, saying that he can show Lis. He kneels down with her and lets her feel the keys, that one is smaller than the other. He shows her how one fits and then the other. The twins look on as if to say, awww, how cute! Fran looks on looking totally disgusted. He holds the chest open for her while she feels around inside. She compliments his workmanship. (Or sniffs his armpit as her head is right under his arm as he holds the lid.)

Back at Ofelia’s, Ofelia is working on the wedding dress. Ines comes in. She makes some remark that I couldn’t hear about being tired. Ines spies the present on the table and is immediately elated. When Ofelia mentions it’s from Ursula, the smile vanishes even quicker. She suggests that it’s straight from hell. Ofelia upbraids her for her lack of gratitude. Ines pulls the ribbon and flips the top off, while barely touching it. Inside are some little porcelain figurines. Ines is sure that she means some nastiness by it. That woman is a Messalina.

[Ah those Spaniards and their classical education—from Wikipedia: Valeria Messalina[1], sometimes spelled Messallina, (c. 17/20 – 48) was Roman Empress as the third wife of Emperor Claudius. A powerful and influential woman with a slatternly reputation, she conspired against her husband and was executed when the plot was discovered.]

Ofelia asks Ines what happened with Camila. Ines tells her that she signed the docs but that Ric has to sign too. She hopes to God he refuses. Ofelia agrees. She says although It would be a great joy to Justo [to get the mill back] it will go very badly for her, if the worst comes to pass [with the discovery of the letter]. Ines adds that Vasco is upset about it. Ofelia says, “as well he should be.” “If he hadn’t been tempted by greed, none of this would be happening.” Ines says that Vasco’s very sorry and he’s changed a lot since his father’s illness. Ofelia smiles wanly at her daughter. The two women turn to focus their attention on the dress.

At Ric’s, two maids are scrubbing the hallway floor. Santiago asks if he can see Camila. A maid goes to get her. He asks the twins to wait outside. Santiago tells her that he’s heard that she signed [for the Mill] but that the document lacks her husband’s signature. She nods. Santiago rags on her for signing. She complains that nobody seems to understand why she’s doing it. Santiago says it’s because they are all worried for her. He gives her a look and she stares back at him. He says that he guesses it’s no good asking her to withdraw her signature. She says that she’s made her decision and that’s that. She’s tired of hearing people’s opinions. He says OK and walks out, where he is seen by Fran, who drags Lis into an alcove. After Camila walks out. Fran explains that she just saw them together in the Salon. Lis is elated. “I told you so!” she says and laughs.

At Pirate Central, Foreman is conferring with La Paisana. He is trying to convince her that he’s on a pleasure trip but she sounds skeptical. I guess Pirates don’t usually go on vacations. She asks what happens if he gets recognized. Risk is part of life, he says. Foreman’s baggage shows up and he asks La Paisana if she’s got a decent room he can stay in, one without fleas. She laughs and says, “yeah one without fleas, but with lice and ticks and without water.” She walks away and Foreman complains to his pirate companion that the place is unhealthy. The pirate adds “and full of mosquitoes.” Foreman commands him to go and find a coach that can take them to Veracruz tomorrow. The pirate is confused. He thought that Foreman wanted to go to San Fernando. Foreman says they’ll go there later. First, he wants to see the city and the fortifications it has, one never knows [when such information will be useful.] As pirate camp followers sidle up to them, they walk off.

At mansion Mancera, in the zaguan, Dona Sofia is balancing some books when Fortunata comes in, with a hang-dog expression. She’s come to inform on Ursula. Sofia asks where they went. “Shopping?” Fortunata admits they went to the blacksmiths, but on an errand to drop off Ines’ wedding present. Sofia gets a dark look. Fortunata says that they didn’t see him, but yes she went there on that mission. Instead, they dropped the package off with Ofelia. Fortunata tells Sofia that Ursula is willful and she doesn’t know how they are going to be able to control her. Sofia says she KNOWS what they are going to do. Something DRASTIC.

Back at Pirate central, Foreman sits at a table with Juancho and the boys. Juancho fills him in on how things are going—well. They have a laugh. Foreman is skeptical that they can come and go as they please, looking like the pirates they are but Juancho says they’ve paid off guards and a bunch of other people and so don’t have to worry about their movements. Lazaro is at the table and Foreman asks him why he’s not with El Antillano. Lazaro complains that he left El Antillano because he turned into a COWARD. Foreman spits his beer across the table upon hearing this. But in a nice save, he complains that it’s the beer. He tells La Paisana to bring him something else. She recommends the Mescal. He agrees. Juancho fills in some more background. He says that El Antillano showed up about a month ago in Pirate town, with all his men. He was looking for a wagon that had all his belongings. He accused them of stealing it but they had only stolen a bunch of mules that night and they were busy trying to keep them together. Juancho asks for corroboration from his mates and they agree. Juancho then explained that there is another band of robbers working the area, well armed although not as fast and smart as them! His men errupt in a cheer when they hear Juancho singing their praises. Lots of backslapping folllows.

At that moment, Ric and Mario ride up. Upon hearing the noise outside, Foreman asks what’s up. Juancho brushes it off but Lazaro gets up to see what’s going on. Foreman looks nervous.
Outside, Lazaro sees Ric and challenging him, asks what he’s there for. Ric says “To kill you.” and advances on him. Lazaro says ”nobody has it easy.” (a nadie le tiene la vida comprada). As they draw closer, Lazaro suddenly does a hip check on Ric that knocks him to the ground. Rick uses his legs to propel himself up again, using Lazaro’s body as leverage. Pretty soon Ric has him under control, with his foot on his sword hand and Ric’s sword under Lazaro’s chin. Didn’t take long at all. Lazaro is humiliated in front of his buddies (and Foreman, who has come outside) once again. It turns out to be the last time. Amid cries of “kill him” and “finish it,” Ric slices his throat open. As Lazaro falls to the ground, somebody yells “well done.” I guess Lazaro wasn’t a popular guy. Ric administers the coup de grace.

[ Foreman and La Paisana exchanged some words right before this happened--he says something about Lazaro and she says “No.”—if someone could fill me in, that would be great. I tried several times to get it and couldn’t with the background noise and yelling].

Foreman applauds as Ric comes up to him. He tells Ric that he had heard that he had lost his edge. But he can see that he’s the same as ever—fast and effective. He puts a hand on his shoulder and Ric does the same and agrees. He does the same to greet la Paisana.

Ascanio has arrived back from his search for Bernabe. He greets Santiago. At first he pretends that it was just a trip around the countryside. Santiago pulls him aside and asks him about the search for Bernabe. Santiago isn’t too happy that Ascanio hadn’t confided in him as to the real purpose of his journey before he left. Ascanio tells him that he understands but he wasn’t sure if he was in the loop on the letter. It wasn’t his place to tell him. Ascanio says he made a mistake in not telling him. Santiago agrees and wants him to be honest with him in the future. So—what happened with Bernabe? Ascanio tells Santiago he didn’t find him.

We hop back to Pirate central where the buxom wenches are serving food, to Ric, Mario, Foreman and the others. They are talking pirate biz. Although the land operations are good, Foreman relates how sea piracy is winding down. Merchant ships travel well armed these days and are hard to attack. They travel in flotillas guarded by the navy. The gulfs are patrolled by ships. Not too many pirates are left. “That’s why you are robbing the caravans” finishes Ric. Foreman says, extra money is always good. Ric adds that he uses other people too, besides these guys. Foreman says yes, and if he’d like, he can cut him in…Juancho jumps in at this point to disagree. He’s got his group and he doesn’t want El Antillano joining it. Plus there will be less for the rest of them. Ric hastily says that he’s not interested in joining the land pirates. Foreman says he should be—he’s heard that there was a robbery in which all HIS gold got taken. Ric says yes, but he’s going to be getting it back. Foreman is intrigued by the sound of that. He asks what Ric is doing there and Ric reminds him of a letter he sent telling him about the family matter that brought him there. Foreman says he remembers. Ric goes on to tell him that he’s on his way back to San Fernando. “And you?” he asks Foreman. Foreman gives him the line about wanting a rest. They laugh. The bagpipe group and the girl singer come up to the table and La Paisana gets up to dance.

After the commercial break, we can see that time has passed, the pirates have left the table and the women are just about done clearing up. Mario stands around talking to La Paisana while they are smoking and drinking wine. She asks him about Pablo. Mario says he’s fine, “like new.” He asks why she doesn’t go see him. She says no. She doesn’t think he would want to see her. Mario says, “you never know. A lot of years have passed and things change. “ La Paisana is silent. Mario changes the subject to Foreman and what he might be up to. La Paisana repeats the line about “a vacation” but she says she doesn’t believe him. Mario asks if he’s staying here. If he’s waiting for somebody. LP says that she has the idea that he’s leaving tomorrow. “Where to?” asks Mario. LP says she doesn’t know. She calls the girls over to help her finish cleaning up.

Foreman and Ric are walking around outside the tavern. Foreman has an idea of pulling off one big pirate caper before retiring from piracy, maybe in Veracruz or Campeche. Ric looks interested. Foreman says he should need the money after having all his booty stolen. He guesses that Ric must have investigated who stole it. Does he have an idea of who did it? Ric shakes his head. No. Foreman presses him more on why he’s there and Ric insists it was the family matter that brought him there. Foreman pushes some more—he’s been here a long time. Ric says that things became complicated. Foreman gives up trying to get more info out of him and tells him to think about his offer. Ric promises that he will. “And don’t be thinking about giving me up to the Spanish” says Foreman. Ric says no way and he’ll let him know if he thinks he’s in danger. But, he adds, that Foreman knows how it is, everybody’s got to watch out for themselves. Foreman agrees. And while they are on the subject of information, Foreman is curious about how he happened to come by Pirate central while he was there. Ric is non-committal—it just happened to be on his path. He smiles broadly, giving nothing away.

It’s a henfest over at Ofelia’s. Inez is trying on her wedding dress. Jimena says Vasco will faint when he sees her. Rita, the wet blanket, calls her “skinny” and says she’d look better with a few more pounds. More feminine. Camila says no, she’ll fill out later, when she’s pregnant. They turn to talk of the dinner. Ofelia tells them that Dona Sofia is having the food prepared in the kitchens at the palace. The women are all giggly and happy except for the sullen Rita. When talk turns to Camila, what she’s wearing etc. and then to Ricardo’s absence, Rita starts an interrogation “Where does he go? What does he do?” Camila looks uncomfortable. She says that he’s looking for a ranch, land to work. Rita suddenly cracks a smile. “You’re going to be leaving town!, If he’s gone this long, it must not be around here.” Camila tells her she doesn’t really know. Ofelia reproaches her for sticking her nose in other people’s business. Rita complains that it is her business, Camila is her sister. Ofelia says she knows but that doesn’t give her the right to poke in nose in her sister’s husband’s business. Rita shoots a martry look at Ofelia but says nothing. Camila looks serious, Ines and Jimena go back to being happy.

Next we are in the street. La Font has finally arrived back in town and arrives in a coach back to his house. He plops in a chair in his salon and says he wants a bath and decent food. He asks about his daughter. The Majordomo who is still holding his saddlebags fills him in. While he was gone, thieves broke in. La Font hits the ceiling, asking what was stolen, if they did anything to his daughter. The Mayordomo says that nothing appeared to have been taken and his daughter never saw them. He goes on to say that Don Jorge told Manuela to stay at the palace, in case they came back. La Font is freaked.

Ric and Mario are riding back to town. Ric tells Mario about Foreman’s offer to join him in a big raid on a large city. He says that there will be enough booty to retire. Mario thinks it’s a great idea. He needs the money, the boys do too. It’s been years since they’ve gotten a big haul. And it’s not just the boys, the widows and orphans all depend on his pirate productivity. Ric agrees. But he doesn’t like making his living this way. Killing people to feed his people. Leaving widows and orphans of others. Mario is scornful. He says “how are you going to make a living? As a merchant? Don’t make me laugh.” He finishes up. “THIS is our life, CAPTAIN.” Ric gives him a dark look, slaps his horse and rides on. Mario follows.

Back at Santiago’s, Rita and Santi are in their bedroom. Rita fills Santiago in on the wedding dress party. She cracks again about how skinny Ines is. Santiago is getting dressed up and Rita asks where he is going. Santiago says he’s going to talk to Padre Agustin to make the final arrangements for the wedding. She remarks about why he has bothered to change his clothes. Santiago says it’s out of respect. She acts like she thinks he’s going somewhere else. He tells her that’s all but she still won’t let it go and comments that he doesn’t usually change from his work clothes to go to church. She changes the subject to ask if he knows anything about Ric going to buy land out of town. Santiago says he doesn’t know anything. Rita gossips that she doesn’t believe it. She thinks that Ric is involved in something else. Plus there are all those guys hanging around the house. For what? Santiago tells her that everyone has all the employees they want. He ties his little green scarf around his neck. Rita decides that this is the moment to unload about everything that’s on her mind. She starts complaining about how his mother and sister are constantly criticizing her. Santiago finally lets loose. He tells her that it’s she who won’t listen. Instead she goes around badmouthing everybody. He doesn’t know what happened to her. She used to be accommodating, modest and a good Christian woman. Rita explodes. She says “don’t you know what happened?” Santiago cuts her off. He knows where she is going. She wants to blame Camila for her bad temper. He tells her that he’s not going to fall into her trap. He’s ending the conversation. He takes off. She yells after him “You can’t get her out of your mind, can you?” After he’s gone, she shuts the door and she curses her sister, saying, what do I have to do? Kill you? Suddenly she’s afraid of what she just said and kneels down in front of the crucifix in the room asking God to forgive her.

Meanwhile, La Font is busy trying to figure out what was stolen. He checks his money, which is all there. Suddenly he goes to his correspondence and sees what’s missing. He gets a somber look and says aloud “Damn! They took the letters!”
----------------------------
Next time, Jorge tells LaFont that while he was gone Foreman sent a letter saying that he was coming. La Font panics. There is no reason for Foreman to show up now. And boda!! Vasco and Ines get hitched. Will Ric make the wedding? He ‘d better because he and Camila are supposed to be the witnesses.

Labels: Pasion