Caray, Caray!

Margot gets up, faces Hugo and asks if he recognizes her. Hugo says that he thought she was Manuela. Arturo is confused and irritated. He tells Hugo to say why he came or leave. Hugo tells Arturo that he doesn’t know how he got out of jail. He will find out later. He tells Arturo that he knows what he is planning. Arturo says that he doesn’t know what Hugo is talking about. Hugo asks why Arturo sent his servant to get Manuela.

At the Hacienda, Alcides tells Manuela that he assumes she knows why she is here and asks Hercu-less to leave them alone. Manuela says that Herc explained everything to her. What she isn’t sure about is the payment for her services. She asks how much Alcides is talking about. Alcides asks if 200 grams of gold sounds good.

In the treasure vault, Eloisa and Aurora are playing with jewels. Eloisa considers taking a tiara but she thinks Alcides might notice if it was gone and kill her. Suddenly Eloisa notices that Aurora is right next to the trip wire for the booby trap. She tells the baby to be still and first nicely and then angrily. (Good luck with that.)

Soledad asks if Dr. Dan is sure of what he told her. He says yes. If Aurora gets a blood transfusion, she could be cured of catalepsy. Dr. Dan now explains that he wants to exchange all of Aurora’s cataleptic blood with some other blood and then she’ll be cured. He says that medically it’s very logical. Soledad says that nothing could make her happier than curing Aurora. Dr. Dan says that he swore to find a cure for her daughter and he will, she’ll see. Soledad thanks him and goes to change.

Eloisa tries to tell a little baby not to do something. She goes and stands where she will be hit by the arrow and Aurora grabs the trigger. The crossbow is triggered – Eloisa gasps.

Ursula is knocking on the door of Soledad’s room and calling her. Ester comes up and asks if she has seen Soledad. Ursula says that she was at the market. When she came back, she found Soledad’s door locked and no one answers her knock. Ester knocks and calls. Ester asks who is taking care of the baby. Ursula doesn’t know. Could someone have taken her again? They go to ask the guards.

Manuela asks if Alcides doesn’t think that her coming from so far away to help him doesn’t merit something more. Alcides asks how much she wants. Manuela says that depends – just the basics will cost half a kilogram of gold, a deluxe job will cost more. Alcides says that if she does the job well, he will pay what she asks. Manuela agrees and ask Alcides what exactly he wants her to do. Alcides asks her to listen carefully. She is going to meet with Dr. Dan in front of Soledad. Manuela says that she already understands that Alcides doesn’t want Dr. Dan to marry Soledad and that will happen if he doesn’t get a divorce. Alcides says that he wants to use her presence in San Marino. He wants Manuela, in front of Soledad, to tell Dr. Dan how much she loves him, how much she misses him, etc. He wants Soledad to feel that it is Dr. Dan’s fault that Manuela is suffering. “That will make Dr. Dan look like a heartless villain,” says Manuela. Alcides agrees. Manuela tells Alcides that that will cost him 3 kilograms of gold.

Soledad tells Dr. Dan that she will donate as much blood as is necessary to cure her daughter. Dr. Dan drops the bombshell that just any old blood won’t work. It has to be the blood of someone who has been cured of catalepsy. Soledad says that would mean Michelle or… Dr. Dan finishes the sentence, “or Hugo de Medina.”

Arturo says that he doesn’t have anything to say to Hugo. This is a private dinner so Hugo should leave. Hugo says that he knows that Arturo is conspiring again with his brother, Alcides. Hugo says that Alcides probably got him out of jail and as a thank you Arturo sent his servant to get Dr. Dan’s wife in Alcala. (Hugo, you’re really not thinking here. Don’t you remember that Arturo accused Alcides of being responsible for Arturo losing his hand? Why would they work together?) “Hercules went to get a woman?” asks Margot. Hugo says that he saw Herc get on the train with a babe and they had a good time on the trip. Margot is upset to hear that Herc was fooling around behind her back and she leaves.

Hercu-less is looking for Marina at the Hacienda. He takes off his shirt and washes. Marina comes into the room behind him and watches lustfully.

Manrique begs Antonia to give him piano lessons. She says that there are serious problems in her family right now and she can’t think about piano lessons. Manrique says that he is a man of quick decisions. He wants to know whether Antonia will give him lessons. She asks if Manrique has a piano. He says no but they could use the one in the tavern. Antonia says that she could never go into the tavern. Again Manrique offers to pay her whatever she wants. They could use the piano in the tavern in the mornings when the cabaret is closed. No one would know. Antonia suggests that Manrique leave. He does.

The guard tells Ester, Antonia and Ursula that Soledad left without the baby but that Eloisa came in. Down in the treasure vault, the arrow missed Eloisa by a hair. She is relieved and irritated at Aurora. She grabs the baby and leaves the vault. (I think Aurora is still clutching an emerald but she isn’t wearing the cute bonnet that she had on).

Alcides says that he will pay Manuela 3 kilograms of gold but she has to get on the job right away. Manuela says that she isn’t finished negotiating. She wants half of the gold up front. Alcides says that she is a good bargainer. He asks what she does for a living. Manuela says that she lives off of men. Alcides says that can be very lucrative. He asks how Dr. Dan fells into her clutches (‘caer en sus redes,’ literally, ‘fell in her nets,’) She replies that she is good actress and gives Alcides a sample performance. Alcides says that he is impressed. Manuela says that she has other abilities as well and strokes Alcides’ leg.

At the hospital, Soledad says to herself that Dr. Dan is very good to her and her daughter but no matter how much she tries to deny it, her heart belongs to Hugo, only Hugo.

Arturo tells Hugo that he is free because he didn’t have anything to do with kidnapping Aurora. Then Arturo finally tells Hugo that Hercu-less betrayed Arturo and has worked for Alcides for months. Hugo turns on his heel and leaves. “Hercu-less brought Dr. Dan’s wife to San Marino,” says Arturo to himself, “Alcides must be up to something for his brother to be so upset.”

Eloisa puts Aurora in her crib and tells her to be quiet. (Aurora has her bonnet on again.) No one must see her leave. She opens the door and Ester and Ursula are standing there. Ester asks where Eloisa was. Why didn’t answer when they knocked a few minutes ago. Ursula asks about the baby and Eloisa says that she is in her crib. Then Ester (the seamstress) notices that Eloisa’s gown is ripped and asks how that happened.

Manuela tells Alcides that men who know her intimately says that she is the best of the best. Alcides pats her hand, “Congratulations, (‘la felicito’)” he says, “but really I’m only interested in your services as a professional imposter.” He gives her some gold as an advance. Herc comes in. Alcides ask him to take Manuela to find Dr. Dan. She knows what to do. Alcides tells Herc that no one must see him. Alcides says that if anyone finds out that Manuela is involved with him, the whole plan will fail. Herc says not to worry no one will see him. Manuela kisses Alcides on the cheek as she leaves and says that she will be back for the rest of her payment. Alcides wipes it off with his scarf and says that Manuela is a professional slut.

Manrique comes to see Paquito and says that in San Marino only he and the Obragons have a piano. He wants to rent the piano in the cabaret.

Eloisa says that she fell while playing with Aurora and tore her dress. Aurora does have a jewel from the treasure vault (choking danger!) Ester asks why Eloisa didn’t respond when she and Ursula knocked. Eloisa replies that she was playing with the baby and didn’t hear. Eloisa takes the offensive and ask why Ester is asking so many questions. Eloisa volunteered to watch the baby when Soledad went to the hospital. She says that Ester’s suspicions offend her. Ester backs down and says that so many strange things have gone on that they are all on edge. Eloisa says that she has to leave to get her dress fixed. Ester offers to do it for her but Eloisa refuses. (She’d have to take it off and all the jewels she stole would fall out.) She leaves. Ursula goes to Aurora.

Manuela comes into the hospital and asks nurse Soledad to see Dr. Dan. Soledad asks for her name and symptoms. Manuela says that she isn’t sick. She is Manuela Marin, Dr. Dan’s wife. Soledad is impactada.

Alcides imagines the look on the ‘little doctor’s’ face when he sees his surprise he sent him. He hopes Maneula does a good job. Hugo comes in.
H: We need to talk.
A: I heard you went to Europe looking for Michelle. What happened? Did you find her?
H: I’m not here to talk about Michelle or my personal life. I’ve come for another reason.
A: Calm down. You always act as if everyday were your last. Sit down. Would you like a brandy?
H: No, thanks. I don’t want anything. I want answers. And you’ll give them to me one by one.
A: Uff. I take it things didn’t go well with Michelle.
H: Michelle wasn’t there.
A: You don’t know how sorry I am. But tell me, to what do I owe the honor of your visit? Or did Soledad tell you?
H: Tell me what? What did Soledad have to tell me?

Manuela asks Soledad again to get Dr. Dan. She says that he is with a patient but she will get him in a minute. “Thank you, nurse,” says Manuela. “I’m not a nurse,” says Soledad primly (in her nurse hat) I’m an assistant to the doctor.” “Nurse, assistant, it’s all the same to me. Please get Dr. Dan,” says Manuela. Dr. Dan comes into the hall and sees Manuela. He is super impactado. Manuela starts her performance right away. “After so many years I have returned.”

Paquito makes excuses about why he can’t rent the piano to Manrique but he insists.

Ursula finds the emerald in Aurora’s hand and wonders where she could have found something so expensive.

Hugo and Alcides-
H: What happened with Soledad?
A: Well if you don’t want a drink, I do. (To himself) How do I explain impersonating Hugo and hugging and kissing Soledad? No, I’ll let Soledad explain it.
H: I’m waiting Alcides. What must Soledad tell me?
A: You have no sense of humor. Tell me why you’re here.
H: Don’t act stupid. I know what you’re up to. I think it’s base.
A: What are you talking about?
H: Manuela Marin de von Chirac.

Manuela says that she got his letter and now she’s found him after so many years of neglect. Soledad says that she will leave them alone. Dr. Dan asks if they have met and introduces Soledad to Manuela as his fiancé. Manuela says that Soledad is one who wants to take her husband.

Margot finds Hercu-less. She slaps him.

Boris goes to see Lucas. Lucas asks if he has good news about his divorce but Boris says that unfortunately he doesn’t. Lucas says that Boris seems to be very much in love with Ursula. Boris says that he is madly in love with Ursula and that is why Lucas should let him see her. Boris says that he knows Lucas’ family has problems with Hugo but… Lucas interrupts and says that his relationship has nothing to do with his boss. Lucas shows Boris his “Love letters written here” sign. Lucas says that is his new job. It is all he knows how to do. He doesn’t know if he will have any clients. Boris says that he will be Lucas’ first client.

Ester and Ursula discuss where Aurora could have picked up the emerald. They consider Eloisa and Alcides. Ester says that it couldn’t be Alcides. He can’t get by the guards.

Hugo and Alcides-
A: Manuela Marin de von Chirac. That’s the name of the ‘little doctor’s’ wife. I saw it on the marriage certificate.
H: Alcides, I just came from Arturo de Linares’ house. He says that Hercu-less works for you.
A: What’s wrong with that?
H: I saw him and that woman on the train from San Marino and not only that, I heard all their plans. At first, I thought it was Arturo’s idea in conjunction with you but no. It’s you who are the one who is responsible for everything. It’s you who are behind everything.
A: Little brother, why don’t you calm down. You’re getting upset. What is the problem? He’s your enemy as much as mine.
H: Alcides, I don’t play dirty (‘yo no peleo dando golpes bajos,’ literally, ‘I don’t fight with low blows’) My fight for Soledad is clean and transparent.
A: However, Dr. Dan isn’t playing fair (‘limpio,’ literally, ‘clean’). No sir. He fooled Soledad, our beloved. He shouldn’t have done that. Don’t you think he should be punished?
H: Who do you think you are? God?
A: No but I have more money than Him.
H: Ayy, brother. At times I pity you. We are so different.
A: You’re wrong. We are exactly the same. The difference is that you have always had everything you wanted but I haven’t. I had to work hard. I had to work for what I have with a little scam (‘trampita,’ literally, ‘a little trap’) here and there.
H: Like now. No brother. I don’t play by those rules. I’m going to tell Soledad the truth right now.
Alcides puts out his arm to keep Hugo from leaving.

Manuela says that Dr. Dan abandoned her and never responded to her letters. Dr. Dan stands there open mouthed. Soledad says that is not what Dr. Dan told her. Manuela says that when she got Dr. Dan’s letter it broke her heart because she thought that she was the love of his life. Dr. Dan asks why Manuela is telling these lies. She knows perfectly well that he found her in bed with his best friend. Manuela says that isn’t true. Dr. Dan says that it is true and he wrote to her a thousand times asking for a divorce but she never responded. He asks her to divorce him because his heart only belongs to Soledad. “Don’t you care about my feelings?” says Manuela. Soledad excuses herself and Dr. Dan says that he and Manuela have a lot to talk about.

Hercu-less asks why Margot slapped him. Has she gone crazy? Margot says that she knows he was on a train with a slut named Manuela. He asks what she is talking about. Margot says that someone saw him. Herc says that they are lying. Margot says that Hugo saw him making love with Manuela on the train. She slaps Herc again. Margot says that he is just like all the other men. Herc says that he can explain but Margot says that she doesn’t want to hear it. She’s leaving him. After she’s gone, Herc curses his bad luck to have been on the same train as Hugo.

Hugo and Alcides-
H: Are you going to kill me?
A: Listen to me, Hugo. Listen to me. Brother, that attitude is going to push Soledad into the little doctor’s arms.
H: I heard everything. I heard everything. I heard her say that she is here to wreck Dr. Dan’s life.
A: What do you want? That he ruin our lives? Is that what you want? I’m sorry brother but I can’t let you leave this house and tell Soledad all these stupid things. I forbid it.
H: You can't forbid me to do anything. (Hugo drops his walking stick.)
A: We’ll see. I’m better trained than you now. I don’t want to hurt you.
H: What are you going to do? Bury me alive again?

Boris takes his letter and thanks Lucas. He says that he couldn’t have found the words without his help. Lucas has a real talent. Boris asks Lucas not to reveal that he wrote the letter. Lucas says that he won’t.

Ester knocks on Antonia’s door but she says that she is busy and won’t let Ester in. Ester says that she wants to know if Antonia has lost an emerald. Antonia says that she doesn’t have any emeralds and to leave her alone. Ester wonders what is going on with her.

Hugo and Alcides have an awkward confrontation because they are both played by the same actor.
H: The only thing that has changed about you is that you have a lot of money. But you continue to be as selfish (‘egoísta’) as ever.
A: Leave my house. Leave my house and do what you want. Run to Soledad and tell her what you want. Tell her and I’ll deny it all.
H: It will be your word against mine. As always.
Hugo leaves. Alcides says that he can’t believe fate put Hugo on the same train as Dr. Dan’s wife.

Arturo finds Margot and tells her that he thought she might like some company after what happened. Margot says that she didn’t know he cared about her problems. They kiss. Margot says that Herc betrayed her but she won’t pay him back the same way. They kiss again.

Dr. Dan asks what Manuela is doing in San Marino. Why has she suddenly turned up when he found the love of his life? Who sent her here?

Eloisa comes to the Hacienda to see Alcides. Marina says that he isn’t home. Marina refuses to bring her something to drink. Marina says that Alcides left her a letter. She goes to get it. Eloisa tells herself that Alcides will be glad when he finds out what she told Soledad to make him seem like an angel.

Hugo finds Soledad at the hospital. She says, “Hugo,” like she’s found her long lost love and he says, “Soledad,” like he’s reading the phone book.

Margot stops kissing Arturo. She says that it isn’t right. Arturo says that he thought she cared for him. Margot tells him that she should leave. Arturo says that Margot is always welcome in his house. If she ever wants to see him, she should do so.

Marina is insolent when she gives Eloisa the letter. The letter explains about Manuela and how Hugo found out about it. He wants Eloisa to do damage control with Soledad. He also wants her to go into the treasure vault and get four gold bars.

Manuela starts to tells Dr. Dan that after he left terrible things happened but he says that he doesn’t believe a word. He tells Manuela that Soledad is the only woman that he loves now. He says that Manuela is going to go out right now and tell Soledad that there is nothing between them and that it was Manuela’s fault that Dr. Dan left her. Manuela says that she won’t do it. Dr. Dan tells her not to make him do something that he doesn’t want to do. She tells him not to threaten her. Dr. Dan tells her that Soledad is his future and he isn’t going to let Manuela ruin that.

Hugo and Soledad-
H: I know that I promised not to come looking for you but I just got back from a trip.
S: Ursula told me that you went to find Michelle. I don’t understand why you came back so soon. What happened with Michelle?
H: Michelle wasn’t in her house. I spoke to Andres.
S: Where is Michelle?
H: She went to Europe. It seems that she doesn’t want anything to do with me.
S: I see. Why is it that we hurt the people who love us, Hugo? It is as if our being together makes bad things happens to those around us.
H: That’s not correct. Michelle left because she is an intelligent woman and she understands the thing that we don’t want to understand.
S: What do you mean?
H: That our lives are linked forever. That we love each other. That our love is stronger than our wish to be apart.
S: Have you spoken with your brother, Alcides? Did he tell you what happened?
The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion