Caray, Caray!

Summary: This week the threat of a French invasion becomes closer to reality. The lines are being drawn politically. Not only do the Spanish have to deal with their enemy, the French, but, they also have to deal with the creoles who are demanding more self-rule. The creoles still think that they can create local home-rule governments with Spain. Pola’s luck changes as she is taken in by an old friend and later meets her revolutionary mentor, Carbonel. María Ignacia must repent in a convent, but she is still clueless. Juliano continues to be punished at the hands of a crazed Cata. And, the viceroy and vireina can see the writing on the wall while Leandro begins to see the light.

MONDAY

Pola wanders around Santa Fé looking for work. She comes upon two men who are trying to load carts with heavy sacks and offers to help them, but they tell her it is not work for a woman, and they are not inclined to help beggars. She tells them she is not a beggar and points out that she is wearing a very fine hat that was her father’s.

At the mansion Francisco rants at Alejo that he should have married off Leandro because it would have been so much less trouble. Alejo answers that he wasn’t trying to escape – it was just going to be a few days and that he was just trying to help her (Pola). Do you think that I am capable of robbing María Ignacias’ honor? So, Francisco pulls out the letter accusing Alejo of robbing Pola’s honor. Who wrote this, he asks. The priest, he is told. Alejo doesn’t believe Pola would do it.

Pola wins over the admiration of the two drovers when she figures out a way to lift the sacks by having her horse pull them into the wagon.

Francisco and Alejo continue with their heart-to-heart. You don’t know anything, says Francisco. Alejo asks why didn’t you tell me about this letter. As if this woman had honor sneers Francisco. It is a lie says Alejo. So, says Francisco, is it true that she has a letter of engagement? Yes, says Alejo. The only way to solve these problems according to Francisco is to marry María Ignacia.

Not only has Pola won over the drovers, she has won over the crowd with her cleverness. This girl is persistent and finally the drovers give in especially when they find out that she can read and do arithmetic. She only wants food and a place to live.

At Domingo’s Cata and Nicolasa share snipes. Juliano will never forgive you says Cata. Nic retorts with a I see how you look at Juliano. You are dying for him.

Francisco goes to see his “friend” the governor. His debt is enormous. He fled Honda to get away from the royal accountant. No, he denies, I came here for the wedding. What you are doing, he tells the governor, is illegal. But, if Alejo doesn’t marry, it (the dowry) will have to be returned. Francisco asks the governor where can he find motivation to continue to support him. The governor suggests that 3500 pesos is sufficient motivation, and he’ll keep his mouth shut about Francisco’s defalcation.

In Santa Fé Pola helps the drovers by selling fruit. She sees Sámano and turns away from him, raising suspicions in the drovers that she has something to hide. They want to know why she left Guaduas. Finally, they think she left Guaduas to find a husband.

Once again in Guaduas, Juliano is punished by being tied to a tree and whipped because Cata accused him of looking at her.

Back at Santa Fé, Sámano concludes that he was right – he thinks the creoles have gone to the vireina for help.

Pola and the drovers talk about Sámano. They hope he goes back to Spain. They don’t even know what a creole is. Pola tells them it’s the Spaniards born her. She wants to find Don José María Carbonel. They don’t know him. The Spaniards, they say, only marry “purebloods”.

In prison Tonito asks for food. The name José María Carbonel comes up – maybe he will help. When we get out of here, swears Don Antonio, they will pay. If I get out, I will not seek vengeance, but I will work so that everyone has freedom.

Baraya goes out to Hacienda Nariño and tells Magda that Don Antonio is a prisoner in Cartagena and that Tonito is with him. Magda wants to go to Cartagena. She is outraged because they took everything and because they don’t have anything to eat. I will help you, says Baraya. The viceroys must help us form our own junta.

Meanwhile two of the revolutionaries pay a little visit to the vireina. She can’t stand them and vocally opposes any junta. However, they play their trump card and let her know that they know about her lover and that if she doesn’t cooperate, they will tell her husband about her dalliances.

The other governor visits Nariño in prison. Nariño demands to know the charges against him, but he is only told that he had copies of the French manifesto. But, he already spent 10 years in jail. And, without more, the governor tells him that Tonito is being set free today. Tonito doesn’t want to leave his father, but Don Antonio tells him to look for a local noble (?) who can help get him released.

The vireina pretends ignorance, and calls them canallas and asks if they think the viceroy will believe them. They insist that she can help them form a government while Fernando VII regains his liberty.

At the mansion Gaspar plays the piano and Alejo approaches him. Gaspar tells him to go away, but Alejo insists on talking to him. Alejo tells Gaspar that María Ignacia pulled off this dirty deed with the help of his father and that his father wanted to save him from the mestiza. What type of man is going to marry my daughter, asks Gaspar.

In Guaduas Juliano keeps pressing Nicolasa to admit what she did and why. Finally, he walks away and tells her he is trying to forget it.

Gaspar tells Alejo that this will not keep him from saving María Ignacia’s honor. But, she did not lose her honor, says Alejo. That mestiza – is she from Guaduas – that is why the governor said you were not a man of honor. Alejo tells him that he will be a model husband. This end of the conversation is overheard by María Ignacia who pipes in with our wedding is only a week away. A furious Gaspar leaves them alone. She asks – you didn’t say anything to my father? No. Then she tells Acacia that both of them are furious with her. It would be impossible for my father to cancel the wedding, she remarks.

Later, in conversations with his wife, Francisco denies taking 6500 pesos. How are we going to tell Alejo about the dowry? Francisco had to return the dowry. It was the fault of the girl from Guaduas. The money had to go to her and her family, he lies. Next time, he advises Alejo, don’t write. Alejo tells himself that this cannot be happening to him.

Francisco – at last we are getting rid of the mestiza.

In Santa Fé Pola receives her day’s wages from Facundo the drover. He agrees to let her work tomorrow, and she wants to know how to find Carbonel.

Alejo goes for a ride. He pulls out the scarf Pola had given him so many years ago and rips it up. I can’t believe there is such a woman so fake. I can’t take it any more.

TUESDAY

The revolutionaries tell Don Jorge that he should have seen her face – meaning the vireina. They will form a junta unless Sámano stops them. Baraya tells Jorge that he told Magda about Nariño. They want to free Nariño. They say they don’t want independence from Spain. They want an independent government and equality. Don Jorge says but that doesn’t include the mestizos and blacks. We can see cracks forming in this little group already. Carbonel gets annoyed and leaves, but they ask his pardon.

At the royal palace the vireina talks to Sámano about an escarmiento (a lesson, warning) – it would teach them a lesson. Sámano says he is watching them and that they are planning. But, the people are with the king. They love the king. The vireina tells him that love is weak (amor es débil). She thought that once Nariño was in jail it would all be over. Sámano – Don Jorge is one of them.

In the prison Tonito is freed. A nobleman by the name of Don Enrique Somogar is helping him. He wants to write his mother for help. Don Enrique knows of Nariño and admires his ideas and brilliance.

Eusebia tells Ignacia as they approach the church that she is marrying an intelligent and handsome man. Gaspar – this could be a dream or a nightmare. Alejo and Leandro wait for the bride in the church. The governor also arrives. Alejo’s mother whispers a thank you in his ear and tells him he is a good son. Leandro tells Alejo that if you are here it is because you realize that Pola is not for you. Alejo tells him to shut up. Francisco is just delighted as Ignacia walks down the aisle. Gaspar hands her to Alejo and they walk up to the altar.

In Santa Fé Pola sells fruit. Pedrito recognizes her and tells her that he misses her. Doña María Matea looks at Pola and says you are a grown woman.

In the church, Ignacia promises Alejo that she will be the best wife and that he will be very comfortable and taken care of. He says I know that.

Baraya speaks his mind at the barracks. Our enemies aren’t just the Spanish, but the French, too. There are spies listening, like Iglesias. He warns that soon troops will arrive from France and claim this land. Then we will form a junta.

At the church, Gaspar flashes back to his conversation with Alejo – but, my daughter never lies. Alejo – but, she did. It is all a lie about the girl whose honor he supposedly took.

The priest begins to ask each of them if they take each other, etc., etc., Francisco knows this part by heart and is saying it out loud. But, before the “I do’s”, Gaspar stands up and stops the ceremony.

He thanks everyone for coming, but this wedding will not go on. My daughter committed a grave error. Her loss of virtue was a lie. Gaspar won’t let her do a dishonest thing. She told a lie to force Alejo to marry her. Ignacia says it was a mentirita (a little lie). Gaspar will not forgive her. Alejo tries to talk to Gaspar, but Gaspar says it is over.

Francisco tells the governor that this will all be resolved. The governor says he hopes so. Ignacia wants the priest to finish the ceremony, but, without her father’s permission, he refuses to do so. Alejo – I told your father to save my good name. Ignacia – you have killed me for a mestiza.

In Cartagena, Samogar and Tonito try to see Nariño, but, they are denied pemission to enter. Outside they see what appears to be very important people walking down the street. It is the commissioner of this region and the local wig-wearing governor. Tonito begs for help for his father. The commissioner know of Nariño as a brilliant man and a lucid thinker. He tells the governor that he hopes what they are telling him about the treatment prisoners get is not true.

Back at the barracks, Iglesias fills Sámano in on Baraya’s conversation. They will have a surprise because they will not have the support of the military. And, the viceroys will not know how to manage the situation. He now thinks he is closer to being viceroy himself.

In Guaduas not much has changed. Gertrudis is still making fertility tea for Cata and Nicolasa realizes that is what Bernarda was asking her about. Cata continues to lurk and spy upon Juliano. When the cápataz catches her, she lies and says she is looking for Domingo.

When the royal party reaches Nariño’s cell, he is barely alive. Tonito tells him that they wanted him to die. The commissioner is not amused.

Acacia tries to console Ignacia who wants to die. If it wasn’t for that woman, this wouldn’t have happened. She will regret she ever put eyes on Alejo Sabarain.

Doña Matea finds out that Pola does not have help from anyone. Not even her brother who doesn’t want to have a mestiza for a sister. Pola tells Doña Matea that she came to Santa Fé for her father – to fight injustice.

Magda breaks down and cries when she reads Tonito’s letter. The younger mean son asks her why doesn’t she ask Don Jorge Tadeo for help. He thinks his father is a traitor and that their entire family has turned their back on them because of him.

At Don Jorge’s his little wife calls him tío which annoys him as was intended. She says I’ve heard that you and your friends are planning to do the same thing as the Quiteños. Be careful what you say, he cautions her, it could cost your life. She will make sure her father knows about this.

In Popayan, Don Jorge Losano wants to talk to the governor about the war in Quito. It seems that the governor wouldn’t let Losano go to Quito. So, we hop over to the palace where the vireina calms the viceroy because this situation makes him nervous. She is still his wife, she says. He doesn’t know what to do. Sámano, she says, thinks they cannot do it without military support.

Sámano rallies the troops. Baraya is right in front. Baraya asks to speak. He tells Sámano that he is not well informed because he says that the junta was formed to protect the interests of the king. Sámano spits in his face. Sámano reminds them that treason is punishable by death.

Ignacia still carries on about lying so that Alejo wouldn’t run off with that woman. Gaspar remarks that we are lucky that Alejo never touched her. I believed him.

Alejo tells Francisco not to blame him that the wedding didn’t take place. Francisco tries to slap Alejo, but Alejo grabs his hand in mid-air.

For Francisco this isn’t over – there will be a wedding or they will answer for it. Gaspar pipes in, yes, Don Francisco, yes.

WEDNESDAY

Gaspar offers Alejo a part of the dowry, but Alejo declines any of it. You are a man of honor, says Gaspar. It hurts me that my daughter will not spend her life with a man like you.. Francisco, however, disagrees. A letter arrives for Gaspar – the troops are arriving from Quito.

Pola tells Doña Matea what she plans to do and that Nariño will return and that she will fight. Doña Matea invites Pola to live with them.

Tonito tries to feed his father. Nariño says that it is true that they tried to starve me to death.

The Comisiondo: the Junta of Cadíz wants to enforce the bond between the peninsulares (Spaniards) and the Americans. He orders that a doctor and medicine be brought to Nariño. The governor tells him that he will not go against the viceroy’s orders – No, says the comisiondo – I will take care of it.

In Popayan Don Losano tells the governor that he has no right to detain him(apparently Losano was on a mission to peaceably form some kind of government in Quito). The governor says that the viceroy is far from here and that he is in a better position to judge the situation. Quito says the governor has been disloyal and my opinion counts here. Losano claims tha the Quiteños demonstrated their loyalty and willingness to preserve the rights of the king. The governor disagrees and tells him that I am responsible for my acts and then he bids Losano good bye.

Alejo is out in the street with many soldiers. His friend José María Arco shows up and asks about why Alejo is so dressed up. It was for the wedding. With a smile, Alejo reports that he did not get married.

Ignacia still holds out hope that Gaspar will change his mind. Her mother, Eusebia, knows better, but she will try, but she tells Ignacia to forget Alejo. Ignacia says that if she can’t have Alejo, she will have no one. Do you prefer to be an old maid? asks Eusebia. Yes, says Iggy.

So, says Arco – you don’t want the perfect home. You want Pola. Arco tells him about the sacking of Quito. The army will be marching into Santa Fé in the morning. Arco tells Alejo in confidence that he does not agree with the governor, and that he asked for a transfer for personal reasons. As to the question of Pola, Alejo prefers not to talk. He was fooled by her. Well, says Arco, if I see her, I will fall in love, and you will not say anything.

Pola tells Facundo that she has found work and a place to live and she thanks them for saving her life. But, she will still help them with the paperwork.

The colonel reports to the governor: we have taken everything. We have taken prisoners. The governor wants to eradicate the problem. The colonel reminds them that some of these prisoners are from noble families and are well-respected in the community. Francisco breaks in.

At Doña Matea’s, Petra the maid doesn’t like the idea that Pola will be staying with them. Pola tells Matea that she has forgotten how beautiful the house is. She then shows her fascination with a clock.

The governor tells Francisco that he has to return the entire dowry. But, you have the dowry, says Francisco. What I confiscated is what you took. It was owed to the Casa de Rentas de España. Why don’t you admit that you are in ruin? Francisco insists that Alejo was going to marry Ignacia, and he demands that Gaspar pay the entire dowry.

Gaspar claims that it was Alejo’s idea to return the dowry. Gaspar also thinks that Governor Tacón is too harsh with the Americans. To Eusebia he says look where we are now twe have to be careful what they say in our own house.

The governor needs the help of influential people like Gaspar. The governor is going to punish the people of Quito severely, and, he will not return the dowry – you can keep 3500 pesos he tells Francisco. OK says Francisco – but, forget the rest of the debt. Further, if Alejo asks, tell him it went to the girl from Guaduas. Now Francisco wants 5,000 pesos. And, the governor will tell Gaspar that he has lost 3,000 pesos.

Doña Matea’s husband has been in Spain for a year, but they love America. But, for her the future is uncertain. We are not in agreement with the way Spain treats people here, she tells Pola. Pola asks if she sympathizes with Nariño. If Nariño takes power, nothing will happen to us. If only all Spaniards were like you, says Pola. And, like the boy of the medal, adds Matea.

At the mansion, Acacia invites Don Francisco and family to dine with Gaspar and Eusebia and José María Losano, Marqués de San Jorge. Losano was a representative of the viceroy who was supposed to go to Quito to calm things down, but, he was prevented from doing so by the governor.

Francisco is beside himself because he can’t believe that Alejo offered to return the dowry. Alejo contends that it was a promise, not a robbery. Alejo asks about the 2,000 pesos that had been set aside. María Teresa tells him it was used for their education which shocks Alejo. Francisco turns it around and blames it on the mestiza.

The revolutionaries realize that what happened in Quito could happen to them. Sámano knows everything. Baraya tells them about how Sámano spit on him. Does this mean we have lost the support of the military and of the people? Don Jorge pipes in with “…are you saying that the only possible leader of the revolution is Nariño?...”

Tonito begs for just a minute with his father. Nariño is now a little better. Tonito vows not to leave Cartagena until his father is free. What are you hiding from me asks his father. It is better that you know the truth, and he shows him the letter from Magda.


Magda gets grief just by walking down the street. She tries to sell the boots, and the buyer won’t deal with her because he thinks she is not a decent woman.


Doña Matea and Pola continue their conversation about Nariño and his family problems. Matea tells her that Nariño recognized the two girls as his own children when any other man would not have done so. He is different. So, who can judge his wife? Pola’s observation: So many times we are judged by those who do not know how things are.


Tonito tells his father that he has to get him out of prison so that he can show his mother that he made the right decision. Write to your mother and tell her we are OK and that we miss her.

On the street, Magda is insulted and vows to her sister that no one will talk to her in that tone again. Her sister believes that Don Jorge’s wife has poisoned everyone’s mind against her. She is not going to the palace to talk to the viceroy.

Alejo muses on his father’s words. See what kind of woman that mestiza is, and next time be careful of what you write. Then he remembers Pola, that she went to Santa Fé by herself to say goodbye to him and that she said I will always believe in you, but you will not believe in me.

Matea offers Pola a very nice dress that Pola thinks she can alter to fit her. The maid does not look happy. Matea says Pola’s husband will be happy she can sew. Pola hopes she will be valued because she loves him and that she is honest and truthful.

The marqués says that Quito was a real catastrophe. Francisco gets in an argument with him. Alejo asks if it was true that you were prevented from going to Quito. Yes, he says, it appears that Governor Tacón did not want to negotiate. Francisco insists that they deserved what they got. But, says Losano, according to the Manifiesto de la Junta de Sevilla, you are wrong.

Eusebia tells María Teresa that now she has a real problem because now her son will go after that mestiza. Alejo tells the marques that he was at Funes – the battle says the marques – no, says Alejo – a massacre.

Francisco insists that they need a lesson and can’t stand to have Alejo in the room and demands that he leave – then he wants Leandro to leave, too. But Leandro, spineless twit, backs off, pledges allegiance to his father and the royalists and is allowed to stay. No one can be against Governor Tacón in this room.

Alejo starts to write a letter to his parents – it begins: “…with great difficulty I have decided…”

Another revelation. In Guaduas Cata finds out that the so-called fertility tea is really an aphrodisiac. It sends her into paroxysms of laughter and then tears. Juliano finds Nicolasa in better health, but she sends him away. She doesn’t want to sleep with him or any other man.

When Pola shows up in the maid’s room at Matea’s, the maid threatens her and tells her that she has one week to find someplace else to say.

Gaspar apologizes to the marqués for the disastrous evening. As he is leaving the mansion, Alejo stops him and asks for a few words and begs pardon for his father.

Alejo asks about Col José Dupré. Dupré is in command in Quito to maintain order. Then, asks Alejo, who is in command of the troops that are returning to Santa Fé. I am, says the marqués. Then asks Alejo: will you permit me to go with you to Santa Fé?

THURSDAY

The marqués ask Alejo if he has permission from his superiors. Alejo at this point did not, so the marqués says no. Alejo presses him and states that he does not want to fight his own countrymen, and if he is found to be a deserter he will assume full responsibility. He is not of the same opinion as the governor and has earned his enmity. OK, says the marqués, I will await you at dawn at the cuartel (barracks or where soldiers are billeted).

After seeing a white hot scene full of lust and love between Juliano and Cata, she awakes and we learn it is one of her demonized repetitive dreams. She tells Domingo that it is from the water that Gertrudis gives her to sleep.

What are you doing? asks Leandro of Alejo. One favor. What I can’t take, please send to Santa Fé. You are my brother, but I don’t trust you. Leandro says he will not say anything – just luck – and if I were in your place, I would do the same. But, the Indian, she was living with slaves. At last I understand who this woman is. Alejo tells Leandro that he hopes he finds a wife and too bad our father never allowed us to be brothers. He then gives Leandro a letter to give to their parents.

Alejo then goes to Ignacia’s bedroom. She says you know we are not supposed to be together. I came to say goodbye. I am going to Santa Fé. I think it is the best thing for us. You are a woman who could have any man. Stay here, she begs. One day you will find the ideal husband. Don’t you understand that I love you, she says. Alejo tells her that she has been prepared to be a good wife and you will be when that person arrives. She slaps him. It is not your fault nor mine, replies Alejo. If it wasn’t for the mestiza you would not go. I am not going to look for her. I hope you will be happy, says Alejo. You are my happiness, she replies. After he leaves she vows “…if that woman thinks that she is going to walk away with him she is mistaken…”

Cata whips herself for being a sinner. She is in the family chapel when Domingo enters. Prayer is enough, he says. Then he has a premonition that her peculiar behavior is caused by her being pregnant.

In Popayan Alejo tells Arco that he is going to Santa Fé.

Generous Matea gives Pola a pair of earrings and tells her she is a very beautiful woman and that she will find a husband.

Francisco and Gaspar are at the governor’s palace. Francisco tells the governor that Alejo had no right to go to Santa Fé. The governor says it is desertion. Then Francisco says that my son, Leandro, is a much better soldier. Perhaps that marqués gave him permission. The governor insists that Álferez Alejo Sabaraín belongs to the Popayan guard. He had no right to march off to Santa Fé with the marqués. He is going to notify the Santa Fé guard of Alejo’s desertion.

The governor tells them about the tragedy in Quito (for Gaspar’s benefit). The people of Quito went crazy. Many died, including the majority of the junta. You must find out what happened to these people says Gaspar. There were many distinguished people in that group.

Pola says she will not marry. You can’t fight, says Matea, that is for men. Without Alejo, I don’t want to marry. I will certify your chastity, says Matea, so that you can marry a white man. My ambition is not to marry either a white or a black man. I want to meet Carbonel. He already has a wife, says Matea.

Francisco and the governor continue scamming Gaspar on the pretext that they are there to return the dowry to Gaspar. Alejo said to return it. But, where is he to complete his promise. It cannot be returned now – all the money goes to the Sabarraín family – all 5,000 pesos. 3,000 is enough says Francisco. (Remember, he had received a 2,000 peso advance.) No, says the governor, 5,000.

Juliano chides Nicolasa for working. She can’t sleep all day in spite of what the galeno (doctor?) told her. Meanwhile Cata’s dreams continue day and night.

In Cartagena, Báltasar arrives at the same prison as Nariño. Neither he nor Nariño know why they are in prison. He and Nariño think they have little chance of getting out alive.

Petra reminds Pola that she has a week to leave. Pola sees Facundo who remarks that he is surprised to see her looking so pretty.

Pola sees the soldiers marching into Santa Fé. She finds out they are Losano’s troops returning from Popayan. He was supposed to bring a solution to Quito. Don José María Carbonel tells her that many of the people were put in prison. She just misses seeing Alejo. Arco is very happy at what he sees in Santa Fé, and he flirts shamelessly with every woman he sees – here, I will find a wife, he says. Believe me, says Alejo, the last thing I want to think about now is marriage.

In Popayan Ignacia thinks Alejo is returning to the mansion, but it is her father and Francisco. Acacia tells her that he is not going to return and that she has to accept it. Gaspar says that there was a tragedy in Quito and that it was all planned. Francisco warns him to be careful about what he says. Eusebia asks about the dowry. Francisco tells her that the governor will follow the law, i.e., he gets to keep the dowry.

Cata can’t get over it. She spies on Juliano chopping wood – but, Nicolas spies on her spying.

Sir , please wait, says Pola to Carbonel. Can I speak to you about Nariño? It is true. I saw him in Guaduas. He was a prisoner, and he told me to look for you. Now, can we talk?

The marqués sends Alejo to talk to Sámano. Sámano: So, are you a deserter? No, says, Alejo, I am better utilized here by you. He would rather die than desert his majesty.

Pola tells the man she wants to fight. She tells him Nariño wants to fight against injustice. He is a little late, says Carbonel. I am not rich and I have little authority. What about José Antonio Galán. How do you know him? May father fought with him.

Sámano tells Alejo that he has confidence in those who trained in Spain. Sámano is impressed by Alejo’s record and that he was in Madrid during the tragic time.

María Teresa tells Francisco that the money has covered his bad deeds and that it belonged to Alejo. He is more your son than mine, says Francisco. She is going to pack since she believes that they have nothing more here.

Gaspar tells Eusebia that they should go on a trip – to Spain, no there is war. Then let’s go to Lima, Perú. He wants to get away from here and the governor who becomes more of a tyrant everyday. Don’t talk like that – if the governor finds out…What about María Ignacia? Will she go, too. María Teresa needs to reflect in a convent. Eusebia mutters, ..poor girl.

María Teresa: this is their house. Don’t make me feel more ashamed. I prefer to ask my brothers if we can live in one of their houses. Isn’t Eusebia your cousin?

Gaspar and Eusebia then announce that they are going on a trip to Lima. María Teresa tells them that they are leaving, too, - going back to Honda. Too bad, says Eusebia. We had hoped you would stay here while wewere gone. Then Francisco changes his mind – we will stay here and take care of the house while you are gone. Awkward Silence.

Losano arrives back at his ranch and meets María Tadeo. He tells her about what happened in Quito. Did you know that my husband is part of a little “junta” group.

He finds Don Jorge and tells him that he could be imprisoned for what he is doing. Jorge, however, thinks he is hedging his bets because if one brother gets caught, the other brother can be the savior. Does that include Nariño asks Losano. First, he has to be here and then he has to be willing. I don’t know which is more difficult for him, says Don Jorge.

Báltasar tells Nariño that the Americans in Cartagena are planning a junta and that the military will help. This must happen soon, says Báltasar, our liberty depends on it.

At the viceroy’s palace a letter arrives for the bewigged made up old man. My God. My God. Is all he says.

Sámano tells Alejo that if he is accused of being a deserter, he will tell the authorities that Alejo is part of his troops and that he need peninsulares he can trust. Alejo admits that he is an American. Then you are manchado de la tierra. That is an insult says Alejo, please do not call me that name.

Pola sees Sámano but not Alejo. She and Carbonel turn away so that Sámano cannot see them.

FRIDAY

In Cartagena the commissioner is very unhappy with the governor. Be warned because he is responsible for all people. The governor whines that he is just doing the will of the viceroy.

In prison, Nariño pleads with the guard for a little more food. Báltasar gives him some of his food and drink.

Cata watches Nicolasa who wants to know why Juliano is not at the siembra (planting). He was ordered to stay here. Nicolasa confesses that she was wrong about what she to the baby. You are a good man. You will forgive me. They kiss. Domingto catches Cata watching them. What is going on here, he demands. You are not looking at them. Do that to me, he says. Then, get to work.

In the Santa Fé barracks Alejo rallies the troops of what happened in Spain at the hands of the French. They killed women and children, and this will happen if this land falls to the French. We are the most powerful army in the world. Viva España! Viva España, the troops shout out.

Sámano chimes in that Sabaraín serves as an example. More Viva España!

The commissioner says that as soon as he gets to Santa Fé, he is going to do the impossible and free Nariño. He is in favor of a junta that will avoid our falling into the hands of the French.

Gaspar tells Ignacia that she is not going on the trip with them, but that she is going to a convent. It is for time for you to reflect. I did what you prepared me to, and you ruined my wedding. Gaspar is still angry with her for lying. If I go into the convent, will you help me recover Alejo? Gaspar is now impatient with her and tells her that she just doesn’t get it.

Cata tries to start an argument with Juliano. Have you forgiven the woman who tried to kill the baby? OK, you don’t have to reply, but you have to objey. …..Finish the stone wall (cerca) today.

Whose idea was it to send me to the convent, asks Ignacia of her mother. How long? A few months, may a year. If you are repentant, you father will let you marry. With Alejo? No, but, maybe he will think about you and return. Los Sabaraín are going to stay in the house while we are away. Since I was a child you taught me to prepare to marry Alejo. It is all I thought about. Do you think I can think this way with another man? Finally: If I cannot marry Alejo, I will not marry anyone else.

Alférez Péres Delgado to Baraya: There is talk of a junta. The troops understand that they will defend the king. Will they support Samáno? I think so says Delgado. There is also some talk that they are looking for a creole leader – Nariño.

Báltasar asks Nariño if he will fight against Spain. Nariño philosophizes about his interests and ideals and that he still has some doubts. Báltasar says some men give up their personal ideals for the benefit of the greater ideal.

In Guaduas Vivianito denies that he has a sister named Pola. Bernard: she will come for you. Bernarda asks Ciro where is Juliano? It seems that Juliano is still picking up rocks in an attempt to finish the stone fence.

At the palace, the viceroy removes his wig, and the vicereina wants to know what happened. It is France. The war with France is lost, and the French will soon be here. These lands are Spain’s and it will have the same fate as Spain. They kiss (yuck).

Domingo tries to make love to Cata, but she turns away. He tells her how good she smells (huele). Then, are we back to the other night when you looked like you were enjoying it. Don’t say that, she says, it is a sin. She blurts out a how can I love someone like you. Sometimes I think I made a mistake with you. You have everything, but still treat me like a peon.

At the barracks Alejo calls out to Álferez Iglesias for something. Iglesias smart mouths him. You must punish him says Arco(?) No, I don’t want to make enemies. They are both the same rank, and Iglesias is threatened by Alejo’s presence in the unit.

Petra tells Pola that that man (Carbonel) will never look at you. Who? That man you were with. What were you talking about?

Juliano tries desperately to finish the fence. Cata comes out in her nightgown. She removes it and says: don’t say anything negro. Juliano grabs the nightgown and tries to put it back on her. If Domingo sees this, he says, he will kill me. I have a woman. I want you to do the same things to me as you do to her. How dare you refuse me? I love Nicolasa. You have to obey me. A slave has to obey, but this, no. He runs away.

At the palace the viceroy tells the vireina that he is sorry and that she has made him feel so good these last days. You are a patient woman (if he only knew the truth). You have a husband who cannot satisfy you.

Juliano returns to the barn and lies down next to Nicolasa. He tells her he was finishing the fence. Did something happen? No, he lies. She still refuses to kiss him in her current state.

A letter arrives at the mansion, and Leandro reads it. It is from Pola. She denies having anything to do with the demand. You did not rob my honor ….

At the same time Alejo walks down a street and thinks he sees Pola – but it is a different girl.

Don’t look for me in Guadas, Pola continues in the letter. I am in Santa Fé. Ignacia comes on the scene and asks if there is any news.

At the palace, the vireina’s lover breaks in and asks why she hasn’t replied to his messages. I must speak to you urgently. When I am ready, I will receive you in the salon. It takes three maids to help her get dressed – you know – wig, hoop skirt, crinoline slips, makeup, etc.

Juliano is whipped again at Cata’s orders. Why? He looked at me ugly says Cata. Did he do anything to you asks Domingo. No. He looked like he was obsessed with me.

Ignacia looks at the letter. To Leandro’s relief she does not know how to read. Leandro plans to hold the letter for Alejo. You are nervous says Ignacia. Bad news. We are losing the war in Spain. You know Alejo well, she replies. But Alejo doesn’t confide in me. I don’t deserve it. Why does he prefer to be with the mestiza and not a woman like me? It is impossible to explain. He saw her and fell crazy in love.

The vireina is now dressed and ready to talk to Sr. Portacorreo, her lover. Have you gone crazy? They embrace and kiss. What am I doing? Do I have to be more explicit. You have done nothing. But, she says, we are in the mouth of the people. They (the junta) have threatened me.

Domingo now takes a turn at whipping Juliano. Nicolasa wants to know why they are whipping him again. Vivianito grabs Domingo’s arm and stops him. My father never hit anybody. Cata tells Domingo that that is enough. If you ever look at my wife again, says Domingo, I will kill you.

Portacorreo tells the vireina that she feels the same as he does. But, what is more important is that she cannot risk the wealth that they have gained in this country. Leave as discreetly as possible. Please respect the vireina and leave me. He resists and she calls the guards to remove him. He shouts out then return the quinta (country house, villa) to me.

Leandro says to Francisco. This isn’t our house. If your brother hadn’t done this – well, the problem of the dowry is solved. Because the marriage was annulled, Gaspar lost the dowry. Alejo thinks it went to the girl in Guadas. Father, he is your own son. It could have been me. No, Alejo is the mala raza americana of your mother. Leandro walks out. Francisco calls him to return, but Leandro keeps going.

In the street Pola runs into Arco. Hello, señorita, he says. Do I know you, asks Pola. Yes, I am your future husband.

Labels: LaPola