Caray, Caray!

TUESDAY

Vicentino: Antonio Nariños younger son who is planning to marry
Isabel: The youngest daughter of Antonio Nariño

` At last, Alejo and Pola can’t get enough of each other – and, neither can I. Alejo is going to Honda to find them a place to live in. Pola really wants to live in Santa Fé. She wanted to go with Alejo, but he said it would not help her reputation (just restored) to do that.

Magda finally finds someone with enough courage to lend her money to get Antonio home.

Mayor Andrés thinks he has close call with Domingo over the Cata incident, but, it turns out he will not have to use his pistol. Domingo is reporting that he has lost three slaves in one day and needs help finding Juliano. The mayor will add his name to book of fugitive slaves. What’s his name? Juliano. Juliano what? I don’t know, says Domingo. OK, Juliano García says the mayor.

Pola continually worries about what will happen if Alejo doesn’t come back. He swears he will follow her to the ends of the earth.

There is a hilarious scene with Governor Tacón, Francisco and a few others to the tune of violin music. At least they thought it was funny. They think they have the junta convinced that they have a done deal. Hah, hah.

The marques (Jorge Tadeo’s brother) finds him dreaming. Jorge is working on the constitution. My, what a brilliant man you are – a botanist and now writing the constitution. But, the shadow of adultery still hangs over his head, says the marques.

When Alejo returns from Honda he tells Pola that he has found a house and work to do and people who will help him establish a business. His father still has not given them permission to marry. Pola showers him with attention. He remarks that the food she has made for him is better. She tells him that Delgado went through Guaduas five days ago and that Sámano was put on a ship to Spain. Alejo plans to go to Santa Fé to retire from the military.

Alejo and Pola have the feeling they are being watched, so they conspire to find a private place.

Baraya apologizes to Magda for not being able to contribute to the fund for Antonio’s return. Anyway, he tells her he is going south to Santa Marta and Popayan. He also tells her that there is a difference in thinking between Antonio and the juntas. She remarks that they are doing what he has preached, but he gets accused of treason. Baraya tells her they need Antonio to lead the country.

María Teresa comes upon Francisco reading mail – she thinks it is hers. No, he says, it is for María Ignacia. Her parents now think that the punishment was too harsh and that Alejo really is a good person and if he is still inclined, they will let her marry him. Gaspar and Eusebia will return soon. Francisco is not the least bit worried about what they will find in the manse. They both agree that Ignacia must not find out that Alejo has been with the mestiza.

Meanwhile Alejo writes a letter. Gertrudis brings him something to drink and begins to tell him this fairy tale about how great a godmother she has been to Cata and Pola. But, he remembers Pola’s description of her and returns to real life. Finally, he tells her that he has very little to offer Pola and that they will have a modest wedding and live a modest life.

Don Jorge and wife run into Baraya whom he chides for not attending a meeting of the junta. Jorge’s wife goes shopping, and he goes to see Magdalena, much to the chagrin of his wife who figures out where he has been.

At this time, Alejo catches up with Pola. He tells her he wrote a letter to his mother to announce a visit. He and Pola want to finalize their engagement.

Gertrudis figures out that Cata is pregnant and wants to tell Domingo right away. No, says Cata, later.

When María Tadeo returns home, her father finds her crying. She blurts out that Jorge went to see Magda again.

On the road home, Nariño and his son, Tonito, have some serious conversations. Tonito asks him if the rumors of his mother’s infidelity are true. Nariño’s answer is something like, how dare you. Mercedes and Isabel are my children.

Jorge is so concerned about Magda that he wants to have his family doctor come see her. She won’t have it. Magda tells him to hit the road. Her husband is coming home. If we do what he wants – get in a war with Spain, we could lose everything. We have already lost everything she says.

In one of the most beautiful scenes so far, Alejo and Pola are out in the countryside, and he reads Sonnet 96 by Lope de Vega to her. I don’t understand it, but it is beautiful. My life is like sonnet 96. She thinks of Alejo every waking moment, with every breath she takes and with every beat of her heart – or something like that. It’s an we almost went all the way scene, but, Alejo tells her they can wait a little longer. Let this moment arrive soon, says Pola.

What happens tomorrow, says Pola, is in God’s hands. He says: you are the only woman for me. She says: you are the only man for me. Pola gets a large pin and sticks it in her finger and then in Alejo’s. They now have a blood pact.

When Jorge Tadeo leaves Magda’s, his brother the marqués watches him.

Labels: LaPola