Caray, Caray!

That Which Has Passed

Sir Gustavo insists upon staying close to Lasy Ana Paula, Lord Rogelio asks Dr Ernesto on the phone about Sir Gustavo's emergency.

Current Happenings

San Gabriel: Macaria tells Efrain that Ulisses is blaming her for the disappearance of the letter from Margarito's mother. She accuses him of taking it; he appears a little disturbed at this.

Parlour: Dr. Ernesto attempts to assure His Lordship that all is well. His Lordship tells him that he insists upon honesty and will not tolerate liars. This does not bode well. As Dr Ernesto hangs up the telephone Maria asks whether he suspected anything. Dr Ernesto states that Lord Rogelio is very intelligent and perceptive and knows that something has happened. He doesn't like to lie but the situation demands it. Maria is grateful he didn't ask to speak to her because she has never lied to him and doesn't believe she would be able to. She hopes that Lady Ana Paula will be well shortly so that Lord Rogelio would never need to know that they concealed anything from him. She finishes by saying that she had always thought that Vainessa was the love of his life but she sees now that he loves Lady Ana Paula and that Vainessa is simply a bad memory. [We wonder in the meanwhile how she could hope that so many of Her Ladyship's enemies would hold their peace.]

San Gabriel: Macaria has realized that Efrain was the person who stole the documents from the file cabinet and demands their return. Efrain sensibly asks how she purports to explain this to Ulisses. She demands to know who Margarito's father is, but Efrain refuses to tell now, stating she will find out in due time. She didn't have the guts to open the box but he did. He further reminds her about her revealing the existence of the letter when they had spent the night together. That appears to silence her. Which is difficult at best.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Dr Ernesto enters to inform her that she is anaemic and must eat well. And that she must remain calm. He further assures her that His Lordship as yet knows nothing and that his surgery will take place this very week.

San Gabriel: Macaria is getting ill at ease because Ulisses only spoke to her of the letter. To calm her, Efrain uses the same remedy he applies to Lady Chatterley. Who certainly will not enjoy finding out about her rival.

Montero Manor, Stables: After we see Knave Skelator leaving cautiously with black trash bags, someone finds an empty canister of clenbuterol in his wake.

Study: Jacinto enters hoping to see Her Ladyship and instead finds Lady Chatterley, who informs him that the clenbuterol issue is solved and if he will not consent to take orders from her he can leave. She handles the riding crop for emphasis. Apparently the cattle is to be tested and Lady Ana Paula had ordered it.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Lady Daniela enters to find an empty bed as Lady Ana Paula comes out of the water closet. She returns to the bed thinking about all that needs doing, but Lady Daniela tells her that her priority is the baby. After helping her into bed she brings forth a large arrangement of what appear to be red roses sent by His Lordship (who obviously had not seen it, as we all know he has better taste). Their love theme begins as the note says “Thinking of you every moment.” Her Ladyship is moved.

Study: The only thing Lady Chatterley is taking seriously is the illusion of her own power, as she dismisses Jacinto's concern about the clenbuterol. He finally tells her that the culprit has yet to be caught. She orders him to gather the workers. He appears grateful to be leaving the study.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Margarito kneels on the trunk at the foot of the bed, asking about the baby. Of course Her Ladyship does not know the gender of the child nor is that of importance to her. Margarito speculates on how the baby should be named, for Her Ladyship's father or mother... or Sir Gustavo if it's a boy. When he jumps down he is in pain and she gently reproaches him for not taking better care. Sir Gustavo enters to enquire as to Her Ladyship's health.

Ulisses' Shop: Macaria continues to swear she does not have the letter. She asks the identity of Margarito's father, but Ulisses does not know. The woman who had given it to him was very ill and he did not read the letter. Macaria points out that Margarito appears happy at the manor, as Lady Ana Paula cares for him as though he were her own son. At which time Macaria asks about her reaction to the rose arrangement. Ulisses does not know, as he only left it there. Macaria reproaches him because he passed up the opportunity to learn the identity of the father of Her Ladyship's baby. By the gods, this woman is almost as shameless as Lady Begoña of La Ermita. Ulisses does not want to know more of this; he is more concerned about whether Lord Rogelio was deceived by his lady wife. Ulisses most definitely does not approve of the apparent adultery, but Macaria – due undoubtedly to her own pecadilloes – comments that that is their business and that sometimes infidelity has a reason. To the sounds of discordant piano music Ulisses goes on about how when things do not go well in a marriage they should be confronted. If that fails, then the two parties should part and go their separate ways and that there is no excuse for adultery. She looks surprised and not pleasantly.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Sir Gustavo offers to do whatever Her Ladyship wishes, to get her books or other things, but she assures him she feels better. Margarito asks about the nine-month deadline, stating it's a long time and asking whether His Lordship will be back by then, but Her Ladyship tells him she does not know and that too many people already know about the baby. It's only a matter of time before everyone knows. All she knows is that she loves the baby; she knows not what awaits them all. Margarito asks whether if she adopts him he will be the baby's half brother, as she and Vainessa are half sisters. She appears lost for words.

Grounds: Tia MentiRosa follows Skelator, calling his name. She carries a large bouquet of flowers.

Rosaura: Bruno!
Bruno (to himself, annoyed): Here she comes.
Rosaura: Bruno, where are you going in such a hurry?
Bruno: I have things to do in town.
Rosaura: So now it's your job to take out the garbage?
Bruno (dropping the bags): I don't believe I have to account for my every move to you.
Rosaura: Yes; it's clear to me that's not your way. But look (holds up canister as sinister music begins) you dropped a container of clenbuterol. (Suspense music begins) With this you contaminated Rogelio's cattle. I will never forgive you for this!

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Margarito asks whether he and Her Ladyship's baby will be brothers. At her uncomfortable and silent reaction Sir Gustavo suggests that they could say so, but that they must allow Her Ladyship to sleep. It is daytime, so Margarito doesn't quite understand this, but allows himself to be guided out the door. To the sound of a solo piano, Sir Gustavo slowly kisses Lady Ana Paula's forehead and strokes her face tenderly before leaving the room. Lady Daniela arrives at the same moment, commenting on how many visitors she has.

Ana Paula: Yes, and all are commenting on how serious it would be if Rogelio knew of my pregnancy.

We think that her sarcasm is a defense mechanism because she herself knows the risk.

Grounds: We do not dare predict what will ensue from this confrontation.

Rosaura: Ana Paula must see this. I never imagined you were a traitor!
Bruno: Watch your tongue because what you did to your niece is much worse!
Rosaura: Don't try to change the conversation. (looks to make sure nobody is close enough to hear) We're talking about messing with Rogelio's property. And that I can't not tell.
Bruno: I know what I'm doing. Give me that. (tries to grab the canister, but Rosaura will not release it)
Rosaura: The problem with this plan is that the value of the estate will drop. Then what will we get out of it?
Bruno: Listen to me. To weaken Rogelio this estate must be debilitated.
Rosaura: Bruno, as a good lawyer you say a lot of things that sound true, but I don't believe you.
Bruno (wiseacre): No?
Rosaura: To me you are just out for yourself and I don't want your treason. (hits him with the flowers)
Bruno: It's not true. You've trusted me for months. I screwed Vanessa and her business is getting weaker, so how do you think she feels? She's in a rage against Rogelio.
Rosaura: Look, she demanded that Ana Paula pay the penalties and now she has to pay more?
Bruno: This is part of the cost of creating more distance between Vanessa and Rogelio. It happens that your niece is sick and pregnant. When she has the baby Rogelio can imprison her or throw her out. And what do you think Vanessa will do? She'll fly into his arms when she knows where he is. At least we can make them fight.

Ulisses' Café: Lord Esteban and Lady Sneerwell sit at an outside table.

Esteban: So Vanessa was annoyed when she saw me with Chio. Wouldn't recognize her. I love it.
Mercedes: Esteban, be careful. Women don't like when men who once adored them move on to another because they have to feel the most important. Women are very vain.
Esteban: You want to say this is only –
Mercedes: Yes. Only for that does this bother Vanessa. And forgive my frankness but I don't like that you have more illusions about her.
Esteban: Although if she wants me? I don't want to lose out again. Because in the matter of the water we're on opposite sides.
Mercedes: Yes. One you can't do anything about and the other is what your heart makes you do.

Grounds: One of these will surely ground the other.

Rosaura: I don't know. You haven't convinced me of anything you say.
Bruno (takes it away): Above all you won't say a word about the clenbuterol. If you interfere with this I am capable of telling Ana Paula that you asked me to do something to Gustavo. (Jacinto enters)
Rosaura: What's up, Jacinto?
Jacinto (to Bruno): The boss wants to see all of us right away.
Bruno: Thanks; I'll be right there. (Jacinto exits)
Rosaura: And now what of my niece?
Bruno (sinister laugh): Your nephews? (evil smile)
Rosaura: Aver, the important thing is she gets out of bed. Because if she disobeys the doctor it won't be long before she loses the baby that will complicate her life.
Bruno (merde-eating grin): And you're still calling me a traitor?
Rosaura: Yes. And from this moment on, don't even think of putting clenbuterol in the cattle feed. Do you understand? Because whom do you think will tell Rogelio? Just so you know to watch out. (flips the bouquet in his face; he scowls)

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: The Town Drunk and Lady Daniela stand before her as she speaks of how she worries about Margarito. The boy is so hopeful and also so worried about his adoption.

Ana Paula: I feel so bad for Margarito. Up to now he's hoping Rogelio and I will adopt him. I had to tell him that when Rogelio knows I'm pregnant everything will change. You understand?
Dani: Of course. The thing he wants most is parents.
Miguel: Couldn't you and Gustavo adopt him?
Ana Paula: I, yes, but – (tries to sit up higher, but Daniela stops her) that can't happen because the papers were filed by Rogelio and myself. I can only hope that Margarito won't be hurt.
Dani: You are right. Now don't worry. You must be relaxed and happy to be having a baby.
Ana Paula (shaking her head): I won't be alright until I know the baby is out of danger.
Dani: Then you have to be patient.
Ana Paula: Besides, I don't like being here doing nothing.
Miguel: It's what you have to do to save your baby's life.
Ana Paula: Yes, yes. (ominous piano solo begins) But I'm referring to defending the estate for Rogelio. What can I hope to do from here?
Dani: Don't be anxious. Everything is on track. Miguel hasn't had a drop of alcohol.
Miguel: Yes. I'm designing furniture and investigating proof of my innocence.
Ana Paula: Really? (takes his hand and smiles)

Ulisses' Café: Lady Sneerwell dispenses sisterly advice

Mercedes: I'm glad you have to promised me you won't go near Vanessa. And also be careful with Chio. Don't go back to her just to provoke Vanessa.
Esteban: I'd never do that. And we've spoken as friends.
Mercedes: I hope that's true because I don't want her to be obsessed with you and start that all over again.
Esteban: Don't worry. I promise to be very careful with this matter. Tell me, how are things going with Paula? Your nephew?
Mercedes: Better, but I hope this woman is careful so my nephew will be born healthy.
Esteban: You still resent Ana Paula?

Lady Sneerwell picks up her cup with a wry expression.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber:

Miguel: It seems that Mercedes and Dr Ernesto saw this so-and-so Rutilio bothering Maripaz here in San Gabriel. Efrain also saw him in Tuxtla.
Dani: And now he's also bothering Consuelo.
Ana Paula: What? Who is he? Does anyone know him?
Dani: That's what Miguel is asking. His name is Rutilio and according to Consuelo he works for Bruno.
Ana Paula: Really?
Miguel: But in reality, now it's all supposition. What I want to do is go into San Gabriel and talk to the chief of police so he can investigate.
Ana Paula: Ay, Miguel. One hopes this information will serve in some way.

Study: The feudal usurper addresses the serfs.

Sinthia: This is how it will be since my brother isn't here and my sister-in-law is ill. (Hugo raises his hand)
Hugo: Boss?
Sinthia: What is it, Hugo?
Hugo: What is wrong with Ana Paula?
Sinthia: You don't need the details. What's important is she can't be in charge of the estate. (Rosaura watches her carefully)
Jacinto: Therefore, what's going to happen?
Sinthia: What's going to happen? Just what's happened since Rogelio left. I am the boss and will be in charge of everything.
Rosaura: But His Lordship stated clearly that my niece was to be in charge of this. (Miguel enters) Miguel, didn't he clearly state that? Didn't he? (Miguel nods)
Sinthia (with a satisfaction that is no secret to us): Madam, madame, the truth is she can't handle it. You don't want me to go into details as to why.
Rosaura: No, no; Sinthia, there is no necessity for that. It's that my niece is a little sick and needs to stay in bed; you're in charge, Sinthia, in the meantime. (Maria is not looking happy about any of this)
Marcial: Do we go back to work now as before?Sinthia: No. No, no, no. We're going to be organized differently from what Paula did.Efrain: So what are you trying to say?Sinthia: Well, to begin with, the guards for the clenbuterol are not necessary.Miguel: Therefore?Sinthia: Therefore, look for the –Rosaura (rolling her eyes): Ay, good because we have to nab him [guantar]Sinthia: Yes, but it should be clear to everyone you will all have to work harder than ever.Maria: Sinthia, I'm sure everyone just as much as I is prepared to do everything that's necessary but when Rogelio returns all goes on as before.Sinthia (whacking the desk with the riding crop): What I want is for things to be better than when he left.Hugo (raising his hand): How do we do that?Sinthia (making various gestures with the riding crop): With all the strength we can muster. For example, Hugo, you will be in charge of the seeding. Jacinto, you will be in charge of the animals. Marcial, you will be in charge of the house. (Efrain sneezes, but it is clearly feigned. Sinthia notices.) You three are all then to report to Efrain and he will inform me of all that happens.Maria: Sinthia?Sinthia: Yes, Nanna?Maria: I think it's important that you personally –Sinthia: What? What are you trying to say? That I'm saying something wrong?Maria: Not precisely.Sinthia: Therefore it's better to say nothing. (Maria backs off, disappointed and more) Does anyone else disagree? (waits less than one second) Good, because I give the orders around here and anyone who doesn't like it gets fired. (snaps her fingers; she is enjoying this too much)Rosaura (who has brass ones compared to all the surrounding men): Sinthia, Maria continues in the kitchen?Sinthia (perhaps a little confused): Yes, the kitchen. And since Consuelo is not here with us, you will help Maria. (Rosaura makes a sound of dissatisfaction) And not only this. You will also be helping Lidia with the bedrooms and Petra with the laundry. (Rosaura starts to protest) You. You. (holds up her hand) No, no. no. Don't go on about being sick or you better go back to Tuxtla to die quietly and leave us alone.

Street: Lady Chio walks with a local man talking about future merchandise for her shop. He talks about a local furniture maker, but mentions that he isn't reliable. We are bored.

Corridor: Tia MentiRosa complains to Miguel about Lady Chatterley's coup d'état and says that Her Ladyship should be informed. Miguel tells her firmly that she is to say nothing to her. [He may be the Town Drunk or the Village Idiot, but at least he is looking out for his sister.] He points out that Lady Chatterley is a Montero and the estate can't be in the hands of a stranger. Tia MentiRosa refers to her as “capricious” and points out that she knows nothing about anything regarding the estate. Miguel suggests that they let her bring about her own failure but they go about their business so as not to appear to be the parasites they are. Above all, because the only important thing is his sister's health and his nephew's survival.

Parlour: Lord Esteban asks Sir Gustavo whether he needs assistance or a loan. Sir Gustavo tells him he does not require it. Lady Sneerwell enters with the coffee tray, which she puts on the table behind the open laptop computer. He tells him that the money for the hotel he and Ana Paula stayed in was adequate. Lady Sneerwell makes a sarcastic comment about it being a luxury hotel which – predictably – nearly sets him off. “As insulted as I am, I don't want us to fight. And I remind you of your promise to do everything so that Lady Ana Paula gets well.” This causes Lady Sneerwell to make a face and run from the room to the corridor where she runs into Lady Chatterley. Whom she immediately tells she is having an argument with her brother about his being willing to spend all his current funds on Lady Ana Paula's care. She is very angry about this. Lady Chatterley's face is like stone.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Knave Skelator defiles it with his presence as he tells her to remain calm.

Bruno: Relax. Sinthia has taken the reins of the estate with much energy.
Ana Paula: But Rogelio always told me she knows nothing about this. She never wanted to learn.
Bruno: Ana Paula, please forget about this for now. (kneels next to the bed and takes her hand) Better think that it's lucky that Rogelio isn't here right now so we can all take care of you as you deserve.
Ana Paula: Bruno, I asked to talk to you because I wanted to ask you what you know about a man named Rutilio.
Bruno: Rutilio?
Ana Paula: Yes. He works for you, doesn't he?
Bruno (getting up and looking away): Well, in reality, Rutilio is of no importance. Why do you ask?
Ana Paula: I have been told that he is bothering Consuelo. Just as he did Maripaz.

(Suspense music begins as Bruno's expression tells us that he has been caught off guard.)

Parlour: Sir Gustavo sits on the sofa working on his computer as Lady Chatterley enters. She shocks him by telling him she is worried and by handing him a checque to pay Her Ladyship's medical expenses. [Now, would she not be insured?] Ominous music sounds.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: The viper turns again

Bruno: I don't know what you were told, but I never gave him work.
Ana Paula: Then what exactly does he have to do with you? Because Dani and Miguel say you know him.
Bruno: A few times I had him deliver some documents to Tuxtla but (turning away) truly I don't know much about him. (turning back) It's like you're asking me about Consuelo, Efrain, or Hugo. Despite they've being all this time on the estate; what I know about? Why are you interested?
Ana Paula: Because he bothered Maripaz. Miguel and I are looking to find out if he had anything to do with her death.

Parlour: Sir Gustavo attempts to refuse the checque; Lady Chatterley will not hear of it.

Gustavo: Sinthia, this is a lot of money. I can't –
Sinthia: No, no, I don't want you to return it. At the least it could remove all the worries you have about this.
Gustavo: No, no, no, thanks, but I can't accept –
Sinthia (virtually kneeling before him): No, please. Take it. (She wears a pleading expression we don't quite believe) Take it as part of your pay for the time you've been working here.
Gustavo: But this is much more than your brother and I agreed he would pay me. Because of that I can't accept it, so please take it back. (tries to hand it back)
Sinthia (stopping him): No. Don't be so proud. (Her expression here is either desperate or stark staring mad) Now the important thing is that Paula be well-attended. (coy expression)
Gustavo (thoughtful expression and short pause): Sinthia, what happened when Paula became ill? Maria told me she was with you. Did you argue?
Sinthia (expression of panic): What? How could you think this was my fault? She gets sick because – (feigns tears)
Gustavo: Why?
Sinthia: Because you were threatening to tell Rogelio about this. (suspense music with a lot of percussion begins)
Gustavo: But I told you –
Sinthia: So is it fair to say it's my fault? I spoke with Paula and she was afraid that Rogelio would toss both of you out.
Gustavo: Yes, but that can't be –
Sinthia: You provoked it all, Gustavo. You provoked it. You went to see my brother. After that Paula and I couldn't stop you.
Gustavo (guilty expression and gesture): Very well. Excuse me. You're right and I did seek him out. Neither does that excuse me. (takes her hand)
Sinthia: The only thing I want is to help Paula [???]
Gustavo: Thank you, Sinthia.
Sinthia: Now she can't be moved and she and your child are defenseless. Gustavo, think about it. Rogelio can't know that you are the father of this baby. (cliffhanger music as she exits)

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber:

Bruno: Right now I will look for Rutilio to see what's up.Ana Paula: Thanks. But right now Miguel and Dani are on their way into town to talk to the chief of police.Bruno: One hopes they can find something out to remove suspicion from your brother. Right now, relax, take care of yourself and know that I will take care of Miguel. (exits, closes the door with an evil smile, and takes out his cell phone)

Outside: A worker sends Efrain to see Lady Chatterley.

San Gabriel: Rutilio grabs Consuelo on the street. As she struggles Miguel appears from behind, launches himself at him, and shoves him back. Consuelo shouts “He's the one who bothered Maripaz.”

Study: Lord Abel and the agriculture association secretary are seated in front of Lady Chatterley. They inform her that Lord Rogelio has been removed as president of the association. She asks that this wait until his return, but they reply that this is a fait accompli. The secretary hands her a file with documentation demanding testing of the estate's cattle.

San Gabriel: Rutilio knocks Miguel backwards saying “Don't dare mess with me” only to be attacked by Sir Gustavo who enters running, then tackling him. Once he has him on the ground he tears away his neckerchief and finds the scar he once described . He immediately recognizes him as the man who had tried to kill him months before. However, Rutilio has a few stone on him so he knocks him back and runs away, shooting behind himself as he exits.

Study: Lady Chatterley doesn't like it, but she is backed into a corner. She has no choice but to permit this. However, she tells them that her foreman will be present to supervise the testing and that she will be contacting her lawyer. She loves playing with the riding crop, but Lord Abel is not intimidated by her threats.

San Gabriel: Miguel gets Consuelo to stand, saying he will help Sir Gustavo. She is too afraid, so he remains with her as Sir Gustavo approaches. Consuelo tells him that this was the man who was bothering Maripaz. He tells them that this same man hit him on the head the night before Lady Ana Paula's graduation. He recognized the scar. He got away only because he was shooting. Miguel looks down at the pavement and finds Maripaz' religious medallion, which Consuelo recognizes.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Dr Ernesto again urges Her Ladyship to remain in bed and remain calm. She explains her worry about her brother and implores him to put her in touch with His Lordship.

San Gabriel: Consuelo and her two rescuers walk along toward the constabulary; Miguel doubts that his word would be believed. Consuelo is not worried because the gunshots would have been heard, but when they arrive at Ulisses' shop Macaria is worried about her because she is late. She does not like the company she keeps, either. Ulisses is enraged and when Miguel attempts to explain what happened and shows the found religious medallion Ulisses attacks him despite Sir Gustavo's attempt at being the voice of reason.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Dr Ernesto phones His Lordship, learning that the operation is scheduled for the next day. The connexion is not that good, but he tells him that Her Ladyship wishes to speak with him.

Ulisses' Shop: Sir Gustavo restrains Ulisses, He, Miguel, and Consuelo explain all and return the medallion to Macaria, who believes them. Ulisses asks where the varlet is.

Her Ladyship's Bedchamber: Opera love music underscores this conversation.

Ana Paula: Rogelio, how are you?
Rogelio: Missing you. But happy because we'll see each other soon. As you heard, tomorrow is my operation.
Ana Paula: All should go well. And here we're all thinking of you.
Rogelio: You know the only thing I want is for you to think of me.
Ana Paula: Of course I think of you and thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful.
Rogelio: It's good you are pleased. I was worried because Gustavo got a call –
Ana Paula: No, no, no; don't worry, don't worry about anything; I'm fine. The only thing that's important is that you're relaxed for your operation. I want to tell you to take good care of yourself and know we all want it to go well.
Rogelio: Yes. Because I'm doing everything necessary for that. I promise.
Ana Paula: Good. I have to hang up now. Good luck, Rogelio.
Rogelio: Paula, I love you. [amar]
Ana Paula: I love you very much. [querer] (their love theme begins) I mean that with my whole heart. Be well. (both hang up. Ana Paula looks at the roses)

Study: Lady Chatterley and Mellors are about to have quite a tiff. He is well aware she is enjoying her power and although he doesn't say so, he knows that she has no qualification for it. Marcial enters to inform her that the secretary of agriculture has completed the tests. Lord Abel and the official enter to give her the news. She smugly states that they found nothing, but Lord Abel states that they found traces of clenbuterol in all the feeding troughs.

That which is to come

Lady Chatterley and Vainessa argue, Lady Chatterley is threatened with prison over the clenbuterol, and Margarito spills the frijoles to His Lordship.