Lo Que La Vida Me Robo, 12/30/13. Capitulo 32 and 33.

This is a joint recap between myself and Urban Anthropologist.  It is a bit long.  Hope you all enjoy. 



Capitulo 32.  Oh where, oh where are JL's...avocados.

Juvie the delusional thinks with Maria's help, Ale will give him the position of capataz.  Maria agrees to talk to Ale for him.  As Juvie is putting on his stinky boot, he knocks over some papers and tells her to pick it up.  Maria finds the letter that JL wrote to Montse.

Ale tells Victor that he changed his mind about him talking to his contact at the police station.  This makes Victor happy and asks if that means he can stay longer at the hacienda.  Ale tells him that he found out about the flowers and thinks that he's playing with fire.  Victor reminds Ale that he once told him to forget about Montse but Ale couldn't.  Well I feel the same way you did back then.  I know this isn't right, but I am still going ahead with my plans.  Montse and Nadia walk in and Montse thought Victor was leaving today.  I was replies Victor, but since there is no capataz here, I offered to stay a bit longer.  Maria interrupts and requests that Ale accompany her.  He tells her he's busy, but she insists.  It's about Antonio. 

They go into Ale's study and she shows him the letter that JL wrote before leaving.  Ale reads the letter and asks Maria how would she know that JL/Antonio wrote it?  Maria brings other papers written in JL's handwriting to compare.  After looking at the proof, he asks her not to mention this to anyone.  He also tells her to never enter the capataz's house again without permission.  Remember it is no longer your house. 

Dim is chilling with Adolfo at his crib.  Adolfo gets off the phone with Pedro who tells him that Nadia is at Montse's for a visit.  Adolfo thinks they should go there to get money from their sisters to flee.  Just then Dim's phone rings at it's the wifey.  Adolfo grabs the phone and takes out the battery.  He says with today's technology, there whereabouts can be traced.  Then his phone rings and Dim's sure it's the wifey.  Dim says he needs to do the same to his own phone, but Adolfo says his phone won't do the same.  Dim grabs the phone and throws it across the room and breaks it into pieces.  Josefina hangs up, starts to cry and wonders why the boys won't answer. 

Juvie calls up Loreto and tattle tales that Nadia has been hanging out with a Victor Hernandez.  Pedro wanted to be kept informed of Nadia's activities.  Are you sure asks Loreto.  Of course replies Juvie.  He has even sent her flowers.  They are now talking and giggling.  Look! Look! (Um, dude.  You're on the phone talking.  It's not like he can “see” them.  Obviously you need to upgrade your phone).  Juvie asks if there is something he wants him to do, but Loreto says not right now.  Just keep watching her.  It's better that Pedro not find out until we are completely sure there is something going on.  Just keep me informed.

Montse and Carlotta notice Nadia giggling like a school girl when she's talking to Victor.  Montse is glad that Nadia is enjoying her visit.  Suddenly Ale storms in and heads to his study slamming the door.  Everyone notices except the jubilant Nadia.  Carlotta takes her cue to leave and tells Nadia to accompany her.  Carlotta offers Nadia advice without asking if she wants it.  She advises Nadia it's best if she leaves and returns to her husband.  Why are you telling me this asks Nadia.  Carlotta ignores her and asks if she is interested in Victor.  No, of course not replies Nadia.  Good says Carlotta because he is definitely interested in you.  So don't give my niece any more problems then she already has and stop this nonsense.  Nadia walks back into the living room to a sh!t eating grin from Victor and runs away.  He looks perplexed.  Montse asks Carlotta what the heck she told Nadia.  Carlotta asks if she saw the wagon full of flowers outside.  Victor gave it to Nadia.  When a man does something like that it's because he has feelings for the recipient.  I only told her to be careful.  Anyway, what is going on with your husband?  I don't know but I am going to ask him if he wants coffee replies Montse and leaves. Victor is still moping around like a kid that just lost it's favorite toy.

Ale is in his study re-reading the letter.  Montse comes in asking if he wants some coffee.  Ale rudely points out that she has been very nice to him lately.  Montse repeats her offer of coffee, but Ale declines.  She goes to leave but Ale stops her by asking if she is curious about what Maria told him.  I know it's about Antonio replies Montse.  Did he finally show up?  Are you worried about him asks Ale.  Just the way you are and everyone else is says Montse.  Hopefully nothing bad as happened to him replies Ale.  I liked him.  Really? Why asks Montse.  He is serious and a man with few words says Ale.  He also saved my life.  Don't you like him?  Of course replies Montse.  When you both were in here the other day what were you talking about inquires Ale.  Montse says he doesn't recall.  Ale says that Maria told him one day she went looking for JL at his house.  Is that true?  Yes, I'm sure.  I probably needed something replies Montse.  And what was it asks Ale.  I don't remember replies Montse.  You don't remember or you don't want to tell me asks Ale.  What is this about anyway?  An interrogation asks Montse angrily.  And if it is, so what replies Ale.  Don't I have the right to ask you?  You always talk to be about your rights and obligations says Montse.  And what else would I have to talk to you about replies Ale.  About compassion and love?  You promised that you would trust me says Montse.  I was wrong says Ale.  I can't trust you.  Too bad says Montse.  I really wanted us to get along but you just make things more difficult and walks out.  Ale follows her out and heads to the living room.  Where's everyone asks Ale.  They went to bed replies Victor sadly.  Ale says if JL doesn't show up tomorrow, he wants Victor to find another capataz.  Do you want me to stay with you asks Victor but Ale wants to be alone.  Ale starts drinking.

Nadia is waiting in Victor's room for him.  Nadia wants to talk and when Victor starts getting close she tells him not too.  You told me you were going to leave.  Why are you still here?  For you replies Victor.  Nadia begs him to leave but he refuses.  I should be the one leaving says Nadia.  But I don't have the strength.  I won't be in peace with you here.  I can't keep feeling like this.  When I sit, you sit next to me.  When I talk, you answer.  When I go out to walk, you find me.  I turn red when I am with you and everyone knows it.  Please, I beg you to leave.  Is that what you really want asks Victor.  What would you like me to tell you asks Nadia.  Not to leave?  I can't say that.  He grabs her face and goes in for a kiss, but she pulls away and runs out.

Maria sees Ale drinking alone and grabs a glass to join him.  She asks if it bothers him if she is with him.  No replies Ale.  Maria suggests that he get drunk tonight so that she can have her evil way with him.  (Well not really, but I’m sure she's thinking it).  She says she has never seen him drunk.  She wonders if he will be emotional or content.  They toast and Rosario sees all.  Maria keeps filling Ale's glass with more booze. 

Rosario goes to see Montse and brings her a cup of tea.  Montse inquires about Ale.  Rosario says he's in the living room.  With Maria asks Montse.  Yes, they are talking replies Rosario.  She asks if Montse loves Ale.  Well, he's my husband and I care for him replies Montse.  But not love points out Rosario.    It's to long a story says Montse.  I want to get along with him, but he's difficult.  He's controlling and violent.  I'm scared.  When I am with him, I am not even myself.  Why don't you talk to him the way you are talking to me suggests Rosario.  Why don't you explain exactly how you feel?  Ale is good and I assure you, he will understand.  Montse wonders if Rosario ever knew Ale's mom?  No replies Rosario.  She was a campasina and had the same name as you says Montse.  I think that you did know her.  Why don't you tell me?  Rosario gets nervous and asks if she can go. 

Rosario walks by the living room and sees Maria and Ale talking and laughing.  Maria talks about old times.  She wants things to be the same again.  Cheesy music comes on and Maria tells Ale how much she cares for him and enjoys being with him.  Don't you feel the same way?  Of course replies a drunk Ale.  I like you for reals says Maria and goes in for a kiss and he kisses her back. 

Next morning at the breakfast table, Maria shoots daggers at Montse.  Victor comes in asking for Nadia.  He finds out that she left very early to return home.  Victor quickly tells Ale that he just found out that one of the machines broke down and he has to return immediately back to Aguazul.  Ale agrees and Victor turns to leave.  Maria tells him he needs to eat breakfast first, but Victor says that he lost his appetite.  Esme decides that she also wants to leave.  She asks Victor to get her bag because she wants to finish breakfast first.  Ale the wonderful host hopes Esme had a great time at the hacienda.  Yes, replies Esme.  I thank you and your wife for the great hospitality.  Suddenly Esme's phone rings and she says hi to her friend and she says that she and Victor are leaving soon and to tell the owner of the strip club that she will be dancing tonight.  It's really JL on the other side thanking her for the information.  JL tells Refugio that they can return to the hacienda.  They have a short celebration and Refugio rains on the parade.  What are you going to tell Ale once we return?  Nothing replies JL confidently. 

Rosario rushes into Montse's room to inform her that Antonio has returned.  Rosario notices that Montse is not surprised at the news and asks if she knew that he would return.  Montse ignores her question and asks if Ale knows.  Maria just told him and Ale left to go to the capataz's house. 

JL sees Ale coming and tells Refugio to let him handle things and not to say a word.  They pretend they are looking at paperwork when Ale and nosy Maria just walk right in.  Ale asks where they were?  JL says he told him that he had to go take care of a personal matter.  Ale reminds him that he said he wanted him to stay to accept the new stock of animals.  JL says Juvie could have handled that.  My problem was urgent.  What was the emergency asks Ale.  JL says he doesn't want to talk about it.  It's personal.  Fine replies Ale.  I understand that everyone is entitled to their personal business but I am not happy that you just upped and left your job.  Especially not telling anyone.  Maria chimes in that they had them all worried.  JL apologizes and says he won't do it again.  If you want to let me go, I understand.  Ale shrugs it off.  Refugio can't believe that Ale didn't get mad. 

Maria tells Ale that she should have fired JL or at least tell him why they left.  He is my employee, but I understand that he has a private life and I can't force him to tell me why he left replies Ale.  Maria grabs his arm and reminds him about the letter.  Are you not even going to ask him?  Ale tells her if she wants them to get along then don't stick your nose in what's none of your business and walks away.  Juvie walks up and asks what the fuss about?  Maria tells him to forget about being the new capataz.  Antonio has returned. 

Ale walks in and tells Montse that Antonio has returned.  Really and what did he tell you as to why he left asks Montse the transparent.  It was a personal matter replies Ale.  Carlotta rushes in and shouts that that man has returned.  Montse quickly covers up her aunt's actions and tells Ale that Carlotta was just saying how upset she was for Antonio to leave like that without letting anyone know.  Carlotta says she felt it was disrespectful.  Dominga interrupts to tell Ale that a car just pulled up.  Ale leaves and Carlotta asks Montse why JL returned.  I have no idea replies Montse.

Outside, Ale sees Dim and Adolfo coming up the stairs.  Dim says he didn't call ahead to surprise his sister.  Ale gets introduced to Adolfo who he greets warmly.  Dim asks if he can enter and after a pause, Ale tells him to come on in. 

Dim walks in to a surprised Montse.  He goes to her with extended arms that I’m sure stink to high heaven.  He sees Carlotta and gets even more excited.  Carlotta is buying it and goes to embrace her nephew.  Montse asks why Dim is there?  Did something happen to my dad?  He's fine replies Dim.  Can I not visit you?  Adolfo comes in and shouts out Montse's name and wonders how she's fairing.  In walks Ale behind him not so happy.  Carlotta asks how long they plan to stay.  Dim says one maybe two weeks.  Ale calls for Montse to follow him. 

Ale tells Montse that he doesn't want her brother to stay.  Neither do I replies Montse.  Ale breaks out in a rare smile and says finally we agree on something.  Do you want to tell him or would you prefer I do asks Ale.  Montse says she will bite the bullet and tell him herself.  Is it because of what Esme told you inquires Ale.  Yes and what my mom told me too replies Montse.  Does that mean that you are finally believing me asks Ale.  Yes replies Montse. 

Adolfo finds out from Carlotta that Nadia already left.  He says that is one of the reasons he came, to see his sister.  Carlotta leaves to get some lemonade for the boys.  Adolfo in one of his rare moments of any brain thought says to Dim that his brother-in-law looks like he doesn't want them there.  Dim confidently says that he will just have to deal with it.  It's not like he's going to throw them out.  I'm going to talk to my sister in awhile and get some money from her.  In walks JL and Dim asks him what the heck he is doing there?  Ale walks out of the study and asks  JL/Antonio to follow him.  JL gives Dim the evil eye.  Montse tells her brother to be quiet.  She needs to talk to him.  Carlotta walks in with Maria in tow actually for once doing something.  Carlotta instructs her to tell Dominga to prepare a light snack. 

Maria walks into the kitchen shouting that she can't stand her.  Nosy old lady.  I can't stand her treating me like a servant because I am not.  When Ale returns, I am going to tell him.  Dominga tells her that she will make Ale tired of all her complaining.  I don't bother him replies Maria.  On the contrary, he likes to have me near.  Dominga asks Rosario to watch the pot on the stove so she can get some herbs for the frijoles.  Maria asks Rosario if Montse's brother and his friend with the pretty eyes are going to stay long?  Rosario doesn't know.  Why don't you ask Montse replies Maria.  But of course not telling her I asked you to.  Refugio comes in wondering if Rosario can fix him a plate.  He's starving.  Maria asks Refugio what problem JL/Antonio had.  Refugio tells her to ask him.  Did you know that Ale found a letter that JL wrote to Montse replies Maria.  Rosario and Refugio look at each other.  Maria asks what's up with the faces?  Of course, you guys know what's going on with Antonio and Montse.  Rosario tells Maria to stop gossiping.  Maria says that if I complain to Ale, he will send you away.  Refugio asks Rosario after Maria leaves if what she said is true?  Rosario turns the tables and asks if he knows if it's true?  Did Antonio write a letter to Montse?  Yes, replies Refugio.  Rosario says they should never have returned. 

Ale says when he went to see JL at his house he was not alone and could not ask him a question.  And depending on the answer, we will see if you will still work for me.  Ask me what you want replies JL.  I found this letter on your desk.  JL tells Ale it's not what he thinks.  I will tell you the truth because you have every right to know what's going on.  (Finally! He's grown a set) It's time I tell you face to face.  It was not by accident that I came to work here at your hacienda.  It was just convenient for me.  Then why are you here asks Ale.  I'm here because I am in love with a woman. 

Montse tells Dim that he is not welcome.  Ale knows everything that you and our mother have done to ensure that I married him.  And I'm very angry with you.  I can't believe what you did against JL.  Do you know who was here this week asks Montse.  Esmeralda Ramos.  Dim pretends not to know her, but Montse points out that he knows her very well.  Ale made her come to tell me everything.  At what point did it occur to you to make up such a lie?  Dim tells her he did he a favor.  What?  Making him appear guilty of a crime he didn't commit asks Montse.  What are you talking about asks Dim.  Ale forced our mother to tell the truth replies Montse.  That the person guilty of killing Bruno Gamboa's is you. 

JL tells Ale that the love he has for this woman started long before he came to the hacienda.  Our love was prohibited.  The major obstacle was her family.  I must confess when I came here, I wanted to see her to try to get her back.  Ale this whole time is looking pissed.  JL says that when he left this weekend, he was at the choza by the river.  So it was you that was there with Angelica says Ale.  Of course, now I understand. I just found out yesterday.  She and her sister where talking and I overheard.  I never imaged that her boyfriend was you.  Don't worry, I promised Angelica that I wouldn't say anything.  JL wants to explain why he wrote that letter to Montse.  Well you did it because she knew you are Angelica's boyfriend replies Ale.  Look, I know that you and my woman have talked privately together multiple times.  Now I know why smiles Ale.  Let me tell you that you have no idea of all the thoughts that have ran  through my mind.  JL says he doesn't think that he can work for him anymore.  Ale tells him not to be foolish.  He doesn't care why he accepted the job at the hacienda.  He has no complaints about his work.  I am indebted to you.  You saved my life.  JL reminds him that he doesn't owe him a thing.  Ale tells JL that he once was a lowly peasant and knows what it is to fall in love with a woman of higher breeding.  As of today, I don't want you to see me as your patron, but as your friend.  Count on my discretion and my help. 

Montse says their mom told her that he and Bruno struggled with the gun and that is how he got killed.  Dim gets angry that his mom spilled the frijoles and betrayed him.  Montse can't believe that they would take advantage of the situation and frame JL for the killing.  What did your husband say to our mother to convince her to spill it asks Dim.  Montse as no idea.  He must have given my mother money replies Dim.  She sold me.  Why are you surprised asks Montse.  If I had a price for our mother then why wouldn't you?  But don't worry.  Ale and I have no thoughts of telling the police anything.  In exchange you have to leave today.  Dim says he's not leaving.  Not when she has her ex-boyfriend living here.  Don't think that I didn't see him.  Ale calls him Antonio.  This surprises Montse.  Now with the card on the tables, let's talk says Dim.  I thought you didn't know him but I remember that you saw us once at the pier replies Montse.  She swears that she has nothing going on with him.  She begs him not to say a word to Ale about him.  Dim promises not to say a word in exchange for some money.  Montse tells him that she doesn't have any money.  But your husband does and lots replies Dim.

JL is walking in the stables whipping his whip when Refugio comes running after him.  He shouts that he told him that they shouldn't return.  Maria told me that Ale found the letter that you wrote to Montse.  JL tells him to calm down.  I just talked to him about that.  I told him who I am and why I came here.  Refugio wonders what happened.  JL says Ale thought he was talking about Angelica.  Well you should have just said it all shouts Refugio.  This is all just getting worse replies JL.  One lie after another.  This will all end badly.  I told you we shouldn't have returned shouts Refugio again.  He's going to end up killing us both.  There's more says JL.  Dim just arrived.  Refugio says that idiot will not keep his mouth shut.  I know shouts JL.  That is the price I have to pay for lying.  The only thing that worries me is what Ale will do to Montse when he finds out.  I have to take her away from here even if by force. 

JL walks to his house when he encounters Juvie.  Juvie tells him not to get to comfortable he will be leaving soon.  JL follows up with his own threat. 

JL walks into this crib and it's Montse. 

Chapter 33: Theft of the Future

In Review

“We will flee tonight, yes or no?” Astonishingly, she actually said yes.

 Current Happenings:

Steward's Cottage: In the belief that she had agreed, José Luis told Lady Monserrat repeatedly that he loved her, but with no response in kind. Her eyes no longer saw him the same way. She left the cottage before she could be seen.

Almonte Manor, Study: At the same moment Pervertino complained to Lord Alejandro about Mr Olivares' unorthodox – and unauthorized – absence, insisting that he must be dismissed. Lord Alejandro was justifiably offended at his presumption, telling him it was not his place to make such a demand. Further, that he had made no promise of promotion to the steward's position. Pervertino decided that it was owed to him for his silence regarding Countess Graceless' illicit relation with Lord Benjamin. Lord Alejandro riposted his threat, informing him that he would lose his position if he did not keep silent.

Outside: Masters Dimwit and Adolfo spoke of the situation regarding Lady Monserrat and the presence of José Luis Alvarez. Master Dimwit attempted to explain that Lord Alejandro knew nothing, he was certain. Further, that his demand for money for his silence and eventual departure would be his sister's problem. Master Adolfo did not hesitate to comment on Maid Maria's beauty, which was only to be expected from one as superficial as himself.

Lord Mayor's Office: Lady Nadia arrived and requested that the secretary announce her. Her husband deigned to see her but was far less pleased to see her than she to see him. He then introduced her to Sir Victor Hernandez, unaware that they had already met. In true gentlemanly fashion, Sir Victor behaved as though they had just casually met through friends, betraying no hint of his regard for Lady Nadia. The Lord Mayor commented briefly, then invited Sir Victor to dine with them the following evening. Lady Nadia was apprehensive throughout this entire exchange, first looking away, then studying her husband once he had closed the door. Upon his enquiry about her presence, she told him it was nothing. He prevented her kissing him, telling her to go home and prepare the evening meal.

Almonte Manor, Stables: Master Adolfo, in his usual prowling manner, discovered Maid Maria looking inside. He introduced himself and commented on her beauty in a manner too forward upon introduction. Although he stood several feet away from her, Maria saw him for what he was. He spoke of his travels and how other women paled in comparison to her. She commented that Lady Monserrat would not approve of his approaches to her. Undeterred and unconcerned, he spoke of the immodest fashions of Brazil and how they would suit her, even having the temerity to touch the delicate exposed area above her relatively modest neckline. He knew no boundaries and no correct manner, for when she told him that she lived in the main house he suggested that they meet in her room that night. She suggested that they meet elsewhere, looking at him in a most suggestive manner. Whether she intended to keep the assignation was not obvious.

Medina Residence: Sir Victor was already on the patio when Lady Nadia arrived home and was informed by her housekeeper that she had a visitor. She was clearly nervous at the sight of him, asking what he was doing there. Speaking of his impatience at seeing her, he embraced her and they kissed despite her misgivings.

Arichega Manor: Lady Angelica rested in her chamber. When she was unable to contact Mr Olivares at his hotel she was disappointed until Lord Joaquin asked whether she would enjoy accompanying him to Almonte Manor. She accepted with a childlike enthusiasm that pleased him.

Medina Residence: It was evident that Lady Nadia was discomfited by her feeling for Sir Victor. She feared the consequences of those feelings, especially if they would be consummated. He noticed her tears of anguish, but she broke his embrace, saying she loved her husband. She had heard that Sir Victor was a ladies' man and had no wish to be another in a succession of his conquests. He was confused, telling her that he was not merely looking for diversion. She told him she wished to nurture her marriage, asking why he had accepted the dinner invitation. Confused, but wishing to continue his suit while not wishing to cause her further pain of the moment, he promised to decline the invitation before he departed.

Almonte Manor: Lady Monserrat informed His Lordship that her brother and his friend would merely stay the night and depart on the morrow. Although he was not inclined to host his incorrigible brother-in-law, Lord Alejandro made no argument. He did enquire as to how his lady wife came to know of the relation between Mr Olivares and Lady Angelica. Before she could say very much said Lady Angelica and her father arrived. After a few pleasantries Lady Angelica said she would appreciate a short constitutional while the gentlemen conducted their business. Lord Alejandro suggested to Lady Monserrat that she accompany her. She had little other choice without betraying the full truth.

Outside: The two ladies walked slowly, speaking of Mr Olivares. Lady Angelica stated that they were not affianced, but merely friends, and that Mr Olivares was in love with another. Lady Monserrat enquired the identity of his ladylove, to be told that it was herself. There was no opportunity to continue this, as Master Dimwit approached from behind, requesting an introduction upon the sight of Lady Angelica. Upon hearing her name he commented on her angelic appearance, with her responding in kind, asking if he was the devil. [Touché, Lady Angelica!] She took this opportunity to depart in search of “a friend,” which caused Master Dimwit to ask whom she referred to. Lady Monserrat was not inclined to answer, leaving him confused, perhaps sufficiently to not follow Lady Angelica.

Steward's Cottage: José Luis was packing in anticipation of their departure that evening just as Lady Angelica arrived. Refugio took the bag away before she could notice it and left her to talk with José Luis. She began to speak of her conversation with Lady Monserrat, only to have José Luis insist upon repaying the emergency funds she had lent him. She did not want to accept, but was persuaded to, finally departing after securing a promise from him to see her on the morrow. After she was gone the two friends continued their packing.

 Almonte Manor: Inside, Lord Joaquin had made the acquaintance of the two other friends, extending an invitation to them along with the Almontes. Master Dimwit was pleased at the prospect, particularly at the sight of Lady Angelica upon her return. Once she departed with her father he commented on her beauty before his sister and his aunt, the former of whom bade him watch his behavior. He threatened her in return to be careful. Lady Carlotta was curious about this exchange, but Lady Monserrat was not of a mind to discuss it.

 Medina Residence: Lady Nadia looked in the mirror and saw her own apprehension. She thought back on Sir Victor's kiss, but had no more than a second to that thought before her husband arrived, speaking of his tensions. She offered to massage his back but he declined, as he did all contact with her. She persisted and while he was discomfited she could not see his expression. He mentioned that Sir Victor had canceled for the following evening as she attempted to administer a massage. However, when she attempted to kiss him in invitation to further intimacy he was repelled, telling her he was displeased with her. He left her alone in the room, dejected.

Almonte Manor: As Master Dimwit slept off the effects of excess drink, Lady Monserrat attempted to leave, only to see Master Adolfo near the stables. He asked why she had a valise with her, not knowing that the impudent Maria was behind him. However, when Lady Monserrat saw her she quickly departed, imploring him to say nothing to anyone. Maria asked about Her Ladyship only to be told that she was taking in the fresh night air. She did not appear to believe this.

Medina Residence: Finally driven by her dejection, confusion, and frustration, Lady Nadia demanded to know why her husband rejected her. She would not be put off by his refusal to speak of his failure to enact his husbandly duties. With an expression at the edge of madness he told her to leave him alone. This did not prevent her finally asking him whether he did not favor women. With an inhuman coldness he asked what stupidity she was thinking as he pushed her onto the bed. Finally, he said that it was not that he did not like women, but that he did not like her. He felt nothing for her. With those words he left her alone in her room, as anguished as though she had entered Hell itself, hearing echoes down its corridors as she writhed in emotional agony on her bed.

Almonte Manor: Lady Monserrat returned to her room, throwing the bag on the floor and herself on the bed, shocked that she may have been found out. Outside, José Luis and Refugio met at the appointed place. Refugio was certain that Lady Monserrat would not meet with them. At the last he decided they should return to the cottage. At the same moment, the presumptuous Maria decided to question Master Adolfo on the events of the evening, saying that Lord Alejandro was her best friend. However, Master Adolfo successfully distracted her with a modest silver or white gold pendant on a chain, which he placed around her neck. Although she did not quite express the full gratitude he hoped for, it appeared to put an end to her interrogation.

The Following Morning

Medina Residence: Lady Nadia sat alone in the dining hall sipping her coffee until she could endure no more of the empty table. Finally she rose and walked out onto the long balcony overlooking the garden. She dropped her cup at the sight of the cart decked in flowers. She ran down to inspect it as the housekeeper informed her that it had been delivered by a young man.

Almonte Manor: As Lady Monserrat completed her toilette, Maid Maria entered her room uninvited, in her usual manner. After making a show of placing a glass of orange juice on the table near the bed, she said she had been appointed to do so by Rosario. Lady Monserrat was not fooled by this and indicated as much. Maria then presumed to demand to know what she had been doing the night before in the stables. As Her Ladyship was about to put her in her place, Lord Alejandro arrived just in time to do precisely that. He insisted that Maria show Her Ladyship the appropriate respect. At first she attempted to goad Her Ladyship into a confession to whatever crime she was prepared to accuse her of, but Lord Alejandro would not hear of it. He ordered her to cease her attacks and leave her Ladyship's room, not to enter it again. She attempted to interrupt him, but he stopped her words, telling her in no uncertain terms that she was to respect Her Ladyship as his wife and the mistress of the manor. After her departure he apologised to Lady Monserrat for his earlier failing to see her misgivings about Maria and her conflicts with her. Lady Monserrat was quite satisfied. He promised to help with this and asked whether she would join him in the corral. She declined, due to the heat, and he accepted this. He reminded her that she was to see that her brother and his friend departed that very day. He then returned to work. She was relieved, but clearly knew that this would not be the last anxious moment of her life or her marriage.

Medina Residence: Lady Nadia's housekeeper was enchanted by the flower cart, thinking that the Lord Mayor had sent it. Lady Nadia told her that was not the case; she had ordered it as a new decoration. She then announced that she would bathe and went inside to do so, perhaps to avoid further enquiries.

Road: Constable Loreto spoke with Pervertino, informing him that the flower cart had been delivered. Pervertino (who had seen the cart previously at Almonte Manor) drew the logical conclusion about it, which he did not hesitate to share. Constable Loreto observed that the Lord Mayor hated the possibility of scandal and Pervertino told him to not be concerned; he would say nothing.

Maria's Chamber: Lady Monserrat entered uninvited only to hear the unscrupulous wench's assumption that she was there to plead with her to say nothing to His Lordship. Lady Monserrat was as cool as a mountain spring in telling her how mistaken she was. Maria's attempt at verbal warfare failed miserably when Her Ladyship told her that she had His Lordship's full support. She was to think about what side her bread was buttered on. The nasty wench was bested in this encounter and was most resentful of the result.

Parlour / Study / Outside: Master Adolfo told Master Dimwit that his sister had a small valise with her the previous evening. “Do you think she was trying to escape?” asked Dimwit. “I don't know, but it would seem so.” He went on about being interrupted by Maria but could not finish his tale because Lady Monserrat arrived. She called her brother into the study, then told him she could not secure the money he wanted. Nor could he ask to stay longer. Unfortunately, she did not take the same tone with Master Dimwit as she had previously with Maria; she pleaded with him to leave so as to not make things more difficult. He refused, accusing her of exaggerating the matter. He finally had the temerity to suggest that she ask the steward to embezzle the funds from the estate. At her justifiably shocked reaction he even intimated that she should seduce the money from her husband. She was scandalized at his shamelessness.

José Luis arrived and Master Dimwit departed with verbal flourishes about how they could put their heads together to find the funds he was demanding. When the door closed José Luis asked why she had not met him the night before. She told him that Adolfo had seen her. When he suggested that they flee that night she refused. At the last she told him that if he loved her as much as he professed he would leave. Neither was aware that her worthless brother and his equally worthless friend were outside that very door, listening to all being said. She was married and that was that. She reminded him that if the two cads could harm her marriage his presence could also. Alas, they fled their position outside the door quickly enough for her not to catch them. Outside they spoke of it, with Master Adolfo not accepting that Lady Monserrat would not buy their silence. He insisted that Master Dimwit threaten her again.

Maria's Chamber: Pervertino's entrance should have been convincing enough that an uncle should not be permitted into his niece's bedchamber. She was sitting on the bed, angry and petulant as a child as he closed the door behind him. She told him she didn't wish his company and to leave her alone. He chided her about his advice to cause a conflict between the Almontes. She explained that it failed, speaking of the letter and that he did nothing. Now His Lordship was not even talking to her. Pervertino knew then that she was losing ground. She told him about what she thought had transpired in the stables the night before and that it was her own bad fortune that Master Adolfo was there. Further, that Lord Alejandro forbade her to speak of Her Ladyship. Pervertino took this news with no degree of panic, but was perhaps distracted by his own enjoyment in fondling his niece's bare feet and later her clothed back.

Road: Constable Loreto followed someone driving a white vehicle, noting every landmark along the road.

Steward's Cottage: Master Dimwit entered as though he were master of the estate rather than an uninvited and unwelcome guest, rattling something on the wall to attract José Luis' attention. He goaded him with a demand for money under threat of disclosure. José Luis almost yielded to the temptation of killing him using a rope as a garrotte, but thought better of it at Dimwit's sarcastic commentary about his sense of honor. He released him, ordering him to leave. At the last he had to force him out the door.

Almonte Manor: Lady Monserrat cried, anxiously thinking of her intolerable situation. Lord Alejandro entered and in frustration told him she could not ask her brother to leave. That Lady Carlotta asked her to give him another chance because he was her brother. He was quite willing to do the unpleasant task of forcing Dimwit's departure, but Lady Monserrat implored him not to, saying that her aunt was right. She drew him into her arms and – though she likely by then enjoyed the embraces of her husband – complied with Master Dimwit's shameless suggestion, that she make herself a whore to feed his greed.

Didn't see the preview for tonight's episode.