Lo Que La Vida Me Robó #10 Lunes 12/2/13: Presumption and Delusion

Chapter 10: Presumption and Delusion

In view of how these events are unfolding, I now speak in the voice of Edith Wharton.

In Review

We are reminded that Master Dimwit has lost a significant sum at cards and we witness his shame.  Surely the gods then compensate with another view of the initial kiss between Lady Monserrat and Lord Alejandro, which leaves Lady Monserrat wide-eyed. Unknown to them, Refugio watches from a vantage point at the other side of the garden.

Current Happenings:

Garden: Lord Alejandro* is concerned at the impact this has on her. He explains that he has been fascinated with her from the first moment he saw her near the shore on the occasion of their first encounter. He then attempts to assure her that he is unchanged despite the change in his circumstances. Before Lady Monserrat is able to explain that her feelings are not the same as his, Countess Graceless enters and interrupts by inviting His Lordship to stay for a dessert repast. He declines graciously, Lady Monserrat saying that he has important matters to settle. Countess Graceless then attempts to extract a promise to visit them on the morrow, but he wavers, then accepts, and departs. When he is beyond their hearing, Countess Graceless speaks of his attributes to her daughter. They return inside and she continues her attempt at coercing Lady Monserrat to conquer the heart [and yes, the hormones] of Lord Alejandro. Lady Monserrat, however, is not of a mind to do this. She refuses to be a sacrificial lamb to the family's financial problems. At the last she tells her mother she will do no more of what she demands, states the matter is concluded, and departs for her chamber. Countess Graceless, however, does not appear daunted by this.

Military Stockade: Corporal Alvarez broods in his cell, praying to be shortly reunited with his ladylove while Lady Monserrat wonders whom she can trust, finally deciding that there is no one.

Townhouse in Agua Azul: Lord Alejandro arrives to find Sir Victor awaiting him to discuss business matters. He enquires as to whether they are returning to the estate on the morrow only to have Lord Alejandro shake his head. Sir Victor correctly guesses that this is due to Lady Monserrat.

The Following Day

Almonte Manor: Maid Maria directs another servant as to where to place the flowers, anticipating Lord Alejandro's return.

Townhouse in Agua Azul: Lord Alejandro hands some gold to Sir Victor, asking that he purchase flowers to be sent to her ladyship. Sir Victor comments that this is evidence of his love, but advises against doing anything foolish. They have no time to continue this conversation due to the arrival of the fat man who won all of Dimwit's stake in the previous evening's game. He tells Lord Alejandro that he holds a promissory note for payment and was told to appeal to him for it. Lord Alejandro holds his temper well as he explains that Master Dimwit is not his relation and he has been told lies. “What am I to do, then?” he asks. “I know not; that is your affair,” is the reply. The man departs, saying he will seek out Dimwit's relations. With a most eloquent facial expression and not a word, His Lordship expresses his opinion of his ladylove's hapless brother. [Methinks after this he should worry about the intelligence of his future heirs.]

Military Stockade: Refugio arrives to advise Corporal Alvarez to forget about Lady Monserrat because he saw her on the previous evening with another man. Corporal Alvarez does not wish to believe this. His friend explains that he saw her kissing the other man and was not confused about what he saw.

Mendoza Manor: Clad in a short one-shouldered aquamarine gown, Lady Monserrat opens the door to the fat man, who enquires about Master Dimwit. Upon her telling him that Dimwit had left five minutes previously, the man asks to see Admiral Mendoza. She explains that he is ill and cannot receive visitors at this time. Upon realizing that Lady Monserrat is the sister of the wastrel, he informs her that her brother owes 20,000 pesos [currently about $1,515 US] from the previous evening's gaming. Further, that he was told to collect it from brother-in-law Lord Alejandro, who refused to pay. Lady Monserrat is astonished at this news.

Townhouse in Agua Azul: At that very moment, Master Dimwit has arrived at Lord Alejandro's residence to explain this matter to him. He requests that he lend him the owed money. His Lordship does not hesitate to call him out on his presumption, and his unworthy and cowardly behaviour, especially having dragged his own sister's name into it. Dimwit begins to apologise, but ends his statements with excuses. His Lordship tells him this is not to happen again and.... that he will not pay. He has agreed to help the family, but not cover for his foolishness. He is interested in Lady Monserrat for her goodness and noble nature and will not be taken advantage of. He orders him out, finally telling him that this man threatened to go to his father.

Mendoza Manor: Which is now the subject of Lady Monserrat's conversation with Countess Graceless (whose manner of dress clearly makes her worthy of that name). She does not lose her temper at the news or the reminder that this is a blot on the family escutcheon, but is clearly disturbed by it. She asked whether the Count is aware of this, but Lady Monserrat tells her he is not. However, Lady Monserrat is embarrassed at her brother's presumption. She knows this leaves her at a disadvantage, believing that this will cause His Lordship to withdraw his suit. However, Countess Graceless is not deterred. She is certain that Lord Alejandro is sufficiently fascinated with her daughter that this will be of small matter; after all he has remained in Agua Azul. She is equally presumptuous certain that el Conde will be pleased with the match because Lord Alejandro is a great catch. Lady Monserrat wants no more of this humiliation. Countess Graceless tries to hush her as though she were humoring a child who has just skinned her knees, telling her not to worry. This is, of course, because she has everything under control starting with an apology to Lord Alejandro for Dimwit's actions [good] and another attempt at persuading His Lordship to cover the debt [bad].

Military Stockade: Refugio brings food, but has to leave it because Corporal Alvarez is not hungry. He destroys his appetite further by explaining that he will be taken away from the area shortly. The corporal worries about what they will think of him. He so wants to think she is confused.

Mendoza Manor: The bouquet – a magnificent and presumably expensive array of red roses – is delivered. Lady Monserrat is certain that it was ordered before Lord Alejandro knew of Dimwit's presumption. Countess Graceless is pleased at the flowers and goes on as usual, but Lady Monserrat is apprehensive. She finally informs her mother she does not wish to marry anyone, accusing her of playing with her life. Predictably, this provokes a counter-accusation of playing with the lives of The Family, especially that of the Count. She has promised that Lady Monserrat will receive Lord Alejandro on the morrow. Lady Monserrat is annoyed at her mother's presumption. She does not want to lead the gentleman on. Dimwit then appears, telling his mother he needs to speak with her and this ends this confrontation for the moment. Lady Monserrat lets her brother know she is extremely displeased with his behavior.

Military Stockade: The lieutenant orders Refugio to prepare to move Corporal Alvarez to the facility in Mexico City. This is to be done with absolute discretion. Per orders of Captain Robledos, if there is an escape attempt, he has permission to shoot to kill. Refugio then opens the corporal's cell, cuffs him, and marches him out.

Mendoza Manor: The Count admires the flowers. Lady Monserrat asks him about their finances. He doesn't want to discuss this, telling her not to worry about it. She worries about how they could repay the loan. He is hoping for better return on their crops and that Dimwit will find work. He has been forbidden to work on business matters by his doctors, whom he things are exaggerating his situation. Countess Graceless is in charge now, which is plainly obvious.

Military Van: En route to Mexico City, Refugio drives while the lieutenant rides in the front passenger seat. Corporal Alvarez is in the rear seat alone. However, he appears to have a key to the handcuffs, and he works it carefully. Percussive music sounds through this most disagreeable scene.  The car stops and the other two get out first, letting Alvarez out. He hits the officer, taking his pistol. Corporal Alvarez aims at him, finally with Refugio aiming in the same direction, telling him to kneel. Corporal Alvarez demands the cell phone.  The lieutenant throws it to him, and ugly words are exchanged. The corporal and his friend have no desire to hurt the officer and they head for the vehicle. However, the lieutenant has a smaller pistol in an ankle holster, which he draws and fires, hitting Refugio. He keeps the pistol aimed at Alvarez, whom he orders to surrender, as he is to be turned over to the police in Mexico City. Alvarez – in the first show of courage we see from him – challenges him to shoot. He is an innocent man and will not be imprisoned for crimes he did not commit. He even moves in closer so that the pistol touches his head. The lieutenant appears somewhat confounded by this at first, finally saying that Alvarez is as worthless as his friend. Who promptly shoots him. He falls with pistol in hand and Alvarez kicks it out of his grasp. He helps Refugio to his feet and gets him inside the van. They drive off.

Police Car: Local law enforcement passes the military vehicle and then finds the lieutenant further down the road. They appear unable to do the sum of the situation.

Almonte Manor: Maid Maria waits on the steps, still with her leg in a cast and crutches at hand. Her father tries to get her to go back to work.

Mendoza Manor: Lord Alejandro awaits and Countess Graceless enters, rhapsodizing on how much Lady Monserrat appreciated the beautiful roses. She bades him sit and apologises for Dimwit's behavior, explaining also that the Count is unaware of what has happened. He becomes concerned and she tells him that the man owed the money did come to the house. Lady Monserrat was deeply shamed by this. However, she goes on about how pleased her daughter is with him. He makes certain that none of their previous conversations regarding the arrangement were known to her. She does implore him for the money to pay Dimwit's debt to spare the scandal it would cause. He reluctantly agrees, stating that he is at the edge of his patience with this. She expresses her gratitude, promises that this will not occur again, stating once too frequently that she is embarrassed and ashamed of her son, and before exiting to fetch her merchandise daughter deeply inhales the fragrance of the roses, as though they had been sent to her. He looks as though he is wondering what manner of trap he has fallen into.

Lady Monserrat's Chamber: Countess Graceless enters, telling her daughter that His Lordship will pay her brother's debts. She is to be most amiable toward him. Her Ladyship is annoyed yet again. Countess Graceless asks whether she would prefer that her father know and suffer another heart attack. Of course she would not but is not pleased by another loan.

Military Van: Alvarez stops the van and takes out the first aid kit to help Refugio. He rips open the shirt and pours a liquid over the gunshot wound, which looks like it is near the left clavicle.

Mendoza Manor: Lady Monserrat enters the drawing room to a kiss. Countess Graceless leaves her alone with His Lordship and exits. Lady Monserrat apologises for her brother, but Lord Alejandro says that she is not her brother's keeper; everyone is responsible for his own actions. This doesn't take away her chagrin on her family's behalf. However, the deceptions are the worst. They have an oblique conversation about trust between men and women and possible/hypothetical bad experiences. He finally takes her hand, telling her that he is completely sincere and would like her to be his intended. She appears to accept, but reluctantly.

Military Van: Alvarez manuevers Refugio into a sitting position, but this could be a grave error. Refugio refuses to be taken to a hospital, as they are now fugitives. They exit the car.  Refugio puts on his rosary as though it were a necklace,which surely must be an ill omen.

Mayor Medina's Study: Captain Robledo and the local police relate the finding of the lieutenant's corpse to His Honour [who has none, really] and his theory of the crime. He has an excellent grasp of the matter. After he exits, however, Medina tells his people that the two fugitives are exactly the sort of men they will need for their business matters.

Woods: The two fugitives are afoot, but Refugio is unable to move much more.

Mendoza Manor: Countess Graceless wakes her husband to tell him that Lord Alejandro is about to announce his intentions. She is too excited to notice that her necklace is askew. She directs the gentlemen to the study then requests that Lady Monserrat help her prepare dinner while the gentlemen speak formally. The Count is pleased at this except for the risk that he feels he is taking advantage of His Lordship's generosity. He is happy when assured of the contrary. Outside the building His Lordship declares to Lady Monserrat he is very much in love with her.

The Preview:

Corporal Alvarez is en route to Mendoza Manor at a most awkward moment.

*We know not whether his bastard status is an impediment to his acquisition of his father's title.

Of course, I have not failed to notice that our hero is maturing to resemble a favorite of a past generation.