Caray, Caray!

Leftovers from Friday---Al’s following the family tradition and drowning his sorrows. Mili wants to talk to him, but he insults her—calls her a liar and reminds her of how he treated her so nicely all the while she’s messing around with his cousin. She tells him to stop because he’s saying things she won’t be able to forgive. Al laughs at that, she forgive him? He calls her crazy and she says it is him who’s crazy and she runs off. Hugo fills Andrea in on what happened with Mili and how Al, of course, thought the worst of the situation. The two evil powers agree to continue combining their efforts to wreak havoc on our protagonists.

Mili’s in the dorm, crying over Al. Lina walks in and asks her friend what’s wrong. Mili starts to spill out the whole story. Lina doesn’t see why Al would be upset if she and Hugo were talking. Mili lets her know that she was in a bathrobe, with lingerie on underneath, and on Hugo’s bed. Lina wants to know if Mili slept with Hugo and Mili is affronted. No, she insists, we weren’t doing anything. I was just posing for Hugo---he’s a painter. Lina says you really can’t blame Al for jumping to the wrong conclusion, she’s having a hard time herself wrapping her mind around the idea that Mili was almost nude and in Hugo’s bed—and nothing happened. Mili says that Al should have trusted her.

Al meets Bobby in a restaurant. He’s still drinking and Bobby’s concerned that Al’s started so early (because it is only a problem if you start drinking before noon?). Al tells his friend that he discovered Mili in Hugo’s room this morning. Bobby says well they’re friends. Al tells him that Mili was in Hugo’s bed, wearing only a bathrobe.

Braulio searches through Regina’s things to find out where her mysterious outing is taking place. He has no luck. When Regina returns home he questions her whereabouts. Regina is amused and wants to know what Brau is digging at. He asks if she’s found his sister and keeping it from him. Regina says that if she were to have found Rosario, of course she’d tell Brau.

Val and Sergio are snuggling and are caught by Constancio, who’s none too happy. Val tells her dad that she and Sergio are novios. She leaves the men alone to talk. She goes to talk to her mother about Connie’s reaction and Luci tells her that it is natural for Connie to be suspicious of a man involved with his daughter. Meanwhile, back downstairs, Connie wants to know why Sergio was messing with his secretary and now is messing with his daughter. Sergio sets Connie straight---he thought Val was his secretary. She went along with the pretense because she wanted to find out if Sergio was interested in her or her family’s money. Sergio assures Connie that he’s got serious intentions toward Val, but they will not interfere with his working on Connie’s political campaign.

After the commercial break, Perlata has now joined Sergio and Connie. The men talk their political mumbo jumbo. Damien interrupts and Connie leaves to talk to him. Perlata and Sergio plot some. Sergio tells Perlata that he wants to marry Val----with the kind of money that the Belmonte’s have, he’s going to be set for life. Perlata asks how Sergio can marry Val if he’s already married. Sergio answers, well he’s married "for now". This makes me laugh!!! What a good way for the writers to mess with Snotty Spice!!!

Drunken Al finds Mili in the kitchen and offers her money (mil pesos) to sleep with him. Mili doesn’t understand what he’s asking and that he’s insulting her big time. Al takes her confusion as her means of asking for more, he ups it to dos mil pesos. Mili’s still confused. Al demands to know how much Hugo had to pay for the pleasure of sleeping with her. Mili starts to cry---tears of rage and pain---as she realizes what Al’s insinuating. She throws a glass on the ground and stomps out of the room (at this point I wonder what the Belmonte budget must be for replacing dishes, breaking them seems to be a popular release of anger). Al tosses the money to the ground after she leaves (will Karla find it? I hope not).

Sergio leaves and Connie pumps Perlata from some info on the lawyer. He tells Connie that he need not worry, Val is in good hands. Sergio’s got a good future. When Perlata leaves, he runs into Damien and invites him to come play some poker. Damien jumps at the chance to throw away even more money that isn’t his.

Mili serves Regina dinner and they discuss how Claudio was a fraud and Damien’s involvment in the whole scheme. They talk about Regina’s anguish over not finding her grandchild. Mili tells Regina that Claudio’s appearance must be a sign from God that Regina is close to finding the child. Mili urges her to keep looking, God won’t allow her to keep suffering.

Al, in his room, looks at the necklace he’d given to Mili (you know the bling bling “M”) and then snatched from her neck. Andrea walks in the room. Al scolds her for not knocking and she says if she were to have knocked he wouldn’t have let her in. She makes a move on the grieving Al, telling him that the servant isn’t worth it. Al rejects her and tells her that he’s not interested. She storms out and swears to the audience that she’ll get him back.

Mili goes to Luci and asks for her help with Al. Luci tells her that she’s gotten what she wanted, Al and Andrea to break up. Mili had thought that Luci was on her side, but Luci tells her that she’s an alcoholic, but not an idiot. Things between Al and Mili would have never worked. She advises Mili to find someone new---she’s young and can find someone of her own class to make a future. After Mili leaves, Luci comments about how quickly Mili and Al’s relationship ended.

Mili runs to Regina and begs to be sent back to the Convent. Regina figures out that Mili and Al are having problems. Mili begs for a few days away from the mansion. We next see Mili with Gloria in her old room at the Convent. Mili confides in her friend that she’s hurting and never wants to go back to the mansion.

Perlata loses at poker and Damien seems to have some luck with the cards. I suspect that it is some sort of set up, because Damien strikes me as an easy target and let’s face it, he’s a loser in all sense of the word. The two mean leave the gaming room, and Damien is invited back by the proprietor, perhaps even tomorrow. Damien asks—half jokingly—what time they open in the morning.

At breakfast the next day, Andrea fills the family in on the ‘developments’ between Mili and Hugo. Al loses his appetite and decides to give a little payback to Andrea. He announces to the family that he and Andrea are done—there will be no wedding. Val arrives with Sergio and presents him to her family. Luci tells Val to be careful, a true gentleman is really almost an extinct species. Regina joins the family and tells them that Claudio was a fraud, perpetuated by Damien. Damien tells the family that he was only trying to help Regina and eliminate some of her grief over her missing grandchild. Snotty Spice is just so happy that the naco isn’t related to them, but of course she new that someone so gauche could not share the same DNA with her family. Oh how I wish that Claudio could have stuck around a while longer if only to cause problems for Snotty.

Lina fills Hugo in on Mili’s leaving.

Regina pulls Al aside to talk about Mili. She tells him that she’s gone back to the Convent and that she suspects it has something to do with him. He tells his abuela that he caught Mili in Hugo’s room in nothing but a bathrobe. Regina tells him that she’s sure he assumed the worst. Al defends his position and Regina tries to reason with him. She tells him that Hugo’s wanted to paint Mili and that Regina, herself, told Mili about many nude paintings that are great works of art. Perhaps Al judged the situation too quickly. She urges him to speak with Mili.

Back at the Convent, Mili is asked by Padre Manuel to join in a soccer game. Mili claims she’s tired and PM suspects that something must be going on if Mili refuses to join in a game. Connie shows up at the Convent and Mili’s takes off with Gloria. Connie tells PM that Mili should remain there and not return to the mansion. Connie tells PM that Claudio was a fraud and PM says that he knew. Padre Manuel wants Connie to tell Mili the truth. Mili comes back at this point and tells PM that she’s decided to play. PM tells Mili that Connie has something to tell her and he leaves them alone. Connie asks Mili if she wants to meet her father. Mili says yes, so she can spit in his face. He’s the man who destroyed her mother and her life. Obviously, Connie doesn’t tell her that he’s her father. He listens as Mili says actually she’s not sure if she wants to meet him, she’d rather he be dead because if she were to meet him, she’d want to kill him. As Mili’s talking, she’s getting upset and Connie gives her a hug. You can tell he’s struggling to hide his own pain over the direction of this conversation.

By the pool, Morcky has a fantasy about Val. Really, all I can say is that he could do so much better than Snotty Spice and that’s all the space I’m going to devote to this scene.

Damien is back in the gaming parlor. He loses and gets hooked up with a line of credit. The proprietor insists that Damien sign for the “advance”.

Connie comes back home and has a conversation with Regina about how she’s spending her money. She tells her son that she doesn’t ask how he spends his, so it is none of his business what she does with hers. After Connie leaves, Regina gets on the phone with a doctor and has some cryptic conversation. Did anyone get the meaning of this, or can we assume that it is some sort of plot development that has yet to be fully revealed?

During the soccer game, Mili is distracted and misses a play. PM tells her that it is obvious that she’s got something on her mind. He offers to be an ear for her to talk to, but she says she just needs some time alone to think.

Alone on the cancha, Mili has a flashback to happier times with Al. When her flashback is over, in true novela fashion, Al is there in the flesh. Mili demands to know what he’s doing there and he says that’s quite a greeting. So Mili sarcastically asks how he is and how the family is doing. Al tells her that they need to talk and she tells him that perhaps if he’d have bitten his tongue earlier then she’d have been able to explain things. Al says they still need to clear things up and then Hugo arrives. Al tries to tell his cousin to scram. Mili lets Hugo know that she’s still ticked off at him, however she decides that Hugo can help clear up Al’s confusion. She asks Hugo to tell Al what really was going on in his room the previous day. Hugo tells his cousin that he and Mili were making love. Shocked expressions from both Al and Mili end the episode.

Labels: guapos

Me again, filling in for Jardinera.

Foreman is explaining his new, improved scheme to Jorge, suggesting that the Dandy Highwaymen leave the loot someplace where the Salvatierra Gang will pick it up. This seems okay with Jorge as long as it's not within his borders! Foreman assures them that, although this gang had been messing with their heists before, it's because they didn't have enough to do; they'll behave now that they have an assignment. Jorge says that doesn't seem right; they had a deal. "I agree, It won't happen," Foreman says, and I'm not sure if he means the Salvatierra gang won't interfere with them again, or if it means that whole deal is off!

It's dark when Santi (the Good) gets home. Ofelia tries to get him to eat something, but he's still sulking. He tells her he'll go talk to Jorge (the Bad) tomorrow and see how he feels. They talk about Rita (the Grita) and how she seems to be possessed lately. Santi tries to blame himself, because he's been a lousy husband ever since Camila came back. Ofelia says it's everyone's fault for encouraging him to marry her instead of waiting. Santi blames Jorge, too.

Ofelia asks about his visit with Camila. He says she's fine, but he can't stand Ric. He senses that Ric's hiding something. Ofelia disagrees and reminds him that Ric's good with Vasco and Paco, and bought the mill concession. Santi says no, that was Camila's money - Ric has nothing! He's just a swashbuckler. (He asks Ofelia not to tell anyone else, for Camila's sake.) Ofelia asks if he's still in love with Camila. He admits he's never stopped.

Back at the palacio, Foreman is proposing what appears to be a new deal to Jorge: fixing paperwork for contraband. Y'see, back in those days (as Gaspar explained to Ric a few months ago), Spain was demanding that the people of New Spain import certain products (I don't know which ones) from Spain instead of getting them cheaper from someplace else, or making them locally. Obviously, this was not a very popular policy in New Spain, but I do remember Ric and Mario noticing a lot of contraband at Juancho's camp; apparently the caravan assaults were just a supplemental hobby.

So the idea is that Jorge will fake some documents claiming that certain shipments were properly exported from Spain. He balks at the risk, but Foreman says that right now, people are paying more attention to the stealing, while black market trade is being taken for granted and is very profitable. Lafont suggests that instead of doing isolated jobs here and there, they spread out into other municipalities (i.e. outside Jorge's domain). Jorge says he needs to think about it.

Sofia comes in to announce dinner. Jorge introduces Foreman. She greets him politely, but she gives him a hard look that suggests that she knows he wasn't on his way to church.

Ric and Mario have gone to Chili's for dinner. Ric notes that Gonzo, Mateo, and Uriel are sitting nearby, and Gonzo is drunk as usual. Mario mischievously suggests sending a bottle to their table. Ric orders them some good rum in hopes of getting to join them at their table and hearing Gonzo babble all kinds of secrets. It works. The grateful men welcome them happily.

After dinner, which we don't see, Foreman and Lafont go somewhere else (maybe it's just the inn where Foreman's staying) for a drink. Foreman notes that Ricardo seems nervous about the deal. Lafont says that Jorge has to protect his reputation, but he'll agree to it. Lafont hems and haws a bit and timidly (or mock-timidly) asks if Ricardo is a pirate. Foreman chuckles demurely and says "I know him as a businessman, but there's not much difference between a businessman and a pirate." Lafont pretends to be amused by the non-answer. "And what if he were?" Foreman asks. Lafont hints that Ric might be messing in their affairs.

He confides that the last time they did a caravan assault, they had no idea what was in those trunks, but one was filled with jewels fit for a king, and the other was filled with gold coins. Then Ric started looking for his money, someone broke into Lafont's house but didn't steal anything of value - clearly they were looking for something, because they broke in twice. (Foreman must be really unimpressed with Lafont's security team; geese would have done a better job.) He thinks it was Ricardo.

Foreman seems grimly amused by this tale - it was daring of them to steal from Ric, he says, and based on the rest of the story, Ric probably knows about the caravan assaults. "I think so," Lafont says. "I DON'T LIKE THAT," Foreman says. "No, me neither," Lafont adds hurriedly. But if Foreman can confirm that Ric's a pirate, then they'll have something they can barter with Ric.

Foreman doesn't think Ric cares what Lafont and his men do. Lafont explains that Ric has a letter of recommendation from Don Gaspar de Valdes.

Back to Chili's. Mateo are talking about the new girls at the whorehouse - two are very pretty and another one is supposedly a virgin, but they're going to auction her off. Gonzo slurs, "I want her for myself. Thanks." (Don't forget, ladies - he's siiiiiiiiin-gle!) Uriel asks Ric if he isn't interested. Mario explains that Ric's been married only a short time.

Ric asks if Jorge is coming. Uriel says some foreigner came by today, and he's probably with him. Ric says he met the English guy a few years ago, in Cartegena, the guy was studying the natural sciences. "Are you sure of that?" tactful Uriel asks. "Are you sure he's not a pirate?" Mario pretends to be amused and baffled by the question.

"Right here, the only pirate is YOU," Gonzo says. Ric plays dumb. Mateo tries to write it off as Gonzalo's drunkenness, but Gonzo is spilling the cats. He is letting the beans out of the bag, big time. He tells them how he went to La Mariana and they told him that he's really Ricardo de Salamanca, aka El Antillano. His friends try to hush him, but he's like a freshman at a frat party. He says Foreman must be a pirate too, and...

He wants to say more, but his friends distract him and he decides to talk about something else... Jorge! He says Jorge is dishonest, he's a cheat and a crummy friend, and Ric took away the woman that was meant for him, y'know, the miller's daughter, who became a rich widow.

Ric interrupts to defend his wife's honor. Gonzo says she's a slut - first she slept with the blacksmith, then with -

But Ric has knocked him to the floor and pulled a knife on him. One more word and it will be his last. His friends tell Ric the guy's been drinking nonstop for days. Ric doesn't care. If Gonzo mentions Camila's name again, he dies. "Okay, sorry" Gonzalo mutters. "And if he doesn't kill you, I will," Mario adds, resting his foot on Gonzo's chest. "Just 'cuz you strike me as a real fathead."

"You're a fathead too," Gonzo answers, and blows an all-too-rare telenovela raspberry at Mario, who follows Ric out.

An employee is trying to disperse the curious crowd, which includes Marcelino and I think the judge. Uriel and Mateo try to get Gonzo to leave. He's still yelling about Ric being a pirate.

Mario and Ric arrive home, talking about the confrontation and wondering if Gonzo would have said that if he was sober. Mario notes that the man seemed resentful towards Jorge. He wonders, if Ascanio can't help them, maybe Santi would? If Jorge recognizes him and he goes to live at the palace, he could "find out" some things. Ric doesn't want to ask any favors of him - Santi hates him because of Camila. If their places were reversed, he'd feel the same way.

Mario again tries to get Ric to pack up the plantation and go, where the women will be safe and they'll have a chance to think of what to do. Ric pauses as if to answer (or to listen to the background music). Then he turns and goes into the house without saying anything.

He updates Cami on the new developments: everyone seems pretty sure he's a pirate, but they don't have proof. He doesn't think they found out from Foreman. On the other hand, Ric knows that they've been robbing the caravans and selling the swag to Foreman, but he can't prove that either.

AND there's still that letter. She thinks it's nowhere. He thinks they have it, but are waiting until Foreman leaves. It appears, Ric says, that having Foreman around is cramping their style. He's unpredictable - he could be your best friend or a deadly enemy. He's like a scorpion who must be treated with care.

He reminds her again of the letter and the doom that will befall them if it comes up: the judge rules in favor of Lis, and the only way out of it for Camila is money that they don't have. There are two ways to get around it. First, he can sell one of his boats and his mother's house, buy some merchandise, and go up the coast, maybe as far north as New York if necessary, selling it off.

The other way out is to take to the sea with his peeps and go to the "country house." (I assume he means La Iguana?) She doesn't like this, but the legal way will take a long time, because it takes months just to break even. She says she can wait. He can't, though, because they'll put her in debtors' prison, where she could be bought by anyone, and he couldn't take it. She says she could, though! Ric thinks she'll end up at the hands of Jorge. She STILL doesn't care. Maybe it's her destiny. "It's not mine!" he answers. He's not going to let his wife sleep in some other man's bed while he tries to straighten out his life.

She says she just doesn't want him to die! He says he'd prefer it. They can't sit around and wait. Yet again she suggests that Bernabe, having always been such a sweet boy when they were kids, destroyed the ED letter. Ric is amazed that she can still have so much faith in others, but the world doesn't work that way. They can't afford to wait for the anvil to fall. They need to find a solution.

She's upset that he can't retire as planned. He swears that he wants to, but he didn't say it would be easy. It's not her fault. He tells her never to doubt his love for her, he loves her more than his life. Whatever he ends up doing, it will be with her in mind.

She says she's afraid. He says there's always fear, and it must be defeated. She sits on his lap. He asks her to believe in him. He swears on the blood of Christ that he will always put her ahead of his own desires and safety. Kisses. He begs her to set aside her "scruples" and their agreement not to go to bed before they can be properly legally remarried, because they need it. She agrees. There's some serious kissing. Now she's on top, and... aw, commercial, dammit!

Next day, the twins are unhappy with Ascanio for not keeping them informed. Ascanio says Santi didn't say it was okay to tell them what's going on. Crispin (or Pancho) angrily says Santi's more their friend than his. Fortunately, Santi shows up and asks what's going on. Ascanio explains that they've been asking about him. Santi apologizes and says he didn't feel like talking to anyone before. He says nothing's going to change - the forge belongs to his family (the one that raised him). The twins are relieved.

He asks Ascanio about the search for a new wagon; Ascanio says he's found one, but it's not cheap. They go to look at it.

Someone (the judge?) meets with Marcelino. They discuss what happened last night at Chili's; the judge (if that is the judge) says he's still impactado over what he heard last night. Marcelino tries to brush it off as drunken ravings, but the judge (if) says drunks and children always tell the truth. Marcelino insists that Ricardo is a gentleman. The judge (I guess he is the judge) says he's got something that proves Ric isn't such a gentleman as Marcelino thinks. Marce is tantalized, but the judge isn't sure he can tell him. He wants to make sure that Jorge is informed.

The two then squabble at the entrance of the building, each wanting the other to go first. Finally they try to get through the door at the same time.

Vasco goes to Ofelia's looking for... well, first he asks for Santi, then he asks for Ofelia, I half-expect him to inquire about the pigs next. He ends up visiting Rita, who is in bed, feeling lousy due to all of her recent disappointments - her MIL is giving her a hard time, and Santi even told Rita not to meddle when he was talking to his mother.

Vasco pulls up a chair to listen (he is turning into quite the saint!!). She dramatically says that she doesn't get why they're making such a drama out of this great blessing. It's so dumb of Santi, in Rita's opinion, to reject Jorge. She's not sure if Santi's really going to reject him or not, since he was only willing to discuss it with his mother. (As if Rita's opinion is such a secret.) He doesn't take her opinion into account. He has to think of his child. His mother thinks she's just being greedy, but they don't have to go on being poor.

Vasco he says he can understand it - Jorge abused both Santi's mother and Camila.

The mention of Camila's name causes Rita's eyes to roll back. When they roll forward again, Grita takes over. She says she could understand being upset about what happened to Ofelia, but she insists that Camila deserved to be raped by Jorge because she was always such a flirt. She was asking for it. To prove her point, Grita offers the fact that Jorge never attempted to "exercise his right" with her. (Rather than offer an alternative explanation as to why Jorge wouldn't come near her, Vasco tactfully concedes the point.) She talks about how she'd love for her baby to be born at the palace. "That'd be nice," Vasco says vaguely as she stares happily into space.

Mario is telling Ric that Gonzo, the drunk, has a grudge against Ric, but the other two (Mateo and Uriel) seem friendly. Ric says that if Jorge and Lafont take Foreman up on his offer concerning the contraband, they'll have Uriel sell the stuff at his store. Mario thinks the stuff will probably be supplied by El Chino - he's their buddy. Ric points out that this is business. He is frustrated that those guys could have gotten mixed up with French or Dutch pirates or whatever, and that would have been fine, but no, now Ric may have to betray his own people, and he can't do that. Mario says that if Foreman were in their shoes, he wouldn't think twice about it. He'd send Ric to the gallows with his hand on the rope.

Cami and Jimena show up just in time to barely miss this last morbid comment. They prepare to go out for breakfast. Mario says he needs to go talk to Uriel at the store. Jimena is curious, but Mario flirts with her and says she doesn't need to know. Pablo rushes in and breathlessly tells them that "the guy who was here yesterday" (I think he's being vague for the ladies' benefit) is here again.

Evidently, Foreman tells Ric about the conversation he had with Jorge and Lafont last night, but claims that he would NEVER betray a colleague; what about Ric? Ric says he doesn't need to - he's sure they (Jorge and Lafont) know he's John Foreman, since they rob the king's caravans and logically would have to sell the stuff to an English pirate. And here he is. Foreman then voices his own suspicion: what's Ric doing way out here?

Pablo, Mario, and the gateman watch from a discreet distance. Pablo (who seems to be slightly out of the loop) thinks Foreman is up to something. Mario just says "we'll see."

Uriel is telling Lafont all about the incident last night at Chili's: Gonzo said that he was told that Ric is Salamanca, el Antillano, and the Englishman's a pirate and mercenary too. Uriel and Mateo were able to shut him up before he had a chance to blab about the stolen loot. Lafont is horrified by Gonzo's stupidity. Uriel also mentions the remarks Gonzo made about Jorge being a cheat, then said Camila was a slut, at which point Ric had had enough, and it was a miracle he didn't kill him. Lafont says it's too bad he didn't. Uriel says Gonzo's been drunk for days, and it's difficult to control him. Lafont says he'll take care of it.

Uriel asks again about marrying Manuela. Lafont says he hasn't decided yet. Uriel says maybe Lafont doesn't think he's a decent guy, but that's not fair - they're friends. Lafont says how would you like it if he had a daughter of his own and one of his fellow evildoers wanted to marry her. Uriel says something like it's not as good to have met someone as it is to know them. Ugh, well, however this idiomatic expression translates, it's probably icky. It disgusts Lafont, in any case.

Foreman says, since he and Ric are speaking frankly, Lafont told him that someone broke in twice without stealing anything, and thinks it was Ric. Maybe looking for some sign of the money they stole? Ric says that those guys may have stolen it, but if so it's vanished. Why waste energy looking for it?

Next, Foreman observes, Ric's got a well-connected godfather. Ric's looking to retire and be pardoned; perhaps he's here on some mission for Gaspar? Ric says he hasn't seen Gaspar in ages.

Ric tells Foreman he's got no beef with him, and thanks him for giving him the chance to make his money back. He says something about being initiated with a whip and not complaining (Foreman replies that all the new pirates get whipped). Ric says he needs to find his own life. Foreman worries that Ric will find that life by turning them in. Ric emphasizes that he would never turn in a colleague. Foreman asks again if Ric is doing an errand for his godfather. Ric flatly says no.

Jimena is calling Camila a hypocrite because she went to bed with Ric and then slept in a different room. Camila said she didn't mean to do it. She didn't want to. (Jimena worries that he forced her.) Camila clarifies; she didn't want to because it's not right. Jimena scolds her for being so stubborn and complicating her life. Cami says she's not complicating it - it's already complicated.

Clotilde is telling Fran and Lis that Foreman just left, as did Ric, Mario, Camila, and Jimena. Also, Ric and Camila are no longer sleeping in the same room, ever since she came back. Fran thanks Clotilde (what, no tip?) and sends her out. Fran grabs her parasol and says it's time to see Sofia. As for those two sleeping in separate rooms, Fran's sure that won't last very long. Lis says maybe he'll get tired of her! Fran scoffs.

Ric, Mario, and their dates go out for breakfast (or lunch - hard to tell, the captions always cover the food). Ric apprises them of his talk with Foreman - his suspicions about Ric being on a mission for Gaspar. He denied it, but Foreman won't just take his word for it. Mario doesn't think there's any way he can find out. Ric says they need to carry out their plan. Mario says it's too dangerous, and again pitches his own idea that they go away for a while, then come back with money. Ric nixes this. They split up for their errands and agree to meet later.

Santi and Ascanio are talking about buying an old wagon and fixing it up, and getting a sturdier horse, when Santi glimpses the happy foursome and gets distracted. Ascanio makes a slightly disapproving face as Santi hobbles away grumpily.

Mario goes to the store and asks for Uriel. The clerk tells him that Uriel went to see Lafont. Mario says he'll come back.

Santi gets to Jorge's just as Marcelino is leaving. Marcelino promises to have some documents (which may or may not be interesting to us) ready tomorrow. On seeing Santiago, he stares in awe and bows deeply and profusely. Jorge starts telling Santi that being señor is hard work. Settling disputes about cows wandering off their pastures, and such. Everybody thinks it must be the good life, good food and drink, having fun, but don't you believe it, there's more trouble than pleasure. (I just realized, he's appealing to Santi's sense of unfun!)

He needs someone who can help him, and who better than his son? He reaches for a hug and Santi steps back and reminds him of that time when Jorge crippled him for trying to defend Cami. He says likewise, Jorge can't be happy with the particular son that God gave him. Jorge says they can come to an understanding. He tries to shame Santi with religious talk of forgiveness. It doesn't work.

Fran and Liz are hanging around outside the palace; Lis is worried that they haven't seen Lafont. Fran says the message he sent was perfectly clear; it (the processing of the ED letter as evidence) is in the works. Soon she'll have her inheritance.

They run into Fortunata and Sofia. Fran says they were just on their way to visit, because something awful has happened.

Santi is sitting now and listening to Jorge. Jorge is explaining why Ursula isn't a viable heir, even if she produces a son of her own; he'll have a different name and live somewhere else. Santi thinks there could be another son, but Jorge says no, just this one who's grown up just right. He writes off his abuse of Ofelia as a "youthful indiscretion." Santi tells him not to blame it on youthful indiscretions, because he hasn't outgrown them. Jorge says "we are who we are." Santiago says okay, but we also have to make things right.

He is specifically referring to Jorge's non-rape of Camila. Jorge is upset that Santi knows about this, and claims that at least he's got one less whimsical act on his conscience. He asks if Santi doesn't feel a little better about it. Santi says it's a relief, but he wants Jorge to go public with it! Jorge feels that it's all water under the bridge now; justice doesn't exist in this world, and he doesn't want to make a total ass of himself in front of the whole world; instead, he's trying to make it up by recognizing Santi. Santi says he'd rather he made it up by clearing Camila's name.

Jorge tries to get Santi to see that it's more important to have all of Jorge's power and stuff. Santi says he doesn't care for such things, and people already respect him, and he already has a very respectable name. "So why did you come here?" Jorge asks. He urges Santi to forget about Camila - she belongs to someone else now. Santi says that's Jorge's fault - if he hadn't messed with Camila, she'd be Santi's wife now. (Huh? Who's to say Juancho wouldn't have stolen her anyway?) Jorge claims it wasn't even his idea - his friends made him do it! He went to her in the bedroom, but didn't do anything.

Santi insists that Jorge must announce it publicly so that everyone knows that he didn't violate his ex-future wife. Jorge gets impatient and says Santi can't demand anything from him; Jorge is already doing him a big favor, giving him the means to go from lowly blacksmith to highfalutin' señor. Santi says it's no honor to be the son of a man that everyone thinks raped the woman who was to be his wife. He storms out. Jorge notes with amusement that Santiago lacks the breeding to ever give him a proper goodbye.

During the commercial break, Fran tells her side of the story to Sofia and Fortunata. Fortunata is amazed that Ric would put up with this behavior from Camila. Fran says it's because he's in love with her. Sofia says she's never seen Camila be rude to anyone, but Fran says people change. Anyone, the real problem is Jimena, but Camila always protects her. Fran says that just yesterday, Jimena tried to attack Lisabeta. (Fortunata makes a comical exclamation about "harrassing a blind girl".) Sofia doesn't seem convinced, but agrees to put them up for a while. They're thinking of going back to La Mariana eventually.

Lis expresses concern that Ursula and Jorge might not like having them around. She got the impression that Ursula didn't like them. Sofia waves this off as fancy, but says she'll speak to Ursula. Lis sheds some crocodile tears, saying her life has been so difficult since the death of her father. Sofia's expression is neutral, if not aloof. Fortunata makes sympathetic noises; Fran thanks them and thanks God. Sofia conceals 97% of her disgust, but there's impatience in her face as she turns slightly away. Lis cocks her head, as if trying to interpret the rustle of Sofia's curls.

Santi hits the forge on the way home and tells Ascanio they're going to test-drive something tomorrow. Then he gets home, where Rita fans herself and complains of the heat and fatigue as her mother works with some herbs. She asks Santi how it went. He breezes past her to get a drink.

A moment ago, Rita said she was too tired to get up and walk around; now she scrambles to follow him in hopes of hearing good news. He says no, Jorge's not going to recognize him, because Santi told him what he thought. "So, you offended him!" she answers. Ofelia tells her that Santi has the right to decide. "Sure, to decide for your family, your child, to give him a better life!" He says his child will have a good life, and dignity goes before money. She asks what's so undignified about being accepted by one's own father.

"Have you forgotten the whole story, my love? That man raped my mother. I don't want him for a father! I don't want to call 'father' a man as selfish and prideful as he! You know what he did? He never raped Camila, and all this time he said that he did." (Ascanio and the twins are watching from a distance, concerned.)

Once again, the mention of Camila turns Rita (who is bad enough already) into Grita. "I can't believe it. It wasn't your mother that mattered - only Camila!" Santi says he cares about both of them, and he asked him to deny the rape publicly, and he refused. She shouts at him for thinking that a señor would say something so ridiculous in front of the whole town (thanks to Grita, they all know now anyway). He asks if she would prefer that he look like a coward, just for the money.

"All this is for Camila. I'm sick of you not being able to get her out of your head!" she screams. He claims that it's not for Camila, it's for his own dignity. (I still think this is an extremely convoluted attitude to take towards the NON-rape of his sweetie!)

Ofelia yells "Enough! For God's sake, enough!!" Grita says it is indeed enough, she's sick of being marginalized, her husband and her MIL prefer that - that SLUT! Santi tries to tell her that her sister isn't a slut, but after insisting that certainly Camila's a slut, Grita doubles over with pain. Ofelia tells her to breathe deeply, and tells Santi to put her to bed.

The baby's not even born yet, and it's already trying to run away!

---

Lunes
Playing the ED card?

Labels: Pasion

A lot happened on tonight's episode.

I guess Los Burques had to dig up the rotting corpse of Miguel and dress it in Hugo's clothes - not a fun job but they are used to dealing with corpses. That grave has been dug up so many times it must be pretty easy to move the dirt. In confessing to Eloisa, Hugo says that the corpse was face down in the in the coffin so that is why Alcides didn't see that it was Miguel.

Why did Alcides confess to Eloisa the really horrible crime of letting Hugo be buried alive while concealing the fact that he and Arturo set up the carriage accident?

It was not clear to me why Soledad and Enrico had to run from his lair except to have her fall off a cliff. It didn't appear that Hugo actually had found the place. Hugo got the psychic message that Soledad was close by while Soledad, who said previously that she could always tell Hugo from Alcides, decides that it is Alcides approaching because of his clothes.

Anyway, for those who are interested in my trip, it was a tour run by Wings, a birdwatching tour company. A description of where we went is on their website: http://wingsbirds.com/tours/view/33 . When I put my photos (scenery - I take video of birds) on Flickr, I'll post the URL. This was my first time in South America - I've been to Central America and Mexico birdwatching many times. I really liked Ecuador and I got to see an Andean Condor, which was really neat - plus about 250 other bird species!

Labels: la traicion

Hi Everybody - I'm back from from Ecuador. I had a great time, saw a lot of birds and made all my plane connections in spite of a winter storm here in New Jersey the day that I left. 

Labels: la traicion

I’m sorry for the delay, I had forgotten how long it took to recap, and overestimated my abilities ;) I’m substituting for Jeanne. Enjoy.

We begin with the end of Thursday’s show
(I took the liberty of copying the end of Sylvia’s recap)

Our poor disconsolate Juan lumbers down the street. Uh oh, who should drive up but the Obni Cabbie. "Hola little friend," he yells, honking and taunting. The fool even has a fare in the cab! He stops and asks Juan if he wants to go to the beauty salon to have his lion's mane styled, or maybe to buy some roses? That's all Juan, in his funk, needs to hear. He tries to pull the cabbie from the vehicle but the cabbie drives off, leaving Juan to kick the departing cab in frustration. Juan curses the idiot taxista and thought bubbles that he doesn't want to drown in anger or he might end up writing his sad memoirs from a jail cell. He tells his white dove to sing, God knows how much he loves her. "Sing, dove, sing, while my soul cries."His Palomita cries on Mari's shoulder. Boo hoo, she's stuck with CL and she wants to be with Juan. She feels like she's the worst woman in the world. (You are, you are!!) Mari sweetly consoles her saying nobody thinks that." (But we do, we do!!) Pau insists she is the worst, not only did she kill her own dream but she killed Juan's too. She'll be miserable to CL and to her own child, the most innocent of all. She is a Complete Failure as a woman. Mari tries to comfort her, the picture looks bleak but it will look better, Pau's not a failure, blah blah say the right thing and pat the hand.Juan is awash in a wave of memories...the first time he saw Pau, some happy times, making love times, her marriage to CL, and his own fantasies. He finds himself in a church where he does his funny curtsy. He asks if God is laughing at him. Maybe things are happening for the benefit of all, but there is one poor man, a fool and a blockhead, who cannot see as far as God. He asks God to show him a ray of light, or even lend a hand to help support the pain that is eating away his soul. Juan prays that he feels very alone and he asks God one last thing, please don't let go of his hand

__________________________


At the Cachon residence Alirio yells at Nidia that he is well aware that he’ll never have her love, however he’ll never desist. He might be a crazy jealous old man, but he’ll never add to the number of divorcees. He “jamas!” never will divorce her. Nidia then calmy states that this means war, and if he wants war, war is what he shall get.

Juan arrives to Anga’s warehouse and asks remolacha for Kike and Juanito. He tells him that they went to the amusement park. In the mean time Kike is prepping Juanito. He is telling him that he has to be strong for his father. Juan arrives thinking about his Palomita and how this was the same place he brought her for a date. Juanito sees his dad and yells “Papa”. They hug

At Xochimilco the Achi Lovelies (thank you Silvya for coming out with a name so appropriate for them) are enjoying themselves, in particular the evil Lorena. She distracts a guy and makes him fall in the water. She laughs the others scold her and call her “pérfida” (I love this word is up there with energumeno) it means callous, wicked, malicious, etc. She just laughs. A trajinera with a couple of guys approaches. Lorena starts flirting and dares them to fight for her; she’ll go out with the best one.

Paula drives Marely to the office. Marely is worried for Paula, she doesn’t want her to drive by herself, but Paula tells her she is feeling better and that she can’t cry for Juan forever. Marely is glad that Paula is in a better mood, and tells her that for now on she needs to take care of herself and be very careful because CL “no tiene ni un pelito de tonto” Cl is not stupid (Lit. not even one of his little hairs is stupid or dumb) Paula can’t believe he doesn’t trust her. Marely points out that he is right, she (Paula) had a meeting with another man (touché!) We are treated to a little bit of Paula’s convoluted logic. She says that since CL didn’t know that she had a date with her ex, he shouldn’t distrust her, furthermore she is expecting his child and she gave him her word, so there! Let me see if I understood. Let’s say that there was a tray of cookies and I told you I was not going to eat the cookies and when you left I ate one and when you came back and you asked me about the missing cookie I have the right to be offended because you shouldn’t distrust me because you don’t know for a FACT that I had eaten the cookie, even though, I HAD eaten the cookie… yeah it all makes sense to me now. Marely says that Paula should forget about the things that CL does wrong and concentrate on making her marriage work for the sake of her child. Paula says she’ll try.

Pastor is at Farrell. He tells CL that he’s willing to come back to Farrell as the new Vice-president with the corresponding salary increase. CL tells him not to worry about that, he’ll get everything that was offered to him and more. Pastor is very happy and wants to know when he can start. CL says as soon as possible because he(CL) needs him(Pastor) to make the “snakes” (the other employees) produce something more than poison. He finishes his little speech with a big hug and a “welcome back to Farrell”

Juan is at an amusement park talking to Kike, somehow Kike let’s out that he knew about the pregnancy before Juan. Juan blows a gasket, he starts yelling at poor kike he calls him a treacherous demon, a Judas; while he is still yelling insults at Kike we hear Juan thought bubbling that he was very unfair to poor Kike, and the only good thing he got when he lost the love of his life is that he found out who his real friends where.

Paula arrives to her house. Consuelo tells her that she looks awful, does she want a chicken soup? It would make her feel better since she looks so worn-out. Paula says that she is not hungry and the tiredness she feels is not of the body but of the soul, and there is nothing to be done about that. She runs to her room hugs her teddy bear and cries her heart out, while having a flash back of the happy times she spent with Juan.

At Farrell CL is telling Pastor the big mistake he made when he believed Yvonne. He shouldn’t have distrusted Paula, especially now that she is expecting his child. He wants to put things right with Paula. Pastor is touched. –So you have decided to fight for your marriage with the woman you love? CL tells Pastor not to be ridiculous. Paula has hurt him very deeply. She lied to him; she left him to go looking for “el mugroso” (lit. scruffy looking person). No he is not doing this for love, he is doing it for pride; nobody is going to steal his woman. Pastor adds that nobody should steal his child either. CL says that the child came at the right time “como anillo al dedo” (lit. like ring to the finger). He confesses to Pastor that he is just acting like a concerned father because he wants to stop her for running after Juan, especially now that he is in Mexico. Pastor feigns surprise; he says he didn’t know that Juan was back. CL wants to know where his enemy is and finish him. CL looks a Pastor and tells him that his first mission is to find Juan. Impactado face from Pastor.

At Xochimilco the Achi Lovelies are having a hard time. The guys are trying to pull Lorena to their trajinera, and the girls are trying to keep her on theirs, with so much pushing and shoving everybody falls to the water.

At Farrell, CL is telling Pastor that he wants to separate Juan from his wife in a more permanent way. Pastor asks if he means to kill Juan. CL tells Pastor not to be stupid, he wouldn’t dirty his hands for that “mugroso”, and he can always find somebody else to scare Juan. Pastor says that he thinks that now that Juan knows that Paula is pregnant, he’ll forget about her. CL doesn’t care he wants to know where is Juan and also wants to hire somebody to follow Paula, because he is afraid Paula will try to get rid of the baby. Pastor doesn’t believe this and tries to explain to CL about the maternal instinct, but CL doesn’t want to hear about it. Pastor says he will find somebody to follow Paula.

Juan and Juanito are still at the Amusement Park. Juanito is doing everything in his power to brighten up Juan’s mood. He offers him cotton candy, and tries to make him laugh, but he realizes his father won’t be able to enjoy himself so he asks to go back home. Juan wants his son to have a good time, so feigns happiness, but Juanito sees right through him. He tells him he is tired and just wants to go home. Juan agrees, but before he needs to go apologize to Kike, can Juanito come with him? Juanito just tells his father that he is a disaster.
Nacho (Yadira’s teacher) and his wife are at their house arguing. The wife accuses him of flirting with Yadira and all the young beautiful students. He accuses her of putting him down all the time. She says that that’s not true, while calling him demeaning names. Nacho just can’t stand her anymore he asks for a divorce. Impactada face from wife.

Yadira is telling Marely all about the fight, and how Maestro Topete defended her from his wife. Yadira doesn’t want to go back to the University; Marely tells her that she shouldn’t stop her studies just because of a jealous wife, however she should be very careful and not to flirt with Maestro Topete, other wise she’ll have a very dangerous enemy at school.

The Achi Lovelies ended up in jail. They are fighting among themselves and don’t know what Juan will do when he finds out.

Juan and Juanito arrive to the Cachon residence. It is dinner time and they are invited to stay.

At Alga’s house, Alga is telling Pastor all about Nidia, Delfina and his little chat with Delirio. Alga says that the ball is now in Nidia’s court. He will wait and see if she is ready to give up the money for him. Pastor says that Nidia could lose more than just the money. Alga says that he knows, and that’s precisely why he’ll know that Nidia really loves him.

After dinner, Juan tells Kike that he wants to talk to him. Delirio offers his professional services. Juan says that they are not going to talk about business, their talk is personal.

At CL’s and Paula’s house, CL is trying to make Paula eat. He apologizes profusely about his distrust. Paula says that right know she can’t forgive him, she wants to be let alone and time will help them heal their marriage. CL says fine, but eat something, do it for the child. She takes a little tiny bite, CL smiles.

Juan and Kike are talking; Juan asks for forgiveness, Kike plays hard to get for a little. Finally he forgives him; Juan swears he won’t do it again. Kike being Kike tells him that he was in part responsible because he should have told him about Paula pregnancy. Juan says non-sense, Kike was right; Paula was the one that was supposed to tell him. Juan changes the conversation and asks Kike if he found the glamour teacher for his little wild flowers, Kike says he forgot. Juan says they need to find somebody to help them transform his girls.

At Laura’s house, Laura and Monica are talking about Pastor. Laura wants to know if they are talking about the same Pastor that they fired because he was stealing from the company. Monica says that in effect he is the same Pastor, and they had to re-hire him because he was stealing their clients, and also because he is CL counselor. Laura hints that maybe Pastor is more than CL’s counselor. Monica just laughs and tells her that CL is a womanizer and will die a womanizer. The bell rings. Monica wonders who is knocking at the door. Laura mockingly tells her that is her destiny ringing the bell. Monica laughs and opens the door. It is Gustavo Rivas (I think it is Monica’s old boyfriend) Impactada face from Monica.

Delirio and Nidia are arguing. Nidia is tired of having to hear Delirio, so she decides to go to sleep some where else. Delirio keeps on bothering her he tells her that wherever she goes her conscience goes with her because changing husbands is not like changing underwear. Nidia just leaves him talking to himself. She goes to Marely’s room and asks if she can stay there. She explains that she can’t stand him anymore. Marely understands and let her stay, but she wonders if maybe the main reason that Nidia is still married to Delirio is because there is a dark secret and he is black mailing her. Nidia says that she is imagining things and just to turn on the TV

At jail Delfina is trying to find Juan. She calls the hotel and he is not there. She makes another call this time to Nidia’s house. Delirio answers and very rudely informs her that Juan is not there. The guard doesn’t want to let her make another call. Delfina calls him colonel and begs for a last chance. The guard lets her call the hotel. She leaves a message for Juan.

Juan and Juanito arrive to the hotel to find the bad news that the girls are at jail.

Kike is trying to convince Yadira to forgive him for going out with Juan and the girls. Yadira doesn’t want to forgive him. He starts telling him about Juan and his problems and how Juan is trying to find the good side of things. Yadira says that maybe kike should have married Juan.

Speaking of Juan, he is at jail bailing out the Achi Lovelies. They try to apologize, but Juan won’t hear about it he lets them have it. Delfina asks Juanito why is Juan so mad. Juanito tells her about Paula. Delfina says that she new that Paula was going to break Juan’s heart.

Juan is trying to make Juanito go to sleep. Juanito says he won’t sleep until he sleeps. Juanito then suggests that he’ll tell him a story to help him sleep. Juan agrees and Juanito starts telling a story about a little deer that had lost his father. Juan thought bubbles that this is the reason why he should fight and obtain success. The only way he could make his son happy was through his example. He needed to show his son how to be happy.
The end

Labels: Juan

While Mili and Al are out at the restaurant, Hugo is plotting in his lair: he vows that Alex will get it, and he won't know where the blow came from. He'll pay the way Hugo has paid.

Alex and Mili continue their romantic dinner. Mili eats three portions of chocolate mousse. She looks like she's having one of those elegant dessert tasting presentations with three little bowls of mousse. Alex proposes and gives her a tacky, blingy necklace with the letter M encrusted in pave diamonds. She swoons. He kisses her, showing his ponytail at a nice angle.

Rorgan and Horacio talk about the missing daughter. Seems like Rorgan is going to practice psychology on Horacio again. Poor Horacio--he is muy amargo: bitter.

Over at his lair, Braulio has donned a
hairnet. He must be the spawn of Pee Wee Herman and Ruth Buzzi of Laugh-In. (Okay, that dates me a lot.) He talks to his puppet and looks at photos of his sister. He vows to get back what belongs to him from the imposter.

Alex and Mili come home from dinner and have a cute good night kiss. He calls her "mi Carlitos."
Hugo hovers, of course.
Mili now chats with Hugo in the kitchen. Duh. She tells him she went out with her friend Gloria to a film, but she can't think of the name. Hugo then yells at her that she is lying, and breaks glass.

Next morning, Braulio tells Regina that he must tell her something grave.

Roxana shows up for breakfast with Luciana. Damien is surprised to see her. So is Karla. She tells him that his sister invited her. She tells Damien that she sees he still likes the servants.
Under her breath, she says that he won't fool around with her daughter !

Socorro is cleaning up the broken glass in the kitchen. Karla and Horacio talk about how it's bad luck. Horacio learns that Roxana is there and he runs out to confront her in a dark hallway while a gigantic nude marble statue looks on. She tells him that he has no daughter. She cheated on him with some guy Rogelio. He is shocked. She tells him that he showed something to his woman "de recadera" (can't find translation) and he lacked pants. I suppose she is telling him that he was never man enough for her, or something.

Luciana walks in, and she covers by thanking Horacio for the gardening advice--she's grateful because there are many embusteros (cheaters) out there. . .

Rorgan, Braulio and Regina get in the limo and follow Carlos in a cab. Rorgan is happy that he got to do something like in the movies.

Horacio tells Socorro that he was mistaken about his daughter. Must have been wishful thinking. Don't give up so easily!

Roxana takes Lina aside and warns her about bad men. Don't worry, says Lina--she's not giving anything up without the little piece of paper. Roxana tells her that the checkbook is even more important. Then they discuss Horacio. Lina says he's wonderful and loves her like a daughter.
Roxana then asks her about her mother. Lina gets an angry look and says she has no mother. Her mother was a jealous animal and left.

Over at Casa Carlos, he is unmasked when his real mother opens the door for Regina and company.

Now Mili, the idiot, goes into Hugo's room. Why oh why? There is simply no explanation for this, as she supposedly knows by now that he is no good. Hugo tells Mili that he needs her to pose again for that blasted painting. She should take it and put his head through it. That I'd like to see. But no.
He tells her that if he finishes it, he can get over Carmen. She doesn't have to pose nude--she can wear a robe. Well, the dummy agrees to this! She goes in the other room to change. Hugo smirks.

Luciana is now telling Alex that she's glad he's through with that golddigger Andrea, but she says Mili is really no better. All those servants are not to be trusted--she knows from experience. This is setting us up nicely for the next few scenes, of course.

Karla comes in while Mili is changing, and she is dispatched.

Mili comes out in the robe and is very nervous. Hugo poses her in a contorted way.

Sergio comes upon Val in her bikini by the pool. She reveals that she's really Connie's daughter. She had lied to test him. She was afraid he might be like all the others, wanting her for her money (well, it can't be for her sparkling wit).
He kisses her and tells her that she's all that matters.

Showcase showdown! Regina has assembled the relevant parties to unmask Carlos, and even better, that beast Damien.

Meanwhile, Alex enters the art studio without knocking. Mili asks him if he needs something, and he says no--he has eyes!

Regina is demanding a change in the business operations. She really chews out Damien: how could you play with my feelings, all I hold sacred, when you knew how much I wanted this. You are the worst human being ever. (I don't know--I wouldn't have called him a human being.)

Luciana tells Carlos to get out before she calls the police (oh, yeah, way to close the barn door after the horse has gone).

Regina demands that Connie throw Damien out. Regina thinks Luciana was involved too, but Damien insists she was not.

Regina now is left alone with Connie. She is so upset--she will not see her grandchild before she dies. Connie promises to help. Braulio looks on with tears in his eyes. Connie then says to himself: Mom, if you only knew about Mili . . . but I can't tell you the truth.

Alex has fled to his room where he says his mother was right. Mili tries to talk to him, but he's having none of it. He asks if she thinks he is stupid. No, she said but sordo--deaf. He yanks off her necklace and says she doesn't deserve it.

Mili, the twit, is in tears talking to . . . you guessed it, Hugo!! He now takes advantage of her state and says, Don't forget that I love you. Fortunately, she's having none of that.

Luciana has her brother alone and chews him out for what he did. He says no one understands him. He is a lost soul. He's always been the bad one while she was the good one, is the apparent gist. He did what he did because he was desperate, but believe him, he never meant to hurt his gravy train, er, sister. Proving that blood is thicker than water (but not as thick as her head, Luciana quickly decides to indulge her perfidious sibling: How much money do you need? she asks. Damien smirks. The vast array of human foibles are certainly on display in this show. (But I have to ask, if the money came from Luciana's and Damien's father, why doesn't Damien have more money? He must have gambled away his share.)

Alex is now following Mom's example and drowning his sorrows in some Jacqueca. He calls Mili a maldita farsante (or a damned charlatan).

Over at the office, Luciana, Braulio and Regina are waiting in the lobby. It appears that Regina doesn't want to ride in the same car with her daughter-in-law, so she says she will take a taxi alone. Luciana expresses concern about about her aged mother-in-law, but Braulio says that Regina gives the orders, and he follows.

Now Mili comes in on Alex's drunken revel. He calls her the queen of lies. I was a gentleman and took you to the restaurant for a classy evening, but you are just doing it with my cousin. She says he is saying things that she can never forgive. You forgive me? he says, are you crazy? No, she says, the crazy one is you.

Next chapter: Braulio is searching for something in his room.
Hugo and Andrea plot. They will now be able to keep Alex and Mili apart forever.

Alex and Mili argue some more. He holds up money. He asks how much she wants, and how much she gave his cousin!

Labels: guapos

This week and next I'm subbing for Chris. Unfortunately, I've been fastforwarding through vast swaths of Pasión lately so if this is a bit weak, I know you'll fill in for me...

Manuela is still sniffling, I would sniffle too contemplating marriage to a guy who uses a whole can of moustache wax every week. And if my dad had a dead animal's tail hanging down between his eyebrows. And he slams her around, too.

Liz, goaded by Auntie, is agonizing over the difficulty of betraying Ric without getting him mad. Auntie sez give up your pitiful unrequited love - if Ric dumps Camila he'll take another woman, and another, but he'll never take you. Cry and then start looking out for your own interests.

Ric and Mario discuss Foreman's visit. Is he really proposing to let them join Jorge and Alberto's Contraband Band? Mario thinks Jorge will now realize Ric is a pirate and will nail him after Foreman leaves; he begs Ric to skedaddle, they should go back to sea and earn the money Camila now owes because she bought the mill, but Ric won't go - he wants to reveal the Contraband Band, and also has to deal with the ED card of which I am very, very tired...

GRita really wants Saintly to ascend in the socio-economic realm and relocate them both to the palace. He's disgusted. She says, "What, you want your son to grow up to be a snot-nosed blacksmith?" Nice comment to make to a blacksmith. He leaves and Ofelia tells GRita she is an impudent, ambitious egotist. Heh.

Ursula sashays down the street with Fortunata, delighted to be sprung from House Arrest, and spots Foreman in the cafe. She goes over to say hi, though it's not proper. He says "I'd buy you a drink, but it wouldn't be proper." Bouffy (Alberto, of the animal tail forelock) asks Foreman about his dinner at Ric's and reminds him he's expected at Casa Jorge that very night. Then Ursula and Fortunata, hanging on his arms, tell him all the local gossip we already know. They stop for a drink - sherry, chocolate, and champagne. Eew.

Bouffy tells Jorge he's changed his mind and now recommends recognizing Saintly as heir. It would secure the lucrative position - one can't be sure Ursula will bear a son - and the lowly people will like having Saintly, one of their own, elevated. It might be good to get Saintly out of town for a while, though, while the Contraband Band is still doing so well - maybe he can be sent to finishing school in the big city, or be set to doing good works to keep him out of their hairdos.

Saintly shows up at the castle while Bouffy is in conference so he talks with Doña Sofia. She explains how she figured out that Saintly was of her husband's seed and says she wants him to accept the inheritance mainly because he'd be a good governor. "I appreciate your interest, but your husband raped my mother and my fiancee." "Your mother, yes, but Camila, no."

Saintly, so impactado. "Well, why did Camila say he did, then?" "No idea."

Ric tells Mario they have to check out some more of Jorge's henchmen in the continuing push to crack the Contraband Band. Gonzalo and Mateo, for instance. "We need to infiltrate, but they won't accept our guys." "How about Ascanio?" "He says he won't help because you haven't told Camila your true name." "Well, I have now, she was upset but she understands."

They see Saintly at the door, he's come to talk with Camila, "You can be present" he tells Ric. Mario isn't invited, though.

They go in. Saintly isn't too happy about Ric's presence but Ric won't leave -- until Saintly gets all emotional about hating his dad. "I hate him, but hating isn't Christian, I must pardon him," and cries etc. so bleghy to guys, so Ric slips out and paces in another room, wondering what's going on, which is: "Did my father rape you?"

Camila's "no" gets Saintly all happy and crying on her shoulder. "But why didn't you tell me?" "He threatened my dad, and by the time I got back you were married to MY SISTER and what was the point of bringing up old stuff?"

Meanwhile, upstairs, Liz tried to get Clotilde (why does she always have her hand up in the air like those ladies on the commercials shilling for laundry detergent?) to spy on this super secret conversation; Clotilde demurred, afraid of getting fired, so Liz went herself. She is stooping at the door, hearing everything ...

... but then Jimena comes along and catches her eavesdropping and shouts, "This is how you found out about the Ed card!!!" and there's a little tussle, Jimena knocks Liz over and calls her a witch...

... Ric comes along, and Jimena rats Liz out, and then Saintly comes out and wants to know what all the fuss is but Ric, frostily, refuses to share the gossip...

Things calm down. Ric asks Camila what the super-secret conversation was about. She tells him. He asks if Saintly will now accept the inheritance. "I dunno -- oh, don't make that sulky face, my dear!" They make up ...

...while Liz, and her dolly and Auntie, back in their bedroom, are sure they'll get thrown out now! Auntie suggests they go live at Jorge's house. "Oh Auntie, I don't want Ric to think I betrayed him." "He betrayed you first..."

Camila and Ric walk and wonder if it's true that Liz spilled the ED card story to Bouffy. "If the card had not been destroyed, then why hasn't it surfaced yet?"

The conversation moves on to Foreman. Camila hopes Ric won't accept Foreman's proposal that he join the Contraband Band.

"But how am I going to make money?" [I LOVED this conversation. --Ed.] "I don't know, dear, but not by robbing, not by contrabanding, and not by piracy." "You don't understand me." "Yes, I do - all you know how to do is murder and steal."

! ! ! ! ! !

He's indignant. "Well, I don't do it for fun, it's just my job. Yes, we're delinquents and assassins, but we are only following orders..."

! ! ! ! ! !

"... as soldiers do. They may be considered heroes while we're villains, but the job is the same."

Now on to Ofelia and Justo, she's saying yet again that she doesn't want Saintly to accept the inheritance because money corrupts and what if he turns out like his father?

Saintly enters and wants to know: "Why did you never tell me that Jorge did not rape Camila?" Justo: "Because I was a coward and Jorge threatened us." "You should have told me! I would have sought her throughout the world." "God willed it this way." Saintly is not at all appeased by this and briefly disses God. Ofelia tells him not to lose his faith.

It's time for dinner at the Big House. Jorge compliments Foreman: "I didn't think a guy with your ... interests ... could be a gentleman." "In our profession, you find all kinds." "Are you affiliated with the English Armada?" "We consider ourselves to be an inferior branch, we have our own ships but we don't get paid, so we have to seek our own compensation."

The reason Alberto wrote to Foreman and invited him now comes out: "The place we have to take the cargo is too far away and therefore too dangerous. We'd prefer that the merchandise be collected closer." "OK, I know a place half a day's journey from here, you can leave the booty and I'll have some guys pick it up." Jorge is surprised that there is a suitable spot so close: "In my lands?" "No, in the adjoining realm, Salvatierra." "Who would pick up the booty?" "People I trust." "Filibusters?" "Yes." "The ones that interfered with our operations?" "'fraid so - they were bored and nervous and needed something to do, it won't happen again."

Back to Ofelia and Saintly, who says he'll go see Jorge tomorrow. Ma is worried about Rita: "Sometimes I think there's a demon in her body." "No, ma, it's my fault, I haven't been a good husband since Camila returned." "We're all at fault - we should have counseled you to wait."

Saintly says he hates Ricardo, there is something hidden inside him. "But look how good he is, he paid for the mill..." "No, he didn't, it was Camila's money, he's an adventurer." "Do you still want Camila?" "I will never stop wanting her."

STRAW POLL: How many of you think Ric will die and Saintly will get Camila? How many of you think, instead, that Saintly will die? Both? Neither?

Foreman says there is a plague of contraband in New Spain. He suggests that Jorge is well-situated to fix all necessary documents. "It's risky." "Not as risky as stealing the stuff." They want to rob while the robbing's good, they sense the golden age of thievery is coming to an end. [Never --Ed.]

After leaving, Foreman tells Bouffy that he finds Jorge fearful. "No, he's cautious - he has to think of his prestige, but he'll go with your plan in the end." Big ending: "Tell me, is Ricardo a pirate?" The curtain falls.

Labels: Pasion

[Apologies for the lateness. My usual Thursday night committment went late and I got nothing but interruptions today. It sucks when work and real life interferes with playtime, doesn't it! Corrections and additions, welcome as always. This was a talky episode.]

We start out with the extra special breakfast Jimena and the servants prepared for Cami, Ric, Fran and Lis. Mario isn’ t there and Jimena asks after him. [I had a slightly different take on Lis and Fran’s reactions than Julie did last night. Julie thought that maybe was trying foods for the wedding reception. There seems to be a food/class theme going on here which happens whenever the middle class people eat with the wealthier folk. The upper crust seems to have a more formal European diet while the middle class are already eating what we think of as Mexican fare—chiliquilines, tamales etc. Some of the upper class people actually enjoy the lower class food, most notably Fortunata. But then maybe she enjoys any kind of food, as long as there is plenty of it. Lis and Fran have been more standoffish and Fran has even been scornful of it. So it may be that they are just sourpusses about the wedding, having to sit there with Cami and Ric or it could have been the food.]

In the chapel at Montecarmelo, Rita and Ofelia wait for Santiago. Rita’s impatient. Ofelia chides her. Rita cracks that he’s not going to be home for the birth of his child. Ofelia says it’s not going to be happening soon. “Soon enough” says Rita. Santiago appears and Rita starts riding on him to come home. Ofelia tries to restrain her but Santi says he’s going to come home. Rita is elated. She tells him that Don Jorge and Dona Sofia have been by. Santi says he’ll go see them. He asks about the twins, Justo and whether they know. Ofelia says she doesn’t think so. Ascanio knows but he’s discreet. Rita immediately launches into a speech about how since Jorge and Sofia have come over, it shows that they are showing good will and that he should do the same. Santi blows up at her. It would mean accepting the name of the man who raped his mother and assaulted the woman he was going to marry. Now it’s Rita’s turn to blow up, which she does, as expected, at camila’s name. Ofelia intervenes and shushes her by saying that she should be quiet or she will bring ill favor on herself, her child and the whole family. Santiago takes advantage of the moment to say that he will leave to tell the head monk that he’s leaving and pay his tab. Rita smiles like she’s already thinking about what curtains she’s going to have in her palace.

Fran and Lis are walking outside. Fran speculates pruriently about what “that whore” did to Ric that made him so angry only to have him so sweet the next day. They go to Ofelia’s (to throw Ric’s spies off she says) but Ofelia is out. Ramona, the servant tells them that she and Rita are at Montecarmelo to see Santiago who is there on retreat. They will be back around lunchtime. Ramona offers them food but the ladies turn it down and continue on their way.

Over at LaFont’s, the servants and Manuela are enduring the wrath of LaFont. He’s royally ticked at having his house robbed yet again. He insults the servants and when Manuela asks what they were looking for, what was taken, La Font shouts at her that HE DOESN’T KNOW. And he knocks over some furniture for emphasis. A few minutes later, he’s outside walking to Don Jorge’s while some street performers happen into the frame—a juggler and a fire eater. He goes into the Palacio. Outside, Fran is telling Lis that their next stop is Don Alberto’s . Lis says no way, if Ric’s spies see them, it will incriminate them. Fran is impatient but Lis says she doesn’t want any more problems with Ric. Fran is all like, “So why did we leave the house then?” Lis says “It was your idea.” Fran calls out to Manuela who is walking by. After exchanging pleasantries, Fran asks after LaFont and Manuela tells her that he left earlier. Fran is disappointed but asks after him and Manuela tells her that their house got broken into again last night. Nothing got taken. Again. (I guess she doesn’t know about the other letters). Manuela says she’s in a hurry. She’s helping Sofia with her charity work and she’s late already. After she leaves, Lis is in a panic that the Ric stole the ED letter. Fran says that they could just denounce him as El Antillano. Lis gets angry and says no way. If she does that, she’ll abandon her to her fate. SHE can always get married to LaFont while Fran will be begging in front of every church around. Lis moves ahead and Fran yells at her to listen to her.

La Font has to wait for Jorge. He’s with somebody else. The guy he’s with is doing some kind of transaction for important clients and asks for Jorge’s permission to go ahead. He launches into a discussion of what steps he’s going to take with regard to the law when Jorge cuts him off saying he knows what the law is. Jorge asks for more time. The guy has no choice but to say “Yes sir” and leaves after asking him to let him know. As they go out the door, the guy sees LaFont and is about to tell him their bidness when Don Jorge brushes him off and tells him that HE will tell Alberto. The guy leaves.

As Jorge admits Alberto to his office, Jorge complains loudly about Alberto getting involved in the letter business while Foreman is right there. La Font says it doesn’t matter if Foreman is there or not. Jorge complains some more about LaFont’s involvement with the ED letter. What if Ric and Foreman, if both are pirates, are buds? What if they talk to eachother? Alberto shoots back that Jorge is just mad that he didn’t get the letter so that he could have gotten Camila in the sack. Jorge finally asks what happened. La Font says he found it and got it. Jorge then complains why LaFont didn’t tell him right away. LaFont is fed up with all the whining and says he doesn’t have to tell him everything he does. Besides he was doing “justice.” Jorge gets up from his chair and says “Justice? Since when did you care about that?” Jorge thinks that his motive is that he has become infatuated with Lis and thinks she’ll pay him back with her favors. Alberto laughs and says she has endeared herself to him. Jorge laughs but Alberto says he’s not joking. Jorge says, whatever, but best to wait to make a move until after Foreman is out of the picture. La Font agrees. He moves on to the subject of his house being broken into. Jorge is shocked. La Font tells him that the guards saw nobody and nothing. And he even got knocked on the head when he entered his own bedroom. Jorge is even more shocked and says that these guys don’t seem to be afraid of anything. La Font says he still thinks it was Ric. Jorge asks if he thinks he came back to find more letters--proof against the both of them. La Font says he doesn’t have anything. Jorge says, still, it’s disturbing. Even more so given that Foreman is there.

At Ric’s mansion, Foreman is arriving. He greets Ric, Mario and the boys. Mario calls him Captian and asks what he’d like to be called and they agree it is Lancaster from here on out. Ric brings Cami out to meet him and Foreman very gallantly doffs his hat and kisses her hand. He tells her she’s very pretty (in English, with Spanish subtitles.) Camila shies away and Foreman says now he knows why their good friend forgot all the rest of them. Camila looks uncomfortable. Jimena is quite taken with goldilocks as well and gives him a big smile which catches the jealous glance of Mario.

Sofia, Fortunata and Manuela are out doing their good works. They are talking about how some old geezer school master doesn’t seem to be able to control the youn’uns anymore. Fortunata comments that kids are just full of energy at that age. Sofia laments that they will have to find a new teacher. Fortunata complains that so few people in town know how to read and write. Manuela pipes up that she can teach the town children to read and do sums. Sofia objects and says that teachers have to be men and besides her father would never consent. At that moment, they come upon a woman crying and begging for help in the street over a sick young boy on a litter parked right there. Sofia instructs the two servants following them to pick the boy up and take him to get help. After they leave, Sofia asks Manuela about Uriel’s courtship of her. Manuela says she hasn’t heard anything from her father. Sofia adds that she knows that she’s not too excited about it. Fortunata butts in to say that she doesn’t see why not. Uriel is handsome and from one of the best families in San Fernando, educated..etc. Just then Ascanio hurries by, wearing a nice suit of clothes. He greets the women and Sofia pulls him over. She asks him if he works with Santiago. She wants to know if he knows when he’s coming back from Montecarmelo. Ascanio says he doesn’t know. Next she asks him if he knows how to read and write. He sneaks a glance at Manuela and proudly says “Yes.” Sofia tells him to let her know the minute Santiago returns. Ascanio promises and smiling at the other ladies, excuses himself and departs. Fortunata notes the huge smile on Manuela’s face. Sofia turns around and notices it too but turns to talk about Santiago and how he needs to come back and take the social position that he is meant to take. But once he’s gone from the blacksmith’s shop, his employees will be out of a job. She figures she needs to think of them and at least this…Ascanio (Manuela pipes in to help with the name) could take the schoolmaster’s job. It wouldn’t be a lot of money but it would be enough to live on. Manuela smiles broadly.

At Ric’s, Foreman is at the table with the ladies and Mario and Ric eating and talking. Foreman is talking about his meeting with Don Jorge and says he’s a refined and cultured gentleman. Jimena adds..and shameless. Foreman asks why and Mario says that Jimena thinks that all those with power and money are [shameless]. Foreman says that often that is the case. Ric and Cami exchange uneasy glances that Jimena is about to blab too much. Foreman next asks Fran and Lis how they stay in San Fernando has been. Lis answers with a friendly “very good” and Fran, less enthusiastically. Foreman adds sympathetically that even though San Fernando is a nice town, it’s still a small town. Lis says that it’s all the same to her, as she can’t see. Foreman bows his head and says yes that’s true and apologizes for not taking that into account. Lis adds smiling that she’s met some “very nice people.” Cami and Ric hold hands nervously. Ric announces that if the ladies don’t mind, he invites the men to join him in the great room for a digestif. Foreman thanks Camila and obsequiously says that “every minute that passes makes him envy his dear friend Ricardo, more and more.”

The men retire to the other room. Lis archly says that she and her aunt will retire as well and gets up. Fran gives a curt “thanks for the food” to Jimena. Jimena rolls her eyes at Cami. Jimena leans over and asks who Foreman is. Cami gives a non-committal “He’s a guy who Ricardo knows..” Jimena immediately guesses he’s a pirate and starts to say so when Cami cuts her off with a YES and tells her that he’s the top dog pirate. Jimena’s eyes widen and she asks why he’s here. Cami says that Ric thinks he there to talk to Jorge and LaFont. Jimena still doesn’t get it. Cami explains that Ric thinks that Foreman is the guy they use to fence their stolen money.

In the hallway, Fran and Lis are returning to their rooms. Fran remarks that if Foreman has known Ric a long time, that means that he must also be a pirate. Lis points out that Foreman knows Don Jorge and Don Alberto too. Fran says they may not know that he’s a pirate. Lis turns to discussion of the letter. She wants to know if Alberto turned it over to the authorities before the break-in. Fran says that if she tries to find out, for sure Ric’s spies will follow her and tell him. Lis snaps her fingers and says “I know, we can use Clotilde to take a message!”

Foreman, Mario and Ric are in the great room drinking their digestif. Foreman asks Ric to tell him the truth about what he’s doing. And before Ric can speak, he tells him he knows that he broke the rules of the brotherhood of pirates. Ric guesses that he had his guys do a background check in Mariana. Foreman says yes and the letters that Ric sent [reporting on their activities] were turned into him. Ric responds then he knows perfectly well what he’s doing. Foreman turns to the subject of Camila, “she’s the widow of your uncle, right?” Ric says yes. Foreman says “so you fixed your problem! You ended up with the inheritance. But I guess your cousin isn’t so happy about it.” Foreman wants to know so then why can’t he go back to pirating? Ric says his wife isn’t too keen on leaving her family. Foreman doesn’t get it. “Since when does a pirate let a woman boss him around?” (Good Question!) Mario looks like he’d like to know too. Ric changes the subject. “And you? What are you doing in San Fernando? I don’t think it was to visit me.” “Why not?” says Foreman with big smile. “Because I know you,” says Ric “and you don’t do anything that doesn’t have a purpose.” Foreman says OK, he’s come to propose a business deal. They sit down. It’s a deal for fencing stolen goods. Ric asks if it’s the loot from the operations at La Paisana’s that el Chino is taking over. Foreman says yes. The ship-piracy biz has gone sour. With all these governments making peace, the pirate is no longer protected by any government. Instead, robbing on land is earning money (redituable). Foreman brings up Ric’s stolen loot and asks “You know who did it?” Ric says that his money was in a caravan that Juancho and the boys robbed. But Juancho told him that another gang robbed his wagon. Foreman asks about the other gang, whether they are locals. Ric tells him he doesn’t know. Foreman says “That’s why you are still here? To find out and get your stuff back?” Ric grunts non-committally. Foreman tells him to fuggedaboutit. The money is long gone, for sure. It’s been divided up and spent by now. Ric responds by accusing him of dodging the question of why HE is here. Foreman says he told him, he’s there to make a deal to sell contraband. Ric looks over at Mario. He turns to respond to Foreman, “And if we turn this one down, are you going to offer us some other deals?” Foreman takes a sip of wine.

Ursula is in her pink boudoir in her skivvies looking at her French pornography (I mean art) book. Fortunata comes in and she bitches her out for not working on her mom and dad to lift her grounding edict. She’s going stir crazy. Fortunata says she should be happy—the English “sir” is in town and for sure Don Jorge is going to do a dinner or some gala affair to fete him. Fortunata goes back to the subject of marriage and Ursula is not so keen on this subject and complains that all the decent gentlemen are boring and aren’t interested in sex, unless it’s with a prostitute. Fortunata is scandalized and says that if she doesn’t watch it and goes back to her catting, her Dad’s going to shut her up in a convent. She reflects that she did like Ric and Santiago, they at least seemed different. Unfortunately, Ric had to fall for the miller’s daughter and Santiago turned out to be her brother! Fortunata says there will be another. Ursula says “Who?” Vasco? Fortunata says, “we are talking about gentlemen.” Ursula repeats that she doesn’t want a gentleman. She offers Fortunata a chocolate and asks her to tell her the latest gossip. Fortunata repeats the story of how Uriel is interested in marrying Manuela but just this morning, when she was out with Manuela and Sofia, she noticed some furtive glances between Ascanio and Manuela. Ursula breaks out laughing. She revels in the fact that Manuela was criticizing her for her common taste in men, and here she is flirting with a guy from the pueblo. Fortunata is sure it’s not quite like Ursula’s dalliances, given that Manuela is prim and proper (and well, Ursula is a slut—no she doesn’t quite go there). Ursula says "wanna bet?" And teases Fortunata with the chocolates.

At Ric’s Foreman is bidding Ric and Mario adieu. Foreman says that he doesn’t want to be misinterpreted. He still has one big deal in the offing, probably his last and he’d like him to participate. Ric says thanks for the offer. Foreman says, for sure they will meet again. Ric says yep. Foreman says to give his goodbyes to the wife and they do the pirate shoulder to hand embrace. At that very moment, Paco runs up with a pitcher of watermelon juice. Ric picks up and thanks him. Ines has brought the little boy who apparently insisted on coming. Ric explains that Ines is the wife of Camila’s brother and the little boy is his son. Foreman says he’ll be seeing him (Ric) soon and leaves. Ines is apologetic to have interrupted something but Ric assures her that Foreman was just leaving. They go in to see Camila. Paco tells his uncle that the watermelon juice has lots of sugar and that his grandpa gave him a lot of instructions about how to behave when visiting. Ric tells Paco that he’s never a bother. The little boy gives a gesture of frustration and says “you know how it is!” Ric laughs at the adult expression and says “I can guess.” They go inside.

Outside, Mario and Pablo discuss Foreman’s visit. Mario says he doesn’t like it. Pablo says what? The visit of the Englishman? The arrival of Camila’s relatives? Mario says he doesn’t know but he has an uneasy feeling about all of this.

Foreman and his pirate bud chat about the visit in the open coach on the way back to the town. The pirate expresses surprise that El Antillano is so “domestic.” He also points out that Foreman didn’t ask about his relationship with Don Gaspar, the high ranking prelate. Foreman says with so many new aspects to their old friend’s new life, he didn’t think it was prudent to let him know how much they knew. “I don’t like it” he says in English. He also comments on how much in love Ric seems to be with that pretty girl. We should not fail to take it into account, he adds a bit menacingly.

Meanwhile outside the carriage, they drive by a whole line up of beggars with baskets out.
Over at LaFont’s, Clotilde has apparently taken advantage of the distraction of Foreman’s visit to slip out and deliver the message from Fran. She hands the note over to a servant and when he tries to brush her off, she says she is to wait for a reply. She eats something out of a tiny bag around her neck while she waits.

Inside, La font reads the message and tells the servant to tell Clotilde to pass on the message that everything is fine and that he will shortly be along to visit them. La Font gives a dark, brooding look.

At Ric’s Ines is relating how hard it is to know what to say to poor Ofelia. Camila agrees that it’s a delicate subject. Ines says she can see that Ofelia is suffering greatly from all the revelations. They ask her about Santiago and Ines relates that he’s still at Montecarmelo and Ofelia and Rita went there to see him today. When asked about what she thinks he will do, Ines says she doesn’t know but Rita is keen on him becoming the next Lord of San Fernando. Jimena shrugs as if to say “of course.” Ines asks about the ED letter. Camila replies that she still doesn’t know. Ines says that Vasco insists that Bernabe must have destroyed it. Jimena sighs. Just then Paco runs in with Ric. Paco comes in excited about the horses. Camila asks if he was able to ride them (looking up at Ric) but he says no, because they had just eaten. Ines says it’s time to go and Paco isn’t thrilled by this news. She reminds him that they just came to drop off the watermelon juice. Ines says she has to finish a dressmaking job. They bid their goodbyes and leave, with hugs and kisses. Camila asks if Foreman has a wife and children. Ric says that pirates generally don’t see that side of their comrades’ life, since it’s don’t ask don’t tell. Camila asks what Foreman will think after seeing Ric in such a family environment. Ric says he doesn’t care. Camila says that every day that passes, every new thing she discovers about him, makes her love him more and makes her more fearful. (Well, except for that business about lying about his name--I say.) Me too, says Ric. And sometimes it scares me too.

Ascanio is with the boys at the forge. He tells them that he has seen some other carts, some older and cheap and some newer and too expensive. One of the twins says that he’s really resenting this long absence of Santiago’s at Montecarmelo. Santiago has always been a religious guy but this time he’s really been gone a long time. He speculates that maybe he wants to become a monk. It doesn’t make sense, since he’s got a pregnant wife and a mother to support. The twin asks Ascanio what he thinks. Ascanio shrugs off the question and the twin continues—what if Santiago decides to leave the blacksmithing business? What do they do then? Again, Ascanio shrugs. Just then a carriage drives up. It’s Santiago. The twin runs up and says “What’s going on, boss? You left us with no warning!” Santiago says nothing is happening, everything is fine. Rita offers without being asked that they are all tired from the long journey and Santiago needs to clean himself up. Ofelia tells Rita to help her draw a bath for Santiago. Santiago limps over to the guys. He says nothing will change. They will continue working as always. The twins are perplexed and one of them says “and why shouldn’t we?” Santiago turns with surprise to Ascanio. “You don’t know?” Ascanio says “No” indicating that he hadn’t told them anything. Santiago then says “you tell them.” Ascanio tells Santiago that Dona Sofia asked him to tell her when he had returned. He says he will do it and Santiago pats him on the shoulder as a OK, thanks for the headsup. Ascanio turns to the twins who ask what happened. Ascanio tells them simply that Santiago is the son of Don Jorge Mancera. The twins are double impactados.

Over at Mancera mansion, Sofia and Fortunata are drinking coffee. Fortunata fills Sofia in on her conversation with Ursula. Fortunata tells Sofia that Ursula is still upset with the whole Santiago is Jorge’s illegitimate son deal. She feels displaced, like why should she marry if she’s out of the line of inheritance anyway. Sofia remarks dryly “So she wants to continue whoring?” Fortunata says no, but she thinks you hate her and her father doesn’t care about her. Sofia laments that parents always want the best children even when they haven’t been the best parents. Fortunata says that that’s not what’s going on here. Besides, look at her, her parents never gave a damn about her and she has a happy life. she says, biting into a cookie. Sofia looks up in surprise. “You’re happy, Fortunata?” Fortunata relates that she would have liked to have had a husband and children but if God didn’t choose to grant her those, she’s not one to complain. Sofia smiles bitterly and says that a husband and children don’t always give one happiness either. Fortunata shoots back a wry smile of her own while drinking her coffee.

Later, Sofia walks into Don Jorge’s office. Uriel is there asking for advice on how to proceed with his courtship of Manuela. Jorge tells him to talk to her and tell her of his intentions. He agrees and bids the couple goodbye. After he leaves, Don Jorge tells Sofia that Uriel has just told him that Alberto has not accepted his proposal of marriage for Manuela. Alberto told him that he wants a “decent” guy for his daughter. Sofia cracks that sinners want to clean up so that they can still get to heaven on judgment day, without ever having done a decent thing in their lives. Jorge says he assumes that she’s alluding to Santiago. Sofia agrees. She tells him that maybe if he recognizes him, God will take it into account. Jorge grunts and asks her to what he owes her visit. She says that she has come to ask for Ursula’s grounding to be lifted.

At LaFont’s gate, Uriel is ringing the bell. Inside, Manuela is doing her embroidery. Nana Agata tells her that Uriel is outside. Manuela jumps up like she’s been stabbed by a needle. This is not good news. Agata says that maybe he’s there to talk other bidness with her Daddy. Manuela prays that this is so. Agata remarks that Uriel is young and is from a good family. She could do worse and it’s about time she was married. Manuela says she knows but one still has dreams, hopes. Agata tells her that hopes and dreams don’t pay the bills. She’ll have a nice house, to rule over and kit out as she likes. Manuela asks what if Uriel beats her and punishes her all the time like her Dad. Agata tells her not to think of the worst possibility. Manuela cries.

At Ric’s, Clotilde has come back and Fran brings the news to Lis. Alberto says that everything is fine. And he says that he will come for a visit as soon as he can. Lis says, “what, and have Ric suspicious? NO! Tell him that he can’t come over.” Fran says, it’s done, for better or worse. Lis says she doesn’t want Ric mad at her. Fran says there’s no avoiding that. What is he going to say? “Thanks, cousin, for taking my wife’s money?” Lis says obviously not, but she doesn’t know why she listens to her aunt anyway. Fran says not to go backwards—they had an agreement. Lis gets angry and says no—“you convinced me!” Fran points out that it was she who decided not to let Alberto give the letter directly to the judge. Fran points out that they can’t continue living under the same roof as Camila. “And the only way to leave is with the money that prostitute (furcia) stole.” Lis cries and says that she doesn’t want Ric to hate her. Fran says “My queen, you “want the gold and the moor” (el oro y el moro--to have your cake and eat it too) . She lashes out at Lis saying for the umpteenth time that Ric is never going to be interested in her. It could be that he’ll tire of Camila and look for someone else—“but that somebody else will never be you!” she finishes. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? IS THAT CLEAR? Lis covers her ears and cries some more. Fran tells her to cry cry cry all she wants. When she’s done crying, then she’s got to think of herself for once in her life.

Ric and Mario are pondering Foreman’s visit. Ric still doesn’t understand why he is there. Mario says he thinks that Foreman came to make a deal with LaFont and Don Jorge. Then maybe he thought that he could cut Ric into his deal as well. Ric says no, it doesn’t make sense to have that many people split the loot. Ric thinks that the fencing contraband scheme is just a pretext to justify his presence there. Mario accuses him of thinking too much—it could be as straightforward as what he says. Ric says no, these guys aren’t just common pirates, one is no less than the local representative of the crown. Mario agrees but doesn’t get why Foreman would hide what he’s doing. After all, they all belong to the brotherhood of pirates. Ric shakes his head. He says it’s clear that Foreman no longer trusts him if he sent somebody to check up on him in La Mariana. It’s quite possible that he knows about Don Gaspar being his godfather. Mario finally gets it. He asks Ric if Foreman mentioned it and Ric says no, but he’s sure the Englishman is not telling him everything since he knows Ric wants to retire. He can’t risk it that Ric could be a spy for the Spanish. “Which, in a certain way of looking at things, I am, although not officially.” Mario says things are getting dangerous. Ever since Gonzalo got back from Mariana, they’ve been under suspicion and now with Foreman, who actually knows he’s a pirate, there are too many people around with some amount of information about their activities. Foreman could leave and the very next day, Don Jorge could be rounding them up. Mario thinks the best thing to do would be to get out of Dodge and head for La Iguana. Ric says, “and leave everything?” He thinks that they are close to getting all they need to prove that Jorge and LaFont’s complicity in the caravan robberies. They just need one of the accomplices to talk. Mario shakes his head. Ric says if he and the boys want to leave, it’s fine with him. He can’t leave Camila with the problem of the ED letter looming over her. Mario suggests that he just take Camila with him. Ric says, she won’t want to go. And if they take everything from her, they’ll take the mill too and it will be handed over to Lis. Her dad will die this time from the shock. Mario points out that if somebody turns Ric in, all that will happen anyway. Ric says he knows but at least with him being there, he might be able to do something to avoid it. Mario says that he should be thinking about is going back to the sea to make some cash in case all that he’s worried about with Camila losing her fortune comes to pass. Ric shoots Mario a nasty look that surprises even him.

At Ofelia’s, Ofelia is pouring what looks like lemonade. Rita says that Santiago must be almost done getting ready and she hopes he’s going to see Don Jorge. Rita adds that she thinks Ofelia doesn’t want him to go. Ofelia replies that she only wants what her son wants. Santiago shows up and Rita asks him if he’s going. Santiago turns to ask his mother what she wants him to do. Ofelia says timidly that she thinks he should do what his heart tells him but she’s afraid. He asks her about what and she says “That we’ll lose you.” Santiago assures her that that’s not going to happen. Ofelia asks him what he’ll do if Don Jorge says he’ll recognize him and that he’ll have to move to the palace. Santiago says that he won’t do it. Rita butts in and says that she thinks that he should think about it. Santiago says he’s already thought about it. Rita gets upset. “But he’s your father, you have the same blood!” Santiago says he knows all that. Grita is starting to freak out. She wants him to think of their child. It could have a better life, a better education, not grow up in a dirty blacksmith’s shop. Santiago takes offense at this and says that blacksmithing has given them an honest living since the time of his grandfather. Grita is now yelling that that guy wasn’t even his grandfather. His grandfather was a Mancera. Santiago yells back that THIS is his family. They are the ones who raised him, loved him and gave him an honorable profession. And don’t interrupt him when he’s talking to his mother! He limps away. Grita turns to Ofelia and complains that now she can’t even have an opinion. Ofelia unloads on Grita with both barrels. “When Camila disappeared, we all saw your attentions with Santiago and thought that you would make a good wife. We were wrong. You are imprudent, ambitious, selfish and full of envy. You don’t care about my son’s feelings. All you care about is the gold plating and the adulation, to dress yourself in fine clothes and jewels. Grita responds yelling back, and “what’s wrong with that? Camila does that.” Ofelia says “aha” that’s what this is all about. You trying to one up your sister. Ofelia tells her that Camila isn’t who she is because of what she wears but because of who she is inside. She leaves Grita in tears with this big diss. Grita immediately curses Camila again. (Or at least she says “Maldita Mujer” and I don’t think she means Ofelia.)

Next time:
Santiago confronts both Ric and Camila and tells them that now that he knows his true parentage, he really needs to know if Don J really did have his way with Camila.

Labels: Pasion