Golden Paradise (Vincente 1) by Constance O'Banyon

remain here. I have important
    business to attend to. My mother will be worried about
    »» me.
    "I do not know about such things. I am only the maid. My mistress will be in to see you soon."
    "Can you tell me about my guide, Santiago? Is he all right?"
    "I know nothing of such things."
    Valentina realized she might as well save her breath. This woman would tell her nothing. She would just have to wait until the mistress of the house arrived. Picking up an orange slice, she took a bite and found it delicious. She was hungry and in no time at all had eaten the whole orange. She then started on the spicy omelette that melted in her mouth. As the maid busied herself straightening up the already immaculate room, Valentina bit into the fluffy biscuit that was dripping with butter. Already she was beginning to feel much stronger and wondered about her host and hostess.
    Suddenly Valentina had a vague memory of dark eyes that had enveloped her with their warmth, hands that had gently soothed her, a voice that had assured her that everything would be all right. Who was the man who had rescued her? she wondered. Was this the man's home? If so, was he married? He must be. The maid had spoken of a mistress.
    Valentina did not have long to reflect on her dilemma. There was a tap on the door and two women entered. There could be no mistaking the noble blood that flowed in the veins of the white-haired woman. She was dressed all in black from the top of her mantilla to the toes of her soft leather shoes. The woman's smile was friendly but guarded, somehow suspicious.
    Valentina glanced at the younger girl and saw a soft twinkle in her dark eyes. Her lovely face was enhanced by the white gown she wore. Valentina judged her to be no more than fifteen or sixteen years of age. Neither woman seemed to be the right age to be the wife of the man who had rescued her.
    When the maid picked up the tray and moved out of the room, the young girl approached Valentina almost timidly. "I am to extend a greeting to you and say that you are welcome in the home of my grandfather, Don Alonso Vincente. My brother, Don Marquis Domingo Vincente, also extends his welcome as do I and my mother." The girl spoke in halting English, as if she were weighing every word before speaking.
    "I am in your debt," Valentina answered, smiling at the young woman and then extending the warmth to the older woman as well.
    "I am Rosalia Vincente and this is my mother, Dona Anna Vincente."
    "I am pleased to meet you both," she said, inclining her head. "My name is Valentina Barrett. I apologize for taking advantage of your hospitality. It seems I had little choice in the matter."
    Rosalia smiled and her whole face lit up. "I am so glad you have come to our home. Please know you are a most welcome guest."
    Valentina smiled at Rosalia and then turned to her mother, speaking to her in Spanish. "You are most gracious, Senora Vincente." The older woman seemed taken aback for a moment when she heard Valentina speak in Spanish. "Can you tell me about my guide, Santiago?" Valentina pressed. "I am very concerned about him."
    Dona Anna moved closer to Valentina's bed. "Santiago is well. He had a cut on his leg, but it was not deep. He said to tell you he was going back to town and would inform your family that you will be staying with us until you are strong enough to return home."
    "Can you tell me the extent of my injuries, Senora Vincente? I only feel pain in my ankle."
    'The doctor says that you have a strained ankle, minor cuts and bruises, and sunburn on your face and neck. My son says it is most fortunate it was not much worse."
    "Was it your son who rescued me?"
    "Yes, it was Marquis."
    "I don't know how I shall ever repay your family for their kindness. It was most generous of you to take a stranger into your home, Senora Vincente."
    "Are you an American?" Dona Anna asked, brushing aside Valentina's thanks.
    "No, I am English."
    Suddenly the coldness left Dona Anna's eyes and she