Chapter 1

Diego's blue gaze slowly shifted from Victoria to another woman, dressed in finery that the queen herself would have been embarrassed to wear, stepped from the coach. Her clothing was unlike anything he had ever seen in the Spanish Colonies. Lace fell from her shoulders of her red dress and her hair was swept up in a very elegant style. Her beauty was stunning. Diego shrugged himself out of his stupor as Victoria escorted the beautiful newcomer into the tavern.

"Victoria Escalante. I am the owner of this tavern."

"Aria Franco," the young woman said in a heavily accented voice.

"By your accent, I would guess that to be Italy."

Aria gave Diego a slow, teasing look, her eyes traveling down his body and back up to his handsome face. "Yes, indeed? How did you know?"

"Italian is very similar to Spanish. Your accent is unmistakable. What brings you to Los Angeles?"

"Exploring California and its people would be an interesting venture due to all the turmoil in my country."

"What about our pueblo could possibly interest such a beautiful young woman as yourself?"

"Senorita Franco, you must be exhausted after your journey. I have a room upstairs if you would like one for the night."

"Why, yes, thank you. I do believe I would." Aria gathered her belongings as she followed Victoria upstairs. Diego heard many of the clientele whispering among themselves and knew that they had come to see what all the fuss was about. The senorita would be run out of town if the alcalde and some of the caballero's wives had their way…

ZZZ

Victoria approached the de la Vegas' table prepared to take their orders. Don Alejandro and Diego ordered their usual breakfast of huevos rancheros and café con leche. Victoria interrupted their conversation as she served their breakfast and beverages. "Here are your orders, gentlemen."

"Do you have time to join us Victoria?'

"Si, Don Alejandro. It will be good to sit down for a minute. It has already been a busy morning."

"What is going on in here today?"

"Los Angeles seems to have gained the attention of a European courtesan, Father."

"A what? Diego do you know what…"

"Yes, father. I'm not sure how well received she will be once the pueblo discovers what she does for a living. You are aware of what she does for a living, Victoria?"

"What would you know about such things, Diego?" Victoria had heard of women who sold their bodies to rich, powerful men for money. What was a woman of this profession doing in Los Angeles? Why would a beautiful, seemingly intelligent woman choose such a profession?

I know more than you think, he thought. "While the Inquisition is not prevalent in the colonies, there are those here that would call her a demon sent by Satan to damn men."

ZZZ

Don Alejandro and Diego walked into Victoria's tavern several days later. The tavern was even busier than usual. The old don noticed that several of his vaqueros as well as several men he was unfamiliar with frequented the establishment. It has something to do with the lovely Senorita Franco.

Victoria approached the de la Vega table as the two men were just finishing their breakfast. She had been so busy that she had not had time to speak to them. Now was the perfect opportunity to make amends for her remarks. "I apologize for my behavior the other day. Please forgive me."

"It is quite alright, Victoria," Don Alejandro replied.

"Can I get you anything else, gentlemen?"

"No, thank you, Victoria. Everything was wonderful, thank you," Diego smiled.

"Victoria, I would like to ask a favor of you."

"Anything for you, Don Alejandro."

"It is about Senorita Franco."

"What is it?" The old don had always been protective of her and having a courtesan staying at the tavern might be good for business but not for Victoria's reputation. He was determined to look out for the woman that he considered as a daughter…

"I am concerned about the kind of business Senorita Franco might bring to your tavern."

"The tavern is busier than I have ever seen it."

"A lot of people are curious about Senorita Franco. Once DeSoto returns, he will surely arrest the senorita. I would like to invite her to the hacienda…as a guest with the stipulation that she not entertain any visitors while she is there...She would be safe from the alcalde and under our protection."

"What about your reputation, Don Alejandro? That would solve my problems but not yours."

"What if you were to stay at our home as a duenna of sorts," the older man answered, "You are a daughter to me so there would be no hint of impropriety."

"Will you, Victoria?" Diego knew that she would not refuse his father.

"I will be glad to. I will go upstairs and explain the situation to Senorita Aria, hopefully, she will understand…" What am I getting myself into?

Aria's Room...

"Come in. Is something wrong, Senorita Escalante?"

"Senorita, I have something that I want to talk to you about."

"Your tavern is busier than it has ever been."

"I don't need the kind of clientele that you have brought to my tavern. This is my family business and the alcalde would not be pleased if I allowed you to remain here. Don Alejandro de la Vega has agreed to allow you to stay at his hacienda for as long as you need to but you cannot…"

"Entertain while I am a guest in their home," Aria inserted. My stay will be more beneficial than I thought especially if I get to see the elegant caballero who spoke to me with such kindness ….What better way than to have a husband and Don Diego would be an excellent choice... "I would be pleased to accept their offer."

Victoria remembered the way Aria had looked at Diego. Surely, she wasn't looking at him as a potential husband. Why wouldn't she on second thought. He is young...handsome and certainly eligible. Even though her heart belonged to Zorro, Diego was family and she would not let anyone not even the lovely courtesan hurt him. Don't get too satisfied…You won't have it as easy as you think, Senorita.