Forbidden Angel (31 page)

“I’m trying to be patient, Uncle, but the more time that goes by, the closer they get. I won’t let Malcolm have her, but I will not lose her to anyone.”

Angeline came to stand by Adrian. “Sit with me, please.”

He guided her into a pew, hoping she would tell him what had just happened without his having to ask.

Angeline started slowly. “He lit a candle in memory of my mother, and I lit one in memory of
El
Cazador. I wanted to show him Cazador was also dead. He told me he was sorry, and then left.” She gripped Adrian’s arm. “He can let the past go, I know he can.”

Adrian picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “Perhaps it will not let him go.”

On Christmas morning, the sun rose on a bright and clear day. The long table held platters of ham, bacon, and sausages along with poached eggs and bowls of pastries and fruit. Strong coffee and hot tea, as well as cream and a small container of honey, sat nearby.

Adrian noticed Angeline’s smile fade as she scanned the occupants of the dining room. He was certain he knew the cause. At the sound of boots on the outside veranda, she spun to face the door, her expression brightening as Philippe arrived. She hurried toward him as he removed his flat-brimmed hat and reached for her in greeting.

Adrian heard Michael’s quick, indrawn breath, felt his hand clamp down on his arm. “Adrian . . .”

“Do not say out loud what you’re obviously thinking, Michael. You’re right in your assumption, but I ask for your trust.”

Michael frowned. “Are you certain that
he
can be trusted?”

“I am.”

With some skepticism, Michael accepted Adrian’s assurance, positioning himself by Penelope with a clear view of Philippe. Adrian noted the attention he paid the other man.

“Happy Christmas, everyone,” Penelope announced cheerfully.

“
Feliz Navidad, niña
,” Rafael replied.

Esteban began filling his plate from the assortment of food provided. “As I passed the tree, I noticed Papa Noël has been here.” He sat, smiling broadly.

“Is that so?” Penelope popped a piece of fruit in her mouth and grinned.

Angeline gazed up at Philippe. “I was afraid you wouldn’t be here.”

“I would not miss Christmas with you.”

“Last night—I just wanted to show you how relieved I am that Cazador is gone. He is, isn’t he?”

Their eyes locked. “There is one thing left I must do.”

“I don’t want you to do this, Philippe. I don’t want—”

Philippe placed a finger over her lips. “In life, Angelina, it does not always matter what we want or do not want to do. It matters only what we must do. I may be given little choice in this. We both know what kind of a man he is, and you know there is unfinished business between Malcolm and me.”

Angeline shook her head. Philippe clasped her upper arms so she would have to look at him. “Would you have me act less than what I am?”

Angeline sighed. “No. I would not ask that of you.”

He smiled softly at her. “I did not think so. Let us enjoy this Christmas together. Malcolm has already taken much. We will not let him take more,
si
?”

Angeline whispered, “
Si.
”

Philippe nodded almost imperceptibly at Adrian as he led Angeline to her seat.

Adrian inclined his head in return and seated her, placing a kiss on her cheek as he did. “I fixed a small plate for you. Try and eat something, my sweet.”

The others chatted amicably, studiously ignoring what they’d witnessed. As breakfast drew to an end, Esteban rose. “I, for one, would like to see what has been left under the tree.”

Edward followed the others into the drawing room, where
Dona
Maria waited in a chair by a window. On a lounge near her lay
Don
Fernando.

Edward found a seat where he could quietly observe the festivities. Never having participated in this sort of celebration, he found the activity new and interesting.

“Shall we see what is here?” Esteban gestured toward the brightly wrapped gifts under the tree.

Shirley handed Frank a gaily wrapped gift and watched as he opened it. Inside was a knitted scarf. Frank’s eyes crinkled at the corners.

Shirley slipped the scarf around his neck. “It’s to keep you warm when you’re away from me. I made it myself so you’ll think of me when you wear it.”

“I always think of ya, Shirley girl.” He withdrew a small package from his pocket and handed gaily wrapped parcel to her, waiting quietly while she opened it.

Shirley’s eyes widened as she held up a silver ring encircled with hearts. “Oh, Frank, it’s beautiful.”

Frank placed the ring on her finger. “You’ve always had my heart, but if it’s possible ta love ya more than the day I married ya, then I do. I couldn’t give ya much of a ring when we wed, but I meant what I spoke when I put it on your finger.”

Shirley cupped his face between her hands and kissed him.

Edward’s lower lip trembled.

The women all received small gifts of candies. Adrian was given cigarillos from Frank and Shirley. There were gifts of Christmas ornaments that would forever remind them of this time in Spain.

Edward blinked and reached for his handkerchief as an ornament was placed on the table next to him.

Rafael received a hand-tooled saddle with silver Conchos, and Esteban a desk set made of silver and turquoise for his office. Angeline was given a small perfume bottle covered in silver filigree. She smiled as she inhaled the soft fragrance. “Roses!”

Penelope handed Michael a package wrapped in green paper and tied with a red ribbon.

“What is this?”

Penelope grinned. “You will have to open it and see.”

Tearing the paper open, Michael found a book. “It’s a Jules Verne.”

“First edition,” Penelope explained. “We shall travel through the pages of this book together, enjoying all the excitement it holds.”

“In that case. . .” Michael reached inside his coat pocket to retrieve a small velvet box.

“You have already given me a most wonderful gift.” Penelope’s gaze sought her father.

“Open it, please,” Michael whispered softly.

At the sight of the contents of the little box, Penelope’s eyes widened, her lips forming a silent, ‘oh.’

Edward peeked around the others quietly observing the scene and spotted a large diamond ring, nestled in red velvet.

Michael knelt on one knee. “Penelope, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She stared at him.

Michael’s lips twitched. “Will you marry me, Penelope?” He gained his feet as Penelope threw herself into his arms, kissing his cheeks. “May I take that as a yes?”

“Oh, yes.” Her eyes glistened with tears.

Michael slipped the ring on her finger then kissed her gently on the lips.

Edward made his way to his seat, dabbing his eyes as he did, then blew his nose.

Angeline carried two wrapped presents to her grandparents. “I have something for you, Grandfather.”

Fernando gazed at her in surprise. Accepting the package, he opened it and withdrew a hand-woven blanket in many bright colors. The expression in his eyes altered subtly.

“It will help keep you warm,” she added.

“That is most thoughtful. I like the gift all the more as it comes from my
nieta
.”

“And something for you, Grandmother.” Angeline held out a small package.

Maria accepted the gift. “
Gracias,
my dear child
.
”

Inside was a handcrafted comb. Made of tortoise shell, the soft colors of amber, gold, and yellow swirled throughout the piece.

“The comb is beautiful, my dear. I love wearing them in my hair.” Maria laid her comb aside. “We have a gift for you as well.” She picked up a large garment bag and handed it to Angeline. “This belonged to your mother. I have kept it all these years.”

Angeline unwrapped a riding habit in deep midnight blue. The lapels and wrists of the jacket were trimmed in silver. The letter ‘C’ was engraved on the two silver buttons adorning the front of the jacket. The belt was fashioned completely in silver loops. On top lay a blouse made of white Spanish lace and a midnight blue camisole.

Angeline stared at the outfit, then swallowed and finally managed to say, “It is absolutely breathtaking.”

“We understand you ride, as did your mother. We hoped you would like it.”

“I love it, and all the more because the outfit was hers.” Angeline looked from one to the other. “Thank you very much.”

Maria patted her hand. “You are most welcome.”

When Fernando handed a present to Maria, Both Rafael and Esteban moved forward.

“For me, Fernando?” Maria asked in surprise.

“You have been a faithful wife to me throughout these years, Maria, and I know I am a difficult man. I have made certain that you will always be well taken care of, both from our sons as well as from me.”

Maria opened the slender tube and found a rolled piece of paper. Spreading it out, she studied the parchment. “What—?”

“This represents the last silver mine we opened. It is called
The Maria,
and is now yours.” Fernando’s gaze met Adrian’s briefly, while Rafael and Esteban exchanged surprised glances.

“I do not know what to say.” Maria’s smile wavered.

Fernando wheezed and leaned back. “There is no need to say anything.”

During the time they’d been in Spain, Angeline had never seen an act of kindness from Fernando toward anyone. She knew and accepted he would never apologize for his treatment of her mother, but she also recognized the part her mother had played. It was time to set the anger aside.

“May I see you for a moment, my love?” Adrian caught her elbow and led her away. “I was going to save it for a different time, but perhaps this is the right time after all.” Adrian slipped a narrow, leather case into her hand.

Slowly, she opened the box. Inside lay a delicate gold chain. Lifting it, the light revealed a pendent in the shape of one-half a heart. The engraving read,
Angeline, the other part of my heart.
She gazed up at him, daring to hope. “Adrian . . .?”

He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked down into her face. “Tell me again what you want so there is no misunderstanding.”

Angeline felt her pulse quicken. “I want you to love me, really love me. Not just because you feel you must for honor’s sake, or because I’m with child. I want to be loved beyond all else.” She stepped closer. “I want you to love me as I love you.”

Adrian opened the front of his shirt wide enough to withdraw a gold chain from which hung the other part of the heart. Taking hers he fit the two pieces together to make a whole.

“Will you accept my gift, and my heart?” He watched her expectantly. “There will be nothing held back from now on. You are not only my love, but my very life. You are everything to me.”

Angeline closed the scant distance between them, raised her face for his kiss, and slid her arms around his neck. At the clearing of throats, Adrian broke the kiss and stepped back, laughing.

Angeline smiled tremulously. “I have something for you.” Walking to the tree, she reached inside the branches. Retrieving a small package, she held it out to him and waited while he opened the gift.

Adrian loosened the strings of the black velvet bag and tipped the contents into his hand. Inside, rested a pocket watch. He read the inscription aloud. “
For all time.”
Stepping toward her, he pulled her up against him and claimed her lips with his. When a cheer went up, they broke apart. Angeline blushed and buried her face in his chest.

After Angeline had regained her composure, she regarded Edward. “I believe there is something under the tree for you.” Reaching under a branch, she retrieved a large, wrapped present.

“For me?” He eyed the package. “I haven’t received a present since I was a small lad in short pants.” Edward unwrapped it carefully so as not to tear the paper. His eyes widened as he beheld the brown leather satchel. On the front was tooled his initials,
E.T.

Edward stared at Adrian and Angeline and clutched the case tightly to his chest. “This is the most wonderful gift.”

“We’re pleased you like it, Edward.” Angeline noticed his lower lip begin to quiver. On impulse, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Edward sniffled and retreated to the corner.

Adrian led Angeline across the room to Jeffrey who held a bottle of brandy, a gift from Michael. He handed Jeffrey a box.

“Uncle, there seems to be something for you as well.”

With a smile, Jeffrey withdrew a leather-covered humidor. “This is magnificent, my boy.”

Penelope gave her father a gift of a carved meerschaum pipe.

“Oh, I shall enjoy this all very much.” He leaned forward and kissed first Penelope and then Angeline on the cheek.

Angeline crossed the room to Rafael and Esteban. “
Tio
Esteban, you were by far the hardest.” Holding out her hand to Esteban, she placed a small silver frame in his palm.

Esteban gazed at the woman in the frame. “Franchesca.” He traced the likeness with his finger. “
Gracious
” was all he managed to say.

“
Tio
Rafael . . . you are responsible for those here at the hacienda and the surrounding land. If I were to guess, the town as well. You see they are cared for and protected. I wanted to make certain you were protected as well.” Angeline held up a silver cross on a chain.

Rafael dipped his head for her to place the chain around his neck. “
Gracias, niña
, I will wear your gift gladly.” Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead.

Angeline searched the room for Philippe. He stood as she approached.

“I have something for you, Angelina, but you must come outside.” He extended his arm toward the door.

Caught up in the festivities, the others followed curiously.

Philippe stood in the center of the courtyard. At his direction, a
vaquero
led a black Andalusian mare toward her.

“Oh, Philippe, she’s gorgeous. What is her name?” Angeline ran her hand down the glossy neck.

Philippe stepped nearer. “Her name is
Esperanza.
”

Angeline held the soft muzzle in her hands. “What does it mean?” Her gaze lifted to Philippe’s.

“Hope.”

“I will treasure her, always.” She tried to show Philippe with her smile that she understood. He nodded at the tacit meaning.