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Margarita XLVII
Contributed by
ramfire
on
Sunday, 20th February 2005 @ 10:19:32 PM in AEST
Topic:
StoryPoetry
|
Father Cheliso welcomed his guests to Asistencia Lapa that next afternoon. With much handshaking and claps on the backs, the white-hair padre made much of their arrival. Skirting indians out of way, he sent them on a dozen errands caring for the horses and coach, fetching cool water for drink, making their rooms ready for the night. The bashful indian children smiled shyly from a distance; barking dogs ran in circles. All was bustle and noise. Dust filled the air. There had been rain at San Stephanos, but at Lapa, twenty-five miles inland, there had been no rain;
Don Hernandez silently repeated ten "Ave Marias" in gratitude.
Hurrea and Segundo cared for their own horses; they went about business of being "caballerizos".
Dona Theresa and Margarita were led to the women quarters. Alcalde accompanied
Padre Cheliso touring the mission grounds. Jose asked the priest a question.
" How did that cactus start to grow in such unusual place, Padre?" Don Hernandez pointed an index finger to the top of the belfry. A plant of considerable size was rooted in a crack close to the cross affixed to its top.
" Years ago, the first priest at the asistentia, Father Ruiz, used green unhewed oak to make the cross . It's said that the tree birds followed him back from the mountain bringing mud to build their new nests. A chance seed in the mud caused the plant to grow. Every year now the birds build their nests in the cactus. I think there is a spiritual lesson here."
" What is that?"
" How little material substance is needed by the soul that always dwells at foot of the cross."
" Yes, I see what you mean. It is a lesson many of us have to keep in mind."
" Wealth and power in themselves are not bad things, Don Hernandez. Indeed quite the opposite can be true -- it's all in heart of possessor."
" I've always tried to use my wealth for good. I've never been accused of despotism."
" You have a good reputation, Jose. Father Superior often mentions your deeds and decisions to me. He feels you are an instrument for good in God's hands."
" I wish Theresa thought so."
" She doesn't? "
" No Father. My wife despises me."
" Why do you say that? What has she done or said?"
" Her tongue has hurt me for years. I pretend I'm not bothered, but I am. She cuts me to the quick at every opportunity. She embarrasses me in front of my guests."
Father Cheliso pondered Don Hernandez' words." Why don't we stop by the "campanario" and talk awhile my son. You can tell me about it."
" I need to talk to someone, Father."
" What has she said, Jose?"
" Just last night she called me a jellyfish."
" What did you do to make her call you that?"
" I didn't do anything. I was just trying to get some sleep and she pushed me awake. She said she had something important to talk about and that I must listen. I told her to talk."
" What did you talk about?"
" Margarita. We talked about Margarita. Do you know her story?"
" Only that she has returned from Mexico. Is there more I should know?"
Much more. Three years ago she was made pregnant by a yanqui. She wouldn't tell us his
name - not to parents, not to me, not to Father Superior. She was sent to a convent in
Mexico City to have the child so that her family could escape a scandal."
" Does the child live?"
" Yes, Father, but Margarita doesn't know it. She thinks the child died at birth. We've kept the secret from her thinking to reveal it at the right time."
" Holy Mary Mother of God!" Father Cheliso crossed himself. " Where is the child now?"
" He stays with my son, Sandervol, in Mexico City."
" And his name?"
" Edwardo."
" You are keeping the child from his mother? Is this right? How do you know the father is an Anglo -- by the child's appearance?"
" Yes, by his appearance. He has blue eyes and is light complected. What is right, Father? Miguel and Luisa put Margarita in the convent agreeing that Sandervol should care for the child."
" You are part of the conspiracy, Jose. The sooner you tell Margarita that her child lives, the better."
" Can I betray my brother's confidence?"
" Work it out when you return. The child needs his mother."
" It will mean disgrace."
" Have the anglo marry her."
" Luisa wouldn't permit that. Besides, Margarita's younger brother, Pedro, has taken an oath
to kill the yanqui if he learns his name."
" Why did Theresa call you a jellyfish?"
" Father, it's very difficult for me to talk to women. All my life it has been so. Theresa feels because I am the older brother, I should take the initiative and persuade Margarita to give up
the yanqui. I don't think I can do that. I don't think I can face that conversation. Then too,
Father, should I interfere in my brother's business?"
" It is morally wrong to withhold this information from Margarita. Even now, when she finds out, she will probably hold you responsible, culpable of deceit -- you did arrange for the child to
be with Sandervol."
" You shame and put me at a cross current, Father. Consider my position. When Miguel and
Luisa wanted Margarita sent away, I agreed out of family loyalty thinking it best at the time. In good conscience though, I can say when they wanted the baby's death I opposed them offering an alternate solution. Don't you understand, Father? The family wanted no part of the yanqui, especially the issue of his and Margarita's illicit union. Now you're advising me to tell Margarita to marry him. SACRED HEART! You're tearing me apart."
" Not I, son, your conscience is doing that. The problem must be resolved in moral rightness if your soul is to have peace. You must weigh what is best for Margarita against what is best for the family. In the long view the two are not really opposed. By breaking down prejudice, and accepting the anglo into your family, you express the love of God. What people say seems
unimportant considering the result -- the child will have his real father and Margarita will have the man she loves. In faith, I believe your whole family will be blessed because of it."
" We are a proud people, Father, not suffering contumely."
" You have put your finger on the crux of the problem, Jose. Luisa and Miguel must humble themselves if there is to be happiness in their home."
" It's a hard thing you advise."
" Would it help if I talked with your brother?"
" I think it might be good thing. You are his priest confessor as well as mine."
" I wonder, Jose, if you don't already know the father's name. There aren't many anglos in the
valley. Do you know his name?"
Don Hernandez dropped his eyes in shame. He stammered a reply. " I think, I think it is
Senor Copeland. He has had -- he has had the opportunity. In ways, the child resembles him. There is much about Edwardo that looks, that--that resembles the man. I think he is the father. Do you think I should have confronted him?"
" Yes, Jose, but it is not too late; you can still make things right. If Senor Copeland denies being the child's father, there is the end of it. At least you tried."
" Will you come with us to San Laurius? Can you leave your duties here to do that?"
Father Cheliso thought over the question, rubbing his chin slowly, nodding his head. " Yes," he said. " I think it is possible. Brother Ignatio can care for things here till Sunday and that should give me time enough to speak to Miguel and Luisa."
Don Jose kneeled before Padre Cheliso, his head bowed.
" What is it my son?"
" Father, will you also speak to Theresa about her disrespect for me."
The priest's jaw tightened. " Yes, Jose. Just as soon as you've told Margarita that she has a living son."
Copyright ©
ramfire
... [
2005-02-20 22:19:32]
(Date/Time posted on
site)
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