El Lazo - The Clint Ryan Series

  * * *

  Juana and Tia Angelina finished packing Juana’s small valise. The family would stay at the home of friends in the pueblo and would be well rested when the celebration of Corpus Christi began in the morning. Then four days of fiesta and fandango, eating and dancing

  “I wish Papa would allow me to ride Florita to the fiesta, Tia.”

  “You are a lady, Juana. It would not be fitting. Besides, the only riders in the procession will be lancers.”

  “I hate to leave my little Florita here,” Juana smiled at her aunt’s skeptical glance. She will miss me.”

  “You are such a soft heart. She will love having a few days rest instead of you riding her all over the rancho every day. It will give Alfonso a chance to fatten her up.”

  In all the preparation, Juana quickly forgot about her little palomino mare. She held a lace dress in front of her and smiled at her reflection in the polished metal mirror. “I am so excited, Tia.”

  “Inocente will think you look beautiful.”

  “Inocente?” Juana stared at her image in the mirror, a blank expression on her face. She turned to her aunt. “Inocente thinks I am still a little girl.”

  “How can you have such perfect eyesight, and not see?”

  Juana twirled, and the gown swirled around her. She waited a long moment before she spoke. “I admire Inocente in many ways but he has always treated me like he treats Mama or you. I don’t think he thinks of me … You know what I mean, Tia.”

  “He is only five years older than you, Juana.”

  Again she did not speak for a moment. “He will notice me in this gown.” She laughed lightly and began to fit the gown over her head. From beneath its folds, her voice seemed to gain confidence. “I hope Inocente notices no other.”

  “And I, little niece, and I.”