July 1492
Antonio was livid. Seeing his sister lie with a man like a common puta. The rage he felt caused all color to drain from his face. They both will pay for this, he thought.
Antonio had attended the baptismal ceremony for Elena’s sake. She had been so unhappy these past few weeks. Intending to accompany her to the ceremony, and welcome Joshua to the faith, he wanted to put him at ease with his new religion.
However, Elena had left so mysteriously, almost disappearing.
It was only by chance that he saw her leaving the church with Joshua.
Witnessing their love tryst, he found himself wishing them both dead. Continuing to walk along the river’s edge, the fresh breezes cooled and relaxed him. He began to think less harshly of his sister.
Who am I to judge her? Is my life so virtuous? She did what she did because she loves Joshua and is afraid of losing him. Aid mi! What can I do? I am duty bound to tell my father. Surely Elena will be punished, 93
JOSEPH HOBESH
sent away, the whole family disgraced. But if I keep this my secret. Not tell anyone, not even Elena, what I witnessed, how much misery will be avoided? Can I live with myself, keeping this secret? I must for Elena, and the honor of the family!
* * *
Elena sat at her mirror gazing at herself while she brushed her hair. Today, she thought, will live in my memory forever. She had given herself and her love to Josh…Diego, and it was wonderful.What she now felt was almost overpowering. She delighted at the thought of Diego kissing, and touching her. His gentle lovemaking and then, the final emotions she experienced, the love she needed and wanted. Now the consequences of that act began to fill her mind. We cannot be together. We will never marry.
He will be leaving and I will be alone. If my family ever found out.
“Dios mío. Help me please,” she uttered as she began to weep very softly.
As if in a dream, she heard the knocking at her door, and yet did not hear it. It was awhile before she realized that someone was calling her name.
“Elena, Elena, the evening meal is ready. We are waiting for you,” she heard her mother shout.
“I will be there shortly,” Elena answered, as she rushed about trying to get ready.
Antonio sat with his father having a glass of wine before the evening meal. His mind filled with thoughts of Elena. What he had witnessed. His family’s reaction if they found out what she had done. His dilemma, regarding what to do.
Ay de mi! I… His thoughts interrupted by his father’s voice.
“Antonio, are you listening to me, to what I have been saying? Or are you still dwelling on the last wench you trifled with?”
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SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
“No, no, I’m sorry, Father,” Antonio replied, startled by his father’s voice. “It’s just that I…I was thinking about the Ben-Halavis. They will be leaving once the edict takes effect in August. They have refused to convert. Except for Joshua who was baptized today. He is leaving with Colon in a few months and—”
“Basta—enough, Antonio. Why are you babbling about that Jew family? Since the edict has been announced, they seem to be the only subject you and Elena wish to talk about. There are much more important matters to be discussed.”
At that moment Donna Isabel and Elena entered the dining room.
“Ah, father and son discussing worldly topics, I am sure,”
Donna Isabel laughingly chided her son and husband.
“Buenos noches— good evening, Father, Antonio,” Elena softly whispered.
“Buenos noches, mi amores— good evening, my darlings, you both look lovely. Sit, have a little wine, I have excellent news about the rebuilding of the church of San Pedro.”
Don Fernando continued to speak about the church’s rebuilding, and the goodwill it was producing between himself and Monsignor Abate.
Antonio stopped listening and became lost in his own thoughts. He furtively gazed at his sister when he thought she was not looking. Every time he did so, he felt a stab of despair.
Elena sensed that her brother was troubled. But not wanting to upset either Antonio or her parents, she decided to wait until they were alone before asking Antonio what was troubling him.
And if she could possibly help.
How much help can I be to Antonio? The issues I am trying to resolve for myself seem insurmountable. Trying to focus her thoughts, Elena was jolted back to the meal in front of her by mother’s shrill voice.
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JOSEPH HOBESH
“Elena, you have hardly touched your food. What is wrong with you, are you ill?”
“No, Mama, I’m fine. I was just thinking. I’m really not hungry, but I am tired. Please excuse me, I would like to retire for the evening.”
“Yes, certainly,” Don Fernando quickly answered. “But I think a visit to a physician would be a good idea. You’ve been so unhappy, and not looked well these past few weeks.”
Elena now became uneasy, an examination by a physician, embarrassing at any time, would be most undesirable, especially now.
Alarmed, Elena quickly rose from the table, muttered her good-nights, and returned to her room.
Don Fernando began to call her back, stopped, and sighed, deciding to let Elena get her rest. Antonio began to speak, but was interrupted by Don Fernando.
“Ay di mi, women! I’m sure your sister’s good health will return once Ben-Halavi has left on his ocean voyage and is not heard from again. In time she will forget him, and hopefully another suitor will find a place in her heart. Maybe then some peace will return to this family!”
“I hope you are right, Father,” Antonio stammered, “but Elena is very strong-willed.”
“No, no, you will see, Antonio. Once Ben-Halavi is gone, she will become her old self again and—”
“His name is no longer Ben-Halavi, Father,” Antonio interrupted. “He was baptized Diego de San Gil today. He is now a Christian. And she does love him…”
“Basta—enough. She will be fine, you’ll see, you agree, Donna?”
Donna Isabel looked at both her son and husband, then nodded assent. But she was secretly troubled. Elena, although seemingly sad, had a certain glow about her, a visage of complete satisfaction. A countenance that troubled Donna Isabel greatly.
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