September 1496
Juan Sanchez de la Casa beamed at the precocious three-year-old on his knee, whose maturity amazed him. Diego de Jesu s re-baptized, Diego Jesus de Cortes, by the family who loved him as much as they did their natural born son Hernan. Eleven-year-old Hernan was the reason for the Corteses agreeing to take in the newborn Diego.
An only child, Hernan was wild and unruly. Señora Eva Cortes and her husband Martine hoped another child might have a calming influence on him. Unable to conceive again, Martine and Eva happily agreed to Juan Sanchez’s request, to take in the poor orphan child.
Whether or not Diego’s coming had the desired effect, there was no doubt Hernan loved the child. Always referring to him as his little brother, playing with him whenever he could.
Constantly showering him with kisses and hugs. Diego returned the love as well, overjoyed whenever Hernan was able to spend time with him.
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JOSEPH HOBESH
Martine Cortes de Monroy, a retired captain of infantry with a distinguished ancestry, had grown up with Juan. Best of friends for years they were like brothers now.
“You spoil them, Juan, it is time for their siesta. Hernan, Diego, to bed, now!” Señora Cortes admonished her guest and children.
“Please, Mama, just a few minutes more, please Tio— Uncle Juan, one more story of your adventures in the New World,”
Hernan implored his uncle. As Diego mimicked his brother.
“No, no, hijos— boys, you must do as your mother asks. Off to bed with you. Tonight, if you behave, I might have one more story to tell.”
Reluctantly leaving the adults to finish their dessert wine, the boys, protesting all the way to their room, began their siesta.
“So, Juan, what are your plans. Are you returning to the New World?” Martine Cortes asked.
“No, Martine, even if Colon is planning another voyage, which I doubt. I don’t think I could make that difficult journey again. Furthermore you and Señora Eva will be happy to know, I have proposed marriage to the niece of Carlos Mendez de Montoya, Señorita Francisca de Montoya. She has accepted me, and plans for a wedding sometime next year are in the making.”
“Bravo, Juan, it time you settled down, began a family.”
“Which brings me to the reason for my visit. I was hoping, once my new bride and I had established our home, Diego would live with us.”
Both Carlos and Eva becoming wary at Juan’s words, visibly relaxed at his reply. “Unfortunately Francisca strongly disagreed. As I discussed it with her, I admit, she convinced me of her position. Now I must impose upon you and Señora Eva once more. Diego must remain here.”
Martine Cortes, thoughtful for a long moment, glanced at Señora Eva, who nodded in agreement, as he began to speak.
“Juan, when you brought Diego to us three years ago, we thought it would be for a short time. Just until Hernan had 166
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calmed a bit. Now we both realize that he is like our own son, we would never give him up. So your concerns are groundless, Diego will remain here as a real part of our family. Hernan loves him as much as we do.”
“Again I am indebted to both of you,” Juan softly said. “But will you ever tell him who his parents were? How they perished, why he came to live with you?”
“If the need ever arises, yes, we would make known to him the reasons for his coming to live with us. The identity of his parents, their ultimate fates.”
“You both have set my mind at ease, knowing Diego will always have a home with you is a great relief. Just one small request I would make of you regarding his upbringing. His father, Diego de San Gil, was a good man. I greatly mourn his loss. His mother, Elena de San Miguel, a noble woman who suffered alone at his birth. Is there some way their memories could be honored? Some simple ceremony you might perform with little Diego? The lighting of a candle, the chanting of a prayer?”
Señora Cortes smiled at Juan, taking his face in her hands, quietly nodded her approval. “You are a very good man, Juan.
Martine and I will do as you ask, have no fears.”
“Ah bueno— good, and may God grant you a place in heaven for the kindness you have shown to me and the boy. Now I think it is time for all of us to begin our siesta.”
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