October 1496
Don Fernando de San Miguel
Donna Isabel’s dreams had become more real every day.
They were always the same. Elena would appear, a child in her arms, calling out to her mother for help. Donna Isabel, unable to reach her daughter, would awake with a start, shivering and sweaty, feelings of guilt filling her heart, she would begin to pray. But the words were not from any Catholic prayers she was familiar with. But Hebrew and Spanish prayers, she had learned many years ago as a child. When the “courtyard” was a very important part of her life. Realizing she was dreaming, and uttering words which could endanger her family, she would immediately stop. Leave her bed, go to the miniature nave and crucifix in her room, and begin reverently chanting proper catholic prayers.
The dreams had started almost three years ago, when she first learned of Elena’s death. Tonight’s dream was unlike the others.
168
SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
Tonight she reached Elena, embraced her, took the baby in her arms, and felt the happiness of her grandchild. Then took her last breath, succumbing finally to her own broken heart.
Her funeral, sad and long, brought to Antonio almost unbearable sorrow. To Don Fernando along with the sorrow, a dejected, spiritless gloom flooded his heart along with the pain of his wife’s death.
* * *
Anna de Segovia kneeled in the confessional booth and poured her heart out to the priest listening to her confession. The death of Señora Isabel had brought unending sadness as well as guilt to Anna. For it was she who had cared for the señora the past six months, hearing her strange words, witnessing her odd actions.But most important of all, the final words she had uttered before dying: “Cara mia nina—my darling daughter. You have let me hold my bastard grandchild at last. I forgive you, I will love him forever…forever.”
Those words brought into focus for Anna, Señor Antonio’s visitor, who no more than two months ago had left him in such a bitter mood. Could it be that Señorita Elena had not died of a broken heart? Were the prayers I heard the Señora muttering…Jewish prayers?
The priest’s attention was riveted on the girl’s revelations.
The San Miguels were very influential, very close to Monsignor Abate. Was it worth risking the monsignor’s wrath to bring him such news. And yet not to…could mean even worse punishment.
Numerous Conversos baptized since the Expulsion Edict had been imposed, were beginning fall back into their old ways.
They were again beginning to visit “courtyards.” Those who possessed knowledge of backsliding “New Christians” were required, on pain of excommunication, to reveal their information to church authorities. Catholic Spain again found 169
JOSEPH HOBESH
itself facing a “Jewish problem” it thought it had resolved. These events alerted the church—and revived the Inquisition!
Blessing Anna after she completed her confession, and telling her what her penitence would be, Father Alfonso admonished her not to reveal to anyone what she had told him. His fear of the Inquistores had been burned into his memory; having witnessed firsthand the various methods of “persuasion.”
* * *
Monsignor Abate’s most cherished ambition, his long awaited dream, to be called “Bishop,” was almost a reality.Bishop Julio lay on his deathbed, the end very close. I shall miss him. He taught me well. What would be a fitting way of honoring him?
the monsignor thought. A shrine maybe…his thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door.
“Enter,” he called out.
Father Alfonso entered stood in front of Monsignor Abate’s writing table waiting for him to speak first.
“You may sit, Father, what is it you require of me?”
“I have no request of you, Monsignor. I learned just two days ago, some very interesting revelations regarding the San Miguel family. In particular, Donna Isabel, may she rest in peace.”
Hearing the San Miguel name brought the monsignor to complete attention. The agreement he had made with Don Fernando had worked out well. What little Bishop Julio had been told, he accepted without question. The renovation to the Church of San Pedro was being completed. The confessions well hidden had not been needed. The Office of the Inquisitor had shown no interest. What could this priest possibly have to tell him?
“Well speak up. What are these revelations?”
Father Alfonso, with great care and respect for Donna Isabel, related Anna de Segovia’s confession.
170
SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
Monsignor Abate, intrigued and troubled at the same time, sat in deep thought. Everything going so well. Now this priest…comes to me with this news.
“That will be all, Father Alfonso,” the monsignor angrily dismissed the priest.
Before taking his leave, Father Alfonso inquired as to Bishop Julio’s condition. “It has not changed. He is close to the end.”
Then softening, added almost as an afterthought, “Thank you for your news, and your concern for the bishop. They will not go unrewarded.”
My greatest reward would be punishment of all those whose practice of the true faith is false, Father Alfonso thought as he left the monsignor’s office. May the wrath of the Inquisition punish them all.
171