January 1502
With the celebration of Los Reyes Magos—Three Kings Day, on January sixth, the Navidad merriment concluded. And on January seventh all of Spain returns to its established routines and looks forward to next year’s festivities.
For Juan and Francisca, it meant the end of their visit to Medellin. And a return to their home in Cordoba, and their customary labors. Although with one important exception: Diego would accompany them.
Francisca, pointing out Diego’s recent melancholy, used her most convincing arguments, and persuaded Martine and Eva that Diego would benefit from a visit with them. Martine quickly agreed. Eva, although reticent, finally agreed as well.
Diego himself viewed the visit with mixed emotions. Always enjoying visiting Cordoba, he did not want to leave Hernan.
After long talks with Martine and Hernan, both explained they had pressing problems that needed looking after, and for that reason would not be able to spend much time with him.
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And finally, that they both felt the change would do him good.
Diego, still assailed by many doubts, and fears, finally consented to leave with his aunt and uncle.
Anxious to speak to his father regarding the Ortegas, Hernan impatiently waited for the holiday to end. As he continued to brood, the mere mention of the subject brought stony stares from his parents. Adding to his discomfort, bad weather delayed for a week the departure of the de la Casas.
Then with a mixture of sadness, love, and uneasiness, Hernan, and his parents bid Diego goodbye. On the fifteenth of January, he along with the de la Casas left for Cordoba. Eva and Martine explaining to Diego, that they would miss him, and promising to write.
As soon as the departing coach was out of sight. Martine asked Hernan to join him in the library. Eva, dreading the dispute she knew was to come, made her way to the kitchen.
Pouring some wine for Hernan and himself, Martine began to explain. “Hernan, there are two reasons why I would not discuss the de Ortegas with you. One, I did not want to create a scene in front of your aunt and uncle. And two, since the Romero family incident, Diego has been very upset.”
Hernan, puzzled, asked, “I don’t understand, Papa. What has Diego to do with the Ortegas, or the Romeros. And why would it upset him?”
Hesitating, as if to collect his thoughts, Martine continued,
“Listen to me, Hernan, the limpieza de sangre of the de Ortegas is questionable. I forbid you to have anything to do with them.”
Angered, at his father’s words, Hernan felt his blood begin to boil, as he began to shout, “Papa…he is the collector of taxes. He could never have reached such an eminent position if he was a false Christian. But even if he is, I don’t care. I want to begin courting the Ortega’s daughter.”
Trying to keep his voice as calm as possible, Martine replied,
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for Tio and Tia to leave. I am thankful that Diego is with them.
Talk of Conversos is extremely upsetting for him. Why? I do not know. Maybe being an orphan has something to do with it. In any event, for you to fully understand my reasons for refusing your wish to court Ortega’s daughter, you must understand how important limpieza de sangre is. A tainted ancestry will prevent you or your children from ever achieving any measure of success. The Ortega family converted many years ago. They have been faithful Catholics for the last one hundred years.
Señor Ortega is a fine and honest gentleman. I’m sure his daughter is a fine lady. But that said, does not change their limpieza de sangre.”
Stopping to again collect his thoughts, Martine sadly continued, “Why do you think he has never become revenue collector for a large city like Seville, or Madrid, intelligent as he is?”
Starting to speak, Hernan was silenced by his father.
“His Converso roots that’s why! For you to associate with this family will only end in sadness and failure.”
Hernan, listening, became angry and disappointed, yet he was fascinated as well. Diego’s background had never been mentioned by his parents before. What could that mean?
But more important right now, he felt, was to convince his father. He was determined to begin courting Maria, no matter what!
Fighting his restless energy and anger. Hernan again began speaking, very quietly. “Papa, I know you are concerned for me, my future. But I am old enough to make my own decisions. I want to begin courting Maria de Ortega as soon as I can! All I ask is that you write a letter of introduction to Señor de Ortega, asking his permission for me to court his daughter. No member of the Ortega family has ever been brought before an Inquisitional Court. No accusations have ever been made against them. That for me, is evidence enough, that their Jewish roots 223
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have been successfully severed. If the courtship ends in marriage, I will be very happy. If not, I will have had the opportunity of pursuing a beautiful Señorita.”
With mounting passion, and a quivering voice, Martine replied, “Do not speak lightly of the Inquisition. There are many secret ways of detecting heretics. You did not witness the terrible punishment the Romeros suffered. Are you willing to risk the same fate?”
Hernan, beginning to become angry again, answered, “The Inquisition cannot harm me. My faith in the holy church is strong, and I’m sure it would never question the Ortegas’
devotion.”
Sensing Hernan’s anger, and knowing how stubborn he could become, Martine decided he would try one final argument to dissuade him.
“Your plans for the New World, do you intend to abandon them. If you marry, your new bride may not find the New World very hospitable.”
Hearing those words Hernan’s confidence in himself was shattered. Desperately he sought some way to convince his father, and himself, that going to the New World, and having a new bride was still possible, as he stammered, “Father, I…”
“Answer me, Hernan. I have been making inquiries regarding passage to the New World. Should I discontinue these inquiries, while you pursue this señorita. Or should I give them up entirely?”
Hernan, searching for some way to explain, began haltingly to justify for Martine his need for both, when, in a burst of clarity, he had the compromise he was looking for.
“I realize, Papa, that both are not possible, at this time. But with your help, and the grace of God, I shall achieve all that I am striving for. Write the letter for me. If Don Tomas refuses my request, then I shall continue my life in the New World. But if he consents to my courting his daughter, and I am successful, I will marry, the New World will have to wait.”
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Reluctantly, Martine, troubled, realized that what Hernan had proposed was the best he could have hoped for, and decided he would write to Señor Tomas de Ortega.
“Muy bueno—very good, Hernan, I will do as you ask. I hope you will not bring shame to the Cortes’ name,” he softly uttered as he hugged Hernan to him.
“Gracias— thank you, Papa. I will never do anything to dishonor the family,” Hernan replied as he returned his father’s embrace. All thoughts of Diego forgotten.
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