March 1502
Martine and Eva were at their wits’ end. Just yesterday, they and the de la Casas had almost persuaded Hernan not to confront Don Tomas. Suggesting that waiting for a reply, no matter how long it took, was the way of a gentleman. Hernan, angry and morose, after much debate, finally agreed, leaving, saying he would return sometime this evening.
Diego, upset at his brother’s behavior—he had never seen Hernan behave so disrespectfully to his parents, his aunt and uncle—was glad to be home. Yet saddened at the unhappiness he was witnessing.
Juan and Francisca had not returned to Cordoba because of Juan’s arthritis, which had worsened to the point where traveling would cause him too much pain.
Today though, his pain had lessened. And arrangements were being made for a coach to take him and Francisca back to Cordoba.
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As Francisca began her packing, she was joined by Eva, who began helping. After a short while Eva began sobbing.
“Ay de mi! Hernan won’t listen, he is so stubborn. If he insists on having his way I see nothing but misfortune.”
“Eva, Eva, do not trouble yourself so. Hernan is Hernan. He does not think, he just acts. I’m sure Juan and Martine will be able to make him understand. He must wait for Señor Ortega’s answer.” Francisca tried comforting her.
“You are right, Francisca, but…” Interrupted by a servant before she could finish, Eva listened, as the servant explained that a message had been delivered from Señor De Ortega. El Patron had the message, and he asked that she join him in the library.
Quickly making their way to the library, both Eva and Francisca felt confident, that the news would make Hernan very happy.
Entering the library, both women noticed the somber mood of Martine and Juan.
“Que paso, Martine— what does Señor De Ortega write?” Eva asked.
Shaking his head as he began to answer, Martine softly said,
“He forbids Hernan or anyone else from courting his daughter.
She is betrothed to another. She marries in a year.”
“Ah, Dio. Hernan will be heartbroken,” Eva began. “I know he will do something reckless once he is told about her betrothal.”
“It will be very difficult for him to accept this news,” Juan agreed. “What if he was far away from here…what if he came back to Cordoba with us?”
Eva, realizing Juan’s thought was an excellent idea, agreed,
“Yes, Juan, if he is in Cordoba with you, I think—”
“No, Eva,” Martine interrupted. “Juan, I appreciate your offer of help. However, Hernan must honor Señor De Ortega’s decision, as he promised. I will now double my efforts to find 231
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him passage to the New World. I think he will find much to occupy him—there.”
Eva reluctantly agreed. Her eager wish was to see Hernan married, and in Spain, not in some far-off strange land. But knowing her son and his temperament, she concurred.
Francisca, although sympathizing with both Martine and Eva, felt Diego was the one who would be suffering the most.
She hesitated for a brief moment before speaking her mind.
“I think it would be best for Diego if he returned with us to Cordoba, just until Hernan accepts the situation.”
Diego who had been sitting in the library and quietly observing all that was happening, quickly spoke up.
“No, Tia, I will not leave Hernan, he will be sad and upset.”
“But, Diego…” Francisca began to answer.
Eva, speaking before Francisca could continue, said, “He is right, he should not leave. His home is here with his family. Even if there is disagreement. He must learn that a family’s love will protect him, no matter what.”
Seeing his mother’s sadness, and his aunt’s dismay, Diego ran to both, embraced them, and said, “Momma, Tia, I love you both very much, but I must stay, and be with Hernan.”
* * *
Returning home that evening after consuming much wine, Hernan, indifferent, accepted Señor De Ortega’s answer. And quietly went to bed. Two days later the de la Casas left for Cordoba. Diego remained in Medellin.232