June 1492
Don Fernando de San Miguel
Sitting in the courtyard of the San Miguel home on a late morning of a lovely spring day, and enormously enjoying every minute of it, Monsignor Abate smiled, assuring Don Fernando that his worries were groundless. The confessions would not be revealed. He, Monsignor Abate, would take care of everything.
The desire of the families to embrace the true faith was all that mattered. He would personally take the matter up with Bishop Julio himself.
The contributions to rebuild the Church of San Pedro were appreciated, Monsignor Abate explained. Since this was the church of his childhood—he had grown up within the parish—
and having the church rebuilt meant a great deal to him personally.
But much more important, Don Fernando and the rest were indebted to him. A fact, the monsignor thought, that made him 80
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realize his true ambitions—being appointed bishop—were closer than ever now. Don Fernando and the rest were all very powerful, rich and with great influence.
That they, or older members of their families, had once been secret Jews, was information too valuable to contemplate. The mere fact that professed “New” Christians had continued their Jewish practice was reason enough for the Office of the Holy Inquisition to prepare an auto-da-fé immediately.
Although all had now discontinued these Jewish practices, that they had occurred at all provided the monsignor with a tremendous advantage. Having to battle against his Converso background to achieve the position he now held in the Church.
The monsignor recalled with mixed emotions, the bitter struggle to cleanse himself of his past.
Now he held the power to achieve his longtime ambition. His dream to be called “Bishop.” Monsignor Abate would protect these people from the edict, as long as it was to his advantage and suited his ultimate ambitions. Bishop Julio was very old and very easily manipulated. The monsignor was sure he would be able to attain the required absolution with very little difficulty.
His thoughts were interrupted by Don Fernando asking him if he desired another glass of wine.
“No, no, Don Fernando, gracias. Two glasses of wine at this time of the day would only make me want to take my siesta so much sooner. Now I must return to the holy office and make arrangements to meet with Bishop Julio.”
Both men turned at the sound of footsteps and watched as Donna Isabel and Elena entered the courtyard. Both women kneeled before the monsignor, made the sign of the cross, and whispered, “Buenos dias, Monsignor, please bless us.”
Observing how poorly Elena looked, Monsignor Abate made a mental note to investigate further the reasons for this. Making the sign of the cross above the kneeling women, he began his prayer. “May the lord Jesus bless you and keep you safe.
Amen.”
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“Thank you, Monsignor, you are looking well,” Donna Isabel said as she and her daughter seated themselves.
“A thousand pardons to you, Donna Isabel, and to you, Señorita Elena, but I must take my leave. So much work, so little time. I hope you will forgive me for such a short visit.”
Disappointed, Donna Isabel had hoped to take confession with him, and discuss Elena’s behavior, and simply replied,
“Only if you promise to return before long, for a proper visit.”
“I will, as soon as I can. Buenos dias to you and your lovely daughter, Señora.”
Don Fernando rose to accompany the monsignor out. “I appreciate your coming to see us, and for all your help, I will inform the other families of your decisions, Monsignor.”
“It is my pleasure, Don Fernando, you are not to worry. But may I ask, is Elena fit? She does not look well to me.”
“She is fine, just suffering from affairs of the heart, another matter for which I may seek your help.”
“I am at your service, Señor. Adios. I will be in touch.”
“Adios, Monsignor Abate. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future.”
Returning to the women, Don Fernando found Elena sobbing and Donna Isabel berating her. Ay di mi! he thought. When will I find the peace I so hunger for?
“Señora, por favor, please stop the bickering, it will not help matters. Elena, you must stop this weeping and moping about.
My decision is made, there will be no further discussion of the matter, if you—”
Interrupting Don Fernando, Elena angrily shouted, “What, Father, what will you do, have me locked away in a convent?
Turn me into a nun, to live a life of obedience and chastity? All I asked for, all I really want, is for you give your blessing to our marriage. A marriage that would not take place until Joshua returns. He is converting, what more do you expect of him?”
Elena, breathless, began to sob again. “Even Antonio agrees with me, I—”
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“NO! NO! Elena, I refuse to discuss the matter any further,”
Don Fernando began to shout, feeling his anger and frustration build in him.
“My decision is made, and you know what it is. There will be no mention of Joshua Ben-Halavi by you or anyone else in this house. The matter is closed. You are not to see or speak of him again. Surely you realize the seriousness of our situation. The edict, and all the dangers related to it.”
Elena, beginning to feel helpless and alone, trying to pacify her father, spoke softly. “Papa, he will be baptized tomorrow.
Please don’t let him leave without—”
“No more discussion, Elena,” Don Fernando shouted. “Go to your room now! Isabel, see to it that she obeys.”
“I am not a child, Father,” Elena replied, wiping her tears and trying to control her sobbing. She glared at her parents. “I know the risks the edict and your arrangements with Monsignor Abate may bring. But I don’t care. I love Joshua and I want to be with him. All I ask for is your promise to let us marry when he returns, if he ever does. All you and Mother have done is to refuse me what I really want.”
Donna Isabel, no longer able to hold her silence, yelled, “How can you speak to us this way, have you no respect?”
Elena, without responding, turned her back on her parents, and quickly returned to her room. Weeping quietly, but pensive, she thought, I will not let it end this way. I will not lose Joshua to that vast ocean. Or to the religious fanatics who cannot live in peace or understanding with anyone who disagrees with their beliefs. Dios mío , help me!
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