Page 9 of Beaux and Dragons

“I’ll return this evening.” Federico dipped his chin, confirming his attendance with an easy smile.

All at once, the idea of Federico sitting across from her yet not speaking to her burned a hole in her spirit. Would he ever forgive her? Had he fallen in love with someone else? These wrestling thoughts twisted her stomach into knots. Ana knew she’d be in complete misery the rest of the day.

Chapter five

The Dreaded Dinner

Ana waited throughout the meal for Federico to acknowledge her presence but hoped he didn’t notice the puffiness beneath her eyes. As the evening dragged on, she finally got what she desired. It was a shame it transpired after Padre’s woefully misguided comment.

“If only Ana would make up her mind about Julian—he is a distant cousin set to inherit my fortune and that of my brother’s.” Padre chuckled as if he’d told some grand joke. “And you, Señor Vega, I presume are searching for a bride. Pray tell me what you hope to find.”

“I love when a lady knows her own mind.” Federico glanced over the long table, meeting Padre’s fake smile, Maria’s coolness, several other indifferent guests, andLucia’s sister-in-law Natalia’s vibrant agreement until he landed on Ana.

Though the stare lasted for a few seconds, Ana squirmed in her polished chair as if the statement had been directed at her alone. Now, she had only to figure out a way to escape the crushing of her soul.

Lucia and her husband, Juan, whispered to their small children who wiggled in their chairs, breaking the tension of the moment.

Natalia giggled over her plate of tres leches cake topped with frosting and strawberries and plucked the red fruit, accentuating her delicate features. “So true! I wouldn’t let myself be so easily manipulated by others.” Lucia’s sister-in-law had turned sixteen and was available for betrothals. She’d received at least one request from another neighbor, but Ana suspected she wouldn’t be persuaded by a large yearly income.

Federico’s dashing smile cocked up higher, brightening his brown eyes beneath the plethora of candlesticks. Ana withered while watching the exchanges between Natalia and Federico. Natalia’s slender figure and jubilant nature could entice any suitor to call. And Natalia would have no idea about Ana’s history with Federico because her sisters had sworn to secrecy on the matter.

Ana bit the insides of her cheeks, resisting an internal groan. Couldn’t he sign the deed and live his life out of Ana’s view? Any more dinners like this and she might run off with Celestia and not return.

Celestia.Perhaps she’s in need of comfort or food.She was the only one in Lurin who could make her forget the troubles with the estate and even possibly her crushing loneliness.

The servants collected the dessert plates, allowing for an easy exit from the whole ordeal.

Padre stood. “How about a game in the parlor?”

The rest of the guests got to their feet in pleasant agreement.

However, Ana rushed to Padre’s side. “I should go check to see if Celestia has returned.”

“And take the children,” Lucia interjected. “They have been much too energetic all evening and are giving me quite the headache.”

“Indeed, they have.” Juan offered his elbow to his wife.

Lucia took her husband’s arm, and they both darted forward, leaving behind their two small children with their favorite aunt, Tía Ana. Ana mussed her nephews’ heads and feigned a genuine smile so as not to make them feel unwanted.

“Tía, Tía, can we ride on Celestia?” The two boys hopped with enthusiasm by Ana’s side.

Padre dipped his head in agreement though he lifted a reproachful eyebrow.

“I’d love to join you as well.” Natalia slipped her hands into her nephews’ small ones and swung their arms front and back.

“I’d love to accompany the ladies as it is getting dark.” Federico winked at Natalia, who blushed at his attention.

Ana swallowed hard. Now she had to skip her trek to visit Celestia and walk to the empty stables with Federico too. She couldn’t blame Natalia for her clear interest in Federico, but why didhehave to act flirtatious?

The boys bolted out the door and hit the stone walkway running, leaving Natalia and Federico side by side. Ana trudged a couple of steps behind the pair.

“What plans have you for this year?” Natalia’s smooth voice dripped with coquetry that had Ana gagging.

Federico walked several paces more before answering. “I suppose I want to build up a racing team of dragons.”

“From here?” Natalia peeked back at Ana. “I mean no offense, but this isn’t exactly close to the races.”

“Why not?” He kept his head steady, giving Ana a perfect view of the two strands of wayward hair at his cowlick that he still hadn’t outgrown.