The Indomitable Lady

2. Woman must be obedient

When Fernando Montieiro arrived at his friend Bernardes' house, he immediately called him to the office

--I want to talk to you before I introduce you to your daughter-in-law. I must tell you what happened here this afternoon.

Between glasses of whiskey and quality cigars, Bernardes recounted the conversation Teresa had with her children and her disappearance at the end of the afternoon.

- In my opinion, this girl is not from such good families as she was told. And it can pose a danger inside a house where there are other ladies and girls of age to look for a good marriage.

-Friend Bernardes, I understand what you are saying, but what can I do? My son insisted that he wanted to get a bride this way. I already married my second child before him, because the procedures for this marriage took time. The girl was shipwrecked and miraculously survived. It seems to me that God wants it this way: I will take her and marry them very quickly before it becomes spoken. And if necessary, my son and I will know how to teach her to behave. See, friend, I have 2 daughters and I know how to keep them with discipline , I will surely know how to teach a rebellious girl. She will not dishonor our family.

-That's right. I warned him ... Let's call the little one

Teresa was called to the office, where she entered accompanied by Dona Graça and met her father-in-law. A tall, elegant, powerful, almost majestic man, with piercing eyes and some brown hair, the same color as his thick mustache.

- Very pleased to meet you , Miss. I see you are a very beautiful maiden!

Teresa lowered her eyes and gave her best bow.

-Thank you, Sir!

-I hope you will soon call me father and I hope to have another daughter in you.

Teresa nodded in agreement.

-My son was working on the farm and so I decided to come and meet you and transport you.

Teresa kept her gaze lowered as Montieiro spoke, wanting to present a polite image and also not knowing what to say. The truth is that I was nervous and embarrassed and not knowing how far I should go with all that farce. The future father-in-law continued:

"I have some business to attend tonight in the city, and it's not wise to travel after sunset, either. We will accept Mr. Bernardes and leave tomorrow morning, if that's okay with you?

Teresa took the opportunity to gain time:

_Sir, I lost all my trousseau, I would like to stay a little longer and buy some things, clothes, dresses

-Like all ladies... I'm sorry, my daughter, but we leave tomorrow morning. My wife will help you solve this problem. We have slaves with a knack for sewing and, if necessary, then visit the seamstress in town. I can't stay for such frivolous reasons.

Teresa realized that despite the question she had been asked about what she wanted, Captain Montieiro 's word was law and could not be challenged. Should she say now that she didn't intend to marry, or that she wasn't the person they thought she was? Fearing for herself if they only learned part of the truth, she decided to continue the farce.

In her room she found a new black slave.

_I'm Ruth, Missy! Your mucamba. I came with Colonel Montieiro to help and serve you.

_Oh God! Now I own a human being?!!!

-What, Missy, I don't understand...-Rute looked confused- What should I do? Do you want to change clothes?

Teresa watched her. The black one had a very dark skin tone; she was young and beautiful.

-Ruth, do you know the slaves of this house?