The Indomitable Lady

4. Plans

At supper time they had a visitor. Father Simões was a tall, thin man about whom Teresa could not form an opinion, but it was true that he flattered the Colonel.

ꟷ It is with great pleasure and honor that I will celebrate the wedding ꟷ he said at dinner ꟷ And as there is some rush I think that next Saturday is a good day for the ceremony.

Teresa choked:

ꟷ Next Saturday?!!! There's no rush! Why already on Saturday? ꟷ she looked Carlos who was sitting in front of her

ꟷ Miss, I also don't see the need to wait any longer ꟷ he replied looking at her with half-closed eyes and raising one of his eyebrows

ꟷ But... we don't even know each other!

ꟷ And we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other after we're married.

ꟷ I don't have a trousseau...

ꟷ You can buy later. I will not allow you to lack anything. ꟷ His gaze was magnetic, his voice showed determination and she was speechless when she looked into his eyes

ꟷ I was the one who asked Father Simão for a ceremony as soon as possible. ꟷ Said the Colonel - ꟷ you are living under the same roof as your fiancé, and it's not good manners. We'll have to marry you before the tongues start to speak.

How could she run away and find a way to get back to 21st century in a few days?

ꟷ So it's decided ꟷ said D. Isabel satisfied ꟷ We have my wedding dress and also Luísa's, we will change one of them to suit your taste. Husband, can we send the seamstress out of town tomorrow?

ꟷ I will send a slave to fetch her - ꟷ The owner of the house replied ꟷ We invite our closest friends and we will have a party with a dance. Prepare some dresses for you too, ladies.

Luísa and Francisca were beaming with joy and D. Isabel worried about all the work she would have for the rest of the week, but satisfied with the desired marriage of her eldest son.

Carlos watched her in a very uncomfortable way, and Teresa decided to continue eating and pretend she didn't feel that look in her eyes.

After the meal, the gentlemen went to the study where they drank and smoked and the ladies to the parlor, but Carlos asked permission to go out with his fiancée.

ꟷ Well, you're engaged and days away from the wedding, it sure doesn't matter. Take two slaves with candles ꟷ authorized Coronel Monteiro.

Teresa wondered if anyone cared about her opinion about the night walk, when Carlos offered her an arm saying:

ꟷ Do me the honor, Miss?

Accepting his arm for support, they left the house and began to walk.

ꟷ Are you worried about us getting married without knowing each other? -he started the conversation

ꟷ Yes, I am. It's a very important step in anyone's life and I think we should have the opportunity to know more about each other.

ꟷ Would that change anything? You're here and we're getting married. That's how we decided when we agreed to get married through a marriage agency.

ꟷ Yes, but I would like us to get to know each other better. After all, I'm still adapting to everything that happened to me.

ꟷ Let's meet, rest. In the next few days I will come home early and spend some time with you, I make a point of wooing you. In the meantime, I'll also show you a little bit of the farm. One day you will be the mistress of all this. I know that certain subjects don't interest you ladies , but I want you to know a little about what's going on here.