Love Hacienda

Chapter 3

  Isabél Castillo patted and primped her Chignon at her vanity.She looked at the small crowd comprising of her Husband Hectór,Son Vincenzio and Maria her honorary Niece through her mirror.She knew they were waiting for a reaction to the news they just told her but decided to keep them in a little bit of suspense.She always enjoyed a little bit of Mischief.

"Mi Amor,Did you hear what I said" Senior Castillo said

Isabel turned around and looked directly at her husband.She looked from him to the couple slightly behind him with a straight face.Vincenzio looked at her questioningly,Maria looked at her with a small shy smile.Suddenly her face broke into a smile and she said "Of course I heard what you said Hectór!I was just wondering if I should pretend that I am actually surprised.I am happy,but surprised?No" she laughed.
"Come to me Maria" she said again with her arms outstretched

Vincenzio edged Maria slightly forward with a smile on his face saying "Mamá your sense of humour made Maria a bit unsure but you didn't fool me for a second"

"Maria is this true?,Come,sienta te " said Senora Castillo

"Tia I didn't know what you would say.Vincenzio said you would be very happy but I found your silence very confusing" said Maria as she sat by Isabél close to the Vanity Mirror

" I decided to punish you and Vincenzio for acting as if I did not know what I was saying. I knew the two of you would end up together, it was just a matter of time. But No,everybody acts like Mamá is crazy!Mamá doesn't know what is going on!so I had to punish you"

Senor Castillo burst into laughter ,"Isabél,you never could fool me.I always know what you are thinking.I knew you would be very pleased my love"

"Are you going to give me my flowers mi amor?" said Isabél with raised eyebrows

" Are you sure there for you?" said Senór Castillo waggling his eyebrows

"Who would they be for Hector? Senora Castlillo said,waggling her eyebrows back

"You know they are for you Mi Corazon.They are just the way you like them" Hector said as he walked forward and kissed her softly on the lips.She took the flowers from him and inhaled deeply.

"I do love to banter with you Mi Rey,but the children are right here with their good news" Isabél turned to look at Maria who was watching them with amusement and interest

Vincenzio leaned against his mother's bedpost and said "Mi Reina I believe we have to leave Mamá and Papá to have the rest of their morning in peace"

"Nonsense Son" said Isabel "This calls for a celebration" she stood up suddenly and drew the curtains by her vanity
"Maria you are now almost my daughter,I will have no more of your cooking in this house.Everything changes today.I will send you and Orquediá to Madame Mariposa for new dresses befitting My Son's future Wife"

Maria replied "But Tia,we only just started courting"

Vincenzio,Hector and Isabel all turn to look at her.

Isabél says "Hmm,so you want to enjoy your courtship privately for a while before the whole town knows?I understand that but it doesnt change the fact that you have to go to Madame Mariposa.You have to slip into your role and If you are honest you will know I have been preparing you for this for a long time"

Maria looks down and Blushes furiously

Vincenzio says " Mamá, just out of curiosity,what would you have done if I brought another Woman as my Novia.You seem so sure I was going to do this"

" Don't make me laugh Son!If you brought another woman then I would accept her because I would know that is what you want, but that is not what you want because I know you,this is what you have wanted since you were a child. What kind of mother would I be if I didn't know exactly what my son wants?"