Las Dos Marias

Chapter 11: Courtship

When Miguel Mendoza first saw the sugarcane fields surrounding San Felipe, he recognized an opportunity to prove himself to his Spanish father. He began dreaming of a thriving business in the sugar trade, picturing a future where he wouldn't just be living up to his family's expectations but carving out a life of his own.

Today, he strolled through the sunny streets of San Felipe. In the few months he'd spent in this quiet town, he had grown fond of its peacefulness. It was so different from the chaos of Manila, where he grew up. His family thought he was only wasting time here, but he saw potential in this place, hence, he stayed.

At twenty-eight, Miguel had learned a thing or two about business. He knew not to judge things on appearances alone. San Felipe might be a sleepy little town, but it held promise. All he needed was the right moment and resources to make his mark and show his father his worth.

What made everything fall into place for him were the connections he'd quickly made around town. His charm and family background had opened doors, giving him access and influence.

One name kept coming up after he arrived in San Felipe—María Trinidad Buenavista, the only daughter of Alcalde Mayor Don Arnulfo Buenavista. People spoke of her with admiration and, sometimes, jealousy. She was known for her beauty and elegance, carrying the weight of her family name with poise, and had received an excellent education. Miguel knew his father would approve. After all, he'd always been told that a successful business could be made even better with a marriage to a well-connected woman.

Trinidad seemed like the perfect match—a woman who could give him a son. Fortunately, Miguel had befriended Don Arnulfo just in time for Trinidad's return from the convent and her coming-of-age celebrations. Now, as he made his way to the Buenavista residence, he felt his plans coming together.

The town, in its usual slow pace, felt just right to him. To be honest, he was nervous. At the party, Trinidad had been clear in her disinterest. Still, he told himself it was part of the game—no respectable woman would seem too eager, lest society label her a desperada. But today, Miguel was determined to win her over, sure that by the end of the visit, she would be the one seeking another meeting.

He glanced around, hoping to calm his nerves. A few Spanish soldiers stood idly on the far side of the street, some near the arsenal. They looked bored, and who could blame them? There was no danger in San Felipe. Despite rumors of uprisings in Manila, the people here remained unconcerned. Whispers of rebellion and the recent death of a farmer floated around, but the locals seemed more focused on market prices than on such morbid topics.

A group of older women chatted as he passed by, smiling at him. He gave them a polite nod in return. Then, a beggar shuffled his way to him, his shabby hands outstretched. "Por favor, Señor," the man pleaded. "Just a coin." Miguel—hating to look at the man's appearance—barely glanced at his raggedness, and kept walking.

Soon, he reached the Buenavista home and was amazed to see an imposing brick structure that spoke of old money. He adjusted his jacket, conscious of how he appeared. He badly wanted to impress Trinidad, especially after the way she had dismissed him at the party. "It's now or never," he muttered, stepping toward the door.

He knocked, and a house helper appeared almost instantly. "This way, Señor," the helper said, leading him inside.

Miguel admired the family portraits that lined the walls but didn't linger there, feeling like the eyes in the frames seemed to judge him. Instead, he focused on the elegant surroundings, the furniture a testament to the family's wealth.

"Don Miguel," a voice called from the staircase. Looking up, Miguel saw Don Arnulfo descending.

"Don Arnulfo," Miguel greeted him. "Always a pleasure."

"Likewise, young man," Don Arnulfo replied with a hearty laugh. "I trust the house meets your approval?"

Miguel smiled. "You have a beautiful home, Señor."

"Well, I know you didn't come just to admire the house. You're here for my daughter," Don Arnulfo said, clapping him on the shoulder. "And I hear you have big plans for San Felipe—that's what I like to see in a man. With the right backing, you'll make something of yourself. Just remember, wisdom and connections will help you succeed."

"And a good wife to stand beside you," Miguel joked, drawing another laugh from the Don.

"True enough. Anyway, my daughter is expecting you."

Miguel followed him into the receiving room. "And my mother, Doña Alma, insisted on being your chaperone. You know how it is—until you're married, you can't be left alone."

Miguel chuckled. "I understand, Señor. I'm a man of honor."

"Good, then there's no need to worry."

Don Arnulfo excused himself, and moments later, Trinidad entered the room with her mother, Doña Esperanza, and Doña Alma. After some small talk, Doña Esperanza left to join her husband.

Trinidad sat by the window, her gaze meeting his. "Señor Mendoza."

"Señorita Trinidad... Doña Alma," Miguel said, kissing their hands respectfully.

"Please, sit," Trinidad gestured.

An awkward silence filled the space, prompting Miguel to break it. "I trust you've been well since our last conversation?" he asked.

"I have, gracias. And you?"

"I'm well. Business is thriving... and I'm glad to see you again."

Her eyes flickered briefly, but she said no more, leaving him confused about her real feelings. She seemed to know how to hide them well.

They exchanged polite words, but Miguel couldn't help but notice her growing indifference. She kept the conversation going, but there was a coolness beneath her words, a subtle push toward ending the encounter. He chose to ignore it, pressing on.

"San Felipe has so much potential," he said, shifting the topic to his business ventures. "With the right investments, it could become one of the most prosperous regions."

"True," Trinidad agreed. "But progress only works when men don't exploit the town's wealth."

Miguel blinked at her bluntness. "A bold opinion, Señorita."

Trinidad looked out the window again, and Miguel felt irritation creeping in, but still, he forced himself to stay calm.

Sensing the tension, Doña Alma interjected, "You're a wise man, Don Miguel. That's rare these days."

Miguel relaxed slightly at the compliment. "I just want to contribute to our country, Doña. Thank you."

Trinidad turned toward him. "Our family values progress, but more than wealth, true fulfillment comes from following the heart."

The conversation had shifted, and Miguel instantly sensed it. He tried to come out of a response. "Of course. Personal satisfaction is important. What makes one person happy may not work for another."

"Exactly," she said, standing up. Miguel recognized it as a sign their meeting was coming to an end.

"I respect your vision for San Felipe," Trinidad continued. "But I need to be honest. I don't see our futures aligning, despite your good intentions."

Miguel's heart sank. "Señorita, I—"

She raised her hand gently, stopping him. "This isn't about respect or admiration. It's just, my heart belongs elsewhere, and I can't offer you what isn't mine to give."

Miguel bowed slightly, struggling to mask his disappointment. "Thank you for your honesty, Señorita. Perhaps, in time, you'll reconsider."

"Perhaps," Trinidad said. "But time, Don Miguel, is not something I'm willing to gamble on."

Miguel took a deep breath. "Will I ever have another chance to speak with you?"

But Trinidad had already turned away, leaving the weight of her words hanging over him. He glanced at Doña Alma, who offered him a small nod. It seemed that his courtship had come to an end, contrary to what he had hoped.