THE EMPRESS SERIES II
THE AMBUSCADE

By Eliza

CATEGORY/RATING: NC17    Montoya/OFC
DISCLAIMER:  All characters from The Queen of Swords are copyrighted by the producers, Fireworks Productions and Paramount. No infringement or revenue is intended. The story plot is original and copyright to the author.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to thank the QOS fic list for their encouragement, especially Maril and Jo for their valuable suggestions.  Also, a big thank you to Li, who did a wonderful job betaing this monster.
SERIES: The second in the Empress Series, sequel to The Alliance.
SUMMARY: One year later, Katerina returns to Santa Elena to visit Tessa and to continue building her empire.
NOTES: Information on the Bouchard Invasion was taken from a summary of Californian history found at:  http://www.ccnet.com/~laplaza/calhist2.htm
I have also given a nod to another delicious bad guy --  Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham from  "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves".   It was just too great a line to leave alone.

The coach had barely stopped when the door opened and out flew the lady in question.  She went immediately to Tessa's embrace.  Montoya was rather charmed by the sight of the two beautiful women.  The late afternoon sun shot the dark head with flame and cast the other in gold.

The colonel was descending the staircase into the square when he heard a masculine voice chiding, "Katerina, I wish you wouldn't be so reckless.  You must be extra careful now."

The dark gold head turned to the man exiting the coach.  "Oh, Salvador, stop fussing.  Come and meet Tessa."

The gentleman was slightly taller than average, brown-haired with regular features, and fit, in the soft way of the active nobleman.  Overall, pleasant to look at, but unremarkable. "Maria Teresa Alvarado, it is a pleasure finally to make your acquaintance."

"Don De La Torre." She offered her hand and smiled as he kissed it.  "Salvador, if I may?  I feel as if I am meeting long lost family."

Montoya continued to approach the group but Salvador De La Torre's comment to his wife caused him to take a closer look at Katerina.  The laces of her dress seemed looser, but it wasn't until she turned to him and he noticed her overflowing the neckline of her dress that he was confident of his conclusion. It is the natural result of a year of marriage, he reminded himself.

If he had any remaining doubts regarding her condition, the self-satisfied look on her face, as she noted his attention, dispersed them.  She came forward to greet the colonel as she would any old family friend, placing both hands in his and leaning in to lightly kiss his cheek.

He whispered to her, "Your father must be pleased."

"Overjoyed."  She released his hands and moved back to a respectable distance but kept her voice low as she continued, "I am surprised he hasn't written you."

"With his superstitions?  You know he won't speak of a child until it is born.  However, the pleasure of having Matias with him again has taken up a number of his letters."

"Ah yes, the eldest son." Bitterness practically dripped from the words, but Katerina was quick to add, "I do love my brother, but I could do without Papa's reaction to him."

"I thought you would like having the focus taken off of you.  Combined with the evidence of your role as dutiful wife, this should leave you with plenty of room to manoeuver."

"Leave it to you to find the tactical advantage in any situation." She smiled at him as she tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. Her grin widened a little as she raised her voice for the benefit of the group. "Come, meet my husband."

Montoya rewarded Katerina, with a small snort of disgust, before he slid easily into the role of a gracious host.

With introductions and initial pleasantries concluded, Montoya made an impulsive suggestion to De La Torre.  "Why don't you and your wife spend tonight in my home?  It would save you from having to make the trip back to town in the morning and I would have the pleasure of your company over dinner.

"Senorita Alvarado, I hope you will excuse my theft of your guests and join the party as well?"

The whole idea seemed to catch Tessa off guard and it took prompting from Katerina to get a response.  "Please feel free to accept, Katerina," insisted Tessa.  "The plans I have made for tonight are easily changed.  But I am not prepared to attend a dinner party."

Her quick glance at her simple dress enlightened Montoya as to the problem. "You are as lovely as always, Maria Teresa.  This is hardly a formal affair.  However, if you prefer, send your servant for the necessities."

While Tessa considered this, Katerina sent a silent question to De La Torre, to which he replied, "Whatever you would like, my dear."

Montoya almost laughed at this exchange.  Katerina had mentioned the influence she would have over her future husband and Montoya had thought it an optimistic boast.  He now realized that she had read Salvadore De La Torre perfectly.  He had forgotten what an insightful woman she could be.  Katerina caught his eye. With a briefly raised eyebrow and a slight smirk, she let him know that she knew what he was thinking also.

"The invitation sounds delightful, Colonel," said Katerina.

She turned her attention to her friend and used her most beguiling manner.  "Please stay, Tessa. At least for dinner.  If you wish to return home this evening, I am sure the colonel would bring me to the hacienda in the morning, after I have seen Salvador on his way."

"Since I am to have you to myself for the next month, it would be most selfish of me not to share you for one evening.  Come with me to tell Marta of the change in plans."  Tessa grinned as she put her arm around Katerina's shoulders. "I don't think she will have trouble finding a way to occupy herself while I dine with you."

As Tessa led her toward Dr. Helm's office, Katerina called over her shoulder, "Salvador, would you be so kind as to take care of the arrangements for the luggage and the accommodations for the escort?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned back to Tessa. "Tessa, what aren't you telling me?"

Montoya nodded to himself, only half hearing the women's chatter as they walked away.  This would be an even better arrangement.  The trip to the ranch would give them a chance to talk without any questionable whisperings.  Also, for this evening, the more company diverting his attention, the better.  He turned back to Don De La Torre, to assist him in his newly assigned duties.

*-*-*-*-*

The previous evening had been very enjoyable.  Tessa had left soon after dinner, in order not to travel in the dark, and Montoya had proved to be an exemplary host.  Katerina had not had the opportunity to spend time with the colonel in social situations.  Her father had influenced the tone of the only events they had attended together, and the two private conversations she had shared with Montoya had been filled with tension and hidden meaning.

Her husband left at dawn to continue his journey to San Diego.  It had taken all of her persuasive powers to get Salvador to agree to her taking this trip; he was not as pliable as he seemed. But Katerina chose her battles well, and the fact that he seemed to approve of Tessa helped the situation.  More and more, he was coming to trust her judgement.  Katerina was surprised at the real feeling of loss she experienced as she watched him leave, realizing that it was the first time in their marriage that they would be apart. Salvador was a very amiable companion -- she liked him. She could see herself coming to love him as father to their children.  There was a hint of a tear in her eye until she turned to the carriage waiting for her. But as the blue-grey eyes of the man who would assist her assent held hers, she knew that she was never going to be content with knowing just pleasant company.

Given my parents, I have no choice, thought Katerina as she settled herself in the carriage, with one small bag on the floor at her feet.  Montoya took the opposite seat, then signaled the driver to proceed.  They were silent until they had left the pueblo behind.

Katerina saw amusement starting in Montoya's eyes and wondered at its source.  There was a smile playing at his lips as he said, "No news to impart, Senora De La Torre?"

The way he stressed her name gave a clue to his amusement.  Katerina reclined in the plush cushions of the backrest and put on her haughtiest air. "Dona Katerina Juanita Reyes De La Torre, if you don't mind."

The sound of this impressive mouthful of a name brought a chuckle from the colonel and Katerina's cool facade was shattered by a wide smile.  The awkward tension she had felt since entering the coach had broken.  "News.  What kind of news are you looking for, Colonel?  A new recipe for canned lemons? How to keep termites from the dining room chairs? Please remember I am a woman, and therefore incapable of understanding anything beyond the walls of her home."

Montoya smirked and asked, "So things are not progressing as you had hoped."

Katerina relented in her sarcasm. "They are.  Better in fact.  It is just that I have very little patience when I see that what I truly want is still just out of reach and is likely to remain there."

That prompted another quirk of a smile, then Montoya became serious, as he returned to what seemed to have been the original topic. "I had hoped that you could tell me what your father has not.  For the last two months, his letters have been filled with nothing but official business and Matias." It was Katerina's turn to snicker. "I have a delicate transaction in negotiation and I need to know what he is doing," said Montoya, sounding a little worried.

"He is being Papa.  He showing off his son and playing host to the colony.  If he is actually conducting official business with you, then you are receiving more attention than the rest of the bureaucrats in California." Katerina saw him wince at the title.  She glanced quickly at the bag on the floor.  She knew so much more about him now than she had the last time they had met, but that only made her more reluctant to share the information she had come across.  She would be here a month; she could afford to wait and choose her time.

They spent the rest of the trip comparing intelligence on the general state of the colony.  News was far too often unreliable, and always delayed. Comparing notes, they clarified their understanding of the economic and military situation in Alta California.  It was not a pleasant picture.  Montoya had been asking for more men and guns, but it seemed that he had been getting the last of them.  Katerina assured him that his was one of the better manned of the outlying pueblos.  Most of the munitions had remained at San Diego, San Francisco, and Monterey.  Katerina realized, with satisfaction, that once Salvador returned from San Diego, she should have a complete view of the situation and be able to make fully informed decisions.

This thread of the conversation ended as the carriage turned down the path to the Alvarado hacienda.  Katerina remembered what she had been thinking about the last time she had turned onto this road.  She didn't suppress the wicked little smile that tugged at her lips.

"I'm afraid to ask," said Montoya.

"You should be.  I was remembering the last time I traveled this route.  I spent the whole trip wondering what kind of man could make a joke about my father's tendency to spill blood on the carpets."

Montoya gave her a guarded look. "You laughed at it."

"Of course I did, but then it was my blood. You two were spilling something completely different," she said as they pulled to a stop.  Katerina moved quickly to descend from the carriage before Montoya could reply to the comment.  Tessa and Marta were at the gate to greet her, but she paused long enough to send a grin over her shoulder to Montoya.  Their eyes met for an instant and she knew this was not the end of the conversation.

*-*-*-*-*

As Tessa watched Katerina fly from the carriage, she immediately wondered what Montoya had done to provoke such a reaction.  But then Katerina turned back and smiled at the colonel, and Tessa saw the exasperated expression on Montoya's face as he descended from the carriage.  She now wondered what mischief Katerina was up to.

Tessa had been on the receiving end of Katerina's teasing and had often been shocked by some of the things written in her letters.  Marta would just laugh and say that a woman who rode around in a mask, carrying a sword, should not be so easily outraged.  Marta was right, but these were not the types of comments that she would hear at one of Montoya's parties.  Though the parties would be far more interesting if she did.

Marta signaled to a couple of the rancheros to help with Katerina's luggage as Tessa approached the carriage.  Montoya had reached back inside to retrieve a small bag.  He handed it to Tessa as she came to greet him.

"Will you stay for breakfast, Colonel?"

"Thank you, Senorita. No. I must return to the pueblo. However, if there is any further assistance I can provide, please do not hesitate to ask."

"Stop being charming, Colonel, and get back to work," ordered Katerina, staying out of reach while sending him a dismissive wave.

"Dona De La Torre." For some reason this made Katerina giggle. "Senorita. Good luck." The last phrase he said under his breath.

"Colonel," said Tessa, bemused at the whole exchange.

As the colonel's carriage pulled out of the yard, Katerina moved to greet Marta.  Tessa joined them in time to hear Katerina say, ". . .  he is just too much fun to tease."

"So, you have gone from bear baiting to snake charming, have you?" Tessa had remembered the term Katerina had used when describing why she had received numerous bruises from her father the last time she was in Santa Elena.  She had spent a few days with Tessa at the hacienda while recovering from them.

"Snake?" Katerina took the bag from Tessa and had it immediately removed from her hands by Marta.  "Oh, the colonel would love to hear that comparison."

"You wouldn't?" Tessa really didn't think that she would.

Katerina put on a sly smile.  "Well, that depends.  Shall we go choose my horse?" A real smile appeared on Katerina's face as she said the last.

Tessa had been given a list of activities that Katerina should avoid; horseback riding was near the top. "But I promised Salvador . . . "

Katerina started peering behind chairs and into planters.  When she started to look under Tessa's skirts, Tessa had to ask, "What are you doing?"

"Looking for Salvador." It was said with such wide eyed innocence that Tessa realized that she had no chance against Katerina.  Also the fact that her staunchest ally, Marta, was laughing so hard that she could barely stand, made Tessa realize that she had better surrender early.

She put her arm around Katerina and headed for the barn. "Now I know why Montoya wished me 'Good Luck' as he left," sighed Tessa.

Katerina turned in mock surprise. "He didn't?  That snake!"  

*-*-*-*-*

A visitor to Santa Elena society was always an excuse for a party.  The fact that the guest of honor was the governor's daughter, and a powerful Dona in her own right, ensured that it was well attended. Montoya was pleased to see that the autumn had been so mild as to allow this gathering to take place among his still blooming roses.

He watched as Katerina and Tessa entered the courtyard. The women had come into town a number of times since Katerina's arrival, to shop when the supply ship came in, or to meet with some of the ladies of the area.  The reports Montoya had received on these events showed that Katerina had been on her best behavior. But then, he really didn't know what her usual behavior was. During her last visit, she had been full of plots against her father. On this one, the majority of the time he had spent with her had been in the company of her husband. They had been alone together on only four occasions; on all but one the conversations had focused on Juan, and on that one the true communication had taken place with no words at all.  Somehow that meeting seemed to have the greatest influence on how he viewed her.  Or maybe he was indulging in wishful thinking.

He kept a careful eye on them, not shirking his duties as a host, but steadily working his way through the crowd to meet the women.  His progress was halted by the arrival of Robert Helm and the reaction of the two ladies in question.  He was close enough to eavesdrop on the remarks.

"Doctor Helm, what an unexpected surprise!"  Katerina was too pleased.

"How could I refuse an invitation to an event that has you as the guest of honour." Helm lingered over her hand a little too long.

"I'm not the guest of honour, I'm an excuse." Montoya bristled at that. "And I know there is someone far more desirable at the hacienda, all alone. . . at home. . .  by herself."  Not many knew of the connection between Doctor Helm and Tessa's maid, Marta; however, Montoya prided himself on being fully informed on everything that went on in the pueblo.

He saw Helm flash a grin at Tessa and then focus his attention on Katerina. "I believe you are trying to get rid of me, Senora," he said with a mournful expression, like one of those French hunting dogs.

"Without a doubt, Doctor.  For the past few months, I have had very little control over my impulses, and you make an almost irresistible temptation." Katerina's voice had lowered intimately, seductively, and she had stepped back slightly as though to make a thorough appraisal of Helm.

Montoya knew from the fact that Tessa was hiding laughter behind her fan that there was no danger of any of Katerina's advances being acted upon.  Still, when Helm returned her remarks with a smile of his own and moved closer, likely just to ask her to dance, Montoya could not allow it to continue.  Dealing with a husband was bad enough, but he did not have to tolerate the doctor.

"Senora De La Torre, now the party can truly begin.  Senorita Alvarado." Montoya had bowed to the women, but paused a beat too long before acknowledging Helm. "Doctor." Helm smirked in reply.

"Senora, may I be so bold as to claim your first dance for myself?" asked Montoya.

Katerina smirked as well but her reply was coloured with affection.  "You have never needed my permission to be bold, Colonel."  And she placed her hand on his arm, allowing him to lead her to the floor.

He had danced with her before but that was before he had ever considered what she would feel like without the barrier of whale bone.  She had been the one to mention first the pivotal night in their relationship, so he took the risk of asking, "Did you bring the deep green dress with you?"

She stopped suddenly and looked at him in surprise.  It was gratifying to see her caught off guard but she recovered quickly and continued the dance. "At the moment it would be impossible for me to fit into it.  It was tailored specifically for me and has little room for adjustments."

"I remember," he whispered in her ear.

"Maybe next time."

It was his turn to be caught off guard.  He had expected sarcasm, even anger, not this simple promise.  That is how she had said it -- like a promise.

Then a superior and self-satisfied look appeared on Katerina's face and Montoya knew what was coming.  The words were irrelevant, for the tone of the statement would be arrogant, provoking . . .  and familiar. She said, "I didn't think that you would be one to encourage the cuckolding of a nobleman."  He had been wrong; the words had an edge like a well-honed knife.

He knew he shouldn't say it, but she tended to encourage his impulses as well, adding more truth to the observation. "There are moments when you remind me so much of your father."

The sound of the slap brought silence to the room.  The crowd parted as Katerina stalked out of the courtyard. Montoya didn't see her go, as he briefly closed his eyes against the pain.  He sensed someone at his shoulder and, opening his eyes, turned to see Dr. Helm.  Montoya waved off any need for assistance and asked about Katerina.

"Senorita Alvarado and a few other women followed her.  They were glaring daggers at you as they went, " informed Helm.

No sooner had that been said, when the women returned to the party in a flurry.  Some were looking back to the gateway in surprise, some glancing at Montoya in sympathy.  Tessa was the last to enter, although the look she sent Montoya was suspicious rather than sympathetic.

Helm asked, "Are you sure you're all right?  It looks as if your eye is starting to swell."

"I am quite fine, Doctor. I am fortunate that the woman has not yet learned to throw a punch."

"Or a backhand.  That ring would have left you with a spectacular scar.  What did you say to her?"

Montoya shot a shrewd look at Helm. "Trying to capture all the attention of all the women by possessing the gossip of the week?  Truthfully Doctor, I do not know.  Certainly nothing that should have prompted that reaction.  If you will excuse me, I had better brave the lioness."

The colonel left the courtyard for the square.  Katerina was in plain sight of the gateway. He was sure there more than one pair of eyes were on them as he approached her.  She turned, obviously ready to berate whoever dared disturb her, but as soon as she saw Montoya she turned contrite.  "I am sorry," she said.

"I knew such a comparison would not be received well, but I had not expected such a violent reaction."

"But it proves your point.  I am very embarrassed." Her expression confirmed it.

"You have just disproved it. Juan would not have been embarrassed and never would have apologized.  As it happens, I do not require an apology.  The ladies, however, may not have taken your temper quite as well."

"I told Tessa that she should use my condition as an excuse for my erratic behavior. Everything will be fine, particularly if I walk back in on your arm." Katerina's actions matched her words, as she turned toward the courtyard.  "Effectively calming a woman in a delicate condition -  you will be a hero, Colonel."

"And you will be the topic of conversation for weeks."

"Considering what they could be saying, I will take the reputation as a hysteric," said Katerina in a low voice.

Now, what did she mean by that remark? wondered Montoya, but they had re-entered the courtyard, effectively preventing him from pursuing the question.

*-*-*-*-*

Tessa and Katerina were on the shaded porch of the Alvarado hacienda with their needlework.  Katerina was embellishing a tiny gown with delicate stitches; Tessa was struggling with an embroidery hoop.

"Maria Teresa, what are you doing?" said Katerina, getting up to take a look over Tessa's shoulder.

"Stem stitch, I think." Tessa held her hoop at arms length to get a wider view.

"Show me," said Katerina and watched Tessa produce a few more stitches. "Madre de dios, you hold that needle as if it's a sword.  You are not trying to terrify the cloth into submission.  Didn't you learn any of the gentle arts in Spain?" The words were scolding, but the tone was teasing as Katerina reached over Tessa's shoulders to guide her hands. "There child -- a light touch, a little finesse."

Tessa turned slightly, to look at Katerina from the corner of her eye, and said with an exaggerated pout, "Child?  I am older than you are."

Katerina was so close that Tessa could feel her smile. "But I'm married and pregnant, so I get to be condescending," said Katerina.

Tessa felt a soft kiss on her cheek and was touched by the intimacy of the gesture.  Katerina had fit into the routine at the hacienda so easily that it seemed as if she had always been here -- like she was family, not just a visitor of two weeks.

Both women looked up at the sound of hoof beats and saw Colonel Montoya's stallion prancing as his rider pulled him to a stop.  Katerina stood straight, taking a deep breath as she did so, and Tessa rose from the chair to meet her guest. "Colonel, this is unexpected."

"I am sorry to disturb such a peaceful scene, but I have some news that I know Senora De La Torre would want to hear."

Montoya took the offered chair and removed a letter from his coat.  Katerina's eyes focused on the writing and said in a quiet voice, "A letter from Monterey."

"No, a letter from your father," corrected Montoya.

The distinction was not lost on Tessa, as Katerina became very still and asked, "What has happened?"

Montoya took a deep breath and seemed unsure of where to start.  To see him at a loss was enough to bring a worried frown to Tessa's face.  It was mirrored by Marta, who had appeared in the doorway at the sound of a new voice and had heard the exchange.  Katerina seemed to have a moment of panic. "Matias?!"

The colonel immediately suppressed this line of thought. "No. Your brother is fine, at least at the writing of the letter.  Your father is fine, also.  There seems to have been an invasion."

"What?!" said three female voices in perfect unison.

"Give me the letter." Katerina seemed to have lost patience with the colonel's evasion.  She took the paper and paced as she read.

"Heavens, his handwriting is horrible. What does that say?" Katerina put the letter in Montoya's face.

"Revolutionary thugs -  I think," was his answer.

The pacing continued. Tessa was on the verge of asking Katerina to read the letter aloud, but Marta silently restrained her.

"Ahhh, this is like reading code!  In Finnish!  What about that one?" said Katerina, making another request to Montoya.

"I couldn't decipher that either.  It is only a town, Katerina.  Your father and brother are safe," said Montoya obviously trying to calm her agitation.

Tessa would have loved to have seen the look Katerina gave Montoya in response to his comments.  She had seen her friend's temper and had no doubt that the look was meant to kill.

Katerina then turned to the women. "From what I can tell by this," she waved the offending letter, "Monterey has come under attack from two ships of American registry under the command of a French captain, Hippolyte de Bouchard.  They demanded the surrender of all California.  When the reply from Monterey was cannon fire, the "revolutionary thugs", to use my father's term, sacked it and burned it to the ground.  Most of the people escaped inland, so my father and Matias are safe, for the moment. The ships have left Monterey harbour.  The question now is, where will they strike next?"

"They could go north," suggested Tessa hopefully.

"With the presidio at San Francisco, it would not be the wisest move. They will most likely continue to raid south along the coast," said Montoya.  He turned again to Katerina. "Your husband will be fine in San Diego.  It, also, is well fortified."

"And what about Santa Elena, Colonel?" Marta asked the question, but it was also in the faces of the other two women.

Montoya put on his best placating expression, one that Tessa had seen him use many times with the dons.  "Do not worry, ladies. You will be well protected. Although being in an isolated hacienda -- alone -- may not be the best choice.  A move into the pueblo would be wise."

Tessa bridled at the suggestion. "But Colonel, what would bring anyone to a small hacienda in the middle of nowhere?  Anyway, we would see them coming."

"What then, Senorita?" asked Montoya.

Marta gave Tessa a kick under her skirts, and she realized that she was walking a fine line in her role as the pampered Dona.  The colonel focused his attention on her as she tried to come up with a suitable response.  She sent a silent prayer of thanks as Katerina saved her from the awkward moment by asking,  "Colonel Montoya, would you walk with me?" She took his arm and started to lead him away as she continued, "Tessa, please excuse us. There is more in my father's letter than what is written on the page, and I would like to discuss it with the colonel."

Tessa agreed; however, as she watched the pair walk out of the garden and down the road, she had the distinct impression that the letter was not the only reason Katerina wanted to talk to the colonel alone. She voiced her concern to Marta. "I almost feel that I should be protecting her from him. She can't know what he has done."

Marta considered the matter and said, "There is a strong connection between them.  He is more than just an old family acquaintance but less than a friend to her. She is an intelligent woman though; I think she can see him for what he truly is."

*-*-*-*-*

Once out of hearing range of the women on the porch, Katerina came straight to the point.  "What's he up to, Luis?"

He smirked and replied, "How would I know, Kat? We have already established that he is not telling me anything lately."

Kat?  I had forgotten about that. The pet name reawakened the feelings she had been trying to suppress since arriving in Santa Elena.  She would have to make sure they stayed in sight of the house so that she wouldn't be tempted to give in to her baser instincts, the ones that had been reasserting themselves since the morning sickness receded almost a month ago.

Katerina refocused her attention, not willing to let Luis get away with such a feeble parry.  "I know that at least some of your discussions during official visits must have been about politics and ways to turn the situation in Spain and its colonies to your advantage.  Juan Sanchez may become obsessively focused," she swept him from head to toe with her eyes, "but you do not."

"You are sure of that, are you?" His teasing tone had a menacing edge, and it sent a brief thrill down her spine, but she refused to be distracted or to back down.  He gave her a small smile and said, "We did discuss possible alternate avenues for acquiring arms."

Katerina was becoming impatient with his avoidance and prompted, "And you are wondering if he managed to make some arrangements with the privateers.  With Matias to protect, and the sudden arrival of the ship, I wouldn't think so.  He may have made a suggestion to talk to you though.  Do you have the resources?"

"I may. What is plaguing your mind, Kat?  Are you worried that your fortune has been stolen?"

"The gold and jewelry? No, there is enough in the house to satisfy looters. The most valuable assets are the mares at the ranch and the vines on the hills.  I need to know how much damage has been done to the countryside.  Do you have a reliable communication system?  It will also help you prepare for the ships' arrival."

"To contact the captain of the ship, perhaps?"

"Perhaps."

The grin that split Luis' face did nothing to put her mind at ease, neither did the laughter in his voice. "Perhaps."

Katerina had an almost uncontrollable urge to wipe off that grin, this time without an apology. "I thought we had an agreement -- to help each other," she snarled through her teeth.

"Really?  I thought our agreement was not to hinder each other.  There is a difference." The grin had faded and Luis took a step closer to her.

As her breathing quickened and her pulse increased, Katerina happened to glance toward the house.  She spotted Tessa and Marta seated on the porch.  "Luis," was all she said, and she shot another pointed glance toward the hacienda.

To the colonel's credit, he did not turn around but gave her a small nod and continued walking.  Both were silent until they reached the main road.  There they paused. Katerina was trying to decide how much to tell him, but Luis spoke first. "I have no idea what your father has done." The look on his face showed that he was not sure if he wanted to know.  Katerina nodded, sharing his unease at having Juan involved in this situation. Luis continued, "However, the captain of this ship is known to me.  There were arrangements made that should result in a meeting with one of his intermediaries, likely a ship's officer."

Katerina waited for more.  When Luis started back to the hacienda without another word, she put a hand on his arm to halt his progress. "And?"

The grin was back. "The rest you don't need to know.  I will find out about your farm, Katerina.  You will have all the information you need." He continued to the house.

Katerina followed, though after a few steps he did slow and offer her his arm.  She was seething at his patronizing attitude and was tempted to refuse, ...but that would be petty.  She would save her anger for a real battle.  "Have all the information I need" -- you have no idea, Luis.  At least you saved me from being tempted to share it with you.  "Not help, just not hinder" --  I will remember that.

Katerina placed her annoyance aside as they returned to the house and the colonel said his farewells.  She was not going to dwell on Luis Montoya anymore, although she did have one last thought as he rode away. It is criminal for a man to look that good on horseback.

*-*-*-*-*

Luis had stopped listening to Grisham's report the moment he had spotted Katerina and Tessa leaving the cantina.  He was not surprised to see them; Tessa's carriage had been in the shade near Helm's office for a couple of hours now.  He was also guessing that the doctor and Marta were no longer concerned about keeping their relationship a strict secret.

Grisham had stopped talking, and the confused frown on his face was likely the result of an unanswered question.  Fortunately the ladies approached, saving the colonel from having to cover for his distraction.

Katerina brushed against the captain as she moved around him.  Luis suppressed a snicker, not at Grisham's discomfort, but at Katerina's overt manouevre.  He always found her blatant displays amusing; it was her small, unconscious gestures that tended to disturb his sleep.

"Captain Grisham," Katerina purred, "I believe you have been avoiding me.  I haven't seen you in three weeks except at Colonel Montoya's wonderful reception, and even then you neglected to dance with me."  By the end of the speech, Katerina had produced a noteworthy pout.

"You were in such demand that evening, how could I presume to compete?" Grisham smiled down at Katerina, seeming confident in the quality of his answer.  He looked into her eyes at first but then appeared to focus a little lower.

At that moment, Katerina chose to sigh deeply.  "All you had to do was ask, Captain."

Luis was sure that Grisham was now oblivious to the coyly batting eyelashes.  I would have assumed that he would be used to well-endowed blonds by this point.

Tessa was doing an admirable job of hiding her amusement, and she showed good judgement in choosing that moment to make her escape. "I am going to see if the silk I requested has arrived yet.  Colonel, will you entertain Katerina for a moment?  I will be right back."

Luis responded with a nod and sent a pointed look to Grisham.

"I'll accompany you, Senorita," said the captain. He moved to follow Tessa. "Senora. Colonel."

Luis looked at Katerina. Once Tessa and Grisham were out of hearing, he finally spoke, keeping his voice low. "That was subtle."

Katerina laughed.  Luis was sure she had deliberately misunderstood, as she answered, "It wasn't my idea.  Tessa really wanted to check on the silk. She mentioned it earlier.  Now, the way you shooed the captain away - that was subtle." She was keeping her voice quiet as well, making sure her comments wouldn't carry.

"And speaking of Grisham -- what did you think you were doing?" Luis wasn't about to let her get away with making a spectacle of herself.  He had noted that the captain had not entered the shop with Tessa, but had circled the end of the square and was now in the shadow of the courtyard gate waiting for this tete-a-tete to end.

"I was just playing.  It is so much fun to watch the battle between Marcus' heads." Katerina laughed again at Luis' reaction.

It wasn't the idea that had shocked him -- that conflict in the captain was always very amusing --it was the blunt way that Katerina had described it.  Juan, also, disregarded many of the niceties of polite society,  whichever ones  he didn't feel like observing at the moment.  There was a time when Luis had found some aspects of that disregard very compelling.

Katerina had the same fearlessness when it came to others' opinions, yet it was tempered by a pragmatism that Juan never had.  That must have been her mother's influence, providing the discernment to carefully judge who would indulge her and how far she could go; however, it was obvious that she felt there were few boundaries with him.  That made Luis uneasy, particularly considering the way she tended to make him forget all the hard lessons he had learned.  He continued trying to remind her that the middle of the square was not the place for such indulgences.  "You truly are shameless, aren't you?"

"Not quite.  But I do know what I can get away with." Her smile was his undoing.  Just like the comments at the party, it had a dare underlying it.  He had yet to become immune to this new strain of temptation.

"Another talent that seems to run in your family."  The warning look she sent Luis goaded him to find out what he could get away with. He whispered in her ear,  "I thought that your mother would have taught you the value of discretion.  But then she must have assumed that she had raised a lady - like herself."

*-*-*-*-*

Tessa came out of the shop in time to see Katerina give Colonel Montoya another ringing slap.  This time though, he did not react with restraint.  He captured Katerina's wrist and said menacingly, "That's two."

Katerina didn't flinch under the angry glare that usually made trained soldiers shake in their boots.  She wrenched her arm out of his grasp and growled back, "I hear three is a charm."  Then she turned on her heel and walked to intercept Tessa.

Grisham was still nearby and made the mistake of letting his amusement show, so Montoya focused his annoyance on his captain. Tessa couldn't hear the content of Montoya's tirade, but the tone was enough to make her almost feel almost sorry for Grisham.  This, however, was soon forgotten as Katerina took her arm and continued her quick retreat to the open carriage waiting by Doctor Helm's office.  It was only then that Katerina slowed and Tessa took the opportunity to ask what had happened.

Katerina looked a little embarrassed. "Don't tell me you over reacted again.  Montoya must be doing something to get you this angry," said Tessa, not willing to accept the same excuse.

"Oh, he deserved it this time.  But I shouldn't have hit him in the middle of the square.  The last time we both recovered well, but I fear that this time there may be some repercussions.  I don't think I can keep using the babe as an excuse for unladylike behavior." Katerina gave Tessa a shy smile.

"I wouldn't worry about that.  I'm sure everyone in town has wanted to take a swing at Montoya at least once.  I worry about his reaction."

Katerina shook her head. "Don't.  This time he meant to make me mad, so he shouldn't have been so surprised when it worked.  If we had been somewhere private, he would likely have laughed."  Katerina turned away but Tessa heard the final comment she made under her breath. "I can see why he gets along so well with Juan."

Tessa moved to the doctor's office door to tell Marta they were going home.  Katerina stopped her and said,  "I don't want to disturb them."

"It's the middle of the afternoon."  Katerina sent her an incredulous look and Tessa blushed faintly.  "And it is during regular office hours."  Tessa raised her fist and knocked on the door.

She heard a voice approach the door from inside. "... it can't be Tessa."  The door was opened by Marta, who stepped back in surprise.

"Why can't it be me?" Tessa asked as she crossed the threshold.

The only response she received was Helm dissolving into laughter and Marta's grin.  Katerina came up behind her and said, "Hmmm. I didn't think it possible for that man to get any more attractive. It's a pleasure to know I was wrong."

At the sound of Katerina's voice, Helm composed himself.  He rose from his desk to greet her and continue the teasing that had started at Montoya's party.  "Senora De La Torre.  I am very honoured to have you at my door. It is gratifying to know that the affinity I felt at the reception is returned."  He made a show of gently kissing her hand.  "Although having three such lovely ladies in my office may cause some talk."

Tessa grinned. "About your excellent taste in women, Doctor?"  Marta jabbed her in the ribs.

Katerina shook her head in a parody of despair. "Alas, Doctor, it is your choice in women that makes any sort of connection between us an impossibility."

"I think I'm hurt." He winked at Marta, and she grinned back.  "Why does that make us such an impossibility?"

"Because, Doctor, you may be very handsome and charming, but Marta makes a superb paella. At this point in my life, I cannot afford to alienate anyone with that talent.  Home, please.  The De La Torre heir is demanding to be fed."  Katerina swept regally out the door.

Both Marta and Tessa snickered at the dramatics.  Helm noticed that lack of concern and commented, "I take it she has been using her condition as a regular excuse."

"Except when she wants to go riding," said Tessa

"Or swimming in the ocean," added Marta.

"Or jumping into haystacks with the children."

"Or climbing the cliffs for birds' eggs," Marta reminded, and Tessa nodded, rolling her eyes.  That was one activity that they had put a stop to.

"I get the picture," chuckled Helm as he accompanied the women to the buggy.

Katerina was already reclining in the passenger seat, so Marta leaned in to comment, "Since you want me to work to feed that expanding belly, why don't you drive us home?"

Katerina jumped at the chance, but Tessa had seen her ride and assumed her driving would be just as reckless.  "Marta, don't encourage her.  Just sit, I'll drive."  Tessa climbed onto the high driver's seat and gathered the reins as Marta settled herself beside Katerina.

"Oh, good.  We haven't had a chance for a real talk yet." Tessa could hear the grin in Katerina's voice as she called out, "It was wonderful to see you again, Doctor." Tessa started to chuckle as she realized that the conversation on the way home would likely consist of Marta avoiding Katerina's very personal questions.

*-*-*-*-*

It was only a few days later when the news of a raid, only a day's journey north of Santa Elena, reached the town.  Vera was the one to bring the news to the Alvarado ranch.  "It is so frightening," she said, entering the house in an agitated flurry of silk and lace.  "Gaspar has called in all of the rancheros and armed them.  It is like living in a military fort."

As Vera as she settled herself on the couch in the parlor, Tessa realized she had to make a decision about her hacienda.  Montoya had actually made a point - it was only a house.  But she didn't want to go into town.

"Vera, you are starting to make me worry.  I know that there is no reason for anyone to come to my poor farm.  If it was just myself, I would stay, but with Katerina . . . "  Tessa paused and leaned closer. "I don't want her, or the child, to be in any danger, and . . ."

Vera interrupted, already anticipating the question. "I had hoped to tempt you to stay with me. Gaspar is so distracted with his concern for our safety that I have been feeling alone in this.  The company would be very welcome."  She seemed to relax and there was pride in her smile as she said, "You will be as safe with us as with the whole garrison at the pueblo."

Tessa accepted the offer with a smile. With her course of action decided, she also relaxed a little and joined in settling the details with increasing enthusiasm.  She missed the friends she had left in Spain and this might be an opportunity to create another friendship like the one she had found with Katerina.  She did not know Vera well, but she no longer thought of her as the flighty flirt that she seemed on first impression.

Vera was pulling on her gloves when Katerina entered the parlor.  She gently chided, "Tessa, why didn't you wake me?" She then turned a sweet smile on Vera while taking her hand. "I am sorry to have missed your call."

Vera patted the hand holding hers. "Katerina, you must take care of yourself.  I would not allow Tessa to disturb your rest.  Anyway, we will have more than enough time to talk."  She then turned toward her hostess. "I will let you tell her the news, Tessa.  I must collect Gaspar in town."

They walked Vera to the door, and watched silently until the carriage had disappeared down the drive.  Katerina had been regarding Tessa with a serious, but patient, expression, then finally asked, "This wasn't just a social call, was it?"

Tessa led her back to the parlor, and insisted that Katerina be seated before answering. "No. It seems that Bouchard is close.  A rich compound was raided yesterday.  Vera has offered us refuge at the Hidalgo hacienda and I have accepted.  We are expected tonight." Katerina raised her eyebrows; Tessa had not been shy about her wish to stay on her ranch. "It is well protected and closer to the garrison should anything happen.  I did not want to be under martial law with Montoya."

Katerina chuckled at that. Tessa was relieved to see that Katerina was not going to try to dissuade her.  She was not used to making decisions for others; usually Marta was there to advise her, and she was wondering if she had acted rashly.

Katerina seemed to have no reservations. "This will be fun," said she as she stood and smoothed her skirts. "I like Vera. She has a sharp wit and a shrewd mind.  And I have some questions that may be answered during a relaxing evening with a good bottle of wine -- for our shattered nerves, of course," Katerina qualified. She linked her arm in Tessa's, and they went to find Marta.

*-*-*-*-*

Katerina chose not to try to coax any gossip out of Vera that first night.  She made her excuse of an eventful day and retired early.   The rest of the Hidalgo household seemed to be of like mind, for within an hour she could hear the sounds of the house being closed down for the night.  There was a light rap on her door.  As Katerina responded, calling, "Come in," the door opened and Tessa entered carrying a small lamp.

"Did I wake you?" Tessa asked.

"No. I knew it would take a while for me to fall asleep.  That's why I left early.  You don't need to check on me, Tessa," Katerina said, smiling.  It was nice though.  Even nicer when Tessa came to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I am headed to bed myself.  It seems the day has taken its toll on everyone." Tessa smiled back and brushed a strand of hair away from Katerina's face.  "And it's good to have someone to check on," she said, before leaning in to offer a goodnight kiss.

The kiss Katerina received was like one she would have given her sister, Rita, but nostalgia was not the reason for the sudden feeling of tears behind her eyes.  "Then you have an open invitation to tuck me in whenever you wish."  Tessa chuckled and stood to leave.  Katerina hoped her emotions didn't show in her voice as she said, "Good night, Tessa."

"Good night." Tessa sent her a final smile as she closed the door that connected their rooms.

The room was dark again, except for a very faint glow from the bedside table lamp. Kat waited until all sounds from the adjoining room ceased before turning it back up so that she could see to dress. She then moved the lamp to the desk, took out a sheet of paper, and dipped her pen in the ink.  She sat uncertain for a few moments.  She didn't want Tessa to worry if she was found to be gone, but Kat didn't want to disclose where she was going unless it became absolutely necessary.  A lie.  It was worth risking one. There was a good possibility that no one would ever see the note.

                Gone for a ride.  Woke early and didn't want to disturb the household.
                Will be back for breakfast.  - Katerina

If it was found before morning, at least they would know that she left of her own accord.  She didn't plan on being gone that long anyway.

Kat opened her balcony door and slipped onto the shadowed loge.  She had taken careful note of where Gaspar had placed his rancheros, even managed a brief conversation about it after dinner.  While studying the land on the way to the hacienda, Kat thought that she saw a way to make it to the road without being seen.  The trick will be getting to the barn and then out of the gate with the horse.

The tree at the end of the balcony was her best chance. As her feet hit the ground, Kat sent a prayer of thanks to her mother for giving her four younger brothers.  Getting to the barn turned out to be easy -- all eyes were watching the perimeter.  Saddling a horse was also not difficult -- there was no groom sleeping in the stable.  Getting out of the compound, however, was proving to be the challenge.

Because there was no physical barrier at that break in the wall, the entrance near the stables was heavily guarded.  Kat took another good look at the situation and then leaned against the inside wall of the barn. What am I doing?  This is crazy.  I should just let Luis take delivery for me. That thought strengthened her resolve to intercept her package from Bouchard, and she pushed away from the wall with a disgusted sneer on her face. Pillaging down the coast!  I should have known better than to trust a new republic's embassador.  They are almost as bad as colonial military governors.

Kat looked out again.  At almost the same moment there came a shout from the other end of the compound.  The guards at the gate all moved to investigate.  She could not believe her eyes.  Was there no one in this colony who knew anything about tactics?!  Still, she was not about let this opportunity slip away.

She had led her horse out the gate, and into a small arroyo, before she heard the sounds of the guards being berated as they returned to their post. Now all I have to worry about is getting back in.  Why am I doing this? She leaned her forehead against the horse's neck in a moment of weariness, even as a wry smile came to her lips.  Because Luis Montoya is a smug, condescending son-of-a-bitch. That made her feel better, even if it was the most illogical and unreasonable of her rationalizations.  She walked the horse until she was sure not to be seen; then she mounted.  The gully ran almost parallel to the road into Santa Elena, so she should be able to find a place to emerge before losing sight of the road.

The horse had good instincts, and night was bright enough so that the trip to the pueblo was uneventful.  Kat was not surprised to find the defenses at the perimeter of the town were lax.  The garrison was likely on alert but Luis would want a single individual to be able to slip past the guards.  And so she did, then through the rose courtyard and into Luis' apartment.

The only light evident in the building was spilling out from under one door.  Kat slowly turned the latch - only to find the door jerked out of her hand and a pistol aimed between her eyes.  All she could do was stare wide eyed at the man on the other end of the weapon.  The steel blue eyes snapped with fury as he carefully released the hammer on the pistol, and then dragged her into the room.  He closed the door, quietly, before saying, "Damn you, Kat!  What are you doing here?!"

Very good question. "I came to see you." The truth!  You don't tell him the truth! You barely tell yourself the truth.

Luis rolled his eyes, and Kat almost fainted in relief.  He thought she was teasing again. This could be salvaged.  Then she noticed his state of dress - shirt loose, trousers half buttoned and feet bare.  She also suddenly realized where she was - in his bedroom, with the bed turned down.  "You were going to bed?" she asked in real confusion.

"I was until I heard an elephant stomping up the stairs.  You are getting too large to be attempting stealth, Kat."

"I am not!" But she couldn't help running her hand over the slight bulge at her usually trim waistline.

When she looked up at Luis again, the amusement in his eyes refocused her anger. "You're meeting with the privateers tonight."

"No."

"You have already met with them then?"

"No."

"Luis!" Katerina couldn't help herself, she stamped her foot in frustration.

Colonel Luis Montoya collapsed in laughter.   He lay back across the end of the bed and howled.  Kat knew she should be angry, she knew he was laughing at her, but she also had the feeling that this was a rare event. His vulnerable state made him seem very young, giving her a glimpse of the man that her parents had known. That thought reminded her why he was laughing so hard.

"Luis, I am not that child anymore.  I will not be put off by an empty promise and a pat on the head."

"Neither would that child from what I recall." Luis sat up, wiping his eyes and grinning. "The difference is that your father is not here to bully me into giving you your way."

The grin had faded and Luis rose to stand close in front of Kat. He wasn't much taller than she was but she still had to raise her chin to maintain eye contact.  She was finding that difficult to do.  The setting, his attire, and the argument had set her blood racing, so she had to steel herself from doing something foolish.  Maybe it was that tension that he sensed and took as antagonism, for his eyes hardened and his voice was rough as he said, "And if your husband had been giving you what you want, you wouldn't be standing in my bedroom now.  At least you didn't presume that I would aid in fathering your child."

"You arrogant, insulting . . . " Kat ran out of words and fell back on what had become an instinctive reaction with Luis.  This time though, her hand did not make contact. Luis must have been prepared for he had captured her arm at the wrist just in time.

They stood there, glaring at each other.  Luis continued to hold Kat's hand by his face.  She had no intension of initiating, or even allowing, anything to happen between when she arrived tonight, but now she had to touch him.  He was too close, emotions were too heated, and, damn Salvador and his chivalrous tenancies, Luis' comment was too near to the truth.  She opened her clenched fist, brushed his cheek with the tips of her fingers, and said,  "Third time's the charm."

*-*-*-*-*

Continued in Part Two