SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
BY: Susan
RATING: PG-13
BETA’D: Jim and Jo. You guys are the best!
CHARACTERS: T/Q, H, M, V,
G, CM
DISCLAIMER: We all know the
drill. I don’t own them. I’d love to take the credit for the concept, but
someone beat me to it. I also don’t own
the lyrics to ‘Something To Talk About’, but tell that to Tessa and Robert.
SUMMARY: Santa Helena is
all a buzz with rumors of a budding romance.
AUTHOR’S NOTES: I was listening to the radio at work one
morning when ‘Something To Talk About’ by Bonnie Raitt began to play. Within moments both my Helm and Tessa muses
clamored for attention. Here are the
results of their tête-à-tête. Also,
Equus decided he needed to tell a story too. BTW, this follows the universe
established in my previous two stories.
FEEDBACK: Yes, oh, YES! ::shakes finger at the Methos muse::
~~~~~~~
Colonel Luis Montoya, back
ramrod straight, stood on his balcony and watched the hustle and bustle that
had invaded his courtyard. His servants
were busy preparing the area for a fiesta celebrating the arrival of the supply
ship from Madrid. The long hot days of
summer had taken their toll on the inhabitants of the tiny pueblo. Luis decided a party was just the thing to
relieve his boredom. Satisfied with the
workers’ progress, he retired to his private quarters to dress for the
evening’s celebration.
He walked to the armoire
and debated on which uniform he would wear tonight. It wasn’t a question of vanity, he knew without a doubt that he
cut a dashing figure in each of them, but which one would be the coolest in the
still sweltering heat? After careful
consideration, he determined that a regular suit was his best alternative. A knock sounded at his door as he slipped
into his jacket.
“Un momento,” he barked as
he strode across the hard wood floor.
The opened door revealed a pressed and polished Captain Grisham. “My, my Capitan Grisham, the grime does come
off, I see.” Montoya’s voice held a hint of mockery.
Ignoring the colonel’s
comments, Grisham launched into his reason for disturbing Montoya’s private
sanctuary. “Colonel, should I send the
patrol out this evening?”
Montoya counted to ten
slowly under his breath then spoke.
“Has the Queen been captured without my knowledge, Grisham?”
Why did I ask that? He’s had his knickers in a twist since he got back
from Monterey. Marcus
grinned. I bet
his ass is still sore from the chewing that the viceroy gave him. I’d loved to have been a fly on the wall
while that was going on.
“I shudder to think what
you find so amusing.”
He replaced his smile with
a more solemn expression. “I’ll tell
the men to get riding, unless you need me for something else.”
“Fine, Grisham. The fiesta begins promptly at seven.”
I’ll be on time for your little party, you
overstuffed peacock. “See you
at seven, Colonel.”
Montoya watched his second
in command depart. Was it any wonder the Queen
was still roaming the countryside? He had
argued with the viceroy for more troops and weapons, but the man had the gall
to inform him that if he used the resources he had more effectively capturing
the Queen wouldn’t be a challenge. He
vowed then and there the Queen’s reign of terror would end. The gods may mock Montoya, but no mortal man
had ever dared.
All of the dons and their
wives had accepted his invitation to the fiesta. The Queen’s overblown sense of justice and the absence of the
dons would bring her within reach of his troops. Some rich don had surely trod on an unfortunate peon in their
service and as usual she would ride to their rescue.
Those matters must be rectified. Montoya’s
eyes glittered devilishly. Who better than the lovely Queen of Swords?
~~~~~~~
The heat of the day was
just beginning to waver when Luis’ guests began to arrive. A parade of buggies deposited passengers at
the steps of Montoya's home. In the
spirit of the party, the ladies had donned their best dresses. The heat had been so oppressive that most
socials activities had been drastically curtailed and now was the chance for everyone
to catch up with latest gossip. Santa
Helena was a small town and nothing was secret or sacred.
Tessa Alvarado fiddled with
the fringe of her shawl as Marta pulled the carriage to a stop. “Do you think he will be here tonight?”
Marta didn’t need to ask to
whom Tessa was referring. In the last
few weeks, Tessa and Doctor Helm had begun to form an easy friendship, that was
just starting to blossom into something more.
Each time she questioned Tessa about it, the younger woman just smiled
and said they were friends. Marta
wasn’t easily fooled, besides she knew Tessa’s greatest desire was for her
feelings to be returned by the handsome doctor.
They cannot see what should be so obvious. Marta answered, “Si, Tessa, how
can anyone refuse an invitation from Colonel Montoya? Now please stop shredding your shawl and go into the party. I will be in a few minutes.”
~~~~~~~
Robert Helm pulled the door
closed behind him. He had hesitated as
long as humanly possible before leaving for another of Montoya’s parties. It was sure to be another long night of
listening to the man’s ramblings about the Queen. Of course the man was obsessed, but the same could also be said
for him.
Tessa’s presence at the
party was the only reason he didn’t make some lame excuse and not attend. He still had a hard time imagining his
sudden attraction for the brown-eyed beauty.
She wasn’t the shallow -minded snob she presented to the world. In the last few weeks, they’d had several
rousing discussions about a variety of subjects, including literature and world
events. She showed him concern and
caring as she tended his wounds from his run in with Grisham. A puzzle she was and he was looking forward
to putting all the pieces together.
He was crossing the square
when he noticed Marta stepping down from the carriage. He waited while she handed the reins to a
waiting stable hand. “Marta. Nice to see you.”
“Good evening to you,
Doctor Helm.”
He tried not to be obvious
as looked for Tessa. “A lovely one,
indeed. A bit warm, but the breeze
helps.”
Marta was amused by his
subtle glances around the area. “Tessa
was hoping you would be here tonight.”
If she waited for one of them to make the first moves, she might have to
wait all night.
Tessa is looking forward to seeing me? He hoped she was feeling the same
attraction he did, but he wasn’t sure.
“It is the place to be tonight.
May I walk with you?”
~~~~~~~
“The temperature does
nothing to wilt your beauty, Senorita Alvarado.” Luis took her hand in his and softly touched it to his lips. His ice blue gaze raked over her shapely
figure.
Tessa shuddered
inwardly. Did Montoya think her such a
dolt that she wouldn’t notice the way his eyes hungrily devoured her? This was one of those times she hated that
she had to hide behind the ridiculously naive façade of the simpering Maria
Teresa Alvarado. The air of his
condescension weighed heavily in his words and actions. She made a mental note to get even the next
time the Queen came face to face with the good Colonel.
Tessa looked shyly up at
him through thick lashes and frustration, not embarrassment, colored her
cheeks. “Colonel Montoya, your kind
words flatter me.”
“Beauty is truth, truth
beauty,—that is all,” Montoya pressed on.
“I didn’t know you were a lover
of English poetry, Colonel,” Doctor Helm observed as he came to stand beside
Tessa and Montoya. “Keats is truly
brilliant.”
“While I find most of your
country’s poets insufferable, Keats does capture my imagination.”
Helm’s lips curved upwards
into a smile. Without a doubt, Montoya
was baiting him into an argument.
Robert learned a long time ago there was no point in arguing with a
fool, especially a fool that controlled the town you inhabited. He carefully chose his next words. “To each his own. Personally, I find the words of my countrymen, generally
speaking, to be some of the finest in the world.”
“I have to agree with
Doctor Helm.” Tessa commented with a nod.
“Lord Byron is incredibly talented.”
Montoya looked at Tessa and
the doctor. When
did they get so close? This mystery
was undoubtedly worthy of further investigation. “My padre always warned against quarreling with a beautiful
woman. Now if you will excuse me, I
must also greet my other guests.
Senorita, Doctor.”
“You are so bad,
Robert.” Tessa playfully slapped his
arm. “I think you get some twisted
pleasure arguing with Montoya.”
Robert grinned back. “I find my amusement where I can. Did I mention how lovely you look tonight,
Tessa?”
“No, you didn’t…” Tessa
began but was quickly interrupted by a small gasp from the doctor.
Robert put on his best
shocked expression. “Have my manners
completely deserted me, Senorita?” He
took her hand in his and dropped on one knee.
“I humbly beg your forgiveness.
I would as soon crawl across yon desert before insulting your delicate
beauty.”
Tessa’s cheeks colored
brightly at his display. The nearly
full courtyard had gone silent and watchful.
Several ladies whispered behind their opened fans. One of the dons nudged his companion and
nodded in their direction.
“Robert, stop it. People
are staring” Tessa pleaded as she tried to keep a smile planted on her
face. “I will forgive you, just please
stand up.”
“As you wish.” Robert stood
up and bowed to her in a courtly manner.
“Allow me to fetch you a drink, Tessa.
You look like you’re in need of one.”
“Thanks to you, Doctor.”
Robert laughed and strode
off in pursuit of the promised refreshment.
He turned to smile, at Tessa and nearly collided with Captain
Grisham. Tonight was neither the time
nor the place for a confrontation with the surly captain. Since their fisticuffs a month ago, they had
avoided each other like the plague.
“Doctor.” Son of a bitch!
“Captain.” Bastard!
The two men didn’t even
attempt a conversation, just one-word greetings as they passed each other in
the courtyard. Their dislike for each
other was a tangible thing. The air
around them fairly tingled with a charge of electric. Their mutual anger, held in check, bubbled like lava under the
surface of the earth. Just like any
volcano, it could only lie dormant for so long before it would erupt.
Tessa’s lilting laughter
stirred Vera Hildalgo out of her daze.
She sipped her glass of wine as she stood among the group of donas. Most of their conversations revolved around
their children or husbands, even their latest health concerns were open to
discussion. Childless, she only had
Gaspar, while she had grown to love him in her own way; he wasn’t the sort of
man that inspired rousing dialogue.
When
had it happened? A hint of
bitterness colored her thoughts as she watched the playful flirting between
Tessa and Doctor Helm. When did I start to feel so
old?
Not so long ago she had
been the one the young men had flocked around, vying for a smile or a look from
her. Now she was married to a man old
enough to be her father. Gaspar gave
her everything she desired, but through no fault of his own, could not love her
the way a husband ought to love his wife.
At times she felt like the
bird trapped in the gilded cage. No
matter how hard she beat her wings against the bars she always remained trapped
inside its beautiful bars. The most
ironic thing was it was a trap of her own design. No one forced her to marry Gaspar; she’d come willingly to
him. He offered her stability and
security, two things sadly lacking in her childhood. As long as she was married to Gaspar she felt safe from the
terrors of poverty and neglect. The bargain
cost her much, but it was worth every moment of sadness. She could live with that.
A hand came to rest on her
back. Startled by the touch, she turned
to see her husband’s smiling face.
“Are you having a good
time, my petal?”
Vera pushed her musings
away and painted a happy smile on her lips.
She never wanted him to know about her unhappiness; he deserved better
from her. “Si. Colonel Montoya’s fiestas are always
grand. The music is especially fine this
evening.”
Gaspar chuckled. “How true.
My foot cannot stop tapping.”
The music swelled and wove
around the partygoers. Its infectious
rhythms coaxed even the grumpiest soul into a lighter frame of mind. The dance floor came to life as people spun
and twirled across its surface.
As Robert returned from the
refreshment table, he held the glasses so the dancers wouldn’t jostle their
contents as he skirted the edges of the dance floor. He felt light-hearted tonight, not irritated like he usually was
at one of the colonel’s celebrations.
Of course, he didn’t usually spend the evening with a lovely
senorita. Marta had joined Tessa while
Robert collected the drinks. She sensed
Tessa’s excitement and teased her about it.
“Calm down, child, you are
going to scare him.”
“He’s made of stronger
stuff than that, Marta. Besides were
just friends.”
“For now, I think, but if I
know you he does not stand a chance.”
“One step at a time,” she
informed Marta. “Doesn’t he look
handsome tonight?”
“I suppose so, if you like
the tall handsome type.”
Tessa said, “With broad shoulders and golden eyes...
Yes, I think he is my type.”
Robert’s arrival
discontinued any further discussion on his attributes. “Ladies.” Robert handed both of them a glass
of wine.
Marta held out her hand in
protest. “Servants are not supposed
to…”
Before she was able to
finish, Robert stopped her. “As hot as
it, no one would begrudge you a little refreshment, not even Montoya. Besides everyone is so preoccupied with
having a good time, they’ll never notice.”
He took the glass out of Tessa’s hand.
“Anyway, if someone does notice, tell them you’re holding Tessa’s while she dances
with me.”
Tessa let out a little gasp
as Robert took her hand and lead her out into the crowd. Marta nodded her approval as the couple
joined the dancing. Robert leaned over
and whispered into Tessa’s ear, sending her into fits of giggles. His deeper laughter joined hers as they
shared a private joke.
“Maria Teresa enjoys the
doctor’s company it seems,” Gaspar commented as the couple glided by. “She needs to choose a young man and raise a
family.”
Why must that be the only option open to
women? Vera wondered. She
didn’t begrudge Tessa her freedom. Enjoy it while you can, mi amiga.
“She is young, darling.
There is plenty of time for all that.”
“Maybe so, but her father
was my friend. I feel obliged to look
after her interests. Doctor Helm is a
nice, young man, but she would be better suited to look to one of the Dons’
sons for marriage.”
Vera saw the looks that
passed between the couple, especially the ones they gave each other when they
thought the other wasn’t paying attention.
Tessa if
you love the doctor do not let anyone try to sway you. “The music is so catchy,
Gaspar. Shall we dance?”
“Your wish is my command.”
As the music came sweeping
to a conclusion, the once crowded dance floor emptied as its occupants took a
respite from their activities. Robert’s
hand in the small of her back guided Tessa to a quiet corner of the
courtyard. Tessa’s fan snapped open to
stir the air around her.
“My it’s warm in here,” she
said with a laugh. Privately, she speculated
her close proximity to Robert had more to do with the heat she felt than the
temperatures.
“Then we should go for a
walk. All of these bodies packed into
such a small place isn’t helping matters.”
“Let me get Marta.” She looked around for her friend/chaperone.
Robert stopped her. “I want to walk with you, not Marta.”
“People will talk,” Tessa
added, not really concerned with being the topic of the town’s gossip.
“Life in Santa Helena needs
a little more excitement, I think. I
say we give them something to talk about.”
His eyes were filled with a boyish devilment.
“You are a wicked man,
Doctor Helm,” Tessa scolded. “That’s
one of the reasons I like you, though.”
As soon as the words
tumbled from her mouth, the blush began its journey across her cheeks. “I mean…uhh…oh!”
The smile her response
generated crinkled around Robert’s eyes.
“Your honesty is so refreshing, Tessa.
It seems a lot hotter in here now.
Shall we go?”
Without a word they
abandoned the party unaware they were the subject of much debate among the
townspeople. Simple curiosity fueled
most of the conversations. Malevolence
was the driving force guiding Captain Grisham’s interest in the couple. He still seethed at the doctor’s resounding
victory during their last altercation.
The breeze stirred the
fringe of Tessa’s shawl as they strolled along the quiet town. The muffled sounds of music could be heard
in the tranquility of the night.
Companionable silence covered them like a welcome friend.
“Is this better?” Robert
was the first to speak.
“Is what better?” Tessa was
confused.
“Are you cooler?” He
chuckled. “The breeze has cooled things
down.”
Tessa lifted the shawl to
cover her shoulders. “The heat has been
unbearable. This is much better.”
“I’ve missed seeing you in
town this week.”
“We’ve been sticking close
to the hacienda because of the heat.
Marta is afraid I’ll melt.”
Tessa’s lips formed in a tempting pout.
“Yes, delicate blossom that
you are,” he teased. “I wager Marta has
had her hands full keeping you out of trouble, just the two of you alone at the
hacienda.”
“Hmm, look who’s
talking. From the gossip I’ve been
hearing, you could keep someone busy keeping your fanny out of the fire.”
“Touché! We are a pair
aren’t we?” Robert agreed. “I was going to check on Equus. He got a nasty scrape while we were out
riding. Care to go with me?”
Tessa nodded and they
walked to the stables. The horses
whinnied greetings as the humans entered their home. Robert led the way to the stall that housed his horse. Equus tossed his head at his owner.
“Hey, boy.” Robert reached
out to scratch the steed between his ears.
“How’s the leg?”
Tessa watched as long
fingers gently examined the wound on the horse’s right wither. He tenderly probed the area. She was pleased to see he treated his horse
as thoroughly and as gently as his human patients.
“It’s healing up nicely,
Equus.” Robert pulled a couple of sugar cubes from his pocket, which Equus
gobbled greedily. “I’ll be sure to give
Colonel Montoya your thanks for his sugar.”
The horse snorted at Robert’s words.
“Sugar is sugar no matter where it comes from, my friend.”
Tessa softly stroked the
animal’s silky nose. “He’s a beautiful
animal.”
“Thank you. Equus and I have been through a lot these
last few years.” He continued to rub the spot between the animal’s eyes. “He’s saved my bum on several occasions.”
“I’m curious about
something, though, Robert.”
“What’s that?”
“Why did you name him
Equus? Rather unimaginative, isn’t it?”
Robert laughed and laughed,
until his face grew red. Tessa wondered
what had struck his funny bone so hard.
She decided she liked seeing him lost in joyful abandon. His nose scrunched and his eyes crinkled in
rather appealing ways when he laughed.
“Did I say something
funny?”
Bending over he rested his
hands on his knees and took a couple of deep breaths to regain his
composure. “I’m sorry.” He wiped the
moisture from his eyes. “I just hadn’t
thought about it for a long while.” He
straightened up and leaned against the stable wall.
Tessa held her breath. Would he open up and share information about
his past? He was a private man but he
had told her and the Queen bits and pieces of his background. She stood quietly and waited for him to
continue.
“Equus was the last thing
Father gave me. I remember waiting in
the stable while his mother gave birth.
My brother, Nigel, and I had been out riding all day. As we were putting up our horses the grooms
told us Salome was foaling. Tessa, I
helped pull him from his mother. The
moment I saw him I knew I had to have him.
The intelligence radiated from his eyes.” Robert pushed off the stable wall. “Father suffered a rare fit of generosity and gave me the
colt. More in character he kept
insisting I name my horse. Father’s
horses all had names rivaling the royal family. I can still hear him ranting, ‘Name the damn horse, son.’ So I told him I’d name it Horse if he
didn’t leave me alone. His face turned
five shades of red. Of course, after I
cooled down I realized how stupid ‘Horse’ sounded, so I settled with
Equus. It just seemed to fit; besides
it bothered Father. Now you have all
the sordid details.”
“You and Equus have been a
pair for a while then.”
“Equus is a smart
animal. He won’t let anyone, but me ride
him. Nigel’s bum can attest to
that.” Robert chuckled. “When I left the army, I went home and
collected my things and my horse, then I caught the next ship for America.”
“You’ve lived an exciting
life.”
“Too exciting at times.”
Robert swung the stall door shut. “See
you in the morning, boy.”
“We’d better get back to
the party before people start to whisper.”
“Where’s your sense of
adventure?” Seeing she didn’t appreciate his humor, he took her hand. “If you insist.”
They almost reached Montoya’s
courtyard when the music drifted out to meet them. The sounds of laughter and the clinking of glass shattered the
stillness of the night.
“Wait, Tessa.”
Tessa stopped. “Yes,
Robert?”
“May I have this dance?”
She curtseyed and
smiled. “Si, senor.”
Alone in the moonlight, the
couple danced. Robert held her a little
closer than he would’ve on the crowded dance floor. Tessa willingly rested her head against his shoulder, inhaling
the well-scrubbed scent of him. All her
dreams were coming true.
My, my, how things have changed since the
first time I saw you, Tessa Alvarado. Robert was
amazed at his reaction to holding this woman in his arms. I guess first impressions aren’t always correct.
The song came softly to an
end, leaving the dancers hesitant to release each other. He looked down at her, desire clearly
shining in his golden eyes. He was
surprised to see his emotions mirrored in her eyes. His hands cupped her face and tilted her head back. His mouth lowered to explore her oh so
tempting mouth. Tentatively his tongue
slipped between her full lips and enticed her tongue to return the
gesture. Soon their tongues darted and
explored eagerly. Robert’s arm crushed
her closer and her hand on the back of his neck pulled him closer.
With a great deal of effort
Robert broke the kiss. He was sure if
she continued the innocent plundering of his mouth, he might forget he was a
gentleman and she was a young lady.
“Seems it’s gotten warm again.”
Tessa’s laughter rang
out. It was nice to know she could get
to him. “Maybe you ought to get
yourself a cool drink, Doctor.” She
left him with his mouth hanging open.
Marta saw Tessa return sans
Doctor Helm. Curious, the gypsy woman
made her way to her young mistress.
“Tessa, is everything alright?” She
saw that Tessa looked neither angry nor upset.
In fact, she looked like a cat that had just devoured a dish of
cream. “Where is Doctor Helm?”
“I suppose he’s still
standing outside with his mouth hanging open.” Tessa grinned.
“What happened, Tessa?”
“Robert
kissed me and I kissed him back. Oh,
there’s Vera. I need to ask her about
coming to lunch next week,” Tessa remarked as she disappeared in the sea of skirts on
the dance floor.
Tessa, you little minx. Marta observed a rather perplexed
Doctor Helm making his way to the drink table.
I think
you are in for the time of your life, Doctor.
Helm decided to forgo the
wine for a stronger libation. He
swallowed the glass of whiskey in one gulp.
Somewhere deep in the pit
of his stomach, he suspected he was getting in deeper with senorita Alvarado
than he should, but he decided he didn’t care.
It wasn’t like he was seeing anyone.
Well, there was the Queen, except she flitted in and out of his life at
random. He held his glass out for a
refill and it followed its predecessor.
Women!
“Doctor Helm, may I have a
word with you?”
Damn! Montoya had finally
spotted him. “I don’t suppose I have a
choice, do I?”
“Ah, I see your banter is
witty as usual.”
Robert rubbed his
forehead. “You wanted something?”
Montoya cleared his throat
and assumed his most benevolent posture.
“As the commandant of Santa Helena, I feel like it is my solemn duty to
oversee the welfare to my constituents.
A shepherd, if you will.”
More like a
ravenous wolf. Robert waited for the man to finish his pontification. Where is this
conversation going?
“I could not help but
notice you and Senorita Alvarado seem quite friendly this evening.”
“We are friends,” he
allowed.
“It pleases me to see our
doctor making friends with the citizens of the pueblo. You may even find a wealthy patron.” Montoya’s smile didn’t make it to his cold
eyes. “I must remind you that Senorita
Alvarado is one of our wealthiest young ladies. While your profession is a worthy and noble pursuit, it is
hardly suitable for the husband of a young dona.”
Robert barely contained the
urge to throttle the arrogant man. My family could buy and sell
you and your little pueblo, you bastard.
Instead, he replied, “I’m sure,
Senorita Alvarado would appreciate your concern for her, Colonel. “
“I take my duties very
seriously, I assure you, Doctor Helm.”
“As we all must. Now, if you will excuse me, Colonel, I
promised this dance to Senorita Alvarado.”
Montoya watched the doctor
saunter over to where Maria Teresa stood conversing with her servant
woman. The good doctor did not take his
words to heart. In time, he would have
to rein the insolent man, but now was not the time. First, he must capture the Queen, and then he would be free to
deal with the unruly help.
~~~THE END~~~
People
are talking, talking 'bout people
I hear them whisper, you won't believe it
They think we're lovers, kept under covers
I just ignore it, but they keep saying
We laugh just a little too loud
We stand just a little too close
We star just a little too long
Maybe they're seeing something we don't, darlin'
Let's
give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love?
I
feel so foolish, I never noticed
You'd act so nervous
Could you be falling for me?
It took a rumor to make me wonder
Now I'm convinced that I'm going under
Thinking 'bout you every day
Dreaming 'bout you every day
Hoping that you feel the same way
Now that we know it, let's really show it, darlin'
Let's
give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love?
Let's
give them something to talk about
A little mystery to figure out
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love, love, love?