Page 55 of Secrets of the Six

I don't have much time to be anxious about the evening because as promised, Rogelio sends several beautifully wrapped and expensive gifts a few hours later. There is an off-the-shoulder scarlet gown made of the finest silk and a dazzling diamond bracelet with matching earrings. Completing my ensemble are a pair of heels with crystals encrusted on the counter and a jeweled broach to clip in my hair. He thought of everything. I could certainly grow accustomed to being spoiled with lavish presents.

For the remainder of the afternoon, Lupe works her magic. After bathing, fashioning my hair, applying my make-up, and helping me dress, she takes a step back to admire her wondrous creation. "If he wasn't already a love-sick puppy, he will be tonight."

I twirl, admiring myself in the mirror. "You flatter me, Lupe."

"Flatter you?" she scoffs, wiping her hands on her dress. "I deserve a raise for all of this," she motions up and down my person and I roll my eyes. "A true craftsman."

"Anciana." I shake my head.

"Mocosa." She grins and the butterflies fluttering in my stomach dissipate when she grabs my hand. "You are doing great, niña . Keep it up."

A clipped knock on my bedroom door startles both of us. Before either one of us can open it, Doña Otero whips the door open and marches inside, cane in hand as always. Scrutinizing hazel eyes drop from the top of my head to my shoes before meeting my line of sight. A meager smile graces her lips.

"Well done, Lupe," she praises. "She will have Rogelio proposing before the week is through."

"You have a lot of confidence in me," I chuckle, shooing away the anxiety of her expectations not being met. "Hopefully I don't disappoint you."

"The only way you would disappoint me is not doing your best." She hooks her finger beneath my chin and tilts my face upward. "We will not fail. It's not in our nature."

"No, I dare say it isn't."

She smiles and reaches into the pocket of her dress, pulling out a black velvet case. "I want you to wear this tonight."

I take the extended box and open it. Sitting on a tufted cloth, is an emerald teardrop pendant necklace with a gold chain. "This is beautiful."

"My darling husband, Hector, gave this to me a few weeks before he died. I could never bring myself to wear it, but I think it deserves to be admired tonight." Doña Otero passes her cane to Lupe, takes the pendant in her hand, and motions for me to turn around.

I quietly oblige. Seeing how sentimental the piece is to her; it would be futile and downright rude to argue with her about adding the piece to my ensemble.

"The stone will highlight the color of your eyes nicely." She clips the necklace, and the pendant sits against my breastbone.

She's right, when I look at my reflection in the mirror, my mouth drops. The emerald makes my eyes pop which is no small feat considering the splendor and finery Rogelio supplied for me to wear tonight as his date.

"You make quite the lady, Ines." She places her hands on my shoulders and nods approvingly at me in the mirror. "Remember, if you sense you are in danger, you will have friends nearby."

I nod. I know if I ask who she's assigned to be at the opera house tonight she won't tell me because it doesn't matter. Either way, if I'm in danger, I can take care of myself.

Horse hooves clip-clop across the cobblestone driveway pulling a carriage up to the front door. Lupe and Doña Otero abandon me to peek through the window and whilst their backs are to me, I snatch a small dagger from my nightstand and slip it up my sleeve. Opera or not, I wouldn't be caught dead unarmed.

Though Rogelio has given me no immediate reason to believe he poses me harm, it certainly doesn't mean he is not a threat. He's a Murrieta after all.

"Don Rogelio is quite handsome," Lupe sighs, shaking her head and drawing the curtains. "It's a pity he inherited his father's eyes."

Father and son might have the same eye color but the life and intention behind their shared feature is what truly sets them apart.

I clear my throat, drawing the ladies' focus and strike a pose. "Am I ready for the opera?"

Lupe bobs her head, a proud smile crossing her face. "I dare say you're ready to bring that man to his knees."

Doña Otero nods in agreement and offers her arm to escort me downstairs to greet Rogelio in the foyer. When we make it to the last step, he's entered the house and is waiting with the largest bouquet of flowers I've ever seen. Red roses, carnations, lilies and lavender practically spill out of the vase he's clutching to his chest before the doorman invites him to set the offering on the round foyer table. He snatches his hat from his head and bows to us.

"I was unsure of which flower was your favorite, Señorita Elena, and thought it best to error on offering too many than not enough." He smiles and I can sense his nerves as he sways from one foot to the next. Rogelio possesses a kind and generous spirit. I shall truly hate myself for breaking his heart when the time comes.

I release my hold on Doña Otero's arm and make my way to the expensive vase and sniff the fresh flower arrangement and smile. "You certainly know how to make a woman feel appreciated, Don Rogelio." I bat my eyes at him and watch in satisfaction as he swallows, searching for something to say. "Thank you for the flowers and the beautiful dress."

"You look stunning." He steps forward boldly and clasps my hand in his, kissing my knuckles. "Red suits you."

His gaze peruses the jewels adorning me and when he settles on the pendant Doña Otero lent me, he taps the gemstone like an inquisitive child. "I don't recall sending this though."