Chapter Eleven

It rained in earnest that afternoon, but by evening the clearing skies and moist, cool air inspired Miguel and Amalia to invite the hands and teachers to join them for dinner on the large back patio.

Robert considered begging off, but instead put on his best diplomat's expression and made pleasant small talk over flank steak, beans, and summer vegetables roasted on the outdoor grill.

Sophie was in her element with so many people to talk to. As she chatted enthusiastically with the teachers, Robert began to doubt the wisdom of  taking her to Castaño. There was a school there, of course, but El Cid Academy was prestigious, known even during the war years for its specialty programs in such things as radio and photography. Sophie would have opportunities here that she wouldn't have in an insular mountain village.

As if she had read his mind, Amalia took Robert aside later that evening, after Sophie had gone to bed. "You could leave her here, you know. She'd live in the house with us, of course, but she would have all the same opportunities as the other students."

"It's a nice idea." They found seats in a quiet corner of the patio, away from Miguel and their guests. "But I wouldn't want her to feel like I was abandoning her."

"She likes it here, though. We could probably bring her around to asking to stay. Then it would be her choice."

Robert smiled. "Someday you'll have to remind me why you weren't negotiating with tribal leaders and local strongmen, instead of me. Nevertheless, I would feel like I was abandoning her, even if she did think it was her idea."

Amalia nodded in sympathy. "Perhaps you wouldn't have to go away for very long. Go home, evaluate your inheritance, find a tenant or two, then come back. We always need teachers, and Miguel..." she cast a glance over her shoulder before continuing. "He isn't as strong as he used to be. A day's work takes a lot out of him, and it's only because he isn't teaching tomorrow morning that he's staying up a little later than usual tonight. Your assistance here would be very helpful to us."

"Is this something you've both been talking about, or is this a new idea you've just had?"

"We've discussed it a little."

From the way she cast down her eyes, Robert suspected this was a subject they'd been over many times, even before his train pulled into Estrella. "I'll think about it."

"If you don't want to stay with us, you could take that job with your friend in Santa Fe," Amalia pointed out. "If Sophie's safety is your biggest concern, she's certainly safe here."

"Would she be, though?" Robert had been neglecting his wine and now he took a long sip. "What would you do next time Will shows up? Hide her in one of the dormitories until he leaves?"

Amalia gave a little shrug. "We'd have a story, of course. One that didn't name you as her father. Besides, I doubt Will would hurt her, especially here, on our property. And it's not like he comes around much, anyway." Amalia gave a little sigh. "He and Miguel are barely on speaking terms after the way Will tarnished the Unitas image, and Will has never forgiven me for letting Diana run away."

Robert's eyes widened in surprise. "You hardly allowed her. She sneaked out."

"I know, and you know, but that's not how he sees it. To his way of thinking, I should kept her tied to the bedpost or something."

Robert reached for his wine glass again and drained it this time. "You've given me a lot to think about, as always."

Amalia got to her feet at the same time he did. "I hope you mean that sincerely, Robert. We'd love to have Sophie stay, and it would open up some options for you."

"It would. Thank you."

Robert quickly made the rounds, saying good night to Miguel and their guests, then went inside. Alone in his room, he pondered the offer Amalia had made. He could do so many things, if it weren't for Sophie. Yes, his life might be in danger, but without the visible proof of his long love affair with Diana, maybe he could bluff his way out of any threat from Will. And if he couldn't, well, there were worse ways a man could die than by showing his face to the world while pursuing his dreams.

He could die a coward instead.