The Forbidden Promise

by Helena Rose

  "Dear, you look beautiful," she said admiring her.

  " Thank you, mother."

  Viviana handed her the bouquet composed of white and tea roses, smiling emotionally.

  "I’ve wanted to see you like this for a long time," Viviana said admiringly.

  Costantino also entered the room, elegant in a dark gray suit.

  "It’s time to go or we'll be late!" He said, but he also stopped to look at Aurora dressed as a bride.

  Aurora sighed deeply excited.

  " Let’s go then." Said Aurora, but Doña Viviana stopped her "Wait for the blessing."

  According to tradition, as a good omen, the mothers of the bride and groom had a duty to bless the union that would be celebrated a little later.

  Aurora closed her eyes, nodding.

  " May you be happy forever at the side of the man you love and that you have chosen, living every day together with serenity and joy . In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit," Viviana said, touching Aurora on the forehead and shoulders.

  Aurora was moved and at the end of the blessing she squeezed her mother's hand.

  "Thank you." She whispered.

  "Don’t cry, otherwise, you’ll ruin the makeup!" Laughed Doña Viviana.

  Dolores was already in the living room waiting for them, she was also looking very elegant. They climbed into the open-topped landau carriage, pulled by two white horses.

  Aurora's heart was pounding in her chest as the carriage passed along the streets of Tampico. All the people stopped and shouted greetings and congratulations. They finally reached the cathedral.

  The door was wide open and the bells rang in celebration. Lucas was waiting at the altar.

  Costantino held out his hand and helped Aurora descend from the carriage, he then turned to help both Doña Viviana and Dolores to get out. The two women entered the cathedral to sit in the seats reserved for bride’s relatives.

  Sighing, Aurora took her father's arm, and slowly entered the cathedral. Aurora heard the organ start playing the wedding march. Everyone present was intent on observing her as she advanced down the aisle. Aurora hardly noticed this as her attention was focused on a single point in front of her: Lucas.

  Lucas was standing before the altar, dressed in an elegant blue suit, his black hair carefully combed, his green eyes lit up as he looked at her with admiration.

  Aurora smiled, as she joined him. Costantino shook Lucas’ hand and together they helped Aurora to take her place before the altar. The organ had finished playing, and a happy Father Julian began to officiate the ceremony.

  Aurora felt as if she was in a dream, every sound was muffled.

  Lucas said his wedding vows in a firm and secure voice in answer to Father Julian’s ritual questions. Aurora feared, however, that her voice would fail her, but her vows came out clear in the public’s ears. Then, Lucas slipped the wedding ring on her finger.

  " You may now kiss the bride." Said the priest as he turned to Lucas who wasted no time in turning to Aurora who hesitated for a moment. Don’t be stupid, said a little voice in her head, Have you ever seen a wedding without a wedding kiss! Impulsively she closed her eyes as she lifted her face to his. She felt his lips touch hers, delicate as the wings of a butterfly. Immediately she felt a shiver run down her spine. Lucas broke away almost immediately, and Aurora opened her eyes, slightly dazed. She searched for his hand, squeezing it hard. Lucas smiled at her.

  Straight after Santos, the best man and Dolores, the maid of honor stood up. Santos held the silver lazo that had been used in the marriage of Lucas’ parents and following tradition together with Dolores placed it round the shoulders of the couple.

  Santos then handed Lucas the arras that consisted of thirteen gold coins that the groom gives to the bride as a testimony of his commitment to maintain her, and as a good omen for prosperity and luck. Aurora held out her cupped hands and Lucas poured the coins into them, saying the ritual words. The two exchanged an amused look.

  Shortly after, the wedding ceremony came to an end, and Father Julian blessed the congregation.

  The organ began to play while the couple slowly walked towards the exit.

  It’s done! Aurora thought, I'm married now, I'm Mrs. Navarra y Reyes! I’m free to do what I want! And all this thanks to Lucas, my best friend.

  The bridal party was a success. The organizational skills of Doña Viviana could not denied. The food was perfect, the wine also. The decorations left even the bride’s aunt and uncle, Don Miguel and Doña Clara Vargas de Coronado amazed.

  Marisol, remained on the sidelines for most of the time. She obviously congratulated the new couple, though very coldly. The guests were ecstatic, including Aurora’s colleagues, Mother Agostina and Dr. Peron who tried to keep his distance from the drinks table. Yolanda, however, remained sullenly in a corner, envying as never before Aurora and the role she had imagined she would have played in Lucas' life.

  Sunset marked the time for the bride and groom to leave the party that would continue without them until the morning.

  "Aurora, the carriage is waiting for us. Your luggage has already been loaded. Everything is ready."

  Lucas' words startled Aurora. We have to go to Lucas’ house, soon I’ll be alone with him. Silly! What am I thinking, nothing will happen, this isn’t a real marriage.

  " I'm ready, let's go." She replied in a whisper.

  Lucas helped her into the carriage, the wedding dress being so large and cumbersome that it hindered her movements making her clumsy.

  " This dress is very uncomfortable," said Aurora relaxing in the seat.

  " But you look enchanting." Lucas replied.

  "I hope we arrive soon so that I can take it off." She sighed.

  "I'd be happy to help you." Offered Lucas

  Aurora looked at him strangely. Lucas was watching her intently, his body was leaning towards her and a slight smile hovered on his lips. Blushing, she was unable to tear her eyes from his bright green ones.

  Lucas was the one to break the spell drawing back sharply. He breathed heavily and said, "I haven’t any servants and we forgot to bring Carmen with us. I really think that you’ll have to accept my offer."

  " I'll try to do it myself, thank you." Replied Aurora still feeling uncomfortable.

  The journey continued in an awkward silence.

  When they arrived at the house, Lucas led Aurora to Amparo’s old room that he had renovated for her.

  Aurora, surprised by the kindness that Lucas was bestowing on her, thanked him with a smile.

  Lucas reacted rather gruffly. "I’ll leave you, I guess you want to be alone."

  " Yes, thank you." Replied Aurora

  Lucas closed the door behind him and walked quickly towards the living room where he poured himself a generous measure of tequila.

  Lost in his thoughts he realized that he was no longer alone only when Aurora’s hand touched him on his shoulder.

  " Lucas." She said shyly, "I think I actually do need help to remove this dress." Blushing with shame she added, "I can’t undo the buttons." She lowered her face unable to go on any further.

  Lucas smiled, took her hand and led her back to her room and then began to unfasten the dress with delicate gestures. His hands rested on her bare shoulders, touching for the first time Aurora’s soft, warm skin, and indulging in a light caress. The scent of her skin was soft and inviting, Lucas lent forward and placed a kiss on Aurora’s neck left uncovered by her hair.

  "Goodnight Aurora, sweet dreams." Lucas said moving away from her.

  Aurora was unable to answer, she turned in time to see him leave the room.

  Lucas’ behavior deeply unsettled Aurora who was also affected by the dreaminess that his caresses had unleashed in her. With trembling hands, she finished undressing and slipped on the transparent nightgown that her mother had packed for the wedding night.

  No one must know that she would spend the night alone she said to herself while thinking of her handsome
husband sleeping in the next room.

  Lucas went to his room and looked out of the open window to cool off in the night breeze.

  I'm a fool, what I was I thinking of doing? Aurora isn’t really my wife, I mustn’t touch her in that way. If only she weren’t so beautiful and sensual. Enough! He laughed sadly, what mess have I got myself into? I've always had all the women I wanted and I’ve ended up marrying the one that doesn’t want me. I have to keep her at a distance. How could I have thought I could only be a friend to her?

  The next morning, Aurora and Lucas went to the bank. The dowry money was now available to them and they withdrew just enough to pay off the purchase of the hacienda in Zacatecas.

  They then went to the convent, Aurora wanted to say goodbye to the nuns and Dr. Peron.

  They were welcomed with joy and both the doctor and the good nuns wished them a happy life enriched with many children. The patients in the infirmary said good-bye to her, grateful for the care she had given them to relieve their suffering. They then went to say goodbye to good Father Julian, who had done so much for Lucas during his difficult adolescence years.

  The preparations for their departure were completed in the early afternoon, which gave them time to visit Aurora’s parents. Don Costantino took them into his library.

  " Dear children, come, sit down. Is everything ready for your departure?"

  " Yes, Dr. Vargas de Coronado. We’re leaving tomorrow morning very early, the journey is long, but I hope we get to the hacienda before nightfall."

  " Where is my mother?" Aurora asked, surprised by her absence.

  "She’s in her room, resting. Yesterday was very tiring for her. She told me to ask you to go up as soon as you arrived."

  Aurora knocked on the door of her mother's room and went inside. "Hello mother, how are you?”

  Aurora thought that the smile that Doña Viviana greeted her with was a bit strained. "I'm just a little tired. But tell me about yourself, everything went well last night? Lucas behaved like a gentleman?" Queried Viviana

  Aurora looked down and nodded.

  "Good," sighed Doña Viviana. Then she added in a lighter tone, “Yesterday’s party seemed successful. All the guests complimented the wonderful food and decorations."

  " You couldn’t have done better, mother. Thank you so much, everything was perfect."

  Doña Viviana went over to her daughter and took her hands. "My dear, I know we have often been at odds, but I want to tell you that I've always wanted only the best for you. I hope that Lucas knows how to make you happy and give you everything you deserve."

  " Mother, you can’t imagine what joy your words give me." Answered Aurora moved.

  "It's not the first time that you’ve gone away from me for a long time, but this time I feel that I'm really losing you. My dear, I’ll miss you "

  "I’ll also miss you very much. I'll be back to visit you as soon as possible."

  Viviana smiled, stroking Aurora’s face.

  "Goodbye, my child. "

  Santos and Yolanda had left very early that morning to prepare for Lucas and Aurora’s arrival at the hacienda in Zacatecas. So the newlyweds dined alone. Aurora prepared the meal by herself, simple dishes but tasty.

  " I'm not used to having someone cook my dinner, the last person who cooked for me was poor Amparo, may she rest in peace," commented Lucas.

  "I'm not a great cook," explained Aurora, "but I had to take a few lessons, otherwise my mother would have killed me."

  "Don’t worry, we can’t afford a large number of servants, but in Zacatecas there is already a cook waiting for us, along with a few maids. I hope you will be able to manage the house without having to get involved yourself."

  "Fortunately! How do you know that I'm not a perfect housewife?" Questioned Aurora smiling.

  They calmly finished the meal, chatting amiably for the umpteenth time about the projects they both had for the hacienda in Zacatecas.

  Aurora had drunk a bit of wine and was feeling slightly tipsy. Lucas offered her a tequila, but she categorically refused.

  "I'm not going to get drunk." She said firmly. "Besides alcohol is harmful to the body. Some time I'll give you a lesson on the damage caused by its abuse."

  Lucas smiled.

  "It will be a pleasure to listen to you." He said, sipping his liquor.

  Aurora stayed silent, undecided whether Lucas was joking or talking seriously. With his bewitching green eyes, he had the power to confuse her.

  "I'd better go to my room, we need to get up early tomorrow."

  "I'll come with you." Lucas immediately offered, putting down his glass of tequila.

  Aurora raised her hands.

  "No thanks!" She laughed, "I know the way now. Don’t worry. Good night."

  " Good night," he said disappointedly.

  Aurora climbed the stairs and retired to her room.

  I’ve got myself in big trouble! Lucas thought, shaking his head. Aurora, this situation will make me crazy!

  Early the next morning, Aurora and Lucas got up and got ready for their departure. Aurora put on her sage green traveling dress, and pinned up her long hair under her hat. On leaving the house, she found Lucas, impeccable dressed in a hazel colored travelling suit with knee high boots, waiting for her next to a carriage that was already loaded with trunks and all their luggage. Seated in the driving seat was a middle-aged man with dark skin, chewing tobacco.

  Lucas smiled at her, holding out his hand to help her up into the carriage. Aurora accepted his help and climbed in, Lucas then got in and settled himself on the seat in front of her.

  "Let's go," he shouted to the driver.

  The carriage moved noisily. Aurora couldn’t help suppressing a shudder of excitement. I'm leaving Tampico, this time forever. I'm heading to a new life full of unknowns, at the side of a man I hardly know.

  They soon left Tampico and headed inland. They skirted the vast basin of Lake Chairel, with its placid waters. Memories of the trips she had had here as a child accompanied by her parents flood into Aurora’s mind. She had always been a happy and contented little girl who had liked to go out in a rowing boat with her father and had always tried to lift the heavy oar from the oarlock, to help him to row. The memory brought a smile to her face.

  "What are you thinking?" Lucas asked, curious.

  "When I was little and I used to come on trips here with my parents."

  "It’s a really nice place to spend an enjoyable day. As a child I never came here, my father was always busy with the hacienda and then ... well, you know the rest."

  Again, Aurora was surprised by the sadness that was apparent from those simple words. She said nothing, just touched the back of Lucas’ hand with hers.

  She rested her head on the back of the seat, and continued to observe the blue expanse of the lake from the window. She was not aware when she had drifted off to sleep. When she awoke, she noticed that the carriage was proceeding slightly uphill and the landscape had changed. The grassy plain, had given way to rolling hills covered with lush forests.

  For lunch they stopped in the small village of Tamasopo, where they ate a light meal and changed the horses.

  They left soon after, to avoid losing too much time.

  " By horse, of course, it takes less time." Said Lucas.

  "It’s still a long journey." Said Aurora. "It also takes a long time to go to Mexico City, but it's all by train. "

  "The railway has recently been finished between Tampico and Zacatecas that makes the journey much faster, but with all of our luggage I couldn’t find any places available so we had to be content with going by carriage. Are you tired?" Lucas asked worriedly.

  Not wanting to appear cowardly, Aurora denied it decisively.

  "I'm fine, don’t worry. I can’t wait to get there."

  The carriage carried on, climbing hills that were getting higher and higher, while the passage of time seemed to slow down more and more.

  Aurora was fascinated by the beautif
ul landscape she saw from the window, the green forest, the mountains in the background, soaring high and the noise of the animals.

  By mid-afternoon, they reached the town of San Luis Potosi. They made another brief stop just time enough to stretch their legs and move around a bit.

  "We're almost there," Lucas sighed.

  The carriage continued on its way, shuddering and jolting as it did. Now the mountains were becoming higher, and the villages they encountered showed the typical characteristics of an altitude area, colorful houses with sloping roofs that were concentrated on the more level areas and gradually becoming more scattered on the steeper slopes. The air had become fresher and Aurora shivered, so she put on her cloak and wrapped the heavy material around herself.

  Without saying anything, Lucas moved closer to her to try to warm her up. If he were really my husband, I would snuggle up to him, and he'd keep me close in his arms, the thought struck Aurora, and made her annoyed so she drove the idea immediately out of her mind. What sense is there to think about these things? It’s useless!

  At dusk they reached the village of Guadalupe.

  " We're almost there, Aurora," said Lucas. "The hacienda is located halfway between the village and Zacatecas. Maybe tomorrow, if you’re rested, we could go to visit Zacatecas."

  Aurora nodded as the carriage passed the village and soon after turned, leaving the road. During the last part of the journey, they found themselves crossing a flat section, where the forests and mountain vegetation grew abundantly. After a few minutes, they reached the borders of the hacienda that was marked by milestones. Shortly after, they arrived at the gate of the main avenue leading to the house, guarded by some peones. The carriage continued on, stopping in front of the entrance of the large building.

  With relief, Aurora got down from the carriage helped by Lucas, and smoothed out the creases in her dress with her hands.

  "Do you like it?" Asked Lucas enthusiastically.

  " It’s beautiful," said Aurora, enchanted. The house stood majestically amongst the trees in the park, in a typical colonial style. The facade loomed bright in the evening, decorated with inlays of the typical local pink stone, the square windows on the ground floor were lit by the dim interior light, the arc of the upper floor was dark and mysterious and the central door was massive and solemn.