In Old California 29

Now they do leave and go their distant ways. Don Jose rides with Arracho to shore as Segundo brings ladies home with bays. The destination's hacienda's door. Sound of iron rims on cobblestone turned heads to see Alcalde's wife and daughter go by. Twin bays answered whip smartly, high stepping gait a picture of beauty in motion. Admirers saw beautiful reddish brown animals in wet harness work as a team, head erect, eyes forward. As carriage passed they approvingly agreed Dona Rose's green taffeta coordinated well with daughter's blue silk. They also noted senorita wore black lace. Dona Rose and Margarita talked amiably. Conversation centered on Peralta's social life and life in general. Margarita should have been much more guarded in speech with her mother. Diego Silva hated only one thing more than driving the horse and carriage, listening to women talk. Prattle of women words grated on his nerves requiring much tequila for repair. He believed carriages were for women, children and old people - not for strong men. Segundo disliked Alcalde's carriage. Stable servant should be driving the horses; work was menial, too servile for foreman of de Plata. He twisted his big black mustachio in agitation.