After some touching words from Antonio Pérez Esnaola, everyone raised their glasses to toast the newlyweds. Isabel sipped her wine, and although the first taste was bitter, she kept drinking.
"Today, I haven't lost a daughter but gained a son," the man added falsely, embracing his son-in-law.Isabel accepted the compliments of the guests, forced herself to try different dishes and a piece of cake, drank until her vision blurred, and danced in her husband's arms. However, the fear gripping her heart did not disappear.While dancing, Roberto Páez had told her that they would not live in his mansion in the city but in an estate he had recently acquired. It was half an hour from La Rosa, so she could visit her family regularly. Additionally, she would continue attending the same church. Knowing this gave her a temporary sense of relief that vanished when her husband said it was time to go to the room assigned to them. In the morning, she would see her new home.She said her goodbyes to her family slowly and with sorrow. They each hugged her and wished her well. When it was Sebastián's turn, he hugged her and leaned close to her ear."Try to relax. It will get easier with time," he whispered.The young woman's pale cheeks turned crimson for a moment. Her aunt, María Esther, took her by the arm and fixed her severe green eyes on her."Don't worry. I'll be right outside the room if you need anything," she said solemnly.Isabel felt herself die of embarrassment but didn't resist when her husband guided her by the arm to the room. Her aunt followed them a few steps behind. As a married woman for many years, she had a lot of experience and only intended to help. However, the young woman would have preferred that the first night with Roberto be more intimate or not happen at all.Once the couple entered the room, María Esther closed the door. Someone had left a beautiful white nightgown laid out on the matrimonial bed."Could you turn around while I change, please?" the bride asked in a barely audible voice."Alright," the man agreed, fixing his black eyes on the doorknob.They could hear María Esther dragging a chair on the other side of the door. It was impossible to know how long the encounter would last, and it wasn't sensible for her to stand for hours.With trembling hands, Isabel tried to untie the ribbon of her corset, but it was on her back, and she couldn't reach it. She cursed under her breath, and Roberto barely turned."Did you say something, dear?" he asked.She shook her head, arms at her sides, frustrated at not being able to remove her wedding dress."May I help you with that?" the young man ventured."Alright," she agreed, though not very convinced.She turned and moved her hair forward. Roberto's hands were cold and tickled her. In the hallway, María Esther coughed. When the corset ribbon finally gave way, Isabel crossed her arms over her chest to keep the dress from falling."Turn around again, so I can put on the nightgown!" she shouted, though it wasn't her intention."Is it necessary?" the man asked, a bit uncomfortable.She nodded, and he obeyed. Away from her husband's gaze, she let her dress slide down her body to the floor. Covering her breasts with one arm, just in case Roberto decided to turn around, she quickly grabbed the nightgown and slipped it over her head. It fit loosely, and the expert hand of Sofía could be seen in its embroidery. She didn't immediately tell her husband she was ready; she took the time to steady her breathing."Ready?" he asked after a few minutes."Yes...yes," she was forced to reply and sat on the bed.The man turned slowly and watched her from where he stood. He removed his shoes, suit, and shirt, leaving only long underwear and a winter undershirt. Isabel was cold and trembling, but she forced herself to stand up and pull back the sheets to lie down.He walked around the bed and settled next to her. The ceiling seemed more interesting than ever to Isabel, who dared not look at the man beside her. After what felt like eternal seconds, Roberto kissed her on the cheek, and she closed her eyes tightly."Well, good night," he said and pulled up the covers."What?" the young woman added, looking confused.The sound of her aunt's chair creaking echoed in the room, and Roberto shifted uncomfortably, covered up to his chin."We have to do it! Otherwise, everyone will be disappointed in me," she added, fixing her green eyes on her husband.Roberto Páez thought for a few moments and got out of bed. Isabel watched him. Had she offended him? Her father would kill her if she were sent back.The man rummaged through his clothes and pulled out a knife from his pocket. Isabel screamed and covered herself with the sheets, seeking nonexistent protection."Don't scream!" he tried to quiet her in vain.Why didn't her aunt come in to help her?When Roberto got very close, she closed her eyes and prepared for the worst. She felt the weight of her husband sink the mattress beside her. When she opened her eyes, she saw that he had made a small cut on his arm and was bleeding on the sheets. Far from trying to kill her, he was protecting her honor."Stand up!" he ordered, and she obeyed, much more at ease.Roberto got out of bed and started shaking the headboard against the wall."They're doing it," they heard a woman say on the other side of the door.The young woman turned her green eyes to the ornate lock. It was obvious her aunt wasn't alone."So it seems," María Esther added proudly."He's a strong and vigorous man. I wouldn't be surprised if they conceived a child tonight," concluded a third, unfamiliar voice.The young woman barely clenched her jaw. The noise on the other side of the door indicated that part of the party had moved into the hallway.Without warning and without stopping the bed's movement, Roberto began to moan strangely. It must have been a convincing performance because outside the room, the women seemed pleased."Help me," the young man whispered.Isabel shook her head, feeling her cheeks burn, but then she contributed a few whimpers. Half an hour later, Roberto fell onto the bed and rubbed his tired arm. She settled beside him, keeping a prudent distance, and they both prepared to sleep.An old woman entered the room before sleep came, to remove their sheets and offer new ones. They got up and let her make the exchange. She congratulated them and left with a suggestive smile to join the noisy ladies in the hallway. Perhaps Sebastián was right, and the following nights with her husband would be easier.