That morning, Amanda woke up early and, after breakfast with her family, asked Leónidas to take her to the church. The young man looked very pale and seemed distracted, but he didn't object.
"Are you alright?" Amanda asked once they were alone outside.Her uncle had told her that some laborers on his field had fallen ill, and she couldn't help but feel concerned for the servant."Huh? Yes. Thanks for asking, it's just that I didn't sleep very well last night," the young man confessed as he helped her onto the carriage.Amanda smiled mischievously, for now, she understood everything. She had heard Sebastián sneaking in during the middle of the night. It was possible that he had met up with some girl from town and that Leónidas had accompanied him.The driver whipped the horses, and they began to pick up speed. Amanda carried the latest drawings she had made, of which she was quite proud. Sofía had posed as the Virgin Mary, and she was very happy that her face would be immortalized in Father Facundo's holy book.On the other hand, Diego had refused to be portrayed for that purpose. Amanda had not yet gathered the courage to ask the priest if he was willing to pose for her. She had drawn him in secret, but of course, the priest didn't know that. In recent days, Diego had been distant and melancholy, perhaps starting to miss his homeland. After all, it had been almost a year since they had left.Amanda felt well received in the new continent, despite having lost her father there, whom she missed dearly. The priest and his sister were a great emotional support for her. She had even struck up a good friendship with Pablo Ferreira, although she suspected that his frequent visits to the church had more to do with his desire to win over Julia Duarte than his love for God.Upon arrival, she said goodbye to Leónidas, crossed the empty church, and headed to the kitchen. She greeted her friend, who was preparing some bread."Facundo went out to run some errands but shouldn't be long," the priest's sister explained."That's alright. When he gets back, I'll show you both the new drawings I've done," Amanda said as she sat down."It's been several days since your cousin and his friend have shown up," Julia commented.She pushed a rebellious strand of reddish hair away from her face, leaving a line of flour on her nose. Amanda smiled, amused. In recent months, Pablo had been dragging Sebastián to church on weekdays. Although he made various excuses, it was obvious that his only goal was to get close to Julia. Although the priest's sister pretended to have no interest in the young man, it was evident that she enjoyed being the center of attention for one of the most sought-after bachelors in the area."I don't know. When I left La Rosa, Sebastián was still sleeping. If you want, we can go to my house later. If they don't come here, they're most likely there. My uncle jokes that he might have to adopt Pablo," she said.She chose not to mention that her cousin had spent much of the night outside and also did not comment on the state in which she had seen her driver. Whatever the boys had been doing, it was most likely that Pablo Ferreira had been involved. The young man was doing his best to win over Julia, and she wasn't going to ruin his chances if he had any."Maybe... Did you know he asked my brother for my hand?" Julia asked, amused.Amanda looked at her, surprised. She didn't picture Pablo as someone interested in settling down. He always reminded her of Sebastián, someone more guided by desire than by formalities."Wow! What did the priest say?" Amanda asked."The same thing he told young Simón, that unlike my first marriage, the second one will be for love. He explained that if he wants my hand, he must first win my heart," she recounted, shaping the dough in her hands."And what do you think of him?" Amanda pressed."I don't know. From what I've heard, he's too much of a womanizer. I think he's only interested in me because he can't have me. Sooner or later, he'll get bored," she explained, shrugging to downplay the importance.Although Amanda was eager to continue discussing matters of the heart with her friend, Father Facundo's arrival interrupted their conversation. He wasn't alone; the town's doctor accompanied him. Although Amanda had never had the opportunity to converse with Dr. Máximo Medina, everyone knew who he was. Despite looking tired and beginning to show his first gray hairs, he was an elegant and attractive man.The newcomers greeted the ladies cordially, and the priest placed some vegetables he had bought on the table. Amanda gave the father a shy smile as he passed by her. He looked away, but she triumphantly noted that his cheeks had gained some color."Julia, dear, I'm sorry to ask this of you, but I think you could be of great help to the doctor. You see, many have caught that fever that started among the slaves. Unfortunately, even the midwife who was helping him has fallen ill. Can you accompany Dr. Medina on his next visits?" the priest asked his sister."Yes, no problem. I'm glad to help. Just give me a few minutes to get this flour off me. Amanda, will you come with me?" Julia asked as she wiped her hands and arms with a damp cloth.Father Facundo barely frowned, and Amanda understood why. Although Julia's intentions were good, her mother and uncles would never allow her to help the doctor and go to the homes of the sick. But she still longed to help, and perhaps if she was lucky, her family would never find out."I'd love to accompany you. If you don't mind, of course," Amanda added, looking at the doctor."Truthfully, you'd be doing me a great favor," Dr. Máximo Medina acknowledged with an affable smile."I think it would be better if you returned to La Rosa, Amanda," suggested the priest."I'll be back before Leónidas comes for me. I promise," Amanda said with a defiant look and handed the folder containing her drawings to the priest.He looked at her cautiously and took what she offered."Very well, I won't stop you. However, if they come looking for you and you're not here yet, I won't lie," he warned, stepping back."I'll be here before Leónidas arrives, but if Sebastián comes asking for me, you can tell him the truth. I'm sure he won't say anything to my mother or my uncle," the young woman assured, her heart pounding.There was a certain thrill in defying the rules, in breaking them with the risk of being discovered. The forbidden attracted her like a candle flame draws moths. The best part was that although the priest wasn't willing to lie for her, he had promised not to betray her. Having his complicity was almost as lovely as having his love.