The Price of Gold by Rachel Le Mesurier

Author:Rachel Le Mesurier [Rachel Le Mesurier]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Opal Phoenix Books
Published: 2025-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Esperanza

Esperanza watched from the upstairs window as the mariachi band tuned their instruments in the kiosca, their handsome matching charro suits gleaming white in the sun. The day of the festival had finally arrived, and it was customary for the previous year’s music competition winners to open the festival by accompanying a display of traditional dancing from a select number of talented local girls. Esperanza and Catalina were among the honoured few, and Esperanza had come down to the pueblo early today so she and Catalina could get ready together.

The weather was glorious, unlike the previous few days when heavy rain had prevented anyone from putting up the traditional Santa Sofia’s Day decorations in the plaza. This had worked in Esperanza’s favour, as it now meant that her mother and aunt were busy helping to make the plaza look beautiful rather than fussing over the dancers. Francisco was occupied with helping to set up stalls of street food and alcohol around the edges of the plaza, so the girls were at liberty to chatter and gossip as they pleased.

“I had a talk with your little músico friend yesterday,” Catalina grinned, gesturing for Esperanza to turn around so that she could help her to fasten her skirt. “I’ve seen him a few times over the last few days, staring at the corner where this street meets the plaza, wilting like a daisy every time some young woman comes out from here or your aunt’s shop and it isn’t you.”

“Oh, stop it,” Esperanza tutted, rolling her eyes.

“I’m serious. I had to go out and talk to him at the end of the day yesterday. I felt so sorry for him, sitting there in the rain with nobody listening to him play.”

“No, you didn’t. I’m not falling for your teasing, so don’t waste your breath.” Esperanza allowed her friend to push her onto the stool in front of her dressing table, doing her best to sit still as Catalina took out a hairbrush and began to tackle the knots in her hair.

“I’m not teasing you, Esperanza.”

She glanced up at Catalina’s expression in the mirror and, to her surprise, saw that she was serious.

“I wanted to find out a bit more about this mysterious street musician, to see for myself whether he really is as wonderful as you think. I introduced myself to him and told him we were both looking forward to seeing him play today. He was very keen to talk to me when I mentioned your name.” Catalina shook her head and sighed, a little smile playing on her lips. “He was so happy when I told him I knew who he was. I said that you were always talking about him, and his little face lit up. It was very sweet. I can see why you find him so endearing, mi compa. I have to admit, I couldn’t help falling a little bit in love with him myself by the end of the conversation.” She winked.

Catalina finished brushing Esperanza’s

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