Golden Secrets

“Listen to this, Mama: To our dear Tío Salvador Tenorio, our family appreciates the many gifts and favors you have granted us.”

“Scratch that out.” Mama looked over her shoulder at the note. “A government man receiving those lines from his family would be suspected of favoritism. You don’t want to get him in trouble, do you?” The day had barely begun and already Alicia was directed by both her parents.

“Write this,” Mama continued. “ ‘To the Honorable Salvador Tenorio, Assistant to the Territorial Governor of Alta California, Secretary of Coastal Waterways, Permits & Taxes.’ No, no. That is all part of his title.” Alicia listened, amazed with her Mama’s vocabulary and talent.

“Who is talking down there?” Clara joined the conversation. “Mama?”

“Hush, mija. Write this: ‘We send you commendations, giving notice to the governor of your expertise and excellent performance of your territorial duties carried out here at Rancho Refugio, Alta California. We, our properties, and our loyalties are ever after at your service.’”

“That’s a very long sentence, Mama.” Alicia dipped her pen in ink to finish the line.

“That’s the way they like it.” Mama brushed back her graying hair. She had a small smile on her lips, caught up in a memory of her past life.

“How do you know all this? I’ve never seen you write a letter before.” Clara rummaged around for a clean cup for her coffee. “It’s all gone!”

“Girls who sleep too late miss the morning coffee.” Mama returned to the letter.

“Remember, I used to read the letters coming to the comandante. I worked for his wife at the Presidio.” Alicia tried to imagine her Mama before she was a wife and mother. “Those altered gowns you wore last night were from my days in the society of officers and government officials. You could have been the daughters of…” She didn’t finish her sentence but took her cup outside.

“Why did she marry our papa?” Clara blurted out.

“Her letter is definitely better than mine.” Alicia was thinking the same thing about Papa. “But it is missing the most important part. Let’s add it here.”

“What? Let me see.” Clara leaned in to look at the letter. Alicia added:

Thank you for your invitation to Monterey.

Our two daughters would be pleased to make the journey.

We appreciate your kind hospitality.

Señor A. Ortega,

Rancho Refugio, Alta California.