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Show All the Variables & Other Love Stories 43 Then Casabon got up all his courage and swore an oath to his dear wife that he would avoid hard liquor, and if he didn't, he would make amends by ensuring to the best of his abilities the news of his transgression would avoid her ears. He swore to keep a job until he quit or was fired, and to sometime later-more than a week though hopefully not a month-seek some new means of lawful occupation. And he promised to escort Esparanza to mass every Sunday. And he promised to complain about it every Sunday. Next came apologies, sweet whisperings, feigned disdain, assertions. The reconciliation sealed with trembling kisses. "I want to know," said Casabon, "What was it Hightower did for all those women to make them act in such a way?" "Don't ask me," said Esparanza, "I can't say." Several men who stood nearby laughed deep-throated at this reply which each wife gave. Then Father Aguilar declared a feast day and a grand celebration stretched long into the night. Cakes and meats were brought from Hispafiola, as none could be found in Taos that had not spoiled. There was dancing and singing and drinking and stories and laughter. And it was said in the town for many years to come that none caroused that night more loudly or with greater joy than Father Palermo Aguilar or Mikey Warren; Father Aguilar because he knew that everything must change, and Mikey Warren because he knew that everything would stay the same. |
