The Fountains of Silence(75)

“The secret fountain?”

“Sí, look for the fountain of whispers.”

She squeezes his hand and runs from the room.





96



Puri looks at the clock in Sister Hortensia’s office. After lunch she is to report to the clinic. But first, she hopes to get to the file room.

Sister sifts through notes in front of her. “20 123, 20 121, and 20 116. Make sure they are all clean and fed before you go to the clinic.”

20 116. Clover.

“What for, Sister?”

Sister Hortensia stares at her, stone-faced.

“I’m sorry. I meant, right away, Sister.” Puri flees from the office.

Puri sees to Clover first. She recalls the note in the file. One hundred fifty thousand pesetas. Pending. “Maybe,” she whispers to the baby, kissing her head. She wants Clover to have the right parents, but are the right parents only paying parents?

The other two orphans are boys. Also sin datos. Neither came in from the torno, the box on the street.

Puri bathes the infants. She takes them to the mothers who live at the Inclusa and serve as wet nurses.

“Someone coming to see these three?” asks one of the mothers.

“I guess so,” says Puri. She watches the young woman feed Clover.

“They’ll take the boy I just fed,” says the mother. “He’s the youngest and cutest.”

Puri exhales in defense. “He is not the cutest. She is. Maybe they’ll want a girl.”

“No. People prefer boys. Boys are easier to raise. They can work and help as they get older.”

“Girls can be helpful too!”

“But they’re not considered providers.” She sighs. “If you love this one so much, why don’t you take her?”

Puri stares at the young woman in shock. “I’m a single girl,” whispers Puri.

“So am I,” says the young mother. “And I love my daughter just as much as any couple would.”

How could the young mother who lives at the Inclusa compare herself to Puri? Should she be offended? Once Clover has finished feeding, Puri returns her to the nursery, wrapped in a fresh pink blanket.

“Ah, there she is.” Sister Hortensia stands with an elegant couple near the ruffled bassinet of 20 123. “Purificación, bring the darling girl to us.”

Sister’s voice leaks exaggerated sweetness. The couple is well dressed and the father has a warm smile.

Puri looks down at Clover. “Look, we have visitors.” She carries Clover across the room and makes popping noises with her mouth. By the time she reaches the couple, Clover’s face is alive with joy.

“?Oh, qué chiquitita!” exclaims the woman.

“Yes, she’s still tiny,” replies Sister Hortensia. Sister puts 20 123 back in his bassinet.

Without asking, Puri hands Clover to the woman. She eagerly accepts the child.

“She’s such a sweet girl with a very calm disposition,” whispers Puri. “She loves to smile and giggle. Make this sound and you’ll see her react.”

The woman imitates Puri and Clover immediately responds. Her tiny hand appears from beneath the blanket. The man leans in and Clover grasps on to his finger.

“?Cúcú!” says the husband.

“She loves peek-a-boo,” says Puri.

The couple is clearly comfortable with an infant. Do they have children of their own? The pair not only looks lovingly at Clover, they look lovingly at each other. The woman wears the largest emerald ring Puri has ever seen. They are elegant, wealthy, kind, and in love. And they are Catholic. They wouldn’t be here otherwise.

Puri sees Sister across the nursery, picking up 20 121, the other little boy. She feels time slipping.

Puri speaks quickly, almost blurting. “She is a sweet one. She’s the sweetest one. She’s engaged, alert, and so affectionate. She’s the very best child here and I know all of them, I promise. You should choose her. Good day.”

Puri bobs and turns from the couple. Sister Hortensia stands, holding the other baby boy, giving a questioning glare to Puri.

“Have a nice afternoon, Sister. I’m on my way to the clinic.” Puri smiles, suddenly feeling like a very good Spaniard.





97



“Look who’s here. Hola, cowboy!” says Nick, rising from the table. He greets Daniel in the entry to the breezy villa dining room.

“Happy birthday.”

“Thanks. You remember these folks from the event at the embassy, don’t you?” Daniel eyes the girls in dresses and the young men in ties. Once again, Nick has led him astray. “I thought you said it was casual,” he whispers.

“It is! Look at me. I’m not wearing a tie. I can’t help that they did.” Nick walks to the table and makes an announcement. “My friend feels he’s underdressed. Would you please assure him that his Dallas ranch wear is just fine?” Nick lifts a glass in a toast. “To comfort, Daniel Matheson.”

A girl at the table perks up. “Your people are the Mathesons from Dallas?”

“My people? Uh, yes,” he says.

The girl gives an immature squeal. “Then you must know my parents’ dear friends? The Joyce family from Preston Hollow? They have a daughter our age, Laura Beth.”