When the procession was seen approaching, the musicians at the hacienda were alerted. They began to play as Francisca"s carriage entered the yard.
Holes had been dug and decorated posts erected on the perimeter of the party area. Ropes were strung from post to post, circling the yard, supporting lanterns and strands of flowers.
Sides of beef roasted over three cooking pits; the fat dripping onto the coals, producing bursts of flame and puffs of smoke. Nearby, the rancho dogs lay on their bellies, watching with bright, hungry eyes. Boys with willow switches kept them at bay.
A space, located near the hacienda, had several chairs placed in a line behind a long table that was covered with a beautiful, white linen cloth. Francisca was to hold court there. She would be in the center chair, f
