The Doomswoman

by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton

Overview

This refreshingly innovative take on the age-old theme of star-crossed lovers is set during the period when Mexico and the U.S. were warring over the control of California. The lovely Doña Chonita is loyal to her family's pro-Mexico position in the conflict, but a chance encounter with a silver-tongued Lothario named Don Diego throws everything she holds true into question.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781984375117
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	02/09/2018
Pages:	134
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.29(d)

About the Author

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton (October 30, 1857 - June 14, 1948) was a prominent and prolific American author. Many of her novels are set in her home state of California. Her bestseller Black Oxen (1923) was made into a silent movie of the same name. In addition to novels, she wrote short stories, essays, and articles for magazines and newspapers on such issues as feminism, politics, and war.

Read an Excerpt

III. In the long dining-room, opening upon the large high-walled garden at the back of the Governor's house, a feast was spread for fifty people. Dona Martina sat for a little time at the head of the table, her yellow gown almost hidden by the masses of hair which her small head could not support. Castro was on one side of her, Estenega on the other, Chonita by her arch-enemy. A large bunch of artificial flowers was at each plate, and the table was loaded with yellowed chickens sitting proudly in scarlet gravy, tongues covered with walnut sauce, grilled meats, tamales, mounds of tortillas, and dulces. Alvarado, at the lower end of the table, sat between Dona Modeste Castro and myself; and between the extremes of the board were faces glowing, beautiful, ugly, but without exception fresh and young. From all, the mantilla and scrape had been removed, jewels sparkled in the lace shirts of the men, white throats were encircled by the invariable necklace of BajaCalifornia!! pearls. Chonita alone wore a string of black pearls. I never saw her without it. Dona Martina took little part in the talk and laughter, and after a time slipped away, motioning to Chonita to take her place. The conversation turned upon war and politics, and in its course Estenega, looking from Chonita to Castro with a smile of good-natured irony, said, "Dona Chonita is of your opinion, coronel, that California was the direct gift of heaven to the Spaniards, and that the Americans cannot have us." Castro raised his glass to the comadre. " Dona Chonita has the loyal bosom of all Cali- fornian women. Our men love better the olive of peace than the flavor of discord; but did the bandoleros dare to approach our peacefulshores with dastardly intent to rob, then, thanks be to God, I know that every man amo...