When Texana and Father Jack, the new Catholic priest, visit La Noria, the lush ranch belonging to the long-established Spanish-American Haro family, they find a conflict is roiling in that established house. Alicia, the padrone's granddaughter, has become Electra's devoted follower. In defense of his strong opposition, the elder Haro gives the visitors the story of the conflicts, both religious and political, in his own family that hardened his antagonism toward such preachers and their preaching.
Texana is shaken and Father Jack apprehensive as they leave to deliver Electra's grocery order. Their fears are more than justified. There is hatred and murder, and Texana suddenly finds herself reviled and shunned by the people in the town who she thought were her friends--and customers. Epithets are shouted at her, insults painted on the trading post wall. Even more frightening, there are threats of worse to come before Texana, backed by her husband, Clay, her father, and their loyal friend Pete Rosales, can win back friendship and respect without having to compromise her beliefs.
