The Witch's Market by Mingmei Yip Page B

I did not want to sound too strange or scary. But the rugged man in front of me didn’t seem as if he would scare easily.
    I decided to change the subject. “Alfredo, do you live alone here?” It was none of my business, but my curiosity won out.
    â€œYes, I mean except for my housekeeper, Maria. I also have a driver and gardener, but they don’t live here.”
    â€œDo you have woman friends?” I couldn’t help but ask.
    I suddenly realized this sounded like I was trying to find out if he had a wife, or girlfriend, or mistress. And that if he did not, that I was available. He might think that anyway since I was the woman who had slept in his bed uninvited!
    Alfredo didn’t really answer my question, but replied, “I don’t have many friends, unless you consider my staff and my horse my friends.” He gave me another intense glance. “You still haven’t told me why you are here.”
    I couldn’t think of a good lie quickly enough, so I said, “Oh . . . I heard there was a nice castle here, so I came to take a look.”
    â€œAnd instead of knocking on my door, you went and got drunk by the pond?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t get drunk. I fainted from exhaustion and hunger.”
    Of course he knew better, because he must have smelled the alcohol on my breath. And no one takes off her clothes because she is hungry.
    Alfredo looked amused but did not press me any further. “I need to go away for a few days. Please stay until you feel well enough to travel back to your hotel. Maria will take good care of you. While you were sleeping we checked your pockets and saw that you’re staying at the Santa Teresa. In fact, Maria has already canceled your reservation and Adam, my driver, is on his way to pick up your luggage.
    â€œI am afraid you will find it boring just staying in this old place. I suggest you do some sightseeing. Adam can take you around and bring you back to the city when you are ready. If you ride horseback, you can take my horse Lonely Star—we call him Lonlon—to explore the beautiful ruins around here. You are welcome to stay as long as you want. It would be my pleasure to see you again when I return. It’s lonely here. I did have a wife, but she passed away many years ago.”
    â€œI’m so sorry.”
    â€œThank you. But life goes on for those of us left behind.”
    I nodded. “When will you be back?”
    â€œA few days. Maybe a week. You can come and go. If you ring the bell loudly, Maria will let you in, even in the middle of the night. We do keep the doors locked even though there’s nothing here worth stealing, except maybe my heart. Don’t worry, no one will come here to trouble you.”
    How was he so sure? What about the witches? And the old castle was just the kind of place that harbors ghosts. Alfredo Alfrenso was not worried about leaving a stranger here by herself and he seemed to trust his servants completely. Strange. Here was a man who was quite handsome and seemed to have money, but said he had no friends and nothing but his heart to steal. Yet the few rooms I’d already seen were filled with antique furniture and old paintings. Perhaps Alfredo simply did not care; he seemed to be a sad man who took no joy in his possessions.
    â€œEileen, make yourself at home. When you feel better, you can explore the castle if you want. Some of the rooms are sealed off—it’s a big place and we can’t use all of it. You won’t get lost.
    â€œMaria has already cleaned and prepared a room for you. Everything you need should be there. If you need anything else, just tell her. You can help yourself to food, but Maria will cook your meals, if you tell her what time you want them.”
    I was astonished. Last night I’d slept outside—though not by choice—and now I was living in a luxury I’d never imagined. And it seemed I really was welcome to stay as long as