V

Next two weeks flew very fast for Helawiza. She had never got such care even from Ursula and Tilusha. They cared about her, but they were cold and official. Lord Gregory was another, warm and gentle and cared about Helawiza like mother cares about her hurt child. The witches’s houses were monumental and humble, there were only necessary things and they were rough and graceless. In Gregory’s house, however, everything was grace. His home consisted of two floors and the attic. There was a big garden with the apple trees.
The first floor consisted of a lounge, a dining-room and the servant’s room (for the stable boy, the cooker and the cleaner). The wide oak stair covered with the red carpet, lead to the 2nd floor, where were Gregory’s bedroom, the musical room and the guest’s room, where was Helawiza. Her room wasn’t big but cosy. The floor was covered by a blue carpet; the same colors were silky curtains on the ash window. Our witch spent her time on the soft thatch sofa.
Every day was almost the same. In the morning Gregory came to Helawiza’s room and brought breakfast and tea for her. They ate together and Gregory was telling about his life. Then he took the witch on his hands and brought her to the garden. She was lying on the grass when it was sunny and in the summer-house when in rained. Gregory played the violin for her and sang. He had a sweet tenor.
Then, at the lunch time, he brought Helawiza back and they have lunch. After it Gregory was teaching our witch to play the harp. Helawiza was a quick leaner and made a good progress.
After lessons, Gregory and Helawiza drank tea in the garden. The garden apples were very sweet; the witch loved them very much.
Actually, about love. Did Helawiza love Gregory? It’s a good question. She didn’t know it herself and never thought about it.
At last, she could walk and ride a horse. Her leg was OK, and one morning she said:
- Well, dear, thank you very much, but I must go.
The man sighed.
- Please promise me that you’ll return to me – he said.
- I swear I do – said Helawiza.
Gregory presented her his best horse. He embraced her like his wife.
- Good luck.
And Helawiza left Lord Gregory’s house.