Read Online Farewell: A Mansion in Occupied Istanbul (Turkish Literature) by Ayse Kulin - Free Book Online Page B

the hill, turn left, and walk rapidly in the direction of her aunt’s house.
    “Open the door, my hands are full,” cried Saraylıhanım at the top of the stairs, breathless, and bearing a tray of warm po ğ aça buns and a cup of linden tea. Kemal rose from his desk and opened the door.
    “Grandmother, you shouldn’t have. You’ve climbed all these stairs.”
    “Mehpare’s not here. I have no choice.”
    “There’s the housekeeper. And the girl who comes to clean. Isn’t Leman at home?”
    “We have things to talk about.”
    “Is something wrong? What have I done now?”
    “You can’t get up to much mischief here in the attic, can you? I’ve come to discuss your health. Praise be your fever is gone and you’re coughing less. You’ll be out on the streets again soon.”
    “I certainly hope so.”
    “And that’s why I’m worried. You’ve never been content to wander on your own. You’re certain to find yourself in bad company.”
    “There you go again!”
    “It’s true. I know you well. Didn’t I bring you up myself? Ever since you were able to think for yourself you’ve found something to kick against. You simply won’t sit still. Now tell me, what have you been doing at your desk all these hours?”
    “I’m translating a French book.”
    “A book on how to topple kings and sultans?”
    “A book of poetry.”
    “Just who do you think you’re fooling!”
    Kemal burst out laughing.
    “Your tea’s getting cold,” Saraylıhanım said, handing Kemal the cup. “Drink it up. I added some honey.”
    Kemal took a few sips of the linden tea. “Grandmother, if you don’t want me to regain my health and get into trouble, why are you fattening me up?”
    “Because the moment you’re better you’ll be sent to your uncle in Beypazarı.”
    “So you’re decided, are you?”
    “I am. You can’t stay here. Your uncle says there’s a warrant for your arrest. When you were confined to your bed you weren’t in any danger. It would never occur to the police to search the home of Re ş at Bey. But the moment you’re out on the streets the Sultan’s detectives will follow you back to this house. I’m not often of a mind with Behice, but here her concerns are justified.”
    “I’ll leave. But I’ll decide where I’m going.”
    “To Beypazarı . . .”
    “No. I’m staying in Istanbul.”
    “Where in Istanbul?”
    “With friends.”
    “Impossible. You need nursing. You’ll need it for years to come. You’ll be well cared for on the farm in Beypazarı. You may even meet a girl from a good family. A virtuous girl.”
    “How convenient for you—you’ll have me married as well.”
    “You’re a young man, of course you’ll marry. And once you’re well, once you’re gone, I’ll marry off Mehpare as well, God willing.”
    “Are there any interested parties?” Kemal asked, looking directly into his aunt’s eyes.
    “Of course there are. She’s a rose of a girl. But she promised she’d stay with us until you were fully recovered. And I promised her aunt I’d attend to her marriage prospects the moment you left the house.”
    “You, a matchmaker? Have you got a basket full of potential husbands?”
    Saraylıhanım laughed dryly. “I’m not a matchmaker, nor do I have a basket of husbands. All I have is my reputation, and a nose for information.”
    “Saraylıhanım” Kemal referred to his grandmother as Saraylıhanım only in moments of resentment or gravity: “when do you want me gone? Tomorrow? Next week?”
    “I’ve upset you.”
    “I just want to know how long you’ll allow me stay.”
    “This is your home too. Stay forever, if you like. But it would be best if you left as soon as you’re well. That may be weeks, or months—it depends entirely on how you feel. But when you do leave, you’re going to Beypazarı. I hope that’s clear.”
    “In that case, I’m never getting well.”
    “In which case you’re barred from the streets.”
    “Fine then. I’ll stay in