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Since meeting the Echevarria family, my friends and Carlos ask me why I’m so invested in their past. I could say that I want to empower them to solve a family mystery that’s proven to be a generational trauma.
The truth is, I love chisme.
However, I like to think that I’m a helpful chismosa. I’m not seeking family drama just for the sake of it. I’m also not stirring the pot for Celia and Gael. God knows that couple already has obstacles going against them. Not to sound overly dramatic, but my resources will help to either make or break their relationship.
Celia’s dream was uncomfortably true to history. Martin was, indeed, a twin. They had no other siblings but each other. He joined his brother in gathering old records of their hometown, Guernica. At that time, the university housed census records for many of the smaller villages of Spain, and the Dominicans kept track of historical records.
Salamanca was no sleepy town, either. Marketplaces were the center of life for Spain, and they were no exception. This is where Martin met Catalina:
Querido papá,
It has been a month since my arrival to Salamanca, and so much has taken place. Josue and his brothers have been generous hosts. While my room is far from his, I regularly join him for breakfast and dinner. I’ve even observed them in night prayer. He seems to be doing well in the monastery.
The university carries an impressive collection of census records, certificates of birth, marriage, and death, and police reports. I have yet to find any significant records of our ancestors, but I learned that Doña Teresa’s ancestor was a lady of the night. Imagine the scandal this would cause her!
The marketplace is quite lively with vendors of every trade. I have never seen an abundance of colorful produce, rich meats, and colorful crafts. The people take their haggling very seriously. I once witnessed a butcher go to battle with a gentleman over the price of his serrano. It seems that the man counter offered a price far beneath the butcher’s standards.
Would you believe that I even found love in this marketplace?
Her name is Señorita Catalina Ruiz, and she is a seamstress. She sells her clothing in the marketplace. Mamá would have adored the ruby Charro dress she had on display when we met! It was sold immediately, of course. She has a true gift.
I must confess that our first meeting was awkward. I was entranced by her beauty as she worked on a pañuelo. I startled her when she finally noticed my staring, so I offered my sincere apologies and quickly moved onto the next vendor.
I visited Señorita Catalina the next Saturday, offering a simple bouquet of flowers for my impropriety. By the grace of God, she accepted both my flowers and my company. Speaking with her was as if speaking to an old friend. She sees the world through bejeweled eyes, as they sparkle when she speaks of her passions.
We wish to start a courtship. I know that you are far from here, but I truly believe that she is the one. Would you consider meeting her family to further discuss the courtship? I included her family’s address on the second page.
Atentamente,
Martin Echevarria
Surprisingly, his father agreed to the courtship. The two were from different regions, and there were surely cultural and even some linguistic difference that would have challenged the couple.
Though they are American born, Celia and Gael surely faced cultural differences with a Cuban and a Mexican background.
Like every courtship, Martin and Catalina had chaperones. When they were in Catalina’s village, her cousin would accompany them. When they were in Salamanca, Josue would join them.
However, I found a letter that brings Martin’s character to question. While the conclusion has faded from time, I believe this is a letter from Josue to his father:
Bendiciones, Padre
I write to you because there is a matter involving my brother that requires tact. Any wisdom you can offer will help me discern how to address it.
Frankly, I worry for him. His character has evolved to something strange, and at times unsettling. Upon reflection, I can conclude that this transformation took place shortly after our meeting Señorita Catalina.
Since that fateful meeting, he has become fixated on her. He seeks any opportunity to speak with her, and he will often bring up her craft to others outside of the market. To be sure, she is a talented seamstress. However, at times he speaks of her even when there is no logical relation to the conversation at hand.
I witnessed him give her a rosary crafted out of onyx. I believe he was trying to avoid attention, for his face was red and he seemed on guard for any onlookers. He did not notice my observation.
I confess that I chose to ignore his evolving behavior. But when a courtship was initiated, his behavior has grown into a character of possessiveness. Envy casts a shadow over him. It pains me to say that his countenance brings to mind the Biblical Cain.
I do not know how to confront my brother. He seems to be unaware of his obsessive behavior. I do not want to risk our bond, yet I am convinced that something must be said. How can I speak to him with charity?
Suyo en Cristo,
…
The mystery deepens!
Here's my investigative reporting:
- Martin had a curse after becoming engaged. We didn't see the engagement in this installment, but he told us about this in the previous. His behavior was erratic even before??? So something was amiss.
- Is the black onyx rosary meaningful in some way????
- Were the family trees rejecting this even before the curse, or was the curse what poisoned the family trees, so to speak?
- If she suffered from his curse, was she the one in the wrong??? Does Martin blame himself for something SHE did in secret?
- the mystery deepens further!!!
Loving the found-document format of this still. Truly befitting a genealogy focused tale!
Comparing someone to Cain?! Got me sweating! Thems fighting words!