Read Online Abigail's Story by Ann Burton - Free Book Online Page B

food and wine are disgusting. Every journey makes me ill for weeks. But if I do not go every spring, the herdsmen cheat me of my portion.” He gave me a narrow look. “You say you would go there, in my place, as my wife. You would live alone, in the house I have in the hills of Paran. You would have to stay for all the months of spring, until shearing time.”
    The prospect utterly terrified me. “So I would, without complaint.”
    Nabal grunted. “The weaving and cheeses sent down to me have dwindled; that portion, too, must be increased. You would also see that I am not shorted ere the ewes drop any late lambs.”
    How could one be shorted of ewes? Or did he mean the tardy lambs?
    Adonai, I hope I can learn all of this swiftly. “All that you wish would be done.” He did not seem swayed, so I asked, “Your presence is required at once, is it not? I could leave after the wedding feast.”
    â€œSo for this marriage I must also feed your kin and watch them drink up all my fine wines?” He shook his head.
    Surrounded as we were by the remains of his feast from the night before, I felt a surge of impatience.Was he so stingy that he would deny me a proper marriage ceremony?
    That may be what he desires. Not only more water for his jug, but for me to fetch it.
    â€œThere need not be a feast, or any guests.” I ignored Cetura’s horrified gasp. “A holy priest to bless the union and issue the marriage contract would suffice.”
    It seemed everyone in the chamber held their breath as Nabal thought it over. I felt faint, my knees shaking under my khiton, but I would not collapse. I would show him the calm face of a capable woman who would make him a good partner and a strong and useful wife.
    It seemed longer than it was before he spoke again.
    â€œVery well,” Nabal said, standing and puffing out his chest. “Abigail of Carmel, I shall take you to wife.”

CHAPTER
7
    â€œN o,” my father said that afternoon. “I forbid it. I forbid you to take this Maon as husband.”
    Amri had wanted to accompany me to the home of my parents, and give my father the news of my betrothal, but I refused. I knew it would be better for him to hear it privately, from my own lips. It was also the only way I could relate the details in such a way as to be pleasing to him.
    I had expected surprise, and some displeasure, but not this dreadful anger.
    â€œFather, it is done,” I said as I removed my head cloth and sandals. “The agreement has been made. I go tomorrow to the house of Nabal to be married.”
    â€œI am head of this family, and you will not step foot outside this house without my say.” My father’s face spasmed with pain. “Impudent girl, I should beat you for daring to travel to Maon by yourself.”
    I ducked my head. “I was properly chaperoned.”
    My father didn’t hear me. “Going to the house ofan unmarried man, flaunting yourself, accepting such an offer without kin beside you? Never have I heard of such scandalous behavior, even from the worst of harlots. How could you do such a thing, child? It is my duty to select a husband for you. This arrangement is invalid. It is illegal!”
    It was many things, but it was not against the law. I had already consulted with Shomer on that. I had to be sure that no one could stop me. Not even my father.
    â€œBy entering Nabal’s house as I did, I am considered betrothed. He agrees to marry me. It is done.” I reached out to him, but he avoided my touch as if it were something foul. “It pains me that my choice has offended and upset you.”
    â€œIt pains you?” He wrung one hand. “How do you think I feel, to know that my daughter steals her mother’s clothes and paints her face? That she would steal away like a thief to throw herself at a Maon? Did you even consider for one moment the harm you have done to your family?”
    I rubbed