Read Online Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor - Free Book Online Page A

and Esther arrived with her family and found that Ephraim was safely home being cared for and the Roman soldier was gone. At Martha’s insistence, they went home. Martha and Esther agreed to meet early in the morning to have a short visit before Esther and Micah went on their way.

    The two young women walked slowly together to the shade of a sycamore tree near Esther’s home in the cool of the early morning.
    â€œMarriage agrees with you, Esther. You look beautiful.”
    â€œIt is a good marriage. He is a kind man as Tobias said. His parents try to give us as much privacy as they can.” She blushed. “Many times when the weather is good we sleep on the roof. I am happy in Micah’s arms.”
    Martha smiled and just nodded. “When do you have to leave?”
    â€œTomorrow. Micah knew I wanted to spend some time with my mother, and we will stay an extra day, but he is concerned for his father and is anxious to return.”
    â€œI wish you could stay longer, but it is better. You will have other travelers on the road from Passover and it will be safer for you.”
    Esther unconsciously rubbed her stomach. “Another month and I don’t think I would be able to travel very far. I am so tired most of the time.”
    â€œI remember when my mother was carrying Mary. She was tired all the time too. Perhaps this is just the way of things in the beginning.”
    â€œPerhaps.” Esther looked toward her home and saw Micah standing in the gateway, looking their way. “I think I am needed.” She turned to Martha. “Take care, my friend. There will be a husband for you one day, I know it.”
    Martha watched Esther move slowly toward Micah and saw how carefully she walked. Micah slipped an arm around his wife and led her into the courtyard. Martha listened to the sparrows chirping and, as she started for home, found she was smiling to herself.

 9 
    Ephraim was weak and stayed on his pallet many days as Martha brought him nourishing soup to give him strength. Lazarus worked in the village on two houses that needed bricks replaced and also spent time in their field. Mary kept watch over her father and played her lyre for him when he asked. Martha went about her chores, but from time to time was distracted by a scarred face with deep blue eyes that seemed to appear in her thoughts at unexpected moments. She chided herself, knowing she must not see him again. He was a Gentile and she kept a kosher home. There was no way their worlds could or should cross.
    That Sabbath, Ephraim could not rise from his pallet, and the family moved into his small room as Lazarus led the Sabbath prayers with his father merely nodding his head. Lazarus and Mary went with Nathan to Jerusalem to celebrate the Sabbath, but Martha stayed behind to watch over her father.
    When the family returned and Ephraim again slept, Mary offered to stay with him and Martha slipped out to walk to the Mount of Olives. With so many things on her mind, she sought solace for her worries in Gethsemane.
    As she sat under a tree, praying for her father, she was aware of someone nearby, hidden by the trees. Her hand went to her mouth as fear gripped her heart. She was alone. Was she in danger? She’d never felt fear in this place before; it had been a sanctuary. But now she realized how foolish she was to be here with no one around to hear her cries should she be assaulted.
    She rose quickly, prepared to run for her life, and at that moment a deep voice stopped her.
    â€œDo not be afraid, Martha. It is only me, Captain Flavious. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    She turned to see him walking quietly toward her. To her surprise, she felt no fear, only a sense of gladness.
    â€œDo you come here often?” His voice was soft now, and gentle.
    â€œYes, usually on Sabbath afternoons, when I cannot do work at home.” She frowned, puzzled. “How did you know I was here?”
    He laughed.