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

“To tell you the truth, I didn’t. When I was assigned to Jerusalem, I sought a place away from the barracks to think, and pray.”
    â€œYou pray here to your Roman gods?”
    He shook his head. “No, I pray to the one God, Jehovah.”
    She looked at him closely, wondering if he was telling the truth. “You are a Godfearer?”
    â€œYes. My mother was Jewish and taught me about him when I was little. My father was Roman, and while he did not believe, he allowed her to speak of those things to me.”
    He glanced around as did Martha, but the trees hid them from prying eyes.
    â€œWould you like to sit down?” He indicated a grassy knoll.
    She shook her head, suddenly self-conscious. “I must go. It is nearly the end of the Sabbath.”
    â€œYes, I see that it is. May I talk with you again sometime?”
    Her thoughts flew. She should not see him again, even if he was a Godfearer, but she knew she wanted to. “Perhaps the next Sabbath?”
    He studied her face and she felt herself leaning toward him, but caught herself in time.
    â€œPerhaps the next Sabbath,” he replied softly.
    He strode away through the trees toward Jerusalem, and she watched his tall figure until he was out of sight. What was she doing? She had told him that she would possibly see him again. She walked quickly toward her home, nodding a greeting to a neighbor on the way. Did the woman look at her strangely? Was she imagining things? Martha pulled her shawl closer around her face.

    Ephraim remained on his bed all week, for Anna had done her best, but there was no change in his condition. After an inner struggle, the next Sabbath afternoon, Martha left him in Mary’s loving care and announced she needed to take a walk. She ignored the question in Mary’s eyes and hurried out the gate. Her heart pounded as she entered the olive grove. Captain Flavious was waiting.
    They walked slowly through the trees, and she marveled how at ease she felt with him.
    â€œYou are not married.” It was a simple statement rather than a question.
    â€œNo. How did you know?”
    He grinned, looking almost boyish. “I have my sources. You chose to take care of your family.”
    â€œHow long have you been in the Roman army?”
    â€œAlmost twenty years to rise to my present rank. My oldest brother inherited the estate of my father, and it was suggested that my second brother and I join the military. My father was a general, serving in Rome. This is to be my last outpost. I plan to retire to a small villa my father left me in Cyprus.”
    Too soon their time together was ending. “May I call you Martha? My given name is Thaddeus. I reserve that for . . . friends.” He gazed at her earnestly. “Because of my mother, I know your customs. I don’t wish to make any trouble for you, but I look forward to another Sabbath and talking with you. You are a very brave woman and have given up much for your family.”
    He held a small twig between his fingers and broke it as he gazed out toward Bethany. “I was betrothed once. She decided against the life of a soldier’s wife and returned to her family.”
    A shadow crossed her heart. “Are you still betrothed, Thaddeus?”
    â€œNo, she broke our betrothal and married another. They have two children. It was for the best. I was away from home more than I was there.”
    The fact that he was not married caused a small fluttering in her breast. “When will you leave the army?”
    â€œThe end of the year.” He smiled at her. “At least that was my plan. Now I find a certain woman may cause me to delay.” His eyes searched her face. “Could I hope that in spite of our different backgrounds . . .” He took a breath. “From the moment I met you in the road to Bethany, there has been something between us. I felt it and I know you felt it too. Since my mother is Jewish, I am