Dinah

Chapter 18

After Judith arrived, Abram led the way from the tent and we followed slightly behind. He strode quickly across the center yard making it difficult for us to keep pace. Everyone seemed to be working in front of his tent; no one wanted to miss the chance to examine the Egyptian. Wondering if his deformity was readily evident, I imagined the gossip it would initiate. The idea of others insinuating that I could not attract a whole man because of my past did not upset me. My anger was for the injustice that would be done to Abram. How unfair it would be for him to be judged on a missing appendage. Someone with a narrow discernment might never experience his kindness, wisdom and humor.

Just outside the enclosure, Abram turned and said, "It will be difficult to talk with you back there. Father has told me something of your customs concerning women. Ours are very different. But we can discuss that later. Is there a place we can walk where we will be free from prying eyes?" Then smiling at Judith he said, "Present company excepted. I assume you are Judith, I understand you will be accompanying us to Egypt."

I spoke quickly. "I am sorry, Abram. I should have introduced you sooner. I was rattled by the size of our audience. Judith and I were raised together. She is a good friend and my handmaiden."

Bowing slightly, Judith said, "I am pleased to meet you. My eyes cannot be helped. I would have difficulty following you if they were closed. My ears, though, I can control. I will stay close enough to appease Dinah's father but far enough away that I cannot understand."

Grinning I said, 'You won't have to stay too far away, then. His speech is sometimes difficult to understand when you're right beside him"

Abram returned, "It's a good thing those cat eyes are smiling. I would hate to have to discipline you before the wedding."

Laughing, I said, "Come, I will lead you to my favorite place overlooking the spring.''

As we stood under the tree where I often went to think, a slight breeze lifted the edge of my veil. Turning to me, Abram said, "This place is so peaceful. Could we sit here and talk?"

Nodding, I sank to the ground. Judith sat in the grass out of earshot and began to make a garland of flowers. Giving a slight wave, she deliberately turned her back.

When Abram spoke, I realized how musical his voice sounded. Its deep resonance seemed to caress my ears as he spoke. "Would I be rude to ask you to remove your veil? In my country the women are not required to cover their faces, or even their hair. Many wear elaborate headpieces as ornamentation, but not as a sign of submission. Your eyes are green; is your hair tawny like a cat's?"

I replied, "Perhaps I will like Egypt. I have always hated veils. My rebellion has been a matter of consternation to my mother." As I spoke, I deftly removed both my veil and headpiece.

Reaching out and lifting a lock of my hair, he spoke as he rubbed it between his fingers. "It is beautiful, more beautiful than any cat's. I have never seen hair the color of molten copper." Dropping his hand abruptly he said, "I apologize for my forwardness. I just didn't expect... " he trailed off lamely.

With a smile I said, "Now we are even. Both of us have been caught staring. I think you might even have blushed now if you could have, I guess dark skin has its advantages."

Laughing he said, "I never thought of it that way, but you are right. I'm glad you can blush, though. It is most attractive." Becoming serious he said, "This is great fun, but it is not the reason I brought you out here. I told your father we would speak of Egypt because it was a convenient excuse. Later if you want to, we can talk about my home. First I must speak to you about a more important matter."

As he sat silently for a moment, I realized there was pain etched in his form. His clenched fist, taut brow and rigid jaw gave him a tense, foreboding look. When he began to speak, it was in a slow, deliberate manner. "When I gave you the jewelry, I told you that what I had to do was no longer difficult. At that moment it was not. What I must do now is very difficult, You see, I must give you the opportunity to end our betrothal."