Dinah

Chapter 20

Two days later, Judith returned from an early morning trip to the spring with news of the arrival of Necho's caravan. She had met the servant who had delivered Necho's gift after Shemaiah's circumcision. Although their communication ability was limited, she managed to learn that the caravan had arrived the previous evening and set up camp nearby. They were located on the far side of the spring.

I took the news immediately to Tarebut. After some deliberation, she decided to apprise Necho of her presence by sending Judith with a message. She instructed Judith to say, "Master Necho, your devoted wife felt disloyal in requiring that you attend to the woman's job of arranging a wedding feast. During a time of such guilt, she arranged passage to Bethel with the caravan of a trusted friend. Please forgive her disobedience and allow her to join your caravan."

I smiled at the language she used to approach her husband. What man could be angry with a woman who had his own well being at heart. Both would know of Tarebut's underlying desire to be at the wedding. In her wisdom, however, she would allow him to save face.

Much to my surprise, Judith returned with Abram and a camel. Necho had remained at camp to supervise the preparation of a comfortable place for Tarebut. Abram had insisted on welcoming his mother in person rather than having a servant sent to bring her. His love and respect for her were evident in their enthusiastic embrace. He assured her that Necho was pleased by her arrival. Judith chimed in with the information that his stern countenance had been unable to mask the twinkle in his eye.

Papa came and Judith served the men refreshment while I helped Tarebut to pack her things. With an exaggerated sigh and a smile, she said, "It is sad when a boy cannot keep his eyes away from another woman while he welcomes his mother after a long absence. It is evident that you have already engaged his affections. Your beauty has not spoiled you. Abram is fortunate to have such an unselfish and caring bride. I am certain Yahweh will bless your union as he has blessed mine. Thank you for seeing the man behind the handicap. Pity would have strangled what love Abram has for you. Your obvious respect will strengthen it.

With tears in my eyes, I responded, "I will do my best to live up to your high esteem of me. Abram is fortunate to have a wise mother who challenged him to overcome his handicap. He is so comfortable with it; I couldn't help but admire his adaptation."

After giving me a hug, Tarebut turned and took a square, ornate, wooden box from her things. Opening it, she revealed the necklace she had mentioned previously. Holding it out to me, she said, "I want to leave this with you. I trust you to make the right decision concerning when to wear it."

Taking the box, I stared in awe at the necklace nestled in the silk lining. Then I said simply, "Thank you. When I wear it, I will wear it with pride."

When Abram and Papa came in to get Tarebut's things, I held one bundle up to allow Abram to slide his arm under in order to get a good grip. When taking it, he deliberately covered my hand with his and squeezed before taking the bundle. Looking directly into my eyes he said quietly, "The only difficult thing I have left to do is wait."

At that moment, I knew exactly what Sheerah had meant when she described her feelings for Asher. My fingers seemed to be on fire and then the feeling spread until my all my nerves tingled. I was having trouble breathing. The world took on a bright quality; all my senses were heightened. I stood there for a minute in a trance, unable to command my feet to move. When I did follow the others out, it was as though in a dream. As I listened to Tarebut's thanks to Mama and Aunt Rachel, it was as though the sounds were filtered through cotton. I was unable to concentrate on anything but Abram. My eyes were magnetically drawn to him. No one else seemed to notice the magnitude of the moment. It was then that my admiration and respect for Abram was touched with the indefinable quality called love.