Delilah

Chapter 6

The morning after Samson kissed me and I fled, I arose early and ground enough grain to make bread. By the time Samson made his appearance, I was taking fresh bread from the oven. I had picked figs from the tree that grew inside my back gate. A jar of mulberry wine was at hand. A dish of apricots and almonds preserved in thick syrup completed the morning repast.

I bade Samson recline on the fine leather mat I had spread under the fig tree and served him, standing to the side ready to attend him if the need arose. Turning to me, he said, "While I'm sure this wine is most tasty, I would prefer either goat's milk or water with my meal." 

When I returned with the requested drink, he detained me, "Come, please. Sit and dine with me. Since no one else is present there is no need for formality."

"It is not a woman's place to dine with a man," I demurred, as would a proper lady.

"I don't really care whether it is customary. I like conversation while I eat, and I am loathe to eat in front of you. Please, won't you join me?" 

Sitting across from him and leaning against the trunk of the fig tree, I replied, "As you wish."

For a few moments we ate in companionable silence. Then he leaned toward me and asked, "How is it that one so young and fair remains a widow? Since you do not wear mourning attire, I assume your husband has been dead some time."

Looking down at my ordinary clothing, I said, "Yes, the period of mourning is past. As for why I am still unwed, that is how I prefer it."

"But surely some kinsman will soon claim all this," he said, waving his hand. "Then what will you do?"

"There is no other kin."

"There is always distant kin determined to prove the existence of a blood relation when property like this is involved."

"No one has come forward."

"Would you be willing to entertain a suitor?"

Eyes widening I countered, "No suitor has come forward either."

"Would you object to an Israelite?"

"I am a worshipper of Dagon and Asherah," I hedged, preferring not to answer outright.

"Some Philistine women have been known to convert when marrying into another faith."

"Some. I am not such a one."

"Why not?"

"I am unworthy. Besides, you are returning home today, are you not?"

"That was my original plan. Now I am not so sure. Perhaps I should stay here to court you."

"It would be improper for you to stay in my home while courting me."

His lazy smile transformed his face as he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Who will know that I am courting you? I will find business to occupy me for at least a few hours each day."

Looking down and rubbing my hands together, I answered, "Gossip waits for no man. Do you not understand the hatred of the Philistines for the legendary Samson? A pretense at business will not save our reputations."

"I don't give a fig about my reputation," he said with a dark look like a thundercloud at midday. "But your reputation is another matter."
Realizing I was jeopardizing the money I had been promised, I reached up and removed my veil allowing my shorn locks to be exposed. I knew that if Samson stayed, he would soon be apprised of my trade. I wanted the knowledge to come from me and not from another.