An Echo in the Darkness(165)

“We are not betrothed, my lord,” she said too quickly. She blushed.

“My apologies,” Marcus said, smiling slightly. “I thought. . . .” He glanced at Ezra.

“Bartholomew didn’t want to interfere in any way with our reunion  ,” he commented briefly, then he and Taphatha fell silent.

Marcus looked from father to daughter, his eyes coming to rest on Taphatha’s face. She met his eyes shyly, and he saw hers were filled with deep emotion—and uncertainty. “You said you were here on a matter of great importance,” Marcus said at last, looking away from Taphatha.

“I was told in Antioch that the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church here. One of the brethren heard it and said it’s a letter of great importance. I’ve come to hear it read for myself and ask permission to copy it and carry it to the church in Antioch.”

“I wouldn’t know about such a letter, nor of the church here.”

Ezra looked surprised. “You haven’t met with other Christians since your return?”

“I haven’t had the time nor the inclination. My mother and sister are both in ill health, and I’ve the responsibilities of my ships and the emporium as well.” Iulius poured the wine that had been set before them. He handed Ezra a golden goblet and another to Taphatha. When all were served, he withdrew and oversaw the food brought in.

“I find it strengthens my faith to receive the encouragement of fellow believers,” Ezra said. “Our brothers and sisters in Antioch are praying for us during this journey.”

They talked as easily as they had on the roof in Jericho. Marcus enjoyed the conversation. Taphatha said little, but her presence was pleasant, for her beauty graced the room. Watching her from time to time, Marcus remembered how he had thought about her a great deal during the first few weeks of leaving Jericho.

A movement caught his eye, and he glanced up to see Azar making her way laboriously down the steps. Quickly he rose from his couch. “There’s a woman I would like you both to meet,” he said to Ezra and went out into the antechamber. “Lady Azar, I’ve guests from Palestine. Please join us.”

She limped slowly toward the archway into the triclinium where he waited for her. Marcus put his arm out. She hesitated and then put her hand on him for support, entering the room beside him. He made the introductions, hoping during the course of conversation she might reveal something of her past to those of her own country. Ezra Barjachin looked surprised and pleased when Azar greeted him in Aramaic. He spoke to her in the same language, and she answered.

Marcus seated her on the couch nearest him. “I would prefer you speak in Greek,” he commanded her quietly before straightening.

“I apologize, my lord. Your friend asked my position in the household, and I told him I attend your sister Julia.” She declined Iulius’ offer of wine and turned her head toward Taphatha who was watching her with open curiosity.

“You can speak freely,” Marcus told them. “Lady Azar is also a Christian.” He gave them a lopsided grin. “A better one than I, my friend.” He turned to Azar. “Ezra Barjachin and his daughter have come to Ephesus to meet with the church here.”

Hadassah nodded wordlessly and sat listening with interest as Ezra told her why he had come to Ephesus.

“If not for Lord Marcus, we would still be in Jericho living under the weight of the Law.”

“If not for these two, my bleached bones would be lying in a wadi alongside the road to Jericho.” Marcus told how he had been attacked by robbers and left for dead. “Taphatha nursed me back to health.”

“It was the Lord who led us to you,” Taphatha said softly, “and the Lord who restored your health.”

Feeling a dull ache in her heart, Hadassah saw the way the young and beautiful Taphatha looked at Marcus. It was clear that, during the weeks Marcus had been in their house, she had fallen in love with him. Did he love her as well?

Hadassah had never been more aware of her own scars and lameness than at that moment. She couldn’t look at Marcus’ face, sure she would see the feelings that shone on Taphatha’s face mirrored on his own. How could he not have fallen in love with so sweet and beautiful a girl?

Lavinnia came to the archway. “Yes?” Marcus said, annoyed, fairly certain of why she had come.

“Lady Julia has awakened, my lord. She’s asked for Lady Azar.”

“You will excuse me, my lord?”

“Of course,” he said, hiding his displeasure at the interruption. One would think Julia could do without the woman for an hour or two.

Hadassah rose, aware that Ezra, Taphatha, and Marcus all watched her. She felt awkward and embarrassed to draw so much attention. She spoke briefly to Ezra and Taphatha, telling them it was a pleasure meeting them and wishing them success in their venture. When she left the room, she spoke briefly with Lavinnia about bringing a meal up for Julia.