An Echo in the Darkness(70)

God, wherever he is, whatever he is doing, watch over him and protect him.

She returned to her work and tried to concentrate on putting the drugs and medications in the proper order. Alexander and Rashid had gone out again, and she could hear them talking as they went down the steps.

The money Magonianus had given Alexander for the safe delivery of his son was already spent on renting these grander, more spacious quarters closer to the center of Ephesus and the medical school where Phlegon taught.

“It’s a risk, I know,” Alexander said when he told Hadassah of his decision the morning after Antonia’s baby had been safely delivered into the world. “But I think we’re going to need better accommodations for our patients.”

“The patients you’ve served near the baths won’t come there.”

“They might, and if they don’t, others will. Friends of Magonianus.”

“And have they more need than the others?”

“No,” Alexander said, “but they can pay, and I need money to further my studies.”

“What of Boethus and his wife and children? What of Ephicharis and Helena?”

“We’re not deserting them. I’m sending messages to all the patients we’ve seen and telling them where we can be found should they need us further.”

Hadassah was dismayed at the haste with which he was making decisions—and the direction those decisions were taking him.

He tipped her face tenderly. “You must trust me, Rapha.”

She drew back slightly. “Why do you call me that?”

“It’s what people are calling you.”

“But it is the Lord who—”

He put his fingertip over her lips. “Performed the miracle. Yes, I know you believe that. Then believe it was the Lord who provided the name.”

“For what purpose?”

“To protect your identity from those who’ve tried to destroy you. Magonianus moves in the circles of the wealthy and powerful. It’d help if you told me the name of the family who owned you, so we could avoid them. Since you won’t . . .”

She turned her face away, but he turned it back again, lifting her chin and looking into her eyes. “Hadassah, you’re too important to me now. I won’t risk losing you.”

Her heart took a startled leap. Important in what ways? she wondered, searching his eyes.

“What you did last night . . .”

“I did nothing,” she said insistently.

“You prayed. God heard and did as you asked.”

She saw clearly his thinking. “No. You can’t manipulate God, Alexander. Don’t ever think it. You can’t pray in hopes of getting what you want. It’s God’s will that prevails. It was God who saved Antonia and her son. God, not I.”

“He heard you.”

“No more than he hears you,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears.

He cupped her face. “That may be so, and if it is, he hears me thanking him now for bringing you into my life. I was afraid for you last night. So was Rashid. And then the answer came as clearly as someone shouting at the partition.” He laughed. “Rapha. So simple. And so shall you be called.” He saw her concern. “Set your mind at rest.”

But everything happened so quickly, she could scarcely think.

What Alexander and Rashid had suspected would happen, did. When they had arrived at Magonianus’ residence late that afternoon, they had been immediately ushered into Antonia’s chambers. She was already receiving company. The sleeping infant had been cradled in the new mother’s arms while three women hovered, whispering, laughing, and admiring him. Magonianus stood by with the proud airs of a new father.

He had seen them first and put his hand on his young wife’s shoulder. “They are here, my love.”

Everyone had turned toward them and fell silent. Alexander’s hand had tightened beneath Hadassah’s arm as they approached the bed. Hadassah had felt the intent curiosity of the three women and lowered her head slightly as though they could see beneath the veils.

“Rapha and I have returned to see how you are, my lady. You are looking well,” Alexander had said, grinning down at Antonia.

“She is indeed well.” Magonianus’ eyes had been shining.

Antonia had smiled up at him and then looked at Hadassah. “Thank you,” she whispered and held the baby out slightly. “Will you hold him?”

Hadassah had taken the child carefully in her arms. “O Lord, bless this child. Keep him well and raise him up to be your child,” she had murmured, touching the soft, velvety cheek. His head moved slightly, and the tiny mouth worked as though nursing. She gave a breathless laugh.