Martha Read Online Free PDF Page B

Bethlehem in the morning. With the warmth of the late summer, a pallet had been made on the roof of the house for the bride and groom, decorated with flowers and greenery. It was the most privacy the small house and courtyard could offer.
    Esther blushed and Martha pretended not to hear the ribald comments that the men called out to Micah as the newly married couple was ushered to the foot of the stairs leading to the roof of the house. Micah waited while Esther’s attendants prepared her for her marriage bed.
    Laughing among themselves, the men gathered in the courtyard as their wives began to put away the food. Nathan joined them, but was his usual quiet self. His wife, Rhoda, did not attend. The wasting illness consumed her strength and body, and now she was unable to leave her bed. The village women shook their heads. It was only a matter of time before Nathan was a widower.
    Martha and Judith helped remove Esther’s wedding dress and Mary carefully lifted off the veil. Martha placed the headdress of coins in a pouch as Esther’s dowry, which she was to take with her.
    Judith hugged her daughter tightly. “May you be blessed on this day, my daughter, and may your marriage produce fine sons.”
    Martha hugged Esther also, seeing the fear in her eyes, but words would not come. They had all been spoken before. She could only smile encouragingly at her friend and turn to leave with Judith and Mary. They passed Micah on the stairs. He gave them a brief smile and went slowly up to join his bride.
    As the guests left the courtyard to return to their homes, Lazarus walked on one side of his father with Nathan on the other. Ephraim seemed so frail lately and sometimes stumbled.
    That night Martha lay awake a long time thinking of Esther and Micah. She knew Esther would be found to be a virgin and hoped Micah was gentle with her. Thinking of marriage, a great longing rose like a wave in her body, and she clasped her hands to her breast to stifle it. Had she cried out? She looked over at Mary and Lazarus and they did not stir. She must put the thoughts of marriage aside now. Chiding herself for her foolishness, she pulled the rug tighter around her body and closed her eyes for sleep.

    In the cool of the early morning, Martha woke and lay quietly thinking of the events of the day before. Were all young brides afraid as they awaited the unknown prospect before them? How had it gone with Esther? She rose and dressed quickly, anxious to talk to her friend, but knowing she must prepare a meal for her family. She sliced some bread from the day before, put out some figs and cheese and a pitcher of goat’s milk. As Mary, Lazarus, and Ephraim gathered at the table, she made sure they had everything they needed and then hurried out the gate, almost running to Esther’s home.
    The sun was already spreading its warmth over the village, and she knew the sooner the wedding party was on the road to Bethlehem, the better. Would her friend have a few minutes to talk? Martha’s sandals made a soft, slapping sound in the dust as she walked quickly to Esther’s home.
    To her dismay, Micah and his father were already packing the donkey as Judith helped Esther carry her bundles of wedding gifts and clothes from the house.
    Questions ran rampant through Martha’s mind, but she could see there was no time to ask them. Then Esther pulled Martha into the courtyard away from anyone who could hear them.
    Martha looked into her friend’s face and saw happiness. “It went well?”
    Esther blushed and whispered, “I think Micah will be a good husband.”
    The two young women embraced a last time.
    â€œMay God be with you, Esther, and give you sons.”
    â€œThank you, dear friend, and may the God Who Sees bless you as you care for your family.”
    The donkey was soon ready. Esther embraced her mother, brother, and sister-in-law with tears. Martha’s family joined her along with a few of the