A Royal Family by Linda Fergerson

Author:Linda Fergerson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing
Published: 2018-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

All eyes turned to Jerusha and Timon when they entered the lamp-lit dining hall. Peter was there, along with his wife. They were reclining around a long table with Chaya, Abigail, James, and Luke the physician. Moses kept vigil on Hosea. After Jerusha reclined beside her mother, Abigail whispered in her ear, “I haven’t seen you this content in years.” Timon handed a jabbering Samuel to Jerusha. Abigail grinned and continued. “A child does you good. You glow tonight.”

“Mother, I could never outshine your beauty.” Jerusha touched her black mole and admired her mother’s complexion. The few wrinkles around her eyes served only to accent her beauty. She had seen how the men in the market kept their eyes on her as she passed.

Timon reclined across from Jerusha, the twinkle in his eyes causing a flush to rise in her face. She hoped the others had not noticed.

Everyone looked at the empty spot at the head of the table. No Grandfather. No Father. Her mother glanced at Timon and motioned for him to take his place there. He shook his head.

“I thought Timon would serve our meal this year since we don’t have your father or grandfather. I guess not.” She turned to Peter. “Will you serve our meal tonight?”

“I believe that position belongs to the head of the house.” He grinned.

“I don’t understand.”

Jerusha stifled a giggle.

Abigail shook her head. “Jerusha. That is inappropriate and disrespectful.”

“Do not be too hard on our daughter.” Jacob’s voice boomed from the doorway.

“Jacob?” Abigail’s mouth fell open.

“Shalom, my beautiful wife. Your loving husband, at your service.” Even with a clean-shaven face, Jerusha had never seen her father look more handsome. He was dressed in his striped Hebrew cloak, with tzitzits at its corners, over a white tunic. Jerusha could see that her mother also approved. Marcus followed Jacob into the room, dressed contrastingly in a roman toga.

For a few moments no one spoke. The love that flowed between Abigail and Jacob was almost tangible. Their eyes locked on each other as if there were no one else in the room. They had not looked at each other that way since before the high priest wooed Abigail with his lies. Theirs was a true love. Jerusha breathed deep and looked away, not wanting to intrude on their intimate moment.

“Would you allow a few moments alone with my wife before we begin?” Jacob barely took his eyes off Abigail as he spoke.

Abigail’s eyes beamed. “Wife?”

“I did not give you a divorce.” Jacob grinned.

“We will wait.” Timon waved to them to exit.

Jerusha’s heart was full. Her mother and father were together again. As they walked under the archway that led to the garden, the chatter began among the guests. Timon’s eyes softened as he watched his own mother, a widow. He moved to her side and kissed her cheek. His tender respect for his mother warmed Jerusha’s heart. He had often expressed his desire for his mother to have a husband. She had him, but that was not the same as a husband.

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