Jesse rose early to prepare for the day’s travel. He knew where to find the oak tree he needed for a merchant’s recent order. He’d made a heavy cart to bring the wood back to his shop and was hitching the mule he had borrowed from a friend. Haman had not appeared. Just as Jesse thought Haman had backed out of his promise, he strolled into the courtyard obviously dressed for work. Jesse nodded at him with approval.
“Shall we be going, Cousin? The sun rises and the day will be hot.”
Haman smiled. “After you, Cousin. I’m ready to work.”
Marah came out and handed Jesse a leather pouch with provisions for lunch and a jug of water in a leather sling. He swung the leather pouch and leather sling over his shoulder and touched Marah’s cheek briefly with his hand.
“May God keep you on your journey, Husband.”
“God keep you, Wife,” he said with a smile. “We shall be hungry men after this day’s work. I shall probably be ready to eat for three.”
“You already do, Husband.” She laughed. “And our son is following in your footsteps.” She turned to Haman. “It is good of you to help Jesse.”
Haman waved one hand in a deprecating gesture. “What else is family for, Cousin?” His eyes looked briefly into hers > and he turned away, but not before Marah had seen a gleam of something else in their depths.
Marah stepped back from them and turned quickly to Jesse. “Those bandits that plagued our cousin could still be in the hills. You will be careful … both of you?” She smiled but looked anxiously at his face.
“We will take the utmost care, beloved. We are two strong men; we’ll be all right.” He looked around the courtyard. “Where is Caleb?”
A sudden squawking of the chickens erupted almost as he spoke, and Caleb appeared, driving the chickens into the courtyard from their coop.
Jesse laughed. “You weren’t getting in the way of that rooster again, were you?”
Caleb grinned. “He doesn’t bother me. I told him he might end up in one of Mama’s stews if he isn’t careful.”
“You will be late for school if you do not hurry, Caleb.” Marah put an affectionate hand on his shoulder.
“Yes, Mama.” He looked a little wistfully at his father. “You are sure I cannot come with you, Papa?”
“I am sure. There will be another time, Son. For now, you must learn from the Book of the Law. Your education is important. You will be of age before we know it.”
Caleb nodded. “Goodbye, Papa. Goodbye, Cousin Haman. Have a good trip.” He waved at them and dashed out of the courtyard.
“A fine young man, Cousin,” observed Haman thoughtfully. “You must be very proud of him.”
“Yes,” Jesse acknowledged as he looked after Caleb. Then, impatiently, “Let us be on our way. We will be doing well if we can return by nightfall.”
Elon appeared from the house and walked slowly toward them. “Ah … there was a day when I would have gone with you and done more than my share of the work,” he lamented. Elon stopped and peered at Haman. “You are sure you can keep up with this young giant?”
It had been meant as humor, but Haman’s smile was thin. “He may have trouble keeping up with me, Uncle,” he replied with a smirk.
Jesse pulled on the reins and the two men followed the cart out of the courtyard and were soon out of sight. Marah stood looking after them, as a strange feeling of apprehension came over her. Why did she feel so restless this morning? In spite of his wit and camaraderie, Haman disturbed her. She didn’t know why. Haman admired her, she knew that, but she had caught a glimpse of something deeper than admiration from time to time. It was there in his glance even this morning—desire.
There was much to do today, and with resolve she shook off the heavy feelings and turned to the house.