The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck Read Free Book Online Page B

blessing.”
    He took the doctor’s hand and kissed the ring on his finger. “What of your son?” He looked up suddenly. “Will he contest it?”
    “He will be angry, of that I am certain, but we are not brutish men. His ego may be wounded, but nothing that won’t heal in time. After all, he’s never even met the girl, and besides, you’ve seen him, a boy like that, he can marry any girl he chooses.”
    “How can I ever thank you?”
    “The price, I’m afraid, you might find a bit steep.”
    José froze in his place and let the doctor’s hand fall from his grasp.
    “Well? What is it you want then?” His face was frozen. His body rigid.
    “I told you.”
    José clenched his fists and tried to quell the mounting rage within him. Whatever the price, he would find a way to pay it.
    “The Nissim vineyards are the stuff of legend. Does a case sound fair?”
    José felt his body go limp as something bright and warm began to rise and shine within him. He kissed the doctor on both cheeks then clapped his hands together. “Good Doctor, you’ll have wine from our vineyards for the rest of your days!”
    That same month, José married Reyna. As a wedding gift, he gave her a gold cuff encrusted with four polished emeralds. She slipped it over her wrist, scraping a bit of skin as she did.

6
    Four Years Later
     
    José could hear Doña Antonia moaning in the bedroom. All throughout the night, she lay awake, tossing and turning with a fever that was ravaging her already weakened body. Her cries now reached a stunning crescendo, and it seemed there was nothing anyone in the household could do.
    He peered through a crack in the doorway. Reyna was by her bedside ringing a wet cloth over bowl. Her pregnant belly bloated out from her velvet robe as she patted the damp cloth over her mother’s forehead and eyes.
    “The nurse can do this.” Doña Antonia pushed Reyna’s hand aside.
    “I want to help.”
    “I don’t want you in here.” Her voice was firm.
    “But this is where I belong,” Reyna pressed desperately.
    Doña Antonia rolled over and curled her body in a tight ball. “You have a child to think of.”
    “I am thinking of the child, a child who will need his grandmother.”
    “Two of the servants have already been lost to the fever. How many more people have to get sick while trying to save me?”
    José pressed the door gently and stepped inside. “She’s right. You shouldn’t be in here.” His eyes were on his wife. “Please, go back to bed.”
    Reyna looked up, astonished. “I’m not leaving my mother.”
    José made his way to the bedside and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You heard what the doctor said. You can’t be in here. I should have sent you to the countryside. If you catch the fever…” José’s voice trailed off. “Yes, that’s what I’ll do. First thing in the morning, I’ll have the coach take you to the country, away from all of this sickness.”
    “I won’t leave my mother on her deathbed!”
    He took her by the forearm and pulled her from her chair. “You’re not thinking clearly!”
    “I’m not going anywhere.” She yanked her arm free. “She may not be here in the morning.”
    “Get her out of this room!” Doña Antonia shrieked, “and let me go in peace.”
    “But, Mother—”
    “You have been a good daughter.” Beads of sweat ran down Doña Antonia’s face as she spoke. “Now listen to your husband.”
    José led her from Doña Antonia’s damp chamber. He closed the door behind them, then placed his hand over her bulging stomach. “We have already lost three sons before they ever left your womb.”
    Reyna lowered her head.
    “For every child, I prayed for a safe delivery. I am ashamed that He did not find my prayers worthy.”
    “It isn’t your fault.”
    “But it is.” He stumbled back. “I dared to change our fate and G-d is punishing me.”
    “You didn’t change our fate. No one can alter the course of destiny.”
    “But you were