“I suppose not.”
Kasia looped her elbow through Esther’s. “Come, little one. We had better hurry home.”
Esther renewed her smile. “You have quite the romantic story now. Someday, when you are an old married woman, you can pull out that torc and give it to your daughter along
with a tale to set her heart to sighing.”
Yes . . . someday.
Two
Esther tore through her chest of belongings, tossing away each object to meet her hands. It had to be here. Somewhere, under something . . . she could not have lost her
mother’s silver bracelet. Impossible. She rarely wore it, only when she wanted to look pretty for Zechariah. The last time had been—
No. She rocked back on her heels and pressed a hand to her mouth. Three days ago, when she spent the day with Kasia. When they went to the river. She did not remember taking
it off again that night.
There was no need to think the worst. It was probably at Kasia’s house, that was all. Surely it had slipped off there, and not in the streets. Or, worse still, at the
river.
“Esther?”
At her cousin’s voice, Esther scooped up the mass of her belongings and shoved them back into the chest, dropping it shut just as Mordecai stuck his head into her small
chamber. He was so tall he had to duck before entering, though otherwise his build was slight.
He smiled. “There you are. I am not needed at the palace today, so Kish and I are going in search of some wood for his next project. Would you like to spend the morning
with Kasia?”
Relief settled on her shoulders. “I would like that, cousin. Thank you.” She could ask Kasia if she had seen her bracelet, if perhaps her ima, Zillah, had found it . . .
and if she had heard any more from the rich Persian. Unlikely, but worth a question.
She stood and followed her cousin through the house and out the front door. Mordecai drew in a deep breath of the fresh air, closing his hazel eyes as if to better savor it.
Esther smiled. She had never met him before her parents were killed, but in the three years since he took her in, she discovered him to be a man of depths that flowed down
to his soul. Not often did he speak up in a crowd, never did he draw attention to himself. But he lived with a whole heart. He seemed to treasure each moment. Each breath of
fresh air. Each bird song. It was no wonder he was the one chosen to represent the Jews at the palace. There was no man more respected in Susa.
She could not figure out why he never remarried after his wife died in childbirth five years ago, along with their babe. But at the same time, she was glad. Had he brought a
new woman into the house, she may not have appreciated having to tend to a nearly-grown girl like Esther.
That was a selfish thought, she knew. Mordecai deserved the happiness a wife and children of his own would bring him. Besides, his heart was too large to necessitate pushing
her aside once he had children of his flesh. He had told her more than once that she was like his daughter, and he meant it.
Just because she had lost one father did not mean she would lose this one.
He smiled down at her and took the first step onto the street. “You have grown again. We shall have to get you some more clothes. Perhaps Zillah and Kasia will help you
with that next week.”
“They are always happy to help.”
Mordecai nodded, but his smile faded. It was so out of character for him that Esther stopped. “Cousin?”
He halted too, and drew out a smaller smile. “It is nothing. Only . . . Kish is still considering Ben-Hesed or Michael for your friend?”
“So far as I know. They are . . . cousin! Are you going to ask for her?”
“I . . .” Mordecai blushed—actually blushed. “She has grown into a lovely young woman. Beautiful, but so much more. Tender and caring, with a zeal for life. And she
loves you. I know not if she could ever feel so warmly for me, though.”
“How could she not?” Esther tucked her hand into Mordecai’s elbow and gave him her brightest smile. “I doubt she has considered it, but I shall plant a few thoughts in
her head.”
Mordecai groaned, but it ended on a laugh. “I do not need my twelve-year-old daughter approaching a woman on my behalf. I will try to find a few moments to speak with her
to see if she would welcome further attention from me. If so, then I will speak with Kish.”
Dear, sweet cousin Mordecai. The Lord had surely been watching over her when he led this man to her door after the accident.
Well, she would do what she could to help, no matter what he said. Surely Kasia would forget about any other man when she realized Mordecai was interested in making her his
own. She had expressed admiration for him more than once. And to have her dearest friend under the same roof—it would be a perfect arrangement.