(contd.)
Well, God still loved him and used him. No one was perfect. He was sure God would understand and forgive him concerning this weakness for women, he assured himself.
**********
Much later in bed at night, Bathsheba allowed her mind to remember the evening. She could still remember the look on David’s face, there was an invitation in his eyes. She also remembered the soft way he talked to her and the way he treated her as if she was a … treasure, to be handled with care. With his sweet words and the attention he gave her, it was almost as if he had never been with a woman before. For that brief moment, she felt as if she had been transported into another world. But because of the emotions going on in her, she was tensed. No wonder people liked him and his wives seemed happy to be his. It would be good to be the king’s wife but … to be one of many women? To share a man with other women? No way! She wouldn’t want that.
She loved her husband, Uriah, but somehow, that moment with David was special. She was troubled.
She had one other concern – she hoped she would not get pregnant. That would be disastrous! What would she tell people if that should happen? Her husband was not around, so everyone would know he was not responsible for the pregnancy.
For half the night, she continued thinking until she eventually fell into a fitful sleep.
**********
Some days after, Bathsheba was still hoping to see her monthly period at the right time. So far, no one had said they heard about what had happened between her and King David. That must mean that David had taken care of his end. But somehow, she didn’t trust the servants to be completely silent. Human beings could be funny and deceitful. She could only hope that everything would be alright for her.
Another week passed, yet Bathsheba had not seen her period. She was never late. Cold fear gripped her. Troubled, she began to weep. This could not happen to her, surely! She hoped it would turn out to be a false alarm.
But when another week passed and she still had not seen her period, she panicked, knowing she was definitely pregnant. What would she do? Who could she run to?
Should she tell her husband, her father or grandfather? If they heard, they would get very angry, especially her husband. She couldn’t even bring herself to imagine his reaction but one thing she knew, he would fight the king. She didn’t know what would come out of it though. And how would that help her?
Should she tell David, after all he was responsible for her condition? Somehow, she felt she could trust him, and that he would be able to help and protect her. He seemed the kind of person who would keep and protect the weak. He was soft and good with her that day, almost as if he really liked her. He should be able to tell her what to do in this situation and save her from being killed.
With her heart in turmoil, unsure of what David’s reaction would be and what he would say, she decided to inform him.
Quickly, she wrote a note to him, sealed it and gave it to her maid.
“Take this to the king. Make sure he gets it.” She instructed.
The maid left.
Restless and greatly bothered, she told herself to put her trust in God.
**********
That evening, David had two guests.
One of his servants came in and said, “There’s a young lady here to see you. She said it is very important and urgent.”
“Bring her.” David said.
“Yes, my lord.” The servant said, and walked past two serving servants who carried plates of delicacies. Two other servants entered, skillfully balancing tall cups of drinks on trays.
The servant brought Bathsheba’s maid to David. After greeting him, she gave the note to him.
The words of the brief note leapt at David.
I am pregnant! Bathsheba.
His lips parted in shock as his breath caught in his throat. A chill came on him. Pregnant? How could that be? Just once and she was pregnant? He wondered with a frown.
Not wanting the people with him to know there was a problem; he took a deep controlling breath and made his face look normal.
The girl was still there, obviously waiting for a reply.
“I have seen it. You may go.” He told her and the girl left.
(To be continued)
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