And for cowards.
“I think he charms for the community’s purposes as well,” she found herself saying before she could think better of it.
“Only as a by-product of his own ambition,” Isabelle returned with a derisive sniff.
“And everything you do is so selfless,” she teased. “Not to mention, I don’t think we believe in martyrdom.”
“Only your part of the community,” Isabelle retorted with a snort.
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “That’s very limited and only to make us feel better when they kill us. We don’t actively seek it.”
“And yet you’re so keen on it,” Isabelle mused.
“Beg pardon?” Rebecca asked, frowning. What did her friend mean by that?
“Nothing,” Isabelle said with a wave of her hand. “That was inaccurate. You don’t sacrifice yourself for others’ comfort.”
“I do not,” she retorted, shaking her head. “I have no idea what you speak of. You’re not making sense.” Not at all. “I do precisely what I want in life, which is why I have very few friends.”
“You have few friends because people are idiots and you refuse tocoddle those who lack your strength,” Isabelle stated. “But this is an old argument and not one I’m going to win tonight.”
“You do hate losing,” Rebecca said with a smile.
“I do,” Isabelle affirmed.
There was a pause, and a strange expression came over her friend’s countenance as she grew unusually silent.
“What’s wrong?” Rebecca asked her friend, now peering at her a touch closer. “Are you all right?” She squinted a little. “You and Aaron aren’t quarreling?”
Her friend laughed. “We’re still happy with each other, and I’ve certainly not thrown him from my bed, though you are perceptive. Very perceptive, as, to tell the truth, I was a touch peeved with him today,” Isabelle explained. She lowered her voice for dramatic effect, not secrecy, as she could still probably be heard two floors up. “I found out that he and my grandmother had some very interesting information for several days and neither told me.” She pouted. “I’m discreet, am I not?”
Rebecca had to press her lips together so as not to giggle.
“Very,” she said, attempting to keep her voice as sincere as possible.
“You don’t find me biased?” her friend asked, gazing at her.
Rebecca might have snorted, though she did attempt to muffle it with her hand. “No, not at all.”
“Liar,” Isabelle said, though she was smiling. “But you do it nicely.”
“Now who’s the liar?” Rebecca retorted, and the two burst out into true laughter. And for the first time that day, she felt good.
Or at least as good as she used to before she came to the Berab house, and that was enough for her. Really. Truly.
“I missed you so much.” Isabelle clasped her gloved hands together. “I’m glad you’re healed,” she continued, peering at Rebecca yet again. “Are you sure you’re all right?” She pursed her lips. “Roger hasn’t—”
“No, he’s been perfectly kind,” Rebecca cut in quickly. “Very kind,” she affirmed. “And the children have been actually quite pleasant as well. Did you know that he’s been tutoring them himself?”
“Really?” Isabelle asked, skepticism in her voice. “I’d like to see that.” She folded her arms over her bodice.
“He’s quite inventive. And it’s rather sweet.” She smiled once more as she pictured him and the children again and took a deep breath. “He’s not quite exactly as I’d thought,” she admitted. “Did you know he’s been attempting to study Talmud?”
“Really?” Surprise was clear in her voice. “I should tell Aaron. He’s been looking for a partner closer to home,” Isabelle explained. “Schlepping”—she glanced at Rebecca for her approval of her use of the Yiddish; God help her, she rewarded her friend with a smile, making Isabelle’s entire face light up—“to Aldgate for minyan twice a day is one matter, but he’s going to be needed around the house more and more.”
“Really?” Rebecca asked, now paying closer attention to Isabelle’s body, and yes… the signs had started to appear. It made sense, as she’d been married for almost a year now.
“It’s been nearly two months since I’ve bled,” her friend explained, confirming her thoughts. “And—” Before Rebecca could stop her, Isabelle had made quick work of the buttons on her collar, pulling down the top of her gown and chemise. “See?” She indicated her slightly larger breasts.
