"You have the privilege of being allowed another husband to care for you. Is it not enough that themenin this compound supply your every need? Now you have the audacity to complain because I, as an elder, am busy enough I cannot afford to wait in line for my meals?"
"Maybe you should have a wife to help you with that," she sneered.
"Mywifewas an abomination!" he snapped. "I am blessed that God delivered me from that woman's evil, and I am giving my marriage, as brief as it was, the respect the institution deserves!"
"And how I wish I could do the same," Felicity said. "Sadly, my oppressors have taken that decision from me."
"You are not Righteous!" he growled, stepping into her. "You, Mrs. Baldwin, do not honor your marriage by lusting after another. You do not grieve your husband as a jezebel!"
"And yet I have no say in those matters either!" she hissed.
"Watch your tone," he warned.
"I shall not!" she proclaimed. "The Lord examines the Righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. Psalm 11:5!"
Mr. Saunders didn't even try to deny it. No, the man simply swung, using the back of his hand to crack her across the face.
Felicity fell, completely unprepared for the public punishment, but Mr. Saunders wasn't ready to stop. He bent, grabbing her by both arms, and shook her.
"You are not a God-fearing woman!" he roared. "You are a heathen. You are a disgrace!"
"Then cast me out!" she yelled.
"God has demanded that you be fruitful! Youwillmarry, woman. You will bear sons and daughters. That's all you are good for!"
I turned, wanting to do something to stop the shaking he was giving her, but Tobias caught my arm. When I glanced back, he twisted his head, making it clear that would not help. I knew he was right. I did, but in that moment, I finally understood Ayla.
It was easier to take the risks myself than to watch someone else suffer because of my idea. I was the one who'd started this. I'd told them to use the words of God as our shield, and now Felicity was paying for my arrogance.
"Has the Devil taken you?" Mr. Saunders was screaming. "Are you possessed, woman?"
"No!" she screamed, but I couldn't tell if she was trying to make him stop or denying the accusation.
Mr. Saunders raised his head. "Mr. Myers! Mr. White! She needs to be confined until we can be sure of her!"
And while everyone in the dining hall watched, Felicity was hauled to her feet by a group of men and forced out of the area. I hoped they were taking her to her room, but I just didn't know.Desperately, I turned, searching for faces I knew, and found far too many of them looking right at me.
It was Ms. Lawton who stepped forward. "Mr. Saunders?" she asked calmly. "Is she to be denied meals, or should I have one of the boys take food to her room?"
"Not today," Mr. Saunders snapped. "She needs to learn to appreciate what God provides."
"Mr. Saunders," Ms. Lawton said, "Felicity Baldwin is not a child. She is a wife and mother. She has been on rations long enough that a day without might be too much."
"That," Mr. Saunders said, "is for God to decide. Her fate is in His hands now."
But it wasn't. He was the one who'd made this decision. He was the man with the power over her life - and death. I'd also realized his rage had appeared when the incident with Ayla had been brought up. That was what had angered him enough to lash out.
"Pride goeth before the fall," I said softly.
"Don't count on it," Tobias warned before turning me back to the food counter. "My wife will be eating plants today. I'll have her portion of fungus, extra plants."
The child working on the other side dipped her head and began portioning that out. Once it was handed to us, my husband led me to a chair and began shoveling his meal into his face. I didn't want to eat, not after seeing that sort of violence, but my stomach needed something in it.
I had to force the first spoonful into my mouth. The second was easier, but as we ate, not a word was said. Twice, Tobias gestured for me to hurry up, acting as if he was impatient with me. A sliver of worry began to grow, wondering if I'd finally shamed him more than he could tolerate, and that helped me eat a little faster.
When we finished, I took his plate and mine to the washer. He was already standing when I returned, and hurried me out of the room much faster than normal. Yet when we made the first turn, he paused to glance around.
"Go," he said. "Callah, do not get caught, but we both know the women will be gathering. Go lead them."
