He was exactly as the village described—shorter than most men, broad and heavy, with a round face and slow, careful steps. But standing there in her aunt’s compound, he did not look ridiculous. He looked calm.
Too calm.
He did not stare at her greedily like some men did. He did not grin. He did not seem proud of what was happening. Instead, his eyes held a quiet seriousness that unsettled her.
Beatice pulled her closer.
“This is Moses,” she announced.
No one explained. No one asked whether Catherine understood.
Moses rose slowly and greeted her in a calm voice.
“Good evening.”
“Good evening, sir,” she whispered.
Joseph cleared his throat. “Moses has come with honorable intentions.”
Beatice spoke more directly. “He has asked for your hand in marriage.”
Catherine stared at them. “What?”
“Manners,” Beatice snapped. “This is a good opportunity for you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You do not need to,” Beatice said sharply. “The decision has already been made.”
Catherine turned to her uncle. “Uncle Joseph?”
He only looked away.
“Bride price has been paid,” Beatice said.
Catherine stared at the envelopes on the table.
“You sold me,” she whispered.
“Watch your words,” Beatice snapped. “It is tradition.”
“But you never asked me.”
“You live in this house,” her aunt replied coldly. “We make decisions for this family.”
Catherine turned to Moses, tears burning in her eyes.
“You knew about this?”
He was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Yes.”
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