Not wishing to give offence, Paddy studied the photo very thoroughly and saw a man he could well have liked. He was a tall, smiling man. He seemed relaxed and happy, with thick white hair brushed back and deep-set bright eyes that looked out in a kindly fashion. To Paddy, he looked a generous man and he was glad. ‘Good-looking man, Ma. I can see he’d be kind.’
She took the photo back and gazed quietly at it. ‘The best. The very best. Pity I didn’t meet him twenty-five years previously, but then I wouldn’t have had you, would I?’
‘No, but then I haven’t been much help.’
‘Thanks, Paddy, for liking him. He wanted us to get married, you know, but I wouldn’t.’
‘Why not?’
‘I’d had enough of that side of life and I just didn’t want it again. Not likely. Everything else but not that.’
‘Where do you live now? I’m so glad you got my letter. I did wonder if you’d still be there.’
‘I live in one of those houses alongside the river that I used to envy so much back in the bad old days. You know, the ones with the balcony and the wrought ironwork over the front door. I’ve done up our old house and I rent it out and, since then, I’ve bought two more in the same row and I rent those out too. So I’m well set up, I am. Like I’ve never been in all my life. Isn’t it grand?’
‘I’ve always regretted leaving you with him. I should have stayed and protected you, but when he knocked me down after the school sent me to have my broken arm set, that was the final straw.’
‘I was glad you had the courage to leave. He didn’t deserve to be a father to you children, and see, you’ve turned out so good. I’m so proud, and marrying that girl! Well, I can’t believe it.’
‘She is lovely, isn’t she? I shan’t treat her like Dad treated you. He should have been horsewhipped for it.’
‘All water under the bridge, Paddy, and I’m not going to let it hurt me any more. There’s too much life to be lived, you know. And don’t let it hurt you any more, either. You did the right thing and now you and I have a chance to live our lives like we should. You seeing your Ma as and when, and me getting to know you again. Aren’t we going to have a good time, you and me? I almost wish I lived here in one of those nice little cottages on the green. I saw a poster nailed to a tree saying about the embroidery group. I could join, couldn’t I? Fancy me embroidering! All ladylike! Paddy, I’m tired and I’m going to bed now, if that’s OK with you. It’s been a long day. Goodnight. What time do you leave in the morning?’
‘Ten to eight.’
‘I shall be up and have breakfast with you before you go. Won’t that be nice?’
She opened the door and then turned back to say rather shyly, ‘Greta tells me the reception is at the Royal Oak. Well, I have the money to do better than that for you and Tamsin and I shall set about it in the morning. No. No protests. It’ll still be a country wedding, but I’ve plans to, shall we say, upgrade it. I know about the cake that’s already been planned, but I’ve visions of a carriage and such to bring the bride to church and—’
‘Ma! She lives too close by for that.’
‘Well, there’s got to be something. I know! You could have it to leave the church and go …’
‘Go, where?’
‘The Old Barn! Greta told me about. How beautiful it is. I really fancy the idea of that. I’ll talk to Tamsin first thing.’
‘But we have it all planned.’
‘I know you have, but we can invite the whole village if we do it my way.’
‘We wanted a quiet wedding.’
‘A quiet wedding for my eldest son! Not likely. Come on, let me have my way.’
‘Only if you can persuade Tamsin and she’s not upset.’
‘Right! You’re on. Night, Paddy. Sleep tight. Leave her to me.’
*
The bubbly Irish woman who was Paddy’s mother swept Tamsin along on a tide of such enthusiasm that Tamsin could not resist her. ‘But …’
‘No buts. I want to make it the loveliest of weddings. Not formal, but jolly and really happy, because that’s what you are and so you should be. So that’s what the wedding will be like. I’ll square it with the pub.’ She rubbed her fingers together as though fingering fifty-pound notes and winked. ‘Sure, money goes a long way in circumstances like these and I shall sort it, believe me.’
Bridget hugged Tamsin till she was breathless. ‘You’re the best daughter-in-law-to-be any woman could hope to have. So beautiful and talented … Just gorgeous. You and I will be real friends.’ She smiled at Tamsin and then said so softly it was barely audible, ‘You see, I’ve a lot to make up to Paddy for failing him all those years. Now it’s my chance to put things right. Will you let me?’
‘Mrs Cleary—’
Bridget wagged her finger. ‘No. What did I tell you? I’m Bridget.’
Tamsin laughed. ‘Bridget then. Of course I will. I love him more than life itself and I would be delighted to be able to ask all the village. It was only the cost that was holding us back. You see, I don’t have parents to help.’
‘Then if you will, you can have me for a substitute mother. Well, perhaps a second mother, not a substitute. If that’s all right?’
‘I think maybe that could be lovely.’
‘Good! Then we’ll get cracking. You and I together. We’ll make it fabulous for Paddy.’
Chapter 23
It was the following Sunday when Peter announced at the ten o’clock service that he was intending to leave the parish. The shockwaves that went round the congregation were almost palpable. ‘I can no longer be your guide and mentor when we are at such odds with our objectives. This church and its survival as a vibrant anchor for everyone in the parish is at risk and I honestly feel, despite praying long and hard about it, that I can no longer hold my place as rector of this parish. Everywhere I go, in spite of all the very dramatic happenings that have taken place here recently, I am met with such opposition to my suggestion that we solve our financial problems by asking permission to sell the church silver that I feel I can no longer justifiably continue here as rector.
‘Caroline and I have spoken endlessly about this question and we both feel the opposition is too strong. Therefore I shall be leaving the parish as soon as it is possible. We have had all these wonderfully happy years here, we’ve seen Beth and Alex born and grow up here, but as this year they will hopefully be leaving for university, it feels the best moment to leave. You will be for ever in our hearts and I hope and pray that my time here has been beneficial to every single one of you in some way. I have been serving this parish for almost twenty years now, maybe I should make room for another.’ He paused to regain control of his voice and then continued, ‘Our final hymn this morning is that well-loved hymn of Charles Wesley, “Love Divine, all Loves Excelling”.’ Tamsin Goodenough began to play, but the heart of the congregation was not in the singing of it.
Peter was so deeply affected by what he’d announcd that he couldn’t have spoken another word at that moment. Despite all his persuasive powers, he had totally failed to change anyone’s mind, so he felt his decision to leave was inevitable.
He knew all about the upset he would cause, but there came a time in everyone’s ministry when difficult decisions had to be made for the good of everyone, and this was one of them. He had to let the congregation sing the hymn because he had no voice with which to sing himself. He looked up to catch Caroline’s eye, but her head was down and she obviously wasn’t singing either, so he could get no reassurance there.
For the first time ever in his ministry in Turnham Malpas, Peter’s heart was so heavy that he didn’t stand at the door to shake hands with everyone, but disappeared into the vestry and began disrobing.
Zack knocked on the door. ‘It’s Zack Hooper, sir. Can I come in?’ He carefully closed the door behind him. Then he said, ‘I’d no idea it would come to this. No idea at all. After all you’ve done for us. It’s a truly sad day. I can see what you mean. But this …
How can we ever replace you?’
‘I don’t know, Zack, but someone will fill my shoes, believe me.’
‘We don’t want someone, we want you.’
Peter straightened his leather belt and secured his cross in it. Then he said, ‘Nothing and no one will change my mind, so don’t even try.’
‘As you wish, but …’
‘I’ll go out by the vestry door and go straight home. Good morning, Zack. See you at evensong.’
‘Yes, sir. Right.’
Peter went straight to his study when he got in, closed the door firmly behind him, and sat at his desk. He knew his decision was the right one. If the congregation wasn’t behind him, there was nothing more he could do here. It was almost twenty years since he’d taken his first service and now it was at an end. He knew deep inside himself that it was time he moved on, but at the same time …
‘Dad!’ It was Alex. Peter couldn’t help noticing how closely his son resembled him. He was tall with thick, red-blond hair, bright blue eyes and a serious expression. It was himself to a T.
‘Yes?’
‘Sorry it’s come to this, Dad. It must be rotten.’
‘It is. But what can I do? There’s just too much opposition. I can see what they mean, their arguments are very sound, but they’re not really founded in reality. More on sentimentality.’
‘But they love you so. Wherever I go, everyone loves you. I’ve never heard a wrong word about you all my life until now. They are saying such cruel things. I simply can’t believe they could turn like this. It isn’t fair, not after everything you’ve seen them through.’ Alex slumped down on the sofa and stared at the carpet.
Beth came in and slid her arms round his neck. She kissed the back of his head. Coming round to face him she said softly, ‘Love you, Dad.’ Putting her arms around his neck again she laid her cheek against his. ‘Love you, Dad, so much. I’m so very, very, very sorry it’s come to this. They must all have taken leave of their senses to be saying the things they are. I overheard someone talking in the store when they didn’t know I was in there and it took all my self-control not to leap out from behind the soups and give them a piece of my mind.’
‘You never said.’
‘I know. I didn’t because I was too scared. I saw what was coming. But if it’s how you feel, that you must leave, then so be it. But we love you, don’t we, Alex, even if they don’t.’
Alex didn’t look up, but he did nod his head.
Caroline kicked the door open and walked into the study carrying a tray of four mugs of coffee. ‘Here we are.’ She handed them round and then sat herself beside Alex.
‘If that doorbell goes,’ she said, ‘or someone knocks, we’ll ignore it.’ So they sat in silence, sipping coffee and trying to come to terms with Peter’s announcement. They’d known it was coming that morning, but hearing it actually said had come as a shock. All three had been convinced Peter would change his mind. But he hadn’t so there they were lamenting their predicament.
‘Of course,’ said Alex, ‘they haven’t had a chance to change their minds yet, have they? They might when they understand what they’ve brought about.’
‘It’s too late for that.’ Peter put his coffee mug down on the tray. ‘Now that I’ve said I can’t stay. Maybe, in the end, it will be a good thing. Perhaps I’m needed elsewhere.’
‘But,’ wailed Beth, ‘I love it here.’
‘I know, I know. It is very comfortable living here. Too comfortable, perhaps. Perhaps I need a new challenge.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Alex, ‘we all need a new challenge.’
Beth burst out with, ‘Our results next week might provide us with that very thing. A new challenge and perhaps not going on to university like we’d hoped for.’
Alex rubbed his face to refresh himself. ‘Maybe I’m not destined to be a doctor then.’
‘Nor me an archeologist. But I wouldn’t know what else to do. I’ve always wanted to be one. Well, nearly always. What on earth would I do if I don’t get in? Thursday’s coming all too quickly. Hell’s bells.’ Beth laid her head on Peter’s shoulder. ‘Dad, what shall I do?’
‘Darling child, at this moment I have absolutely no idea about anything. Sorry.’
‘I propose we leave the house by the back door and let everyone stew whilst we recover ourselves. Come on. Strip off your cassock, Peter, and let’s just go.’ Caroline leaped to her feet in an effort to inject some energy into them all and they fled out to the garage, got the car out, and just went. Anywhere but Turnham Malpas.
Chapter 24
‘My God! Did I hear you right? Why hasn’t the man consulted me? I would have dealt with it immediately.’
‘What would you have done?’
Craddock Fitch poured his coffee out into his porcelain cup and sipped it, black, hot and sugarless. His secretary watched warily. It was his tone of voice she was unsure about and she really wished she’d never told him.
‘I’d have given him the bloody money, wouldn’t I? I won’t have him resigning, it’s ridiculous. How will we manage without him?’
‘Perfectly well, I imagine.’
‘What’s got into you this morning?’
‘Nothing. But he is a bit on the holy side, isn’t he?’
‘What else can you expect, woman? You are being plain daft. The man is our conscience, our collective conscience, didn’t you realise that?’
‘Not especially, no. It’s the command he has over people round here, the “only if the rector agrees” type of authority. Well, now he’s got his comeuppance. They won’t agree, so that’s that, he’s off.’
‘Much more of that attitude and you’ll be off for good! Maybe it’s time you went too. You’re an idiot, woman. He’s what holds us all together. He’s the glue.’
‘That’s not what you said when it was you wanting to sell the church silver all those years ago.’
This remark brought about a pause in Craddock Fitch’s onslaught. The fool was quite right. He pushed that acknowledgement aside and remarked instead, ‘Your trouble is that you’re not religious.’
‘And you are?’ His secretary raised a sceptical eyebrow.
Mr Fitch was so angry he could have struck her down. In fact, he wished for a biblical plague that really would strike her down. She’d worked for him for far too long, that was obvious. She’d become insolent.
‘One more sarcastic remark like that and it’ll be you leaving. Right?’
‘Are you sacking me?’
He hesitated briefly and then said, ‘If you fancy it, yes, I am. You can go out that door right now. I’ve had enough of your kind of insolence.’
‘Right! OK then. As of this minute, I am no longer in your employ. I’ll let Human Resources know what you owe me.’
‘I never said I was paying you money to leave.’
She paused at the door, her hand on the knob in case a quick exit was needed. ‘You will though. It’s the law. I shall need to be paid off.’
‘You’ll be laid out if you’re not careful. Right!’
‘That’s threatening, that is. I could sue.’
‘Sue away, I shall be glad to see the back of you.’
So, to his surprise, she left. They’d had rows before, but she’d always turned up the next morning as though their upset had never happened. It appeared to him that this time was very different. All this because he was so upset about Peter. How could this have all taken place without him knowing? Kate was his eyes and ears, but this had landed on him without warning.
Peter! What he’d said about him being his conscience was absolutely true. He mightn’t attend church regularly but he did rely on the man for keeping him straight on moral questions. One look deep into his eyes and he, Craddock Fitch, was putty in his hands and all the best in him came to the fore. He stormed up and down his office thinking up schemes to keep Peter right where he belonged.
Then he remembered what Kate had said to him once in the first year of their marriage: Don�
�t brandish money about in broad daylight, but let people benefit from it by stealth. Of course, that was it. He’d donate the money the church needed anonymously. How? He tapped the side of his nose with his index finger. And then he realised that he knew exactly who would help him keep it secret. The person in question followed in the same footsteps as his father, able to keep secrets better than anyone he knew. A chip off the old block, but much nicer.
Then the church could keep the silver and he could keep Peter in the church. Of course. Immediately, as of now, he’d do that very thing. The repairs could be done and no one would be making a single wasteful, unnecessary sacrifice. He rang for his secretary and was surprised to find he got no reply. He marched into her office to find her collecting her bits and pieces together.
‘Now, now. Our little tiffs don’t really mean anything, do they? Come now …’
He struggled to remember her name and couldn’t. Was it Penny? Paula? Pat?
Damn it. ‘I need my car. I’m going out.’
‘You know where it is, go and get it. Remember I’m no longer in your employ.’
‘I didn’t know you meant it.’
‘I certainly did and so did you. I can find far more pleasant work than being a secretary to a mean-minded, arrogant man like you. Good morning.’
So Mr Fitch set out on his mission of mercy sitting in the back of his Rolls muttering about women this, and women that, and then he remembered he was married to one and smiled. He patted his pocket to ensure he had his cheque book with him and marched into Neal and Neal Chartered Accountants. He saw Hugh Neal and made all the arrangements. He choked slightly when he made out the cheque, but it salved his conscience and made sure, he hoped, of a place in heaven for him when the time came. Then he remembered Kate and hoped heaven wouldn’t be round the next corner for a long while yet. He followed this up with a visit to the rectory and, to his delight, found Peter in his study.
Dottie had answered the door and, while she was dying to put her ear to the study door to find out what he’d come about, she didn’t. Instead she polished every surface in the sitting room to within an inch of its life, as always.
A Village Deception (Turnham Malpas 15) Page 22
