Page 136 of An Unholy Affair
‘That sounds…’Like you’ve had a complete personality transplant?‘… lovely.’
‘Of course, it won’t happen immediately. You’ve still got a place to stay before you return to France. Were you still planning on leaving next week?’
Okay… Here goes. He took a mouthful of tea. ‘Actually, Mum, I think I’m going to stay in Foxbrooke.’
Her eyebrows raised. ‘Oh. But when I’m gone, where will you live? With one of your friends?’
‘I’m going to stay at the rectory.’
She frowned. ‘I know it’s big, and you’ve been working there, but it’s not a long-term option.’
Er… ‘Why not?’
‘Well, you can’t guarantee the new vicar will be asaccommodatingas Eveline.’
Icy knives stabbed at his skin. ‘What new vicar?’
His mother’s cheeks coloured, and she lowered her voice. ‘I don’t want to gossip, but as it will affect you, I think it’s only fair to let you know what’s been going on.’
Jack tried to keep his voice level. ‘Whathasbeen going on?’
She sighed. ‘Eveline is being suspended. After a formal investigation, her case may go to a tribunal. She’ll either be barred from practising or moved to another parish. Whatever happens, she won’t stay here.’
Heat flared inside his head, white hot pressure pushing against the inside of his skull.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘There’s no need to shout. I’m as disappointed as you are. She’s been very kind to me.’
Jack gritted his teeth, forcing the panicked fury back inside. ‘Mum. What is it that Eveline is supposed to have done wrong?’
‘Well, not properly consulting the village about the pews for one, but she’s apparently broken the law in relation to what she does with her pigs, and she’s been making illegal alterations to the rectory.’
Is this bullshit for real?
‘But that’s not the worst of it…’ His mother’s voice dropped to a whisper. ‘She was seen…Fornicating…’
Jack gripped the edge of the table. ‘With whom?’
‘He didn’t—I don’t know for sure, but I’m pretty sure it was that hippy chap who teaches yoga. Or it could be Finn? Apparently, he’s been hanging around there a lot recently.’
‘And where was she seen doing this?’
‘At one of the rectory windows! Can you imagine? Anyone walking past could have seen them!’
‘Who told you this?’
‘Simon Little.’
Jack stood, his chair scraping across the lino floor. ‘Of course he fucking did.’
‘Jack! Language!’
He ignored her, heading for the front door.
She followed. ‘Where are you going?’
Jack bit his tongue. The last thing he wanted was to make this any worse for Eveline. He forced a smile. ‘I’m going to the Manor. Got a lot to do before the ball tonight.’
