Page 116 of An Unholy Affair
‘Yes, of course. The chairs we wish to buy have worked well in other churches and can be stacked to leave the centre space free for other activities. As for community concerns, yes, there has been some opposition, but the vast majority of people we’ve polled are in favour of our plans.’
‘Well, that’s not exactly true,’ Simon said.
Huh?
He reached inside his coat pocket, drew out a tri-folded sheaf of paper, and handed it to Amanda.
‘I’ve had my own personal reservations regarding Eveline’s plans but have remained open-minded.’
Amanda looked through the papers. ‘This is a signed petition from locals, opposing the removal of the pews?’
‘Indeed. I’m concerned the Vicar has not been diligent in publicising her plans, nor truly canvassed the community for their thoughts.’
‘Wha—’
‘So, over the last week I’ve reached out myself and found that public opinion is unwaveringly against the removal of the pews from Saint Saviour’s.’
A lump pushed against the inside of Eveline’s throat. ‘I don’t understand,’ she said, her voice cracking. ‘Why didn’t you tell me this? You’ve been so supportive of this initiative. You helped me write the application!’
Amanda glanced between them, her eyes widening.
Simon drew himself up. ‘Yes, that is true. However, new evidence has come to light, and the situation has changed. I cannot in good conscience support you.’
Slammingthe back door of the rectory shut behind her, Eveline shook with rage. After Simon had stabbed her in the back, the meeting was over. They’d walked Amanda back to her car and Simon had left before Eveline could talk to him.
Stalking through the house to the kitchen, she stood at the sink, staring out of the window as rain hit the glass.What now?She didn’t want to give up, but the battle was lost. And all because she’d turned down a marriage proposal.
Closing her eyes, she dropped her head.God, I’m praying for compassion towards Simon, because right now all I feel is anger and disappointment. Please—
A loud ‘oink’ came from outside.
‘No, no, no, no, no!’ Dashing to pull on her wellies, Eveline ran into the garden. The pigs were out again and turning her vegetable patch into a mud bath.How?
She got the food bucket and rattled it, calling them back to the pen. Glancing at the battery for the electric fence, she saw it was almost flat. Not used to having one, and with the delicious distraction of Jack, she’d completely forgotten to keep it topped up. Now she needed to make their pen secure enough whilst it re-charged.
Swiping her wet hair from her face, she looked at the time. Jack was at the Manor and she didn’t want to disturb him when he was working so hard to prepare for the Winter Ball. She’d done jobs like this on her own countless times and she could do it again.
An hour and a half later,Eveline was back in the kitchen and heard the back door open.
‘Hi! It’s me, you in?’ Jack called out.
‘In the kitchen,’ she shouted back, running her hands over her wet hair.
He opened the door, a huge smile on his face. ‘Any of your acolytes about?’
She suppressed a giggle. ‘They’re calledparishioners. And no, the coast is clear.’
‘Excellent.’ He crossed the room, gathered her in his arms and kissed her.
‘But I’m all wet,’ she protested.
‘Just the way I like you,’ he murmured into her neck.
She sighed, arching closer to him. ‘Well, if you insist…’
His head jerked up. ‘I totally forgot to ask! How did it go?’
All Eveline’s excitement at seeing Jack crumpled, and she bit the inside of her cheek.
