Page 69 of An Unholy Affair
‘Why not? It’s just sound waves. We sing in church. What’s the difference?’
‘It’s… I can’t quitebelievewe’re having this conversation. Have you seen what they look like?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘People who do that type of thing. Bangles up their arms, funny scarves, tattoos,nose-rings.’
‘That sounds like a description of Dervla Foxbrooke.’
Eveline watched Simon’s brain recalibrating, as the realisation hit that he’d just described the second wife of the Duke of Somerset.
He sighed. ‘Eveline. I know you mean well, but Saint Saviour’s is achurch, not a community centre.’
‘Simon. You’re the treasurer. You know better than anyone how dire our financial position is. If we don’t start bringing in money, then we might lose the church altogether. And I believe it should be at the heart of every community. I want to be able to help as many people as possible.’
‘Like the Newton boy.’
‘Jack?’
‘Yes. Did you see him yesterday? Drunk as a lord at his own father’s funeral.’
Pain lanced Eveline’s chest again. After she’d smelled booze on Jack in the sacristy and at the wake, all her worst fears about his relationship with alcohol seemed to have been confirmed.
God, if you’ve brought Jack into my life to help him, then I promise I will do my best.
‘Such a weak character,’ Simon continued. ‘Not at all like Nigel.’
‘Simon, please show some compassion.’
‘God helps those who help themselves, Eveline. I’ve known Jack since he was a boy. He may have lost the puppy fat and pimples, but he’s still the same on the inside.’
Eveline dug her nails into her palms as fierce, protective anger surged through her.
Please, God. Help me stay calm.
‘Weak. That’s what he is. With no commitment to his family. You know—’
There was a knock on the newly installed back door.Thank you. She stood.
‘And that’s another thing’, Simon continued as he followed her out of the kitchen. ‘What onearthwas he playing at, buying a door for the rectory? Did you fill out the correct forms? Ask the Bishop? This is church property, Eveline, and you need to follow procedure when altering the fabric of the building.’
She threw open the door.
On the other side was Jack, holding an enormous bunch of flowers.
‘Eveline—’ He stopped when he saw Simon behind her.
Her heart thudded faster and faster against her ribs.
‘Jack,’ she began breathlessly. ‘How are—’
‘I’ll take those,’ Simon said, reaching forward.
Jack pulled the bouquet away. ‘No.’
‘Why not? They’re for the church, aren’t they? I can take them over later.’
‘No, they’re for Eveline.’ There was steel behind Jack’s smile.
