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She forced a smile. ‘It’s rather a long story.’
‘I see.’ He regarded her thoughtfully. ‘Tea or something stronger?’
It was tea, drunk in a grassy corner shaded by fuchsias. Lloyd Denison listened to Tavy’s hesitant, and strictly edited, account of events without comment, his face set in stern lines.
When she’d finished, he sat in silence for a while, then sighed. ‘I never thought I would say this about anyone, my dear, but I’m actually glad neither Patrick Wilding or the Culham girl were born here, and therefore I did not christen them or prepare them for confirmation. If I had done so, I would feel I had failed.’ He paused. ‘But I’m glad Jago came to the rescue and you didn’t have to be alone.’
Tavy bent forward and picked a daisy, twirling it between her fingers. She kept her face and voice expressionless. ‘Yes, it was kind of him.’
‘And what is this unpleasant surprise that young Wilding threatened? Do you have any idea?’
Tavy frowned. ‘None at all. I wish I did.’ She was silent for a moment, then roused herself determinedly. ‘So, how did your trip go? Did you enjoy seeing Mr Castleton again?’
‘Very much so. But it wasn’t simply a pleasant break. I’m afraid I misled you over that. And Derek isn’t plain Mister any more. He was appointed Bishop of Milcaster six months ago, and as the office of Dean has recently become vacant, he invited me over to offer it to me.’
She gasped. ‘But that’s wonderful—isn’t it? What did you say?’
‘That I would give him my answer in a few days.’
She frowned. ‘After the Archdeacon’s visit?’
‘No, my dear. I’m not hoping for a stay of execution on Holy Trinity. Economics have spoken, I’m afraid. But I wanted a little time to think, and pray. And talk to you, of course.’ He took her hand. ‘Find out what you’re planning to do with your life.’
‘Well, I still intend to do a Bachelor of Education degree, but that can’t happen till next year, so I can come with you to Milcaster, if you want me. Keep house for you there.’
She saw a slight shadow cross his face and said quickly, ‘Unless there already is someone to do that.’
‘Well, yes, darling.’ He still looked troubled. ‘The late Dean was unmarried and his housekeeper is hoping to stay on, I think. She was with him for some years and seems a capable, pleasant woman. But I wasn’t thinking of that. I’m more concerned about you.’
His fingers tightened round hers. ‘Are you absolutely certain about teaching? You’re not going to consider any other options?’
She looked down at the grass. ‘They’ve always been a bit thin on the ground, at least round here. And I wouldn’t want to stay, after what’s happened.’
She shrugged. ‘So, it’s time for a complete break. And I’m sure I’ll find something I can do in Milcaster.’ She added brightly, ‘It’s almost an adventure.’
He said nothing, so she galloped on, ‘Tell me about the Deanery. And the cathedral, of course. Does it have one of those old closes?’
‘Yes, indeed. And the Deanery is charming, rebuilt in the early eighteenth century I’m told.’
He was silent for a moment. ‘But so many years of our lives have been bound up in Hazelton Magna and I’d hoped...’ He checked. ‘But enough of that. I’m just sorry we’ll be leaving on a sour note.’ He paused again. ‘I just wish I could feel more positive about your intentions.’
She managed a giggle. ‘You mean the road to hell might be paved by them? I’ll take care it isn’t.’
Yet, as they walked back to the house, she discovered ‘Easy, easy is the descent’ throbbing in her brain with its raw, insistent beat, and continuing to haunt her for the rest of the day and late into the night.
Over breakfast the next morning, she said casually, ‘I suppose we’d better start thinking what we’re going to take with us when we move.’
Her father pulled a face. ‘What a blood-curdling thought.’
‘Then why don’t you sort out your books and special things, and I’ll do the rest?’
‘Darling, you won’t have time, not with your day job.’
She said carefully, ‘Actually, I’ve decided to give that up. As we’re going, I won’t be able to see it through to the finish, and Jago will have more time to find a replacement.’
