Chapter 4

After breakfast I had a call to make, involving a five-mile walk to the next village – and a five mile walk back. I was expected. Thus I arrived at the Vicarage at about half-past nine and rapped on the door.

I was greeted by a plump, pleasant woman in a blue clerical suit. “Mister Hewson, I presume,” she smiled holding out her hand. It was warm, her grip firm but not competitive.

“Reverend,” I smiled back. “Feel free to call me Ralph.”

“In that case, I’m Kate,” she answered. “Come along in.” She led me to her study, waved at a comfortable chair, and turned her office chair to face me. “How can I help you?”

“My father has set me the task of bringing Abbey Hall and the estate back to life. I’m also expected to see what is needed to support the local farming economy.”

She nodded in understanding.

“I will be having staff, and they are likely to be all female. Currently, I have a housekeeper in her thirties who is a slave and three teenaged girls, one of whom is on a minor’s indenture. My father is working on emancipating my housekeeper and the minor’s indenture as they have both been abused in various ways.”

She nodded again, and indicated I should keep going.

“You know, of course, that in my position many men expect women under their authority to provide sex and, in fact, coerce them to do so. That does not sit well with me, and certainly my father would not approve. However, I am very willing to welcome a woman to my bed who wants to be there. My housekeeper has expressed willingness to do so, and so have two of the teens. I wish earnestly to give them the status of ‘wife’ rather than ‘concubine’, and I expect to eventually marry up to the current legal number of six. So, I am here to find out if you would be willing to carry out multiple weddings, or if you are morally opposed to the idea. I would entirely respect your opinion in the matter. I could have civil weddings, of course, but I would prefer to provide a church ceremony if possible.”

“I see.” She studied my face for a moment. “What do you believe, Ralph?”

I had not considered an answer to that, so I took a deep breath, thought for a moment. “If you mean about God, I have to admit I am not sure. My family have always attended church. I have been baptised and confirmed. But honestly, church attendance has always been, for me anyway, more of a habit, a social matter, rather than one of ... true faith, I suppose. But I believe in the right of every person to be valued for who they are, to be able to choose their future as much as possible. I believe it is important to give respect, enable happiness as far as it’s possible for me to do so.”

She was smiling. “So you are prepared to commit yourself to a binding relationship with up to six women.”

“Yes, I am. And in the future, if they wish to be mothers I will do what I can to enable that and support them and any offspring.”

She sat there, obviously considering the matter. “Very well. I think it would be right and proper for me to preside at your wedding, or weddings. I will need to consider how the vows should be modified in your case. Would you wish for the ceremonies to take place in your village church? Saint Timothy’s?”

“Yes. Urgent repairs are about to begin there, scaffolding is to go up tomorrow. The roof needs replacing, I understand.”

“So I hear. I was consulted, of course, by the Churchwardens there. I was happy to hear it.” She stood, and I followed suit. “I can offer you refreshment, but you have a long walk home.”

I nodded. “I’m grateful, but, yes, I need to be on my way. Thank you for your time.”

“Not at all. My duty and my pleasure. May I pray for you?”

“Certainly.” As we stood there, facing each other, she placed a hand on my head. “Father, bless Ralph as he deals with his situation. Bless his integrity, his determination, his decisions and relationships. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“Thank you, Kate. I will be in touch. As long as they don’t turn me down, of course.”

“I somehow doubt any girl will turn you down,” she smiled as she escorted me to the door. I hoped she was right.

I arrived back at the Hall just after midday. Lottie and Rosie were labouring in the kitchen, and I didn’t disturb them. I went out back and found Lisa. She faced me with a brilliant smile.

“How are things?” I inquired. “I’ve been out all morning. Lunch will be out soon.”

“It’s going well,” she said. “One more day on the kitchen garden, I think. We’re about done here,” she pointed at the flower bed, which was mostly bare soil now, just a few isolated standard roses. “These are in need of pruning, but I think they will do well. We’ll need bedding plants, but I think I know where I can get some. Come and look in the kitchen garden.” I followed her there. Most of the labourers were there, mostly a different group than the previous day, but there was Dennis systematically turning over one of the beds. Lisa pointed to a little pyramid of spades with a smile, but said, “Don’t wear yourself out. I want your full attention tonight.”

I grinned at her. “Don’t worry. You’ll have it.”

I grabbed a spade and went over to Dennis. He suggested where I could usefully work and I joined in. As before, he was turning two for every one of mine, but it was satisfying anyway. I actually quit early. I felt a bit guilty, but I apologised to Dennis. “Special night tonight,” I explained. “I need to make sure I don’t disappoint anyone.” I was not going to explain why. None of their business.

Dennis just smiled. “You go, son. Leave your spade with the others. You’ve done well, and it’s good that you’ve joined in the work.”

So there it was. I passed Lisa, paused. Reached out a hand. She took it and I squeezed gently. “I need to shower,” I told her. “I’ll be done in time to pay wages. Okay?” I resisted dipping to kiss her, but I think she read it in my eyes. I hope so, anyway.

There were twenty to pay that evening. As long as there weren’t more than twenty-five the next day I had enough cash in hand. But in the morning I would ring the bank.

Lottie came up with lasagne, chips, salad, and a fruit trifle for supper. She’d fetched a couple of bottles of Chianti to go with it, and made garlic bread. It may not have been exotic, but it was very well received all round. We ate and drank, topped up our glasses, and I stood. “Lisa, it’s your turn to be embarrassed tonight. I don’t think any of us doubted how special you are, but I am in awe of the way you are organising the garden work. I am in awe of your determination, your knowledge, your beauty. So, everyone, a toast, to Lisa. Our garden manager. To Lisa.”