Across the nave was another lovely carving, this one of a house with five prominent fir trees. The Fairhurst pew, of course, but empty this morning as was to be expected.
The rest of the church was filling rapidly, and it wasn’t long before the bells rang for the last time, the doors were closed and the Vicar walked out from the vestry to the altar.
Somewhere behind the marble columns and ageing tapestries an organ cranked to life and the service began with a hymn Adalyn knew well. The similarity of the programme, the music, and even the sermon, was balm to her nerves. She might be a stranger in this area, but she was no stranger to a church.
Settling more comfortably, she allowed the service to drift over her, rising when appropriate, sharing a hymnal with Giles and participating as much as anyone else present. There could be no criticism of the new Wolfbridge Lady’s dedication to observing a morning of worship.
The Vicar, a short man with a wonderful head of silver hair, recognised her presence with a few kind words of welcome, then moved on to more kind words, this time for the family and friends of Sir Amery Fairhurst. His untimely departure was mourned, his soul commended to the Lord, and on behalf of his congregation, the Vicar offered his condolences to the remaining members of his family.
It was nicely done, thought Adalyn, even though there were no Fairhursts present. The rest of the congregation would now know of his passing, if word had not spread far yet, and there was indeed a hushed ripple of murmuring as the Vicar announced the loss to his parish.
With a final prayer and blessing, the service concluded, and everyone rose in unison. Giles gave Adalyn his arm, and turned, watching the crowd as it began to leave the building. She caught sight of Jeremy and Daniel, who had apparently slipped in to catch some of the observances.
She nudged Giles and nodded at them. “Could they not have joined us?”
He shook his head. “Unfortunately not. I had to spend quite a bit of time with a variety of local authorities before I could get permission for myself to sit there. For a servant, no matter how important, to sit in the family pew? No. Unheard of.” He sighed. “Had they been ready earlier, they could have sat in the row behind us, but then again, it’s Sunday. At least they were here.”
She chuckled. “Not regular churchgoers, then?”
“One does what one can. And I leave the others to God and their conscience.” Giles grinned. “Come. It’s our turn now. I’m sure they’re waiting for us outside.”
Knowing there would be more than a few gathered beyond the doors, Adalyn straightened her spine and walked out into the cool morning with a smile on her face. The Vicar was profuse in his thanks and compliments, all of which she accepted with modest words and grateful nods. Giles bowed politely to the man, and then steered Adalyn away, which resulted in them passing through a crowd, receiving polite and curious smiles, a curtsey or two and many voices wishing them “Good morning”. She did her best to acknowledge them all, with her own smiles and a return greeting wherever she could.
Almost at the lychgate, a voice could be heard above the others.
“Jeremy…Good Heavens,Jeremy, is that you?”
Adalyn’s head turned to see a young woman in a smart bonnet making her way through the crowd to where Jeremy and Daniel stood by the gigs outside the church, waiting for their Lady.
She couldn’t help but notice Jeremy’s face whiten as he spotted her hurrying toward him, and she frowned when she also observed Daniel’s surprise and quick touch to his friend’s shoulder.
Who on earth was she?
“Giles? Do you know her?” She murmured the words, hoping the noise around them was sufficient to keep her question between the two of them.
“I do not,” he answered, his arm firmly drawing her beneath the lichgate and out into the drive.
By this time, the woman had made her way to Jeremy and the couple had drawn aside. They were engaged in some sort of conversation, but Adalyn couldn’t tell if either party was overjoyed or engaging in an argument. Their faces betrayed nothing but politeness.
Which she didn’t believe for a second. “Daniel, who is that?” They reached his side and he turned to them with a frown.
“I have no idea. I’m not sure Jeremy did either, until she called his name. Then he almost lost his breath.” Daniel glanced at Giles. “I think it may be someone from his past.”
Adalyn caught the look they exchanged and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. “What is the problem with that? Is there something wrong?”
Giles took a breath. “It’s a long story, my Lady. Let’s see what Jeremy says. Here he comes now.”
The three of them waited as Jeremy returned, accompanied by the young woman. Her face was a little flushed, but Adalyn could not detect a trace of tears, or joy either. Both seemed to have assumed the masks of polite acquaintances, but she’d be willing to wager her favourite shawl that this was not the case.
“My Lady,” bowed Jeremy, as formal as she’d ever seen him. “If I may be allowed, this is Miss Susanna Brockford. An acquaintance from some years ago.”
Adalyn extended her hand. “How lovely to meet you, Miss Brockford. It would appear that your arrival has surprised Jeremy…” She smiled as the other woman curtseyed.
“Indeed. I find myself very much shocked as well. My sister lives not far from here, and this is the first time I have had chance to visit. Seeing Jeremy in church…” she raised a hand to her bosom, “well it quite astounded me. As if a ghost had risen and decided to attend Sunday services.”
Her laugh was charming, her manners perfect, but beneath Adalyn sensed a turbulent emotion barely repressed.
“A delightful coincidence, I’m sure.” She turned to Jeremy. “Meeting old friends must always be a pleasant experience, Jeremy. I’m sure Giles would agree that this day should be devoted to renewing such an acquaintance.”
