Brighit laughed nervously. “Yes, of course, but I didn’t und—”
“Hope you don’t know him too well.” The priest must have seen her confusion. “The devil. I hope you don’t know him too well.”
“Oh, no, Father. I do not know the devil well.” Brighit didn’t know what he wanted her to say. Judging by his expression, she was very near to condemning herself to hell.
“Are you a virgin?”
Brighit gasped. It didn’t seem like an appropriate question and she was suddenly very afraid of this man. The clicking started again and she noticed the black stick he held in his hand for the first time. He tapped it up and down.
“Yes.” Heat flooded her cheeks and the closeness of the room made it hard to take a deep breath.
“Ah, but you’ve thought about fornication.”
Her cheeks were burning. She shook her head, afraid to speak.
“Yes. It is clearly on your face. In your eyes.” He glanced over her gown. “Remove your clothing.”
Brighit backed away and he stepped closer. “No.”
“You will do as you’re told.”
“No.” She backed against the cold, hard wall. It sucked all the heat from her body. Her palm scraped against the rough stone behind her. Realization hit her like a slap across the face. Even if she could make it past him, she had nowhere to run. “I will not reveal myself to you.”
“It is not for me but for all of us who live under God’s law here. I will be sure there is no mark of the devil on your flesh. NOW!”
Father Tinsley’s face showed no sign of distress. He hadn’t looked at her with lust. Perhaps this was the normal procedure.
Brighit reached with trembling fingers to the ties at the side of her robes.
“No.” Father Tinsley stilled her hand. His palms were wet now. “Your hair first.”
Without pausing, she ripped the wimple from her head. Her hair cascaded around her. His eyes followed her hair, taking in all of her body. The look of appreciation that crossed the priest’s face could not be denied. This man was not chaste.
His pupils dilated as he kept his eyes on hers now. As if he could see into her very soul.
“Paul says it is vanity to have hair as glorious as yours. Do you take pride in your hair.”
“I do not.” Her tone was flat.
Father Tinsley slipped a wayward strand behind her ear. She stiffened. His eyes narrowed and he searched her face.
“I find that hard to believe.” His voice was low.
She dare not breathe or she would be sick.
“Take off the gown.” He used a commanding tone now and looked a bit rattled.
Brighit noticed the change in his breathing. He scratched at his crotch. “I prefer to have another woman present.”
“This is not a matter for the others. If you have any sign that the devil has touched you, I will need to take care of it. They will not be able to help you.” He pierced her through with his look. “I am the only one who can cleanse you from Satan.”
There was not a chance in hell.
“Do as I say!” He slapped her across the face with a stiff hand.
She gasped, holding her hand to her face.
“Now!”
