Clara scanned around the chapel as she looked for Tom. She smiled over at him as Roy began to play the organ, and Tom gave her a cheeky wink that nobody noticed. She spotted Margaret, Brian, Janet, Charles and Professor Binton in the crowded church and ruminated on how much she adored them all. As they started singing tonight’s biblical canticle, she heard Tom’s voice bellow out amid the choir. That feeling of belonging tugged on her heart once again.
By the end of the evening, Clara was relieved that another successful sermon had been completed and the whole congregation were rapturous.
Clara cleared her throat for her final words of the night.
‘One last thing, before we head off for the evening – I wanted to remind you all that it will be my final service next Sunday. I hope to see as many of you as possible.’
She watched as the people on the front pews nodded their heads. She knew that they wouldn’t let her down.
‘In the meantime, please do join us at the back of the chapel for drinks.’
While Clara was chatting to the familiar faces after the service, Tom approached with a big smile. She couldn’t help but touch the small of his back to indicate for him to come closer and join in with the conversation. After all, they were a proper couple now and it was time for everyone to know.
‘Brian, you know my boyfriend Tom, don’t you,’ said Clara. It was the first time she had said the word “boyfriend” in public. It felt strange but it also felt right.
‘I do indeed and, if I may say, you two were made for each other,’ said Brian with a big grin.
‘I’m glad you think so,’ said Clara.
‘It’s a great pity you’re leaving just as Tom’s put such a big smile on your face. How’s that going to work with you heading to Cambridge?’ asked Margaret.
Always the one to say it as it was, she might have guessed Margaret would be the person to ask that question. The truth was that Clara didn’t really know herself. They had spoken long into the night about how they would manage the distance with Tom reassuring her that he was happy to do whatever she wanted. The fact was that Clara hadn’t decided what she wanted to do herself, so how could she possibly ask Tom to give up life in Oxford when she had such cold feet?
‘I’m sure we’ll work something out, won’t we, Tom?’
‘Yes, indeed. I’ll follow her if I have to. How could I let such a wonderful woman leave me, hey?’
‘No, you don’t want to let this one slip through your fingers. She’s quite the catch. You’re a lucky man,’ said Margaret, before losing her train of thought and asking who Stephen was.
‘I think he’s going to be my replacement,’ said Clara sadly.
‘Oh, how terrible. He’s probably a very nice man but I do like having a woman as my reverend,’ said Margaret.
‘That’s very kind of you. Although I’m certain Stephen – if he gets the position – will do a stellar job.’
His ears must have been burning as he hurried over.
‘You were great, Clara. I enjoyed that very much. I do hope I’ll be half as good as you if I am to get the position,’ he said, in earshot of Lawrence.
She couldn’t help feel cynical and wonder if he wanted brownie points. She scolded herself. Since when was she so mean?
‘Fingers crossed you get the position. I’m sure Lawrence will let you know soon.’
‘I hope so. I’ve already fallen in love with the place. It’s just exquisite here. I can’t believe you’d give this place up.’
‘To be honest, neither can I, Stephen.’
The last thing she needed reminding of was what a wonderful place she had the honour of working in. She sighed. As her departure date drew closer, saying goodbye was becoming more and more difficult.
To rub salt into her wounds, the next morning, Lawrence was over the moon to inform Clara that he had settled on her replacement.
‘As you might have guessed, Stephen was the successful applicant for your position.’ He beamed.
‘Ah, yes. I assumed so. He did seem to get the special treatment.’
‘Well, he was the perfect candidate. I know he’ll get along very well here.’
‘I’m sure he’ll love it just as much as I always have.’
