Page 32 of Forsaken Secrets

He just leaned in and took a sip of his soup.

I broke a roll in two and spread butter across the top. Steam wafted out and my mouth watered in response.

Gods, I hadn't realized just how hungry I was.

I suppose saving a man would do that.

"I was just telling your aunt that the generous Ellingsworths had donated a substantial sum towards the expansion of the vicarage. We will finally be able to add a new intensive care wing."

I nodded, a sunny smile pasted on my lips and a vacant look in my eyes. All this pretending made my stomach ache.

He relaxed a bit. "We're also going to start serving meals after services on Sundays. The membership has grown substantially, and with the plague sweeping the lower city, we thought it would be a good way to support those whose families are affected. I'll be supplying stew for the next few meals, and I thought you two might enjoy attending."

My stomach boiled. That would never happen. The church was just a government operated front to let normal people feel important, and really just sent more money to the Empire. If they actually wanted to help the families of those who were sick, they'd pay to send more medics into Ellesmere! Expecting them to come all the way to the church for treatment was ridiculous.

I held the frustration inside and smiled wider. "Why thank you, sir."

Aunt Grace smiled and dipped her head like a proper lady should. "As always, you're welcome to join us here for any dinner you'd like. However, with the business, it's rather hard to take a day and dedicate it to services."

I wanted to add that his entire religion was a bag of lies, like everything else that came from the Empire. But that would cause more problems than it was worth.

Gods. It would feel good, though.

He nodded sagely at Aunt Grace, then looked at me, eyes glinting in a way that was a bit worrisome.

"Miss Maderoth, I see that the house still needs to be repainted. I thought that was your role here? Or do you just spend all your time daydreaming about those ruins? And after everything your aunt has done for you?"

Inside, I seethed, but my face stayed calm as I tilted my head to the side and laughed. "Who, me? Work like that must be done by a strong man, mustn't it? Do you see these hands?" I held them up, trying not to laugh at the dirt beneath the nails that I'd forgotten to clean out.

His nostrils flared, but he sat back in his chair and put his hand on Aunt Grace's arm.

She immediately took on that dazed look again and slid forward onto her elbows, staring at him adoringly.

How could I get his attention away from her again?

Smiling, I leaned in, pressing my elbows into the sides of my breasts. "Speaking of, I heard you were planning to take a wife this Season? You know, I'd be able to help Aunt Grace more if I were married! Any husband of mine would surely help with our debt, after all."

He spluttered, and it sent bits of stew all over the table. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing out loud.

"While I appreciate the offer — " he said.

Aunt Grace sat up straight in her chair, haze gone from her eyes, then rapped her hand on the table. "Oh, stop it Kaiya. We both know you'd never marry this man."

I sat back in my chair and quirked my brow at the vicar. It felt good to make him sweat a bit, and my words had served their purpose in waking Aunt Grace from that odd trance.

Sir Litsor's cheeks reddened, and he stood up, rubbing the light pink rosary he always carried.

Had a set of breasts really disconcerted him so much?

"Thank you both for this … lovely meal. I'd better get back to the vicarage."

That had worked even better than I'd hoped. I'd have to remember the technique for next time.

Aunt Grace pressed her hand into my arm and I looked over at her, but she was smiling at Sir Litsor. "Thank you again for dinner and the conversation. I'm thrilled for you that the vicarage will be able to grow!"

He nodded, then slipped his coat on and bowed. "Lady Maderoth. Miss Maderoth. Have a wonderful evening."

We stood and bowed our heads.

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