Page 28 of Miss Devoted
Arbuckle’s mistress of long standing had also had a commodious dwelling in York.
Helmsley opened the penknife and shaved a sharper point onto a long, white feather. “I take it the vicar’s wife enjoyed sound health?”
“Mrs. Arbuckle is blessed with the physical constitution of a Highland bullock.”
“I appreciate your candor, Delancey, and you’ve cleared up something of a mystery. I know you did not intend to seek a post at Lambeth when you traveled south, but the position came open, and Ophelia Oldbach recommended you. Mrs. Oldbach mostly confines her meddling to congregational politics, but she spoke up loudly on your behalf.”
“I believe she’s fond of my papa, sir, but she’s also known me since I was in leading strings.”
“She speaks highly of you, while Mr. Arbuckle, your former superior, does not. We sought his recommendation because, sooner or later, you will be on the list of former curates under consideration for a vicar’s post. Arbuckle damned you with faint praise.”
He would. Of course he would. Praise so faint as to be nearly inaudible.
“Our views of the Church’s role were at variance. Mr. Arbuckle believes in scolding, judging, and threatening the faithful into a godly life. I believe in compassion, a good example, and quiet reminders.”
“One need not choose, Delancey. One can set a good example and still scold the wayward.”
For God’s everlasting sake. The farmers and elders of Yorkshire were too busy tending their flocks and wresting a living from the land tobewayward. Tipsy from time to time, yes. Given to colorful speech, not always strictly faithful to their marriage vows, and more than skeptical of the divine rights of kings… but far from wayward.
“I was relieved,” Michael said, “when the challenge of trying to placate both my vicar and my conscience was taken from me.”
Helmsley swept the quill clippings into his palm and dumped them into a dustbin. “You young fellows forget how hard the Church has labored for the legitimacy it has, while the old fellows forget what zeal the newly ordained can bring to congregational life.”
Michael had left the best part of his youthful zeal on London’s seedier gaming tables and lost the rest of it toiling on behalf of an arrogant hypocrite claiming the status of clergy.
“In any case, sir, I do not aspire to lead a congregation at this point in my life. I am grateful for my post and very glad to once again be close to my family. I would appreciate the chance to spend more time with them rather than be sent back to the shires so soon.”
Helmsley regarded Michael in silence while the fire crackled and a clock ticked on the mantel. Michael called upon hours in Berthold’s classes and remained unmoving in his chair, gaze on the accoutrements gleaming on the vast desk.
An altar to administrative ambition.
“You don’t aspire to lead a congregation?” Helmsley asked, as if he hadn’t heard aright, though Helmsley’s hearing and his recollection were excellent.
“I do not. Mr. Ingram, on the other hand, would take to the rigors of parish leadership quite well. His theology is impressive, he’s socially adept, and he’s taught the rest of us enough ecclesiastical law to carry on without him. If he’s to rise through the ranks of church leadership, now is the time for him to take up a pulpit and learn the day-to-day realities of a vicar’s lot.”
Helmsley’s brows shot up. “You are quite the advocate for Mr. Ingram.”
“Ingram’s vocation is genuine, and he’s contributed greatly in the time he’s been here. He deserves a post that will allow him to support a wife.”
“Ah.” Helmsley steepled his fingers and tapped his thumbs against each other. “One must concede you raise a valid point. ‘It is not good that the man should be alone.’”
Genesis 2:18, and the source of many lively debates between Dorcas and Papa.
“Do I take it, Delancey, that you are not inclined to take a wife?”
“I am as inclined toward domesticity as the next man, but you know I spent most of my years in Yorkshire repaying debts accrued as a result of youthful stupidity. I have no means to support a wife, much less the children that might soon follow matrimony.”
Helmsley smiled, the full complement of his charm in evidence. “Is that a request for higher wages, Mr. Delancey?”
“No, sir. It’s a statement of fact. Had I not made such poor decisions as a younger man, I might have saved back some of my wages in Yorkshire. Arbuckle did allow me to tutor the sons of gentry and earn the occasional coin. But I erred badly and have adjusted my expectations accordingly.”
“You are detached about a situation that would make other men bitter.”
How could a person with a heart be bitter about two delightful children safe, and warm, and thriving?
“Arbuckle said I lacked warmth of feeling, though I suspect the parishioners might have felt the same about him. Am I excused, sir?”
Helmsley rose, which allowed Michael to get to his feet as well.
