Page 195 of The Armor of Light
‘He’s not here, sir. He’s a Methodist.’
‘Ah.’
‘More importantly, the man is an adulterer, and half the town knows it.’
‘Good gracious.’
‘Even more shocking, his mistress is Arabella Latimer, the widow of your predecessor.’
‘This is extraordinary.’
‘The affair began long before Bishop Latimer died, and the woman has a five-year-old child which is widely believed to be Spade’s. The bishop in his rage christened the child Absalom. The significance of that will be obvious to a learned man such as you.’
‘Absalom dishonoured his father, King David.’
‘Quite. There is of course no proof of adultery, but I would not like to see Spade become an alderman of this city.’
‘Nor would I. But, Hornbeam, I have no say in the choice of aldermen – surely that’s your field?’
This was the key question, and the most difficult part of Hornbeam’s pitch. He said: ‘I’ve come to you as you are the moral leader of Kingsbridge.’
‘Indeed. But I don’t see...’
‘Might you preach a relevant sermon?’
‘I can’t condemn a man from the pulpit with no proof.’
‘Indeed not. But in general terms? A sermon on adultery?’
The bishop nodded slowly. ‘Perhaps, though it’s a bit explicit.’
‘Then the subject might be not closing our eyes to sin.’
‘Ah, that’s better. The scriptures refer several times to “winking the eye”, which means exactly what you’re talking about.’
‘If a man does wrong, it should not be overlooked – something like that, you mean?’
‘Quite.’
Hornbeam was encouraged. ‘You see, Spade’s sin is often talked about, quietly, even furtively, but never openly acknowledged.’
‘And so he carries on, unrepentant.’
‘You have hit it exactly, my lord bishop.’
‘Hmm.’
Hornbeam realized he was not quite there. He needed a specific commitment. He said: ‘You would need only to hint that a known sinner should not be elevated to a position of respect. No accusation need be made. People would take your meaning.’
‘I must give this some thought. But thank you for alerting me to the problem.’
That was all Hornbeam was going to get. He had to accept it and hope for the best.
‘You’re welcome, my lord bishop,’ he said.
*
Spade told Arabella he had something to show her, and asked her to meet him outside No. 15 Fish Lane. He got the key from Roger Riddick.
