Page 352 - Demo

It was seven-thirty. The local vicar, Emmanuel, and his wife, Annie, arrived first. Hazel brought them into the living room, which was now illuminated with a few side lights and with all the furniture pushed back to leave a polished wooden floor clear for dancing. She introduced them to Sister Nancy and Dean Fredrick. She explained to them that she would like to marry Gideon in the village church and wanted the Vicar to hold the wedding service.He said he would be delighted to do it.She offered them drinks and Nancy went over and started talking to them both.%u201cI am a sister at the Convent of St. Mary%u2019s,%u201d she said.The vicar smiled and said, %u201cHow delightful, Sister Nancy, to meet you finally. I have attended a few open evenings there and made a few contributions. The convent is doing such extraordinary work, and their financial support for the poor and the homeless is nothing but phenomenal. Your name is fast becoming a legend, but try as I might, I never received an opportunity to meet you.%u201dNancy blushed and lowered her eyes. %u201cI am flattered. But, I only do what all the other sisters do.%u201dThe doorbell rang. Hazel answered it to bring in a nun and announced, %u201cThis is Annabel.%u201dThe Dean went over to her immediately and spoke to her in soft tones and she went from him to Sister Nancy and the Vicar.%u201cVicar. How lovely to see you outside of the open evenings. I always enjoy our time together.%u201dNancy had to suppress a smiles as she said, %u201cOh. I hadn%u2019t realised that you have received the Vicar to your private chamber and exchanged worshipping ideas.%u201d%u201cMany times,%u201d Sister Annabel said.Hazel and Gideon came over asking what Annabel wanted to drink.%u201cGin and tonic, please. We%u2019re allowed alcohol.%u201dShe hurried off to fetch it.352The EquestrianChapter 6: The Mother Of all Parties