Page 30 of Molly Boys
“Shall we?” Reverend Edwin indicated in the direction of the coroner’s court. “I believe the proceedings will begin before long.”
Resigned to the company of the good reverend whether he wanted it or not, Ev headed in the direction of the entrance, the reverend falling into step beside him as the crowd parted to allow them to pass.
“I hear from Bishop Goodwin that you are soon to take the vows yourself?” Reverend Edwin remarked as they entered the building. “Do you think you’ll remain in the city or are you drawn home to the country?”
Everett barely resisted the reluctant sigh hovering on his lips. “I’m to return to Derby… so I’m told,” he couldn’t help adding under his breath.
“Forgive me, but you don’t seem very enthused by the idea.” The other man turned to study Everett closely. “Is it the thought of returning to the country or the idea of taking the vows you find unsettling?”
“Does it matter which?” Ev said quietly.
“It’s hard, isn’t it? Being the second-born son and the familial expectations that come with that designation?” Reverend Edwin responded knowingly and Everett stared at him. “I’m a second-born myself. My father was the Earl of Lindsey and my mother, Countess Isabella de Montford.”
“I’ve met your brother.” Ev realised as he studied the reverend. “The current Earl of Lindsey.”
He nodded. “Yes, I imagine you would’ve. We’re fourth cousins to your sister-in-law, Mary. My older brother inherited our father’s title and my three younger brothers enrolled in the military.” He sighed quietly. “We’ve lost two of them.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It is the way of the world.” Reverend Edwin gave a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Did you…? Did you want to join the church?”
“Not particularly, no.” The older man chuckled. “But I also wasn’t averse to the idea. I think I was quite ambivalent either way. It took a period of adjustment, but I grew to love my calling and my parishioners. Guiding those in need fulfils something in me that, as a younger man, I didn’t quite understand.”
“And now–”
“Now I’m content,” Reverend Edwin stated.
“And that’s enough for you?” Everett asked.
“What else do I need?” the man replied. “Forgive me, but you seem… adrift.” Everett shook his head.
“Do I?” They drew to a halt outside the door to the room the inquest was to be held.
“The one thing I’ve learned over the years,” Reverend Edwin said kindly, “is that things are never as good as we expect but quite often they are also not as bad as we fear. It’s normal to feel unsettled during a transitional period in your life. From what I understand, you only completed your education not even one year ago. You’re at an in-between place in your life. You’re no longer a child but have not yet embraced your future. Perhaps you will find a life of faith may quiet that restlessness in your soul, just as it did for me.”
Christ, Ev hoped not. The Reverend Edwin seemed like a kind man and he certainly liked him a hell of a lot more than the philandering old Bishop Goodwin, but Ev couldn’t imagine any part of him ever being content with that life, the one he was being dragged toward silently kicking and screaming.
“Perhaps,” Ev responded evasively, wanting to end the conversation. Reaching for the door, he opened it and stepped back, allowing the reverend to enter first and then following him.
A large window letting in the pale winter light dominated the room. Directly to the right were rows of empty seating for the jury and beyond those sat the coroner’s desk. A raised witness box sat alongside it and in the centre of the room stood a long rectangular table, with seating was already full to bursting with reporters.
Along the far wall were raised platforms holding seating for witnesses and to Everett’s immediate left were several more platforms with chairs for spectators. It was in this particular section where Ev’s gaze fell on Francis, perfectly poised in his immaculate suit and casually glancing at his pocket watch.
Ev turned back to the man standing beside him. “Reverend Edwin, I do hope you’ll excuse me, but I see an acquaintance of mine.”
“Of course.” The gentleman inclined his head and Ev turned away. “Oh, and Lord Stanley?”
Ev paused a little impatiently, eager to be away from the man and his misplaced but well-intentioned counselling.
“Perhaps you’ll visit St Mary’s,” the reverend offered. “It really is beautiful to behold and I know that Reverend Jacob would welcome you for tea at the rectory.”
“Thank you.” Ev gave a strained if not polite smile. “You’re too kind.”
“Good day to you, Lord Stanley.”
“Good day.”