Page 7 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

Cassandra’s frustration with her sister reemerged when she failed to attend the service. If she wanted Julia at the wedding, she would have to try harder to talk to her.

As soon as Mr Barnes had read the closing blessing, Cassandra hurried over to speak to Miss Day, a teacher at the school with whom she was acquainted.

“I was hoping to see my sister here today. Is she unwell?”

Miss Day shook her head. “No, just tired. We were out rather late last night with friends.”

“Yet you still came to church.”

“As you know, I rarely miss a service, but I am not your sister.”

“No, indeed. I’ve tried to instil her with Christian principles since her mother’s death, but I fear it was too late by then. She was spoiled by her mama, and my father’s indulgence just encouraged the rot. At least if she’s with you, I trust she’s not falling into poor company.”

A rosy hue darkened Miss Day’s cheeks. “I fear you overrate my influence. Your sister has honoured me with her friendship, but she’s so headstrong I hold no hope of restraining her.”

“I’m grateful for whatever good you can do. And I have a favour to ask. Please can you impress upon Julia that it is imperative she calls at the rectory before nine tomorrow morning—otherwise I’ll be gone?”

“You’re leaving?”

“I must. The new rector has leased out the property from Lady Day, and his tenants arrive tomorrow.”

“And Mr Barnes?”

“Will continue to do all the work as his curate for his meagre stipend.”

“He would do better to take up the living his father offered him.”

Cassandra was taken aback at the vehemence in Miss Day’s tone. Though the younger woman had never confided in her, she had long suspected the teacher of a partiality for the curate.

Did she truly want him to leave Weymouth? If so, it seemed she had abandoned any hopes she might have had in that direction.

Poor Miss Day. Maybe it wasn’t such a dreadful notion to get married without love muddying the picture.

However, she did not feel equal to explaining that to Mr Barnes, who knew her better than any man, save her brother, having been her father’s curate for the last three years of his life.

Had Mr Hunt spoken to him yet? Had he agreed to marry them in the morning?

Cassandra glanced back down the church and saw her intended rise from his knees and open the door of his pew. He met her eyes and bowed his head.

The nod reassured her. He had not changed his mind.

But she would let him talk to Mr Barnes alone. She could not face any more questions today.

While the curate was talking to someone else, she slipped out of the door and made her way back to the rectory.

The next time Cassandra entered St Mary’s Church, it would be for her wedding.

Chapter 4

Jethro gazed at Miss Vincent’s retreating form. He hoped she wasn’t having second thoughts. It would be most embarrassing.

He waited for the rest of the congregation to disperse before approaching Mr Barnes.

“I wish to arrange a marriage.”

“Follow me,” the curate said, in the same even tone he used to preach a sermon. He betrayed no emotion at Jethro’s abrupt request. No surprise. No indication of interest at all. Conducting marriages was just one of his duties.

He led the way into the vestry and sat down at his desk. He asked Jethro for his full name, age and residence, and wrote them down. “And your bride?”