Chapter 73

Heads nodded, and he asked Noah to handle the beverage service. The women spent some time asking about their summer in England. Finally he held up his hand and said, “Okay, ladies, what’s up?”

“It’s the new priest,” Sylvia said.

“New priest?”

“Father Summers’ replacement. His name is Stuart Goddard, and he started on the job two weeks ago.”

“What’s he done to get you so upset?”

“It’s not what he’s done, it’s what he wants to do.”

“Which is?”

They told him in no uncertain terms. He thought about what they’d told him and then said, “That’s not good, and why haven’t I heard any of it until now?”

“Because we all agreed not to disturb or distress you while you were in England. We figured you didn’t need to be distracted from your performances.”

“Thank you for that.”

“We knew you’d be with us on this,” Sylvia said.

“What exactly have you decided to do?” he said.

She told him precisely what they planned to do.