Chapter 23

“If you leave the trunk here, the verger could bring it up later,” Mrs. Dawson suggested. “I don’t know where he’s at now, but when I see him, I’ll let him know. I do suppose he’s the best to give you a tour of the buildings and the grounds.”

“Wouldn’t that be the sexton?” he asked.

“Mr. Strong does both jobs, but we refer to him as the verger. So not only will he help you with your robes before service, but let him know if you see anything that need fixed.”

“Noted. I do think I can manage the trunk myself. For now, I think I’ll try to get settled in upstairs. What time is tea?”

A weak smile appeared on her face. “What time would you like it, sir?”

“Will I be too terrible if I asked for tea around six and dinner by eight?” He returned the weak smile with one of his own.

Mrs. Dawson took a deep breath and said, “Oh, no, sir. Tea at six and dinner at eight will not be any trouble at all.”

“Splendid. I suppose I should be able to make some visits between tea and dinner.”