Chapter 83

“Any children?”

“No, but not for the lack of trying in the beginning.” She looked him in the eye, but blushed slightly.

“Mr. Shocking, have you had a sexual affair with Reverend Norris?”

“Of course, he has. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t so. We aren’t opportunists,” she said.

Charles raised his voice. “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Shocking, but I need to hear from Mr. Shocking himself.”

“Well, go on…tell him,” she said to her husband.

After a moment, Mr. Shocking said, “Yes, we’ve been involved for about five years.”

“Took advantage of our friendship and goodwill, he did,” Mrs. Shocking added.

Charles focused on Mr. Shocking. “Can you tell me more about it? How did it start?”

“You call yourself a man of the church? What kind of decent question is that to ask a man visibly upset by the situation?” Mrs. Shocking asked.

Mr. Shocking took his wife’s hand and squeezed it. “Dear, please, the bishop needs to hear this.”