Page 7 of Love, the Duke
A skeptical grunt slipped past Hurst’s lips.
Undaunted, she added, “Maman and I searched every nook and cranny in the church and the vicarage.”
“The devil you say. You couldn’t have possibly.”
Her shoulders tightened again. “We did, and perhaps you should watch the words you choose tosay, Your Grace.”
Hurst didn’t take well to the slight reprimand for hislanguage. He understood that she was upset and highly passionate about this, but he had limits too.
“Considering your attire, you are lucky I haven’t said worse words that aren’t appropriate for your hearing.”
Undaunted, she dropped her arms loosely by her sides and assumed an air of authority. “We read through Winston’s personal diaries, sermons, and everything he possessed.” She stopped, twitched, and then continued. “It was difficult to do, of course, but necessary.”
That was understandable.
“We left nothing unturned, no piece of furniture unmoved, and everything that could be looked at was.”
He was beginning to believe her about that.
“Anyway, we combed through the recent registries, visitors’ logs, and prayer books. Not a hint of anything revealed what might have happened to the chalice. We knew when the new vicar arrived, he would inventory the treasury and livings of the rectory for the elderly bishop. The priceless chalice would be missing. We had no doubts Winston would be accused of the theft as they were his responsibility. His impeccable name and legacy would be tarnished forever. That thought, along with my mother bearing the shame of the townspeople thinking her son was a thief, has been crushing to both of us.”
It was clear by her expression and the way she held her hands together tightly in front of her that both those possibilities were devastating to her. “Then if it can’t be found, I will make restitution for the theft.” This, he realized, would be a way to repay his debt to his friend and keep the parish happy as well.
Surprise, mixed with apprehension, swept her features and she swallowed hard. “That’s very generous of you but not what I want.”
Hurst furrowed his brow again. “Then what do you want from me?”
“I want you to help me find the chalice and return it to the church before anyone knows it is missing.”
