Unholy Rites by Kay Stewart, Chris Bullock Read Free Book Online

next week, after the mid-term break. That will help him make new friends,” Clough said. “The rest is up to young Eric.”
    Would the boy make it? Danutia wondered as they trooped back down the stairs. He was being offered a stable home, a new start at school, and a chance to learn a trade under the tutelage of a kind man. Compared to those kids at Monsal Mill, he had it easy. If he screwed up, it would be his own fault.

Five
    The Reverend Mr. James Marple , soon to be vicar of St. Anne’s, handed Arthur his coat. “I’m so sorry your dear mother couldn’t be with us tonight. She would have been fascinated by Dr. Nuttall’s tales of African witchcraft, I’m sure. I understand she had a taste for pagan superstitions.”
    Arthur shoved his arms into his duffel coat, too furious to respond. Patricia Wellcome, changing shoes for boots beside him, said, “Now James, you’re forgetting how much the Christian tradition draws on its pagan predecessors.”
    â€œForgive me if I’ve spoken out of turn,” Marple said. “And thank you again for coming this evening. My sister doesn’t get out into company much and I wanted to give her a little social life while she’s visiting. It is Valentine’s Day after all.”
    The Rev Pat pulled on her gloves. “I’m sure she appreciates your thoughtfulness. She’s certainly an excellent cook. Now if you’re ready, Arthur, I’ll see you home before the roads get icy.”
    â€œI should have stayed home, and then you wouldn’t have had this drive,” Arthur said, folding his long legs into the tiny Vauxhall.
    â€œJames can be a trial, no doubt about that.” She inched to a stop, waited for a break in the stream of headlights, then made the turn from Ashford onto the A6. “However, there is a reason I urged you to come.”
    â€œSo that Marple could sic his man-hungry sister on me? Geoff would have been sufficient dog-meat, don’t you think? Clever fellow, skyving off before the pudding. I’ll bet he set off his pager himself.”
    Her rich laughter filled the tiny car. “Though you have to admit, she’s an attractive enough woman—”
    â€œFar too moody for me.”
    â€œI had something more serious than matchmaking in mind. Sooner or later, you’re bound to hear that your mother was dead set against James’s appointment, though she wouldn’t explain her reasons. I wanted you to see for yourself that the man is essentially harmless, even if he is a pain in the ass.”
    Arthur’s ears pricked up. Was this the problem his mother had wanted to discuss with Danutia? “How do you know he’s harmless?”
    â€œI was on the Parish Council hiring committee. All the applicants were thoroughly vetted. Marple’s record as a young teacher was a bit spotty, but since he was ordained, he’s been diligent in carrying out his duties, as far as we could ascertain. Your mother told me privately that she’d heard rumors about Marple, but she wouldn’t repeat them unless she was able to substantiate them. She hadn’t done so by the time the committee had to submit its shortlist. Frankly, Marple wouldn’t have been my first choice, but small rural parishes have to take what they can get.” She pushed her granny glasses back into place. “Maybe it was a poor choice, after all.”
    â€œSee, Mum was right.”
    â€œThat’s not what I mean.” Her words came more slowly. “On the night she died, I’d just learned about Marple’s appointment, and unfortunately, I mentioned it at our Candlemas celebration. Ethel was very upset. I’m afraid the news may have brought on the heart attack that killed her.”
    â€œDon’t blame yourself,” Arthur said. “I’m sure Mum wouldn’t. You were so kind to her after her stroke.” His mum had been visibly comforted by the