Chapter Seven
Sunday was notable for two reasons. Firstly, it rained all day, a cold, driving rain that was almost sleet. Secondly, the members of the household attended three Bible readings in the small, dark chapel attached to Creed Hall. Edward went to the first one and listened to Arthur Strickland read from the Corinthians for an hour in a thin, dry voice and then lead the household in prayers.
“Usually we attend services in the village,” Miss Chapple told him afterwards. “But the weather, the broken bridge . . .” She shivered and pulled her shawl more tightly about her.
Edward didn’t attend the next two Bible readings. He agreed with Tigh. “I ain’t a godless man,” the bâtman said. “But thrice? Nobody needs that much preachin’.”
Edward stayed in his room, dragging the armchair as
