Antiques and Adversity in the Azores: A Travel Cozy Murder Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth's Fresh Start (A Treasured Journey Mystery Book 1) by Victoria Tait

Author:Victoria Tait [Tait, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kanga Press
Published: 2025-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Georgina walked around the bustling market set up on the grassy area next to the church in the centre of Furnas.

She was pleased to see a crowd gathered around Beatriz’s stall and hoped she was making plenty of sales.

Nearby, Ava and a few of her ladies were chatting enthusiastically about their training, their experiences, and their excitement for the upcoming Blue Isle Trail event.

Georgina recalled what Maria had said about the woman injured on the trail the previous year and the pending lawsuit.

It didn’t seem to be affecting Ava, who said to a couple she was speaking to, “And it’s such an achievement. Most of my clients wouldn’t dream of entering such an event, never mind completing it, but after a month or two at my retreat, they’re ready in both body and spirit.”

Georgina couldn’t help but admire Ava’s vision. Whatever her reservations about Ava’s clients, she had to admit Ava was right. So many women lost faith in themselves.

Maybe that was why they let themselves go. But at its heart, Ava’s programme was about reawakening their inner joy and helping them rediscover their self-esteem. Georgina certainly approved of such a mission.

Still reflecting on Ava and her efforts to empower women, Georgina returned to the church, where Eduardo and Padre Rui were waiting.

Together, they walked back along the floral carpeted streets to a modern, nondescript white building. It looked like a showroom, so she was surprised when Eduardo pushed open the door and ushered her inside.

She was more impressed with the minimalist interior and the restaurant’s popularity. Most of the tables were occupied by locals, and as they were led past them towards the back, she noticed a variety of dishes, including cozido, which looked more appetising than the one she’d tried on her first night, along with fish, several burgers, and some sort of seafood served in a flat, round, cast-iron pan.

“Thank you for allowing me to join you this evening,” said Padre Rui as he collected the skirts of his black cassock and sat down on a wooden chair. He had removed his embroidered stole, and the only adornment he now wore was his wooden cross. As Georgina watched, he fingered it, and she realised it was worn and rounded by use and time.

“I see you’ve noticed my cross,” Padre Rui remarked, and Georgina realised she’d been staring at it. How rude of her.

“Yes, sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to stare.”

“That’s quite all right. And I hope you might find solace in it too, and in the ability to find peace and reflection in these uncertain times.”

“Er…” Georgina wasn’t sure how to respond.

But Padre Rui continued calmly in a measured tone, “It’s only a simple wooden cross, yet it is a constant, tangible reminder of my connection to God and my purpose in serving him and tending to my flock.”

“Of course,” she said, still uncertain how to engage with this calm, spiritual man. “And how long have you been doing that here in Furnas?”

“Many, many years.

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