Seventh Commandment by Lawrence Sanders

Author:Lawrence Sanders [Sanders, Lawrence]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4532-9841-1
Publisher: Open Road
Published: 2012-12-27T16:39:00+00:00

23

MRS. OLIVIA STARRETT AND Father Brian Callaway sat at the long dining room table and waited silently, with folded hands, while Charles served tea. He was using bone china from Starrett Fine Jewelry in their exclusive Mimosa pattern.

He offered a tray of assorted pastries from Ferrara, then left the platter on the table and retired, closing the door softly behind him.

“Very distressing news indeed, Olivia,” Father Brian said, adding cream and sugar to his tea. “You must have been devastated.”

“I was,” Mrs. Starrett said, “and I am. We have never had a divorce in our family, on either side.”

“Has he spoken to Eleanor yet?”

“Not to my knowledge. He said he wanted to tell me first. Clayton is a good son.”

“Yes,” Callaway said. “Dutiful. Was he asking for your approval?”

“Not exactly. He did say that if I forbade it, he would remain married to Eleanor. But I cannot order him to continue what he calls a loveless marriage. The poor boy is obviously suffering. Do have an éclair.”

“I think I shall; they look delicious. And how do you feel about his marrying Helene Pierce if the divorce goes through?”

“And I think I shall have an anise macaroon. Why, I believe Helene is a lovely, personable young lady, but much too young for Clayton. However, he feels the age difference is of little importance. And I must confess I have a selfish motive for wanting Clayton remarried, to Helene or any other woman of his choice. Before I pass over, I would like to hold a grandchild in my arms. Is it wicked of me to think of my own happiness?”

He reached across the table to pat one of her pudgy hands. “Olivia, you are incapable of being wicked. And your desire for a grandchild is completely natural, normal, and understandable. Eleanor cannot have another child?”

“Cannot or will not,” Mrs. Starrett said sorrowfully. “She has never fully recovered from the passing of little Ernie. Do help yourself to more tea, Father.”

“What a tragedy,” he said, filling their cups. “But pain, sadness, and passing are all parts of the holy oneness. We must accept them and indeed welcome them as a test of our faith. For from the valley of despair the soul emerges renewed and triumphant. Do try a napoleon; they’re exquisite.”

“But so fattening!” she protested.

“No matter,” he said, smiling at her. “You are a very regal woman, Olivia.”

“Thank you,” she said, glowing with pleasure. “Father, may I ask a favor?”

“Of course,” he said heartily. -”Anything you wish.”

“I suggested to Clayton that he might consult a marriage counselor or speak to you before his decision becomes final. If there is any way at all the marriage can be saved, I must try it. Would you be willing to talk to Clayton and give him the benefit of your experience and spirituality?”

“I would be willing,” Callaway said cautiously, “but would he?”

“Oh, I’m sure he would,” Olivia said warmly. “Especially if you told him it was my express wish that the two of you get together and try to find a solution to this problem.

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