Vow of Obedience by Veronica Black

Author:Veronica Black [Veronica Black]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780709096986
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2011-11-23T16:00:00+00:00

In chapel Father Stephens was celebrating the Benediction. Sister Joan slid into her place, a sidelong glance showing her Sister Perpetua in charge of the two novices. When Father Stephens had processed himself out into the sacristy where he disrobed and left without the cup of tea that Father Malone always accepted, there was an expectant stir among the community.

‘Sisters in Christ, after we have had our supper, we will return here to pray for Sister Hilaria’s speedy recovery and return to us,’ Mother Dorothy said, rising. ‘The loss of one recreation may be offered up for that intention. Sister Joan, you have done something about the preparation for supper, I trust?’

Sister Joan’s cheeks went scarlet with mortification. This was the second time she’d forgotten that the lay sister left a few minutes early to set the tables and see to the final stages of cooking.

‘I’ll see to it at once, Mother.’ She went out hastily, catching up with Sister Teresa in the main hall.

‘I would have attracted your attention, Sister, but Sister Perpetua was looking in my direction,’ Sister Teresa said apologetically. ‘There’s vegetable lasagne to heat up and I made a syrup pudding earlier on. Is that all right?’

‘Sister, you’re worth your weight in gold,’ Sister Joan assured her. ‘I must be the most inefficient lay sister ever thrust into that job.’

‘Your mind’s on other things, Sister,’ Sister Teresa said. ‘Now I am never more content than when there’s a floor to scrub or a dinner to cook.’

‘And that makes you a real asset, Sister. Especially at a time like this when outside events impinge upon our life in the cloister. I’ll see to the cutlery.’

If Mother Dorothy considered that the portions of lasagne were overgenerous she wisely held her peace, and with equal wisdom had chosen some incidents from the life of Saint Joseph Copertino as the mealtime reading. Nothing was better calculated to raise one’s spirits than the anecdotes of that delightful flying monk. For a little while the faint air of menace that seemed to be creeping about the convent was dispelled.

The syrup pudding duly demolished and the reading completed, Mother Dorothy rose.

‘Sister Joan, when you have seen to the dishes please join us in chapel,’ she said formally. ‘If you can manage them alone …?’

‘Yes, of course, Mother. Sister Teresa has done most of my work today,’ Sister Joan said.

‘I will also require you to sleep over in the postulancy tonight,’ the Prioress was continuing. ‘Sister Perpetua is more accustomed to seeing to the needs of dear Sister Mary Concepta and Sister Gabrielle. After the great blessing take your things over there, will you?’

‘Yes, Mother.’

She would have liked to spend the full hour in the chapel but Sister Teresa had earned her praying time. Sister Joan heaped up the cleared plates, piled them on the trays and began the toilsome business of carting them down to the kitchen. In the Tarquins’ day there had been a narrow flight of steps linking the kitchen to

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