Chapter12
Peter stood at the pulpit,looking over his congregation before continuing with his sermon. “I’m not immune to the difficulties in life that many of you face. However, if there is one thing to remember, it’s this. God’s love is not given to only a few; our Lord has love for everyone. Let us try to emulate an all-forgiving and loving God and apply that lesson to our own lives,” Peter said.
He saw many nods of agreement and hoped his message was being received in the spirit with which he preached. One of his core beliefs was that everyone should help their fellow man when they could and not discount a person because of their station in life. Everyone deserved to be treated fairly and with respect.
He’d been in Reading for a little over a fortnight, and it made him happy to see many familiar faces. The church attendance had picked up, slowly at first, but now he could count on the church benches being mostly filled. The fact that he had toned down Mr. Randolph’s two-hour fire-and-brimstone sermons had helped refill the church pews. Even Mr. Randolph had agreed with the change. He’d said his previous sermons were written at the request of the old vicar, and that he was then so used to that style that he didn’t change it even after the old vicar died.
“And so, good people, go in peace. The Lord be with you. Amen.”
His parishioners answered, “Lord be with you.”
Peter smiled as he walked down the center aisle. He caught a glimpse of Grace before he went out the door, and she smiled at him. This was his favorite part of Sunday services, when he could personally greet everyone. The parishioners started exiting the church and stopped to briefly chat with him.
“Mr. Wallings, a lovely sermon, indeed,” Mrs. Harding said, leaning heavily on her cane.
“Mrs. Harding, a pleasure to see you today. How are you faring?”
“Quite well. Ever since my roof was repaired, things have much improved, and it’s all because of you.”
“Well, I believe it’s thanks to Mr. Brighton, who was able to repair the roof.”
“Yes, of course, but it was you who actually paid him. I’d lost faith that it would ever be repaired under the old vicar.”
“I’m glad you’re safe and dry now.” Peter had been so appalled at Mrs. Harding’s living conditions that her roof was the first project he spent money on.
“Thank you again, Mr. Wallings. Good day to you,” Mrs. Harding said.
“I shall stop in for a visit soon. Good day, Mrs. Harding.”
Peter continued to greet folks as they exited the church.
“Good day, vicar. I enjoyed your sermon,” Lord Dudley said.
“Thank you, Lord Dudley. I’m pleased to see you. Is your father not with you today?”
Dudley frowned before smoothing his face. “No, he’s under the weather today.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I shall come by to see him again. Would this week be convenient for a visit?”
“Yes. I’m sure my father would appreciate a visit.” Dudley leaned closer to the vicar. “I must warn you, though, his mind tends to wander more these days.”
“I understand.”
“Good day, Mr. Wallings.”
“Good day, my lord.”
Mr. Randolph and Mrs. Stillman were next in line, and he was pleased to see her with her children in tow.
“Mrs. Stillman, how are you faring today?” Peter asked.
“Very well, Mr. Wallings. Thank you. I don’t believe you’ve met my two oldest children. This is George and Alice”
Peter gave them a bow. “It’s lovely to meet you both. I trust you two are helping your mother with the younger children.”
George frowned, but Alice poked him in the ribs. “Yes, vicar. We try to do what we can.”
“Excellent. Glad to hear that. Everyone needs a little help. I look forward to seeing you both in school this week.”