When Saturday evening came, Henry was surprised to hear Oliver announce near the end of supper, “You are all welcome to do as you please, but I won’t be attending church services tomorrow. I’ve not missed a Sunday during the whole of my life unless I was too ill to attend, but I’ll not be attending any further as long as that man is leading the service. I cannot tolerate such hypocrisy, especially knowing how much his attitudes have hurt you, my dear.” He nodded toward Amala, who looked astonished. “Therefore, I will remain at home, where we have copies of hymnals and the Bible, and I’m certain I can express my devotion to God without the distraction of wanting to stand up and expose this supposed clergyman for the charlatan that he is.”

“I fear that if you did so,” Amala spoke up, making Henry realize how very little she had spoken at all since Kat’s death, “most of the congregation would agree with him.”

“All the more reason to remain at home and worship God in the privacy of my own home,” Oliver declared. “I will honor the Sabbath as I always have, but I will not be attending church services. You are each welcome to do as you wish.”

No one made any further comment, and the topic of conversation was changed, but the following morning at the time they would usually be getting into the carriage to go to church, the entire family showed up in the drawing room dressed in their finest as if they were going to church, which seemed appropriate for a gathering—even such a small one—meant to express their devotion to God. They sat down together, and Oliver—being the head of the household—led the family in singing hymns, praying together, and reading passages from the Bible, which they discussed in depth. When their little family service was over, Henry felt better emotionally and spiritually than he’d felt following any Sunday meeting since the vicar had treated him and Amala so cruelly.