Feeling overwhelmed by such an idea, Amala was glad to hear Henry say, “Your offer is very kind, Mr. Reynolds, and I think I can speak for my wife when I say that it means a great deal to us.” He glanced at her as if to ask her approval in speaking for her and she nodded. “I believe we would like some time to think about it and to discuss it with our family.”

“Of course, of course,” Mr. Reynolds said. “Perhaps later this week my good wife and I might come to your home and meet the rest of the family, and we can talk it through. You’re always welcome—at any time—to ask me any question you might have about my beliefs and my feelings on any matter, and while I might fumble and stumble at times—as I’m prone to do . . .” he chuckled humbly, “I will always be completely honest with you.”

“Thank you,” Henry said.

“It’s such a pleasure to meet the both of you,” Mr. Reynolds said. “I should let you get on with your day . . . unless . . .”

“Unless?” Henry echoed when the vicar hesitated.

“I wonder if you might like to meet my wife now. It’s not the conventional time for tea, but we can always put the kettle on. We have a couple of young children ourselves, so I can’t guarantee the parlor will be tidy, but . . . my dear sweet wife is so kind to receive guests at a moment’s notice. She’s told me she would love to meet you.” Again he looked more at Amala. “There are things about India she misses very much.”

Henry looked at Amala, silently asking for her opinion, or perhaps he preferred that she simply make the decision. Amala felt completely comfortable saying, “I would love to meet your wife, Mr. Reynolds. We have no pressing matters this morning. If you’re sure it’s all right . . .”

“Couldn’t be better!” Mr. Reynolds declared with a little laugh, again behaving as if their visit might be the best thing that had ever happened to him. But his diplomacy was completely natural and genuine.

Henry informed the carriage driver of their plans; then he took Amala’s hand and followed the vicar the short distance to the cottage where he lived, which was not far from the church. Amala immediately loved the quaint coziness of the cottage, which reminded her a bit of Paulina’s home in France—at least in its size and its warm mood. Even more, she immediately loved Mrs. Reynolds, who was so genuinely pleased to meet Amala and Henry that again Amala felt a little choked up.