Mr. Guthrie stood as they approached. He took note of the way Henry was holding Amala’s arm and was clearly trying to hide his astonishment. Amala felt certain that Henry was holding to one last hope that this man might understand and become their ally. She wished now that she had protested more boldly yesterday over this idea and that they’d never come here.

“Mr. Guthrie,” Henry said with no hint of the hurt and anger Amala knew he was feeling, “we have somewhat of a predicament, and I’m hoping you can help us.” Mr. Guthrie nodded and Henry went on. “You see, I very much wish to marry Miss Hepworth and . . .”

The vicar’s eyes widened with either astonishment or horror—or perhaps one attempting to disguise the other.

“And . . .” Henry continued, “in spite of knowing there could be obvious challenges, I would like to believe that someone like yourself, who represents God to the people of our community, could recognize that surely God sees all of His children as equals, and that you might offer your blessing and support to us in this endeavor and perhaps help the people of this community be more understanding.”

Amala felt a little dizzy and took hold of Henry’s arm with her free hand in order to remain upright as the vicar immediately broke into a tirade of the abomination of even considering such a marriage. He boldly declared his belief that people of color were cursed by God and their seed should not be mingled with that of the pure, white English. Amala wondered how she was even managing to stand there while this man said everything to her face that she felt certain the people of this community were frequently saying behind her back. And yet it was far worse than even she had imagined.

In spite of barely maintaining her composure, Amala couldn’t help but be aware of Henry’s shock. It was as if he’d been struck by a hot gust of wind that had hit him with such force it was threatening to knock him off his feet. When Mr. Guthrie finally paused to take a breath, Henry declared with heated indignation, “And you have the nerve to call yourself a man of God. I should very much like to be present when you meet our Maker, and see the look on your face when He asks you to explain your hatred and bigotry.”