“We came in a hackney carriage,” Margaret said. “This is Molly, my maid. Thank you so much for permitting me to help out. I don’t know how useful I will be, but I can promise I’ll do my level best.”

Mrs. Elmhirst smiled. “I was surprised when I received your note asking me to call on your mother, for you’re not our usual sort of volunteer, but my brother remembered you very well. You made quite an impression on him.”

“He made a lasting impression on me.”

“He does tend to do that, though he divides opinion. People either love him or loathe him.”

“I can’t imagine why anyone would take against him.”

“Certain individuals resent him hindering their efforts to make money from suffering,” Mrs. Elmhirst said dryly. “Sebastian is a thorn in the side of the Board of Guardians for the Poor, too, which is where he is now, though he has promised he will be home in time to take tea with us later. I thought the best way to introduce you to the parish would be to take you on a little tour. I’m glad to see that you are dressed plainly.”

“I am as eager as my mother to avoid attracting attention here. You see before you Miss Scott. Let us say I am visiting from Edinburgh, where my brother—no, my father—is a minister in one of the poor parishes there, and he has sent me here on a mission to learn from your excellent example. How about that?”

“Goodness, what a fertile imagination you have. You will be a great asset to the children’s storytelling group. Now,” Mrs. Elmhirst continued, addressing Molly, “I think it would be best if you waited here. Our dear indispensable Esther, who is our chief cook, bottle washer, and everything else besides, will be glad of the company. If anyone calls, Esther will know what to do,” she added, turning back to Margaret. “We operate an open house policy here. People come to us with problems at all hours of the day and night. Sebastian prides himself on never turning anyone away. Occasionally, some of them are even ecclesiastical matters!”

“That sounds like an excellent plan,” Margaret agreed. She had been instantly drawn to Father Sebastian, with his charming smile and easy manner. His sister’s smile was similar, lighting up her face and reflected in her eyes, giving her an unexpectedly endearing and rather mischievous look.

“Now, Miss Scott, are you ready for your introduction to the parish?”

“Oh yes, please, but I wish you will call me Margaret. I hope we are going to be friends.”

“In that case, you must call me Susannah. Shall we?”