My ears pricked up and I concentrated on capturing every word as accurately as possible. ‘As you know, we are concerned about an elderly gentleman who is frail in both body and mind . . .’ Blackman began. Was he really suggesting Eli was going doolally? He seemed to me the sanest person in the village. I tried to catch Pa’s eye, but he looked away quickly and by the time I tuned in again, Blackman was saying, ‘. . . a nice warm council house with running water and electricity.’

Heads around the table were nodding. I felt my cheeks flushing with fury.

‘In addition, there are planning laws to consider. It would be a dereliction of our duty if we simply allowed anyone to camp on church land.’

Pa’s curate, Alistair Thornberry, piped up, ‘Mr Chadwick has been living in this hut for ten years or more. Who are we to tell him he must leave?’

‘It is not us, Mr Thornberry. It is the regulations. That hut contravenes planning laws.’

Pa spoke now. ‘I have been to visit Mr Chadwick, and he showed me a sheaf of letters he’s received over two years, including a threat to bring in bailiffs. Surely it is all wrong, hounding an old man like this? It is his life, after all, and he should be given the choice.’

Blackman was as cool as a cucumber. ‘You are right, Vicar. We have been trying to resolve this problem for the past eighteen months. But with respect, colleagues, we have no choice. We have an obligation to obey the law.’

‘But why? He has been living there happily, bothering no one, for a decade or more. Why is it suddenly so important to evict him?’

‘Because it was brought to our attention, about two years ago, that he has no lease. As a committee, we are duty-bound to make the best use of church land, especially when our finances are in such a parlous state. This irregular situation has been going on far too long.’

As the debate continued, it seemed that only Pa and Alistair – both relative newcomers to the committee – were prepared to stand up to Blackman, and I feared they were losing the battle. If only Miss Calver had been there to back them up. I listened with growing despair: what a spineless lot they were. Eventually Pa invited a show of hands.

‘All those in favour?’ I held my breath. Four hands went up. ‘All those against?’ Only two were left. Pa’s voice cracked. ‘The motion is passed. But if we are determined to move Mr Chadwick, we must do it through persuasion and kindness, not threatening letters.’

‘Hear, hear, Vicar.’

Blackman was determined to have the last word. ‘I must point out that by allowing this situation to persist for so many years the church has been in breach of the law. In light of this, it is my strong recommendation that this issue should remain confidential to this committee.’