An All-Consuming Fire Read Free

get away from the office—so fortunate that McKinsey transferred him to their London office. And Charlie and Judy fly into Manchester on New Year’s Eve.”
    Felicity nodded. That was her brothers accounted for. Might as well get on to the elephant in the room. “And Dad?” She held her breath. When she was a little girl and played brides her tall, handsome father had never failed to walk her down the imaginary aisle, even humming the Wedding March for her. And he always lifted the net curtain or lace tablecloth that was serving as a veil at the moment and gave her a peck of a kiss on her waiting cheek. But would he be here for the real event?
    “Did I tell you he’s ditched his doxy? I’m sure you can count on him to show up in time to walk you down the aisle.” Felicity wondered just how rehearsed her mother’s offhand attitude was. She so hoped her parents would make another attempt at putting their wobbly marriage back together but at this point least said was undoubtedly best.
    “Darling, are you quite sure about having Judy for your matron of honor—or whatever they call them here? She is six months pregnant, you know.”
    “Chief Bridesmaid. And of course I know. That’s why I chose empire-waist dresses for my attendants.”
    “The rose pink is a lovely color, dear. But mail order?” Cynthia shook her head. When Felicity didn’t respond she went on. “And about your dress—I understand not having a strapless gown—even though it
is
the fashion—being in a monastery and all that.” She made it sound like a prison, Felicity thought. “But it’s not too late to have some beading added.”
    “Mother—” Felicity made no attempt to keep the threatening note from her voice.
    “Just a few pearls? A sprinkling around the neckline, darling? It would be so lovely with your skin.”
    “I’ll wear the pearls Father gave me for my sixteenth birthday.” Felicity closed that topic.
    So Cynthia reverted to her earlier subject, “Well, I think it’s very loyal of you to have your sister-in-law and Antony’s sister. But only two attendants? You know, darling, this English tradition of using children for attendants—it’s really quite charming and it isn’t too late. There must be little girls at that church where you work. I was looking at some dresses online. Of course you don’t remember Charles’ and Diana’s wedding—it was before you were born—but the children were absolutely adorable. Here, I can find it on the DVD—” She reached for the television remote.
    Felicity didn’t know whether to laugh or scream. “I have to study, Mother.” She marched down the short hallway to her bedroom and shut the door none too quietly on the still-talking Cynthia. In truth, she did have that pesky essay on Richard Methley’s Latin translation of
The Cloud of Unknowing
to do, but she certainly wasn’t going to tackle it now. Felicity flung herself on her bed and pulled the pillow over her head.
    She had relaxed just enough to emerge from under her pillow when the community bell began to ring. Ah, perfect. Now she could avoid her translation work without feeling guilty. She thrust her feet back in her shoes and hurried down the hall. Cynthia looked up from the wedding planner spread out over the coffee table. “Oh, good, I just wanted to ask you—”
    Felicity forced herself to smile. “It’ll have to wait, Mother. The bell is ringing for evensong. It’s
O Sapientia
, so I don’t want to be late.” She pulled a coat off the rack by the door.
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about but I would love some fresh air.” Cynthia likewise took a jacket off a hook and they went out together into the dark of the December evening. “Could you possibly slow down just a teeny bit, darling? This hill is steeper than it looks.”
    Felicity slowed her long-legged stride fractionally. “I keep telling you high heels are totally impractical here, Mother. I don’t want to be late. Nor do I want you to