The Mills of God Read Online Free Page B

now, Olivia, it’s nice to meet you.’
    Her eyes crinkled at the corners. ‘And you, Nick. How are you getting on with the move?’
    He winced. ‘Slowly, I think is the right answer.’
    â€˜But do you like the vicarage?’
    â€˜I love it. I’m very lucky to get such a delightful parish.’
    He was longing to say with such delightful people in it but thought he would sound too smooth if he said any such thing. Instead he asked, ‘Now what about this recital?’
    â€˜You know that I am a violinist?’
    â€˜Yes, the churchwarden mentioned something.’
    â€˜Well, the Reverend Simpkins was always asking when I would give a concert in aid of the steeple fund. And, as I told you on the phone, at last I’ve got a free slot. Do you still want me to go ahead?’
    â€˜Of course. How kind of you. Where would you play?’
    â€˜We thought in the church.’
    â€˜I see. I believe it is used a great deal for that sort of thing?’
    â€˜Yes, a great deal.’ She laughed her captivating laugh. ‘Why, don’t you approve?’
    â€˜One doesn’t have to pray to worship,’ Nick answered solemnly. ‘One can do so in a million different ways.’
    â€˜So you’ve no objection to the music festival taking place?’
    â€˜None at all.’
    Bishop Claude had mentioned to him at the time of his application that Lakehurst had a music festival that was quite famous and that some of the concerts were held in the church.
    â€˜Tell me about you,’ said Nick, who couldn’t stop staring at her. ‘When did you start playing?’
    â€˜When I was four. I had a toy violin I used to scrape on and then my parents bought me a miniature one for my fifth birthday. After that there was no holding me.’
    â€˜Who do you most admire of the current players?’
    â€˜I’ve got a bit of a thing for Joshua Bell,’ Olivia answered, ‘and Anne-Sophie Mutter.’
    At that moment Nick became aware of someone standing at their table and looking up saw that the handsome man had left his place and was patiently waiting for a lull in their conversation in order to get a word in.
    Olivia glanced in his direction.
    â€˜Oh hello, Kasper. How are you?’
    â€˜I am well, thank you.’
    He had a foreign accent and the vicar, regarding him closely, decided that the brilliant looks could only belong to someone from central Europe.
    â€˜Nick, allow me to introduce Dr Kasper Rudniski, one of the village doctors. Kasper, this is the Reverend Nick Lawrence, the new vicar.’
    â€˜I am delighted to meet you, sir.’
    Definitely European, Nick decided, his manners were far too good for him to be anything else.
    â€˜A pleasure, Doctor.’
    â€˜May I join you?’
    â€˜Of course,’ said Nick, pulling a chair over from another table. ‘Please sit down.’
    He was very slightly annoyed that he would no longer have Olivia to himself but had to make the best of it.
    â€˜I’m afraid I am the least popular of the doctors, for my sins,’ Kasper said with a sad smile.
    â€˜Oh, why’s that?’ asked Nick.
    â€˜Because I am a “bloody foreigner”. I don’t have many patients.’
    â€˜Oh surely it’s building up by now,’ put in Olivia.
    â€˜A little maybe. But in general they go to see Dr Macey or old Dr Haskell.’
    â€˜But he must be getting on for retirement.’
    â€˜He is staying to supervise my arrival.’
    â€˜So you are new to the village?’ asked Nick.
    Kasper gave the most eloquent shrug. ‘If you can call six months new, then yes.’
    The vicar changed the subject. ‘What can I get you to drink, Doctor?’
    â€˜I’ll have a glass of vodka, if you please.’
    His speech was careful, almost punctilious, and Nick smiled as he stood at the bar. But turning his head he saw something that wiped the grin away. Dr