Foxglove Manor: A Novel, Volume 3 (of 3)

On a quiet September Sunday the narrator watches the church bells fade as his wife, Ellen, reluctantly prepares for the service. Her mood is restless, and the narrator senses a hidden unease that hints at something more than simple absent‑mindedness. While she debates whether to attend, he begins to suspect a jealous undercurrent directed at the parish clergyman.

Later, he confronts Ellen with a startling observation he claims to have made while fishing: a private encounter between the clergyman and a young woman in the woods, complete with embraces and kisses. He offers this tale as proof of the pastor’s improper affection, urging his wife to intervene as a matchmaker. The conversation spirals into a fierce debate about loyalty, reputation, and the constraints of a celibate priest, leaving both spouses rattled by the implications.