About this story
Stephen Smith arrives younger and more nervous than expected; supper, a chess game, and a morning ride to the churchyard turn up a mason who greets him by name — his own father, a history Stephen never mentioned. Your father arrives on a crutch just as the secret comes out, wanting the truth before the commission goes any further.
How it opens
Winter wind pressed salt against the vicarage windows and shook every loose latch.
Your father lay upstairs with gout, issuing instructions through a half-open door.
Christopher SwancourtHewby's architect may arrive tonight, and you must receive him.
UnityThe cold fowl is cut, miss, though the rabbit pie looks more dependable.
Christopher SwancourtGive him high tea and the south room. Business first, ceremony later.
Choose
Set two places, Unity. I refuse to interrogate a hungry man from the doorway.
Bring his tray to the study. The plans may give us something safe to discuss.