Chapter 12: 12

Evan suppressed his inner excitement and walked into his house.

Duke Wilson was standing in the hall, staring at a painting hanging on the wall. The corners of Evan’s mouth moved slightly, that painting was his work. Although he didn’t do anything major in his previous life, he was in the fields of calligraphy, painting and music. He put in a lot of hard work, on one hand, to satisfy his father and on the other hand, to be able to pick up girls better. In those days, if you wanted to pick up girls, you had to know how to use the brush.

“Is this your painting?” With his back to Evan, the Duke asked with a strange softness in his voice.

Evan smiled slightly, “It’s not well-drawn, it has made you laugh.”

“No, it is well-drawn.” The duke turned to look at Evan. “Reverend Bruce, I really don’t know how many more surprises you have in store for me.”

Evan was overjoyed but he still had an humble and respectful look on his face. “The duke flatters me but It’s just a small skill.”

Duke Wilson looked at Evan with a look of admiration in his eyes. He smiled again and said, “Reverend Bruce is too modest.” After speaking, he turned and walked towards the living room and Evan followed.

When he sat down in the living room, the duke started talking, “Reverend Bruce, I came to see you this time because of a big event. I wanted to make an investment in the church but I heard that, recently, there seem to be some problems with the church’s accounts. What do you have to say about this?”

Evan was shocked when he heard this. Only he and Mrs Sanders knew about the problem with the church’s accounts. Mrs Sanders was sick and she could barely get out of bed when he went to see her the previous day. So, how did the duke find out?

“My esteemed duke, I am very ashamed to talk about this matter. It was my carelessness that led to this error. Indeed, there are some errors in the church’s ledgers, but please, rest assured that the church will definitely investigate this. I will make findings and I won’t let such a thing happen again.” Evan said with a look of heartache but he was frowning in his heart. Although the duke seemed to appreciate him very much, his words today were like a clear blow. He doesn’t understand the duke’s thoughts.

“Reverend Bruce, apart from this, do you have anything else to say? If this matter spreads to the church, your reputation will be at stake.” The duke looked at Evan meaningfully, uncertainty flashing in his eyes.

Evan was startled and he looked at the duke in surprise, but his heart turned back and forth with different thoughts in an instant. It looks like the duke already knew that the matter was related to Priest Ross.

“No, I don’t have anything else to say.” Evan lowered his head, his face growing pale and closing his eyes like he felt ill. This was completely in line with someone who was devout to the Lord but had to betray Him because of his trust in others. Like the persona of an upright person.

Duke Wilson’s eyes softened, “Reverend, why do you have to do this?” The honorific title was omitted but his tone became friendlier and closer.

Evan lowered his head and smiled, his handsome profile had a hint of gentle softness, “Lord Duke, this matter needs to be investigated again so I can’t make a decision easily. And I can’t destroy other people’s reputations for my own benefit.”

Duke Wilson sighed and his cold expression finally melted a bit, “There are very few noble and upright people like you in this world. Don’t worry, this matter won’t be passed to the church. It’ll all be sorted when you catch the culprit. You’re still the best priest in Delanlier.”

Evan finally sighed with relief, the duke seemed satisfied with this and the relationship between both of them had finally gotten closer.

“By the way, where did you go just now? Did something happen? You went out for a visit at such a late hour.” Duke Wilson asked suddenly. (my dear duke, you’re also visiting at a late hour)

Evan’s expression became somewhat stagnant, then he smiled and replied, “It’s about Miss Alia.”

Duke Wilson’s face darkened as soon as Evan mentioned this name, “What did she do?”

Evan was a little surprised, “You don’t know? Miss Alia was arrested this morning.”

The Duke frowned, “What the hell is going on?” It turns out that he really didn’t know.

Evan recounted all the events that happened that day. Of course, he, intentionally or unintentionally, exaggerated the point about Alia abandoning John.

When the duke heard this, his face was gloomy and there was a look of impatience in his eyes, “I really didn’t expect that Dr. Hester and his daughter could act so recklessly. They really don’t know when to advance or retreat.”

A meaningful smile flashed in Evan’s eyes, “I can’t blame Miss Alia. The timing was not right otherwise, so many things would not have happened.”

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Evan’s defense was so weak that even he didn’t believe it, not to mention the duke.

“Reverend Bruce, you don’t have to defend them. A noble person like you can’t understand their thoughts. John was a good person, it would not have been a loss for Alia to marry him. Why wouldn’t she be willing?” No matter how cold-blooded the duke is, he still has some intense love for the people around him.

Evan smiled slightly, “Lord Duke, love is a very wonderful thing. It doesn’t distinguish between a good or bad person. It comes from the depths of a person’s heart. Naturally, there’s no reason for love. You shouldn’t blame Miss Alia for this.”

Duke Wilson looked at Evan with a more solemn look, “Your words are really good words. I thought the church would despise an indecent lady like Alia.”

Evan shook his head with a smile. The look of compassion on his handsome face almost stabbed the duke’s eyes. His life has been full of struggling with darkness and pain from the moment he was born. But Evan was like a bright light shining into his life. He is kind, noble, broadminded, knowledgeable, and elegant, and everything about Evan seem to be the opposite of himself, which strongly attracts his attention. (Wow, the duke has been completely deceived)

The Duke took a deep breath and finally calmed down, “Reverend, do you have time next week? I want to invite you to be a guest at Cornwall Manor.” Originally, he didn’t have this intention but he blurted out this sentence without a hint of hesitation.

Evan was stunned for a moment, then he smiled and nodded, “It will be an honour.”

It was ten o’clock in the evening by the time the duke left. They had talked about art and science for a long time. Fortunately, Evan had not forgotten all the knowledge he learned from his teacher. But even in front of an indigenous person like the duke, Evan still found himself reluctant to recall it.

The duke’s senses are different. You must know that he has occupied a high place in the world since he was born and the education he received is far different from that of ordinary people. It is quite difficult to understand but Evan not only understood but also kept up with him, which is surprising on its own.

“Reverend Bruce, you are a true scholar and friend. I hope we can talk as much as we did today some other time.” Duke Wilson was very satisfied.

Although he felt guilty, he could only smile, “I look forward to having a talk with you again.”

Evan finally heaved a sigh of relief when the duke’s carriage disappeared from his sight. Dealing with the duke was too much for him.

***************

In the early hours of the next morning, news of Alia’s release spread throughout Delanlier and it was even more outrageous that it was at Sheriff Chandler’s suggestion. Alia was vilified by the papers and framed by outrageous lies, a lady who has just lost her fiancé yet suffers from such disgrace. Dr Hester’s house was surrounded by reporters and curious residents.

The Hester family were in dire straits but Sheriff Chandler was very happy. He patted Evan, who had come to inquire about the news, on the shoulder and said with a smile, “Look, Reverend Bruce, this is simply fun, as if it were Christmas. I’m sure the person who sent the anonymous letter will do something tonight and this damn case will finally be over.”

However, Evan did not dare to be as optimistic as the sheriff. He stroked the folds of his clothes and calmly avoided another attack from Sheriff Chandler. He spoke warmly, “Then, what did the Lawrence couple say? Did they have any opinion on Alia’s release?”

Speaking of this, Sheriff Chandler frowned, “Alas, they’re also a pair of pitiful people, their only child was killed like that. Mrs Lawrence almost collapsed and all the burden is on poor Mr Lawrence. We didn’t dare to tell Mrs Lawrence about Alia, the poor lady likes Alia so much but Alia hurt her like this. I’m afraid she’ll be really heartbroken when she finds out.”

The first half of the sentence was alright but Evan disagrees with the second half of the sentence. In the original book, John was cannon fodder in the end and Mrs Lawrence wanted to eat Alia raw. It got so bad that if the duke hadn’t stopped her, Mrs Lawrence would have broken the boundaries of the law.

“What did Mr Lawrence say?” Evan continued to ask.

“The old guy was so angry. He pointed at Dr. Hester’s nose and scolded Dr. Hester. His hands were shaking so much that I thought he had epilepsy.” Sheriff Chandler said, “Don’t underestimate Mr Lawrence, that little old man is very strong and none of the police officers could stop him. He almost hit Dr. Hester but luckily, I stopped him.”

“Oh?” Evan didn’t expect that Mr Lawrence would react so strongly to the incident.

After speaking, Sheriff Chandler looked at Evan with some hesitation. Evan thought it was a little funny and directly said, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Sheriff Chandler smiled shyly, “Haha, you saw through me. I have an uncle who works in the town’s post office. He is 55 years old this year but he is still in good health. He used to have a good relationship with Mrs Sanders. This time, Mrs Sanders is sick and he wants to visit, but….but…..”

Evan almost sprayed the tea he was drinking on Sheriff Chandler’s face. Someone was trying to hit on Mrs Sanders?

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