Occasionally I would flick my eyes away from the guilty pleasure of watching the thrashings to an anxious observation of the Cardinal. It was so, so, vital that he enjoyed this; vital for me, and vital for the future of St Cruxton's.
But not as vital as that St Cruxton's should win! Thousands of pounds of church investment into my diocese, which included St Cruxton's, depended upon it! I had personally suggested the novice with the long, dark hair. The moment I'd seen her I'd realised her potential. She, I thought, might well beat the French and Scots. The Cardinal appreciated what I liked to call 'edgy humility'. The French girl and the Scot were far too feisty for him. They'd make a fine spectacle but they hadn't a prayer of winning the competition!
The Cruxton girl was wonderful, she was exactly the Cardinal's cup of communion wine!
Or so I'd thought until I saw the Threepwood girl. That girl from Threepwood! Now she was a matter of grave concern for myself and for Cruxton's. The way she sat, weeping. The way she'd looked up at the Cardinal, like a waif from Les Miserables! What, I wondered, had he said to his aide? What had he written?
Ah! Here come the crosses, and the crowns of thorns. Please God, let the dark-haired girl put in the performance that'll win it for St Cruxtons!
I almost wish I could remember her name.....
But not as vital as that St Cruxton's should win! Thousands of pounds of church investment into my diocese, which included St Cruxton's, depended upon it! I had personally suggested the novice with the long, dark hair. The moment I'd seen her I'd realised her potential. She, I thought, might well beat the French and Scots. The Cardinal appreciated what I liked to call 'edgy humility'. The French girl and the Scot were far too feisty for him. They'd make a fine spectacle but they hadn't a prayer of winning the competition!
The Cruxton girl was wonderful, she was exactly the Cardinal's cup of communion wine!
Or so I'd thought until I saw the Threepwood girl. That girl from Threepwood! Now she was a matter of grave concern for myself and for Cruxton's. The way she sat, weeping. The way she'd looked up at the Cardinal, like a waif from Les Miserables! What, I wondered, had he said to his aide? What had he written?
Ah! Here come the crosses, and the crowns of thorns. Please God, let the dark-haired girl put in the performance that'll win it for St Cruxtons!
I almost wish I could remember her name.....