Chapitre 36: Chapter 36

The sextant stopped me from sitting beside Mr Waters. “Beg pardon, sir, but the front pew is reserved for family.”

I gripped the curved back of the pew so tightly I was sure I would leave gouges from each finger as the fact hit home. According to the laws of God and man, and in spite of the years we’d been together, I was not considered part of Jeremy’s family.

“No, that’s quite all right. This young man is like a son,” Mr Waters informed the sextant. He rested a hand on my arm. “Sit.”

I managed to get into the pew beside him before my legs buckled beneath me. The vicar began to speak, but I heard nothing of the service.

Afterward, I stood waiting for the coffin to be placed into the hearse for its journey to the cemetery.

“We’ll follow in the Rolls, James,” Father said.

“Yes, sir.” I watched as my parents walked slowly to it, Father’s hand cupped under Mother’s elbow.

I tried desperately to keep my mind blank. I would not think of the hollowness that now encompassed my life.