Free Lamplight in the Shadows by Robert Jaggs-Fowler Page B

implied, in the basement of the remains of the old town gateway. At some stage in the history of the town, probably around the 16 th century, the building had been the tollgate for all foreigners entering the town. The basement was once a prison where debtors were incarcerated. Its stone barrel-vaulted roof (added in 1800) and original stone walls gave it an air of timelessness and intimacy, providing a pleasurable haven away from the bustle of modern life on the streets above. Only the occasional black iron ring fixed into the walls reminded the present day patrons of its original purpose.
    James raised his hand to summon a waiter and ordered another bottle of Puligny Montrachet. Although he had found the 1987 vintage to be exceptionally good, the 1988 harvest seemed to have excelled itself, producing a pleasingly clear lemon-yellow wine that, when chilled, slipped down very well alongside his choice of baked halibut.
    â€˜So, James, bring me up to date with all the news,’ said Jules, accepting another glass of wine with an eager nod.
    â€˜Well, from the surgery point of view I am delighted. I feel that I have settled very well there over the past ten months. After all this time, I would have actually been sorry to leave. That said, the offer of a partnership did come as a surprise. I really wasn’t aware that they were thinking of expanding.’ James paused as he savoured the delicate texture of the halibut.
    â€˜It’s not exactly Yorkshire though, is it?’ asked Jules with a quizzical eyebrow. He was well aware of, though had never quite understood, his brother’s long-standing love affair with windswept moorlands and dry stone walls. ‘I mean, Lincolnshire seems a bit flat by comparison. How far are you from the nearest hill?’
    James grinned. ‘I know that it’s a compromise, but it’s one I’m happy with. It doesn’t take long to get to the Dales and I could easily have long weekends there. There are, in fact, many advantages to being in Bishopsworth. Indeed, I rather feel that fate has again played in my favour.’
    â€˜Go on.’
    â€˜Well, the university really.’
    â€˜Which one? London or Oxford? It’s a little far from both, isn’t it?’
    â€˜
No
,
Hull
!’ James almost choked whilst laughing and trying to swallow at the same time. ‘Honestly, Jules, there is life beyond the Watford Gap, you know!’
    â€˜
Really
?’ Jules stared back with a wide-eyed, straight-faced expression of wonderment. Only a small flicker of one corner of his mouth and the contraction of his cheek muscles gave the game away. He was delighting in teasing his brother over his move to the north of England and away from what he considered the bastion of civilisation.
    Ignoring his brother’s taunts, James continued.
    â€˜It does give me an excellent opportunity to read theology. The course at Hull is considered to be very good and can be taken on a part-time basis.’
    â€˜So, you are still keen to take Holy Orders – as a non-stipendiary?’ enquired Jules between mouthfuls of tuna steak.
    James nodded.
    â€˜You’re not thinking of giving up medicine?’
    â€˜Most certainly not. I feel that priesthood is the one piece of the jigsaw that is currently missing in my life. I think it will fit in very well with general practice.’
    â€˜
Hmm,
darling
, I think a frock will suit you very well.’
    â€˜Enough! You know this means a lot to me.’ James was used to Jules’ teasing along those lines and could easily brush it off.
    â€˜Ok,’ said Jules, immediately dropping the camp air and becoming serious again. ‘I can see you as a priest. Church life has always suited you very well. How is Janice taking all this?’
    â€˜It really is very difficult to say. To be truthful we are more or less leading separate lives these days.’
    This was the first time Janice had been mentioned since