Words

"Not in the bible?" Adam asked. "Sounds pretty biblical to me."

"No dear," replied Edith - apparently the resident expert on matters religious. "I was always taught it was Benjamin Franklin, though it seems there's some debate about this. Whoever did say it, one thing it certainly isn't is the word of God."

"Hah!" interrupted Margaret. "Not like the rest of the bible was actually dictated by the big man upstairs, is it."

Edith chose to ignore this. "And when you think about the message of the words, it's hardly very Christian, is it: surely the Lord's word is about helping the helpless."

She looked challengingly in Margaret's direction, as if inviting an argument - but this time the other woman said nothing.

"No," she continued. "If you ask me, 'The Lord Helps Those Who Help Themselves' is just about plausible enough to sound religious to those who are ignorant of the word of God. Er, no offence intended," she added hastily, looking in Adam's direction.

"I still don't see what the big mystery is," continued Adam. "I mean, you've got this New Church, or whatever they're called, coming here - and you've got Mister Hewson and his lot buying the old church. Surely they're just trying to make a few quid?"

He looked at the women seated around the table, then went on, "I mean, they realise these religious weirdos - no offence intended, either - are going to want a place to do whatever it is they do, and they've bought the obvious choice. They must be planning to sell it on at a profit."

Alice nodded slowly, smiling to herself. "That would make perfect sense, Adam. But for one thing."


Story starts here.