"Mrs. 'Bouquet'," the vicar said unwaveringly, "I am always willing to discuss religious matters—to an extent. But, you see, my profession doesn't define my life. There are other things that I like to discuss and talk about."
There was a long silence; Alice looked at Michael in admiration; Hyacinth, still turned toward them, looked dumbfounded. Alice caught a glimpse of Richard's face in the rearview mirror, and he also seemed quite approving at the vicar's words.
"Why—I—surely," Hyacinth stammered, "I thought surely you'd appreciate discussing topics of a higher nature."
"As I said, I do, but not always," the vicar said mildly. "But there are many other things to talk about—literature, birdwatching, crazy American politics—pretty much anything."
Hyacinth maintained an injured silence for the rest of the journey home, but Richard, Michael and Alice kept up lively conversation. The hour slipped by, and in the depth of late afternoon, the Buckets' car glided into the driveway of the Evans's residence yet again.
Hyacinth and Richard politely exited the car to properly bid farewell to Michael and Alice. Richard said goodbye with his usual warm enthusiasm, but Hyacinth's manner was stiffly cordial. She maintained that she'd had a good time, but there was still an air of injured pride about her.
With all parting greetings exchanged, the Buckets drove away, leaving Michael and Alice standing on the front step of their home. Neither of them said anything for a moment, but eventually they went back into their home and settled into the living room for a snack; they also reflected on what had happened that day.
"Alice, you must admit I went far and above my resolution!" Michael said airily.
"Oh, don't be so proud, that's not right," Alice teased, sitting across from her husband at the table. "You and Hyacinth Bucket ought to have a talk about the sin of pride."
Michael grimaced at the memory of Hyacinth's barrage of theological questions, but said complacently, "I finally stood up to the Bucket woman! I can't quite believe it myself—but I was getting quite tired of the 'theological inquiries', as she put it. I'm sure the Archbishop himself would have been tested."
Alice smiled at her husband and said cheerfully, "Well, you stuck to your resolution—and even more."
"Didn't I tell you? I said you'd be taking back your words, Alice Evans," Michael almost gloated. Alice looked him with mingled affection and humor and laughed merrily. She truly had never expected Michael to stop avoiding Mrs. Bucket—and to go so far as to stand up to her so strongly—that she could have never fathomed!
And, the vicar himself admitted, he had had his own doubts about whether or not he'd succeed at his promise.