competent

[Tinkerbell]

Sometimes they talked about village affairs. They worked a good deal for the church. Having done so all their lives they were well equipped for the task. Sabina was not really very practical, they whispered, and although she could chatter away to people, a little more than that was expected of a rector's wife. As for Oliver he was quite competent.
I reminded them that they used to say he had carried the parish on his shoulders when their father was alive.
That was true, they agreed grudgingly. I knew they found it hard to forgive poor Oliver for not marrying me and even more difficult to forgive Sabina for being the chosen one.

what do they mean with competent? (Because they dont like Oliver) I think there is an allegory, but i cannot understand.

 

[emsr2d2]

Sometimes they talked about village affairs. They worked a good deal for the church. Having done so all their lives they were well equipped for the task. Sabina was not really very practical, they whispered, and although she could chatter away to people, a little more than that was expected of a rector's wife. As for Oliver he was quite competent.
I reminded them that they used to say he had carried the parish on his shoulders when their father was alive.
That was true, they agreed grudgingly. I knew they found it hard to forgive poor Oliver for not marrying me and even more difficult to forgive Sabina for being the chosen one.

what do they mean with competent? (Because they dont like Oliver) I think there is an allegory, but i cannot understand.

Competent simply means capable. I would say that in this context, it is neither meant as a compliment nor an insult, simply a statement of fact. Oliver is simply doing an averagely effective job.

 

[Tinkerbell]

thank you, emsr2d2 :-D