Disclaimer- christianqueenofegypt dos not own anything in relation to or involving G.K. Chesterton's character Father Brown, or BBC's television program by the same title. The author also disclaims ownership to Lord Byron's Poem "We'll Go No More A'roving"
This is an Alternate Universe Story. This work will contain program spoilers, particularly those involving Mark Williams and Nancy Carroll as disclaimed above. The plot is original and my own. Please read, post constructive reviews, and enjoy!
So without further ado, I give you...
My True Calling
Ch. 1- When the Eyes Meet
It was a particularly warm day in late April of 1952 when Lady Felicia Montague entered St. Mary's chapel in Kembleford, Sussex the church shepherded by a man she had known nearly twenty years ago...
She was introduced to the parish priest by Marjory Lambert, one of her dearest and closest schoolmates.
"Felicia, this is our resident priest, Father Brown"
Brown eyes looked into blue and noticed the tall, stout, yet genuine, kind, and caring man with an endearing smile. Alarmingly, that smile made her heart skip a beat...
So we'll go no more a'roving so late into the night...
Though the heart be just as loving
And the moon be just as bright...
Obviously he'd noticed her as well... possibly from the papers...
Though the night was made for loving,
And the day returns too soon,
Yet we'll go no more a'roving
By the light of the full moon.
"Lady Felicia... it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" he said quietly as he gently placed a kiss to her hand, careful of decorum and company.
No envious suitors this time around she thought, and smiled.
A buzz began. The rumors had started, as they always did when she entered a room...
"Father Brown... it is an honor to meet you at long last. I have heard very high praise" the priest flushed as she winked, trying not to smile at a distant memory...
He'd never forgotten...
"Mes félicitations pour l'accomplissement de vos vœux. Je suis sûr que votre troupeau est bien pris en charge."
He nodded, raising an eyebrow. None of his flock spoke French, indeed there were some present who looked down upon England's liberal neighbors.
"Merci beaccoup Madame... Vous nous joindrez, si vous le souhaitez?"
She nodded, turned with her company, and sat down.
Father Nathan Brown felt giddy, which did not go unnoticed by several of his parishioners, especially parish secretary Mrs. Bridgette McCarthy.
"Humph! filthy foreigner" she huffed under her breath, not understanding or liking their newcomer, Lady Felicia Montague.
Mrs. McCarthy took it upon herself to be everything but a wife to dearly beloved Father Brown, ever since he came to Kembleford fifteen odd years ago.
Every morning she was quick to be sure he ate, and took general care of himself before those of his flock...
Father Brown on the other hand would have argued that the eternal souls of his parishoners were worth more than his own life, and yet, the Scripture did say 'treat thy body as to a temple unto the Lord'.
Finally, as morning worship was completed, Father Brown stood up at the pulpit staring down into the faces of his flock, after glancing down at his sermon notes about applying God's grace upon one's neighbor...
He never knew the secrets of some, the skeletons in the closet of another, and the outright malice that would befall him and his loved ones in the future...
The Lord would bring forth the deeds of darkness into the light.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
That's all for chapter 1! Stay tuned for chapter 2!
French Dictionary
-My congratulations for the fulfillment of your wishes. I'm sure your flock is well taken care of.
-Thank you very much, Madam, You will join us, if you please?