Disclaimer: cqofegypt owns nothing
Nathan Brown: If you're out there... RUN!
Note to reader: Bold/Italic- spoilers from show
Thomas is played by Stephen McGainn from Call the Midwife- They also had Laura Main more on her later.
Felicia/Felicity's backstory will be explained in future chapters.
Read and Review!
Father Brown and Mrs. McCarthy stood watching the McKinley's walk off, after Charlotte McKinley made arrangements with Nathan for a blessing on their house; apparently, she thought her sister Elspeth was stalking the place.
Do you remember Elspeth Grainger going missing?
I most certainly do. I always thought if you hadn't been off on the pilgrimage to Lourdes for the duration, he'd never have got away with it.
Who?
Victor McKinley.
Charlotte's husband? What was he accused of? Abduction?
Murder. But they had to let him go. No body, no evidence.
That does tend to put the kibosh on an investigation.
She just vanished off the face of the earth. If ever a house were haunted, Cudeley Manor would be it.
Lady Felicia Montague walked over to them, much to Nathan's delight. They hadn't gotten to speak together in a while.
Cobblers to borrow from the vernacular.
Nathan looked over at Sid, Lady Felicia's driver in suspicion.
She didn't get that from me.
Go offer the McKinley's a lift, would you?
She turned back to the priest and the secretary standing side by side, her stomach turning.
Next time you want to gossip, Mrs. McCarthy, run it by me first. Elspeth eloped, to get away from that domineering father of theirs. Everybody knows that.
Nathan watched Felicia walk away, wondering just how she knew that…
You can't explain it, can you, Father?
What?
The "ghost", or the disappearance?
Either. She took a breath, then started back up again.
Maybe they're connected. Maybe Elspeth's spirit is taking its revenge.
What was Lady Felicia's term? Oh, yes "cobblers". He found a book that he'd wanted to read for ages.
A clue?
This has been out of print for years! He put the volume into his cassock.
Father! You're not going to steal it?!
I'll give it back. She's hardly going to be reading it, is she? Not in the short term.
Father? You'd better hurry up. Valentine's here.
That'll do for now. And don't leave town.
Inspector
What?
This is a big operation for someone who's only been missing for a few hours.
Valentine rolled his eyes.
It's a potential murder investigation.
Nathan looked alarmed. You think she's been killed?
He's done it before. And got away with it. I'm not going to let it happen again.
The priest shook his head.
You're saying Victor McKinley might have killed both of them?
Victor was struck off for mis-prescribing strong sedatives, and all indications are that Mrs. McKinley was drugged or Carter and her daughter would've heard her being abducted.
She could have left the house of her own accord. Nathan suggested, hoping to give McKinley the benefit of the doubt.
No, she couldn't. Not alone, anyway. The only other exit is by the windows. But there's only two sets of keys, and Charlotte didn't have either of them.
Who did?
Valentine smirked. Ah! Finally, you're asking the right questions. The builder, Seth Wake, had one. And the other
Nathan continued shaking his head. What possible reason would Victor have for abducting his own wife?
Later, Nathan was snooping, trying to keep away from Inspector Valentine.
Meanwhile, Felicia was taken aside by Victor McKinley.
I didn't know who else to call.
Well, I'm flattered that you picked me. Anything I can do, anything at all
I need an alibi.
Felicia looked at him, surprised.
Sorry?
They'll try to pin this on me. After what happened with Elspeth, the Inspector will have a field day!
Felicia felt the Holy Spirit tugging inside her stomach… this didn't feel right…
You want me to lie for you?
If not for my sake, for my daughter's. She doesn't deserve to go through that again.
If I say I was with you, alone, all evening you know what this means for my reputation.
Victor scowled, angry that she wasn't so easily won. What reputation?
Felicia glared at him. Insults are not the way to convince a lady to do you a favor.
Victor shook his head. It's not that, is it? You think I might've done it…
Victor McKinley was later arrested. Felicia avoided Nathan at all costs, hoping it would keep him from questioning her.
Unfortunately, that was not to be brought…
Inspector, about Victor McKinley's arrest Victor's out. Lady Felicia's given him an alibi. Lady Felicia? I'm amazed you didn't know. They were sweethearts' years ago. Apparently, they've rekindled their affair.
At the west end of the house they found it.
Get Dr Miller. Valentine barked. He's going to want to certify this. We've got a body.
Selina screamed. No! Please, no!
Nathan rushed to keep the girl from falling in. It's all right. It's not your mother.
She looked anxiously into his eyes. How do you know?
Father Brown shook his head. Whoever that is, they're long dead.
Mrs. McCarthy came over to have a look, and nearly fainted. Nathan was tempted to let her fall in.
Oh, dear God. A skeleton! You know what this means, Father?
Nathan rolled his eyes. I'm sure you're going to tell me.
They've finally found Elspeth. And if Elspeth's dead, and Charlotte went missing in exactly the same way they have to be linked! Two murders. It's Victor McKinley, you mark my words.
Nathan glowered at Felicity. But Victor's got an alibi.
Felicia gulped. Nathan hadn't looked that suspicious since their roundabout with Mr. Short... oh dear...
Felicia, in the company of Father Brown, went to the police station to recant her testimony. Nathan wondered why…
"Inspector, it's about Seth Wake. He has an alibi for the night Charlotte went missing. He was with me, on Kings Road."
Valentine so much as scoffed in her face. "Forgive me, Lady Felicia, but are you planning on giving an alibi to every man I interview?"
Nathan and Felicia were back at the presbytery, the priest sitting down to tea, a look of disappointment on his face.
Felicity watched him anxiously, hoping he would say something soon, the suspense was killing her.
"So, you lied"
Felicity was incredulous. "I did no such thing!"
Nathan glared at her over his glasses.
"Recanting your testimony means that you lied about something, or everything… did you know that?"
The Countess shook her head.
"You've stated you didn't lie; if not, then why did you give an alibi to both men?"
Felicity sighed, hoping she wouldn't have to think about her childhood, especially the years spent under her tyrannical stepmother.
"Victor McKinley's family were acquaintances of my mother's. She thought he was a good catch for me, but I wasn't interested"
Nathan was confused, knowing that she had been lovely in her youth. Why not make a match with Victor?
"Why not?" he asked.
Felicity blushed "It was the day after I met you. Mother was convinced that when Xander left, he'd walked out on the proposal too, so she kept searching"
"So anyway, after I refused Victor, he met and married Charlotte."
Nathan frowned. "what about Seth Wake?"
"Seth was Father's mechanic. I was nineteen and away at school. I didn't know, but he had seen my portrait and fallen in love with me. My father let him down gently, saying he'd already had someone else in mind"
Nathan wasn't sure why, but he suddenly felt a feeling of jealousy in his stomach at Felicity's far off dreamy glance. He assumed she was thinking about Seth, when in reality, she was thinking about him...
Seth looked over the mantle and noticed a photograph of a beautiful young lady. She was fair, slender, with auburn blonde hair, and modestly dressed.
"My daughter, Felicity... she truly is my happiness" Thomas said with a beaming smile. She was looking more and more like Lydia every day, Thomas thought, his heart clenching in pain.
"She's very beautiful," Seth agreed. "Mr. Marsberg..."
"Stop right there, my boy. I am sorry for any pain this may cause you, but I have agreed to another suitor. Again, I apologize for any pain you may feel." (1)
"Who?" Seth said, angrily, upset he hadn't been given a chance.
Thomas smiled sadly, patient in the face of the boy's pain.
"You wouldn't know him," Thomas said, "His name is Nathan Brown"
"Seth was with me the night Elspeth disappeared, fixing my car. At the time, Mosely was my driver; a wonderful chauffer, but a horrible mechanic."
Nathan looked at her skeptically, not sure if she were telling the truth, or digging herself out of a hole.
"Can you prove it?" he asked.
Felicia got her checkbook out and showed Nathan the negative. Sure enough, she could prove with an amount to Seth Wake an amount of 20 shillings for services rendered to her automobile.
"Hmm... that still doesn't explain the alibi for Victor McKinley..." Nathan looked up into her eyes.
Felicity noticed the doubt in Nathan's eyes. It stung her deeply. This felt worse than a month before when she told him of her disagreement with Mrs. McCarthy...
"You're concerned about my giving an alibi to Victor McKinley, aren't you?"
"Yes." he said, curtly. "Yes, I am."
"Why?" she asked, before realizing that question was a mistake.
Nathan looked at her incredulously. "Are you joking?" he asked. "Why are you willing to give both men an alibi, if it wasn't the truth?!"
Felicia looked at him, startled. "I don't want innocent men going to prison!"
Nathan's next comment came out in a rush of anger and jealousy. "So, you plan to alibi each and every one?"
Felicia flushed with shame, as Nathan glared at her over his glasses. She hadn't expected his anger to ever be directed at her...
Felicia frowned. "Just what are you implying, Father?"
Nathan took on a look of feigned surprise. "Oh, I'm not implying anything, my dear," he sneered.
"It's merely an observation. Any and every time we have a case, you jump at the chance to do the "greater good" for any and all men involved!"
Felicia was resolute as she rolled her eyes. He was neither her spiritual advisor, as she attended a Protestant church in Kent, nor was he her husband. She had said yes, but he had not put a ring on her finger, she was not subject to him... yet... Therefore, he had no means to be jealous.
"Come now, Nathan, I'm no saint, but surely you don't believe as others do that I'm promiscuous!"
Nathan's eyes narrowed at the thought of her telling him what he should and shouldn't believe, especially about her past...
"I really don't know what to believe; your past is your own, and I don't judge. I am, however tired of playing cat and mouse with you regarding the affairs of your heart. So, until you can become completely honest with me, it's best we start from square one and remain strictly professional." he sighed as a man satisfied of saying his peace. "Good afternoon, Your Ladyship"
Felicia watched Nathan walk away, her heart officially torn to pieces as tears streamed down her face, feeling as if she had been slapped. Throughout his speech he sounded like Mrs. McCarthy, verbatim. perhaps they deserved each other after all... What had she done wrong?
Is this Elspeth's handwriting?
That's right. Her ones always looked like sevens. Why, what does it say?
It says, "Never give up hope."
Hello? Dad! Help! Somebody, help me!
Selina?
Father? Help! It's my dad - he's done something awful.
He's still breathing. Stay here, I'll call a doctor.
Nathan was on the telephone with the operator at the hospital. He almost wished Felicia were here to give Victor a fighting chance… almost.
Please. As fast as you can.
There was a note addressed to him on the sink: Father Brown
Father Brown,
Consider this to be my confession if by the time you reach me, I am beyond all aid. I am a drug addict addicted to morphine, as evidenced by the tools you see before you. I assert and affirm again, I did not kill Elspeth- however I do confess that I have perjured myself and stained the credibility of Lady Felicia Montague. Though she is a family acquaintance, she was nowhere in Kembleford on the night Elspeth disappeared. I forced her to arrange a faux alibi to prevent further police investigation and inquiry. She did so, merely out of the goodness of her heart, not because she and I were lovers. Speaking of which she has informed me of your arrangement. Had I known previously what I know now, I never would have put her in this position; I beg you, Father to make amends with her, as soon as possible... truly if any man is deserving of a woman like Lady Felicia, it is you. May God and you both forgive me. Its better this way.
Victor McKinley
Nathan realized Victor was right; Felicia was never in Kembleford the night of Elspeth's disappearance. She had learned of the gossip from someone else...
What had he done?!
First things first...
Nine across, one up, not seven. Ha-haa!
Charlotte? Charlotte!
Father, water! Please!
Don't worry, I'm getting you out now.
Hello? I thought I told you to stay with your father.
Mum!
Please tell me that you didn't move the umbrella!
Father? I knew it was a wild goose chase.
'Which number, please?'
The presbytery, please. 'Just putting you through. '
'Morning. Father Brown's residence. Mrs. McCarthy speaking.
' Mrs. McCarthy, tell the Father, I'm bringing charges for wasting police time.
But, sir! Victor McKinley's upstairs. Out cold. Looks like suicide.
Why can't they hear us? This place was built to be soundproof. The priests hiding down here were only safe if they couldn't be heard.
And how did THEY get out?
They didn't! Until a sympathizer who knew the coast was clear let them out. It had to be utterly secret, so unless you were in on it, you wouldn't even know it was here.
Then how did Mum find this one?
Ah. The book. She was reading your Auntie Elspeth's book about historic Gloucestershire houses, trying to find out what, or who . . was haunting you.
The marks inside were Elspeth's. I imagine no-one has even opened that book since the night she disappeared.
The police station, please. Hello? This is Charlotte McKinley. You have to tell the inspector, I know what happened to Elspeth.
But if Auntie Elspeth found it first, why didn't she No, she can't be.
What's that box?
The mythical family treasure. Looks like Elspeth found it after all. Much good it did her.
How could you let Selina follow you? I'd come to terms with this, for me. She's 17.
Felicia had been on his mind since the moment he'd decided to try again. He'd never stop thinking about her, especially now, when there seemed to be no way out.
The thought of never getting out of the crypt angered him and he resolved to get back to his love no matter what the cost...
There are three of us down here now, making noise. Someone will hear us!
We're all going to die down here.
It just says "sorry". Not a confession per se, but perhaps the alibi Lady Felicia gave the builder was true, after all.
Ah, the penny drops!
Is Victor going to be all right? Mrs. McCarthy asked. The doctor thinks he got here just in time.
What are you all doing here, anyway?
Bridgette rolled her eyes. Well, it's hardly my fault if you insist on talking police business whilst on the telephone to me.
Valentine scoffed. I'm amazed Father Brown isn't here to gloat, too.
Where is he, then? asked Mrs. McCarthy.
Despite herself, Felicia's stomach clenched. And what about Selina? Where is she?
Don't look at me! Sid protested.
That's another two people missing. Felicia barked.
Looking up to heaven, she sent a prayer. Father, please, if they're nearby, allow us to find them quickly!
I'll get the men searching the woods. If you want to help, you can join them. Valentine walked away.
Charlotte? Where does this tunnel lead?
Charlotte's head lolled. She needed hydration, quickly. I went all the way down there. It felt like miles. I tried banging and shouting, but It's just a dead end.
Or really sound-proofed, like down here. What does it matter, anyway? Selina groaned.
We know no-one heard you, or they'd have helped. Unless they thought your mother was a ghost.
Father Brown? Valentine cursed. Sorry. Listen I don't do this praying thing often. Fair cop, ever. But I've got a bit of a situation. Three people have gone missing. Four, if you count Elspeth. If you do exist, maybe you could see your way to sending me a sign?
Valentine thought he was hearing things when he heard a sudden clanging sound.
Father? Selina asked, as Nathan wrapped an arm around the young girl. He imagined doing the same to Felicia when they were alone, together.
Hello? Do you come here often? Isaac Valentine had never felt so overjoyed in his life. He sent a prayer of thanks.
Inspector I have never been so pleased to see you! Nathan grinned. Finally, they were getting out!
A little while later, after a proper burial for Elspeth, Nathan saw a young man in a suit looking out of place.
Nathan went to introduce himself.
Father Brown.
Father Brown. I've heard so much about you.
Nathan was surprised. He'd never met this man and yet he'd heard all about him? How extraordinary!
All good, I hope? Are you a relative of the deceased, or...
I hear you got yourself stuck in a tunnel. Inspector Valentine had to save you.
Well, I suppose I did, yes.
Meddling. It's a dangerous business.
Nathan felt insulted. I'm sorry - who are you?
Ah! You two have met. Do you mind if I borrow the Father for a second? Father, I don't think I've thanked you properly. Two cases closed. Make it three. The skeleton you dug up in the garden.
I've been doing some digging of my own in the parish records. There are references that the disappearance of a traveling priest
And I appreciate you keeping your investigative involvement on the QT.
Yes, well, my boss isn't that interested in detective work so I'm happy to let you have the credit.
You have no idea what it means to me.
Maybe we can work together in the future. Nathan smiled.
Ah. I see. You haven't heard. I'm London-bound. DCI, Metropolitan Police. So you see, I really do mean it. Thank you.
Inspector Sullivan will be taking over as the new DI of Kembleford. So, no more meddling, eh? I don't want to be picking up the pieces. You know, I almost think I'll miss you, Father.
Nathan fought the urge to roll his eyes. The feeling might be mutual.
Speaking of the company of missing others, Father Brown went inside the church to tidy up before heading home.
He noticed Lady Felicia at the candles. It was as if she did out of respect for the dead, nothing more.
"Whom are they for?" he asked with a smile, gesturing to the candles. Never had he been so happy see her.
"I'm sorry?" she turned to see him narrowing her eyebrows.
"Your candles? Who were they for?" He took a step closer to her, she pursed her lips, frowning as if pondering whether to answer him.
"I believe that is my affair Father Brown," she stated, icily. "I think you made it perfectly clear your opinion of me, especially in this community."
The priest was confused. What could have brought this on?
She started to walk away and then she turned back. "If you want my honest opinion Father, here it is."
"As I stated before I am no saint, I have a past which, unfortunately, for both of us, involved you."
He winced at her glare, his stomach churning.
"My husband, if you care to call him that, was in fact killed. I have been a widow for the last 15 years."
Nathan noticed with a pang, the pain, resentment, fear, and pride shining in her eyes as clearly as her tears.
"And like it or not, I did what I had to do to survive! Am I proud of it? No. Am I thankful, yes. God has brought me out of the darkness
into His light, so believe what you want, Father. I am actually of the belief that you and Mrs. McCarthy deserve each other. You both have
jumped to conclusions about my past, as others have done, without first searching for the truth by asking me. I didn't want to think that our romance
had come to an end. But I'm afraid that is what must happen. Goodbye, Father Brown."
As she turned again, Nathan panicked, he felt like this was goodbye for good.
You may not care anymore about us, but I do! He thought.
After being trapped, thinking mostly of Felicity in a dark, dusty tomb, he really didn't want to lose her forever.
He was afraid, though as he lost sight of her retreating form, that was exactly what had just happened...
Cliff Hanger! hahaha... Okay, rofl so before you review, I must please ask that you don't destroy your computer, or go after Mark Williams- he had nothing to do with this plot!
Second, this is the lowest of the low that they will get- things WILL get BETTER! Especially in maddest of all :p I have some plans for our dear Father Brown...
rubs hands and cackles evilly...
Anyway, please review and tell me what you think!
Till next time
cq
