Obadiah's Angel
Chapter 22A
The Courtship Begins
By Becky
The air was crisp and clear, the morning had dawned sunny, and the clouds that had seemed to hang around for days on end had dissipated.
Obadiah had officially been courting Angelique Rhys for one week, and all was proceeding well. Their time together was special, and as Obadiah learned more about her, the deeper in love he fell.
They had been to a few afternoon teas, and one party given by Angelique's friend Lucy. Angelique had told him it was to let people know she was officially off the market. They shared a laugh at that. "Well, you most certainly are," Obadiah had told her with a raised eyebrow for emphasis, and Angelique had smiled, ducking her head.
Dorthea Rhys had accompanied them on each occasion, keeping, as was traditional, their time together a proper courtship. She would sit discreetly off to one side and observe the young couple, making sure all propriety was observed.
Obadiah dressed for the day ahead and went down to breakfast. The aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls filled the air as he stepped into the kitchen. Betsy had just removed the tin from the oven when he walked in.
"Those sure smell good, Betsy," he commented as he walked over to the counter.
"Oi, sir, yes they do," she replied as she took a knife and began to cut them apart. "Have a seat, sir, and I will bring your breakfast."
"Thank you, Betsy." He took his seat and opened his napkin. His thoughts strayed briefly to Angelique, wondering if she was awake yet. He smiled at the thought of looking into her sleepy eyes just as she awoke, and he shivered as he tucked into his meal.
Looking out the window as he sipped at his morning tea, he thought that perhaps this day would be perfect for an outing, especially while the sun was shining. 'Perhaps she'd like to go for a stroll through the park,' he thought. Setting his cup aside, he finished his cinnamon roll and took his plate to the sink.
"Thank you, Betsy, it was an excellent meal." He started through the door heading to the library. Stopping suddenly, he turned back. "I will be going out later; I will let you know about lunch."
"Yes, sir, just say the word."
He went to his study as Betsy began to clean away the dishes.
Taking out parchment and quill, he penned a brief note to Angelique, asking if she and her mother would like to go for a stroll in the park this afternoon.
iMiss Rhys,
I wish to ask if you and your mother would be available for a brief walk in the park today. It has been several days since last we spoke, and I was thinking as the weather has turned sunny, perhaps it would be quite nice to get out for a bit. It is a rare occasion, indeed, for sunshine during these last cold November days. Looking forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Obadiah Slope /i
After reading it over again, he folded it and sealed it with wax. He would have it delivered on his way to the bank; he had to take care of pressing financial matters for the church. He found a young messenger at the front of the bank as he was going inside, and asked him to deliver the note to Foster Lane. Pressing tuppence into his hand, he nodded as the lad left. Obadiah turned and walked into the bank, hoping to get a much needed loan for a few repairs around the church.
His morning at the bank did not go well at all. He was thwarted at every turn, and his temper was short as he exited the building. The walk home helped to soothe his frayed nerves, and as he walked into the office at the church, Stephen handed him a letter.
"This came for you, sir, about twenty minutes ago."
Obadiah looked at the delicate handwriting and smiled. "Thank you, Stephen." He walked into his office and closed the door. Tracing the wax seal, he ran his index finger gently over the AR that was embedded, there within the light blue-colored wax. Breaking it open, he read the note.
iObadiah,
My mother and I would be quite happy to accompany you to the park today for a brief walk. I must confess that having been cooped up too long has not been pleasant, and I am quite anxious for a bit of fresh air. We shall be ready when you arrive.
Yours Truly,
Angelique /i
He smiled then, and folded the note, placing it in his vest pocket, to tuck it away in his wooden box back in his room. This was the second note she had written to him since they had begun courting. Her first one had been an invitation to afternoon tea. He chuckled as he recalled her words.
iObadiah,
We have been invited to a tea; it is rather an important one, as it will be our first one as a couple. Will you escort me?
Angelique/i
Would he escort her? Shaking his head, he had thought, 'Of course I will. I should be most proud to escort you.'
He knew in the years to come they would look back and have a good laugh at their first timid actions into courtship.
***********
Angelique rolled over as the sun peeked through the curtains. She smiled as she sat up, placing her feet in her slippers. Padding to the window, she glanced out at the street below. It was bustling with people, even at this early hour.
She thought about Obadiah, wondering what he was doing. Had he risen already? Was he having breakfast or had he already gone to the church to begin his day?
Turning toward her closet, she searched for her green dress. It was quite suitable for this time of the year, with its high collar and long sleeves. It was made from a lightweight velvet, for warmth during these cold winter like days.
She took it over to the bed, then went to her dresser and brought out her full-length cotton slip dress for added warmth, along with her cotton hose. Picking up her clothes, she walked to the loo and began to dress.
It was almost eight by the time she finally made it down stairs.
"Good morning, Mar, Mother," she greeted. "Where is Father?" She sat down for breakfast.
Dorthea looked up and smiled. "Oh, he had early rounds at the hospital. He will be back here before ten; that is when his first appointment arrives."
Maggie Rhys looked at her granddaughter and smiled. "Dear, when is that nice young man going to be back?" Maggie Rhys had taken a shine to the good Reverend, and asked about him at one time or another during the course of a day.
Angelique smiled in her direction. "I'm sure he is fine, Mar," she replied, then filled her plate with bacon, and eggs, a piece of toast, and some orange marmalade.
"Angelique, what are your plans for today, dear?" her mother questioned.
"I'm going to help Felicia and Penelope with the cooking," Angelique replied.
"Very well, dear, that is good; learn all you can." Her mother continued to sip her coffee.
Maggie looked over at Angelique and winked. "When you finish with cooking, you come see me. I have a few things to show you."
Angelique was in the kitchen, listening intently to Penelope's instructions. She'd been watching the woman cook since she was twelve, hanging around the kitchen, asking questions, but never allowed to participate with the actual preparation, until just after her coming out party.
Now her weekly sessions with the cook were necessary for her education for when she became a wife. Felicia had taken her under her wing in teaching her the ways to run a proper household. Dorthea Rhys had taken on the job of teaching her the proper ways to conduct herself both in and out of the home. All lessons that were essential for a proper English wife.
Angelique was learning to make a chocolate cake today. It was her favorite dessert, and she'd asked specifically if they could make it today. And so it was that after her breakfast she ventured into the kitchen to begin the task of making a chocolate cake!
They were just placing it in the oven, and Penelope had shown her the proper setting for the temperature in which to bake it, when Dorthea strolled into the room, carrying a note addressed to her daughter.
"Angelique, this…" Dorthea stopped short as her daughter turned from the oven when she heard her name called. She had spots of flour on her forehead and cheeks, and one swipe under her nose.
Dorthea began to laugh when she saw her daughter, because with the smidge of flour under her nose, she looked as if she were sporting a moustache, and Dorthea noticed how very much like her father, when he was younger and a few pounds lighter, she looked at that moment.
"Here, dear, this came for you just moments ago. I dare say it's from the good Reverend." Dorthea handed it over to Angelique's waiting hands.
Angelique broke the wax seal, and carefully unfolded the parchment. Dorthea stood silently by as she read the missive, and then smiled.
"Mother, Obadiah wishes to know if we would like to go for a walk this afternoon." She refolded the note and placed it in the pocket of her dress. Looking expectantly at her mother, Angelique waited for an answer.
"Well, I don't see why not," Dorothea replied. "Go and write a reply, and I will tell the messenger to wait a moment longer."
Angelique took off the apron, placed it on the chair, and went to the study to pen a reply.
iObadiah,
Mother and I should be most happy to take a walk this afternoon in the park. Thank you for asking. I look forward to seeing you once again.
Yours Truly,
Angelique/i
She read it once again, and then sealed it, and placed his name on the front. Walking into the foyer, she saw the messenger waiting.
"Here you go, please see that he gets this quickly," Angelique told the young man as she stepped back to open the door for him.
"Right away, miss," he replied as he went out the door.
Angelique turned back toward the kitchen to finish cleaning up the area. Her mother met her in the hallway. "Dear, you go get ready, Felicia will clean up."
Angelique nodded, and went to her room to get ready for her outing. She busied herself by looking through her closet for just the right dress. She wanted to look her best for him, and blew out a frustrated breath when she realized she didn't have a thing to wear.
"Mother!" she cried out in frustration.
Dorthea came strolling into her room. "Yes, dear, what is it?" She looked around the room.
"Mother, I don't have anything to wear this afternoon!" Angelique stated gloomily as she sat down on the bed.
Dorthea shook her head. "Angelique, you have an entire closet full of dresses suitable for an afternoon outing such as this."
"But, Mother, I want to look my best for him!" She pursed her lips and frowned.
"Angelique, come here," her mother ordered.
Angelique stood and walked to the closet. Dorthea turned back to the closet and withdrew a dark blue silk dress with a white lace collar and matching blue shawl.
"Here you go, dear, wear this one. He hasn't seen this one." Dorthea placed the dress on the bed and gave her daughter's cheek a pat.
Angelique looked from her mother to the bed and back, and sighing in exasperation, she asked, "How do you do it, Mother?"
"Do what dear?" she asked in confusion.
"Know just the right things to do and say."
Dorthea laughed. "It comes with being a mother, dear, and as I recall, you didn't always think I was right."
Angelique blushed then, and nodded. "I know," she whispered as she turned toward the bed and began to get ready.
************
Obadiah pulled the buggy in front of the Rhys' home at one o'clock. He knocked on the door, and was greeted by Dorthea.
"Come in, Angelique will be down in a moment," She told him as she closed the door and turned toward the young pastor.
"It's turned into a lovely day, quite unusual for November," he said.
Dorthea reached for her cloak, donning it and her gloves. She turned back to the young man. "Yes, it is quite surprising at this time of year."
Angelique descended the stairs, and came to a halt on the bottom step. Obadiah turned to look at her, and his breath caught in his throat. She was stunning in her dark blue dress. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.
Dorthea noticed the look of adoration in his eyes, and smiled knowingly. Glancing at Angelique as she walked toward them, Dorthea could see the same adoring look in her eyes toward the young pastor.
He smiled at her, and nodded in her direction as she stepped down and came to stand beside him.
"Good afternoon. Are you ready to go?" he asked, taking hold of her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm.
"Yes, quite ready to go, thank you," she replied. Obadiah extended his arm to Mrs. Rhys as they left the house.
The buggy ride to the park was nice. The crisp, cold November air whipped their faces, turning their cheeks red. As Obadiah stopped the buggy near the park, Dorthea noticed a bench beneath a tall oak tree. Obadiah helped both women out of the buggy, and Dorthea walked over to the bench and sat down. She looked up at the young couple and said, "Now, you two go for a stroll. Stay in sight. Is that clear, young man?"
Obadiah drew himself up. "I would not do anything to jeopardize Angelique's reputation, or that of her family," he replied indignantly.
Dorthea smiled then, and waved them away. "Have a nice walk." She settled down to watch the other couples in the park as well as Angelique and her young man.
Obadiah nodded and turned toward Angelique, linking arms with her as they started across the grounds.
Angelique looked at him and smiled. "Your mother seems nice. Mar really likes her."
"My mother likes her. She told me they chatted about some of the older parts of Hammersmith and London." His eyes twinkled as he looked at her.
"Does she live close by?" she asked.
Obadiah looked at her, this young woman that had so captured his heart. He cleared his throat. "Yes, she lives in Brook Green."
"That's nice," she remarked as she pressed a bit closer to his side.
"Angelique, my mother lives at a hospital," he confided. "She has been very ill, and for a long time. And, only just these past few months, has she been able to go for outings."
Angelique looked at him, compassion written in her eyes. "Oh, Obadiah, I'm so sorry." She squeezed his arm.
"It's fine, really, she is much better, and we are getting to know each other all over again." His smile confirmed the truth of his statement, and she smiled at him.
"Did the doctors say what her illness was exactly?" she questioned.
"Yes, they explained it as a nutritional imbalance. They discovered that she cannot eat red meats, or take in too much salt." They continued on their way across the park. "At first, they thought it was dementia, but they changed the diagnosis when she began to improve on another diet."
Angelique looked around the area, and noticed a bench next to a tree. Still in sight of her mother's watchful eye, she smiled, and gestured toward the bench.
"Might we sit a moment, please?"
Obadiah nodded, and led her to the bench. Taking a seat, Angelique turned slightly in his direction. "Obadiah, might I ask, what made you want to go into the ministry?" Her question wasn't all that surprising; this was, after all, a time to get to know each other, but still he had not expected it. No one had ever wanted to know that before.
"Well, I was raised by my father's best friend, Kenneth Untner--Bishop, Kenneth Untner." He looked out across the park as he continued. "Only, when I went to live with him, he was Pastor Untner.
"I was fourteen when I went with him to place my mother in the first asylum." Angelique looked at him, and tears filled her eyes. Obadiah continued in a low voice. "Kenneth was the only father I ever knew. My own died when I was nine." His voice became ragged with emotion. Angelique placed her hand on his arm, and brought him out of his reverie.
He nodded, and went on, "Well, that's what a son does, isn't it? Go into their father's profession?"
Angelique thought for a moment, and agreed. "Yes, they do."
Obadiah nodded again. "He gave me a home, made sure I got an education, and took care of me from the age of fourteen. He is the only father I have." He looked down at his hands.
Angelique's tears spilled over; Obadiah took out his handkerchief and pressed it into her hands. "I didn't mean for you to cry," he whispered softly as she wiped her eyes and smiled up at him.
A sudden gust of wind caught the leaves, making a colorful whirlwind, as the couple stood to continue their walk. "What about you? What are your interests, Angelique?" Obadiah asked her as they continued their stroll.
"Well, I've always wanted to help Father, something that would benefit others perhaps. I'm not sure if I'd like to be one of those nurses everyone is talking about, though. Father told me about Miss Nightingale, her efforts, and her fight for cleaner conditions in remote hospitals. I truly admire her work."
Obadiah could tell she felt quite strongly about the matter, and nodded. "Do you think you would like to pursue such a profession, in the future?" he asked, knowing he would deny her nothing, yet hoping she would not wish to leave England for some remote place such as was required in Miss Nightingale's services.
Angelique shook her head. "No, I am quite happy right here. I can help Father, and there are always the numerous charities to help the families, and others less fortunate."
Obadiah let out a breath at her declaration. "I'm glad you wish to stay in England," he informed her, the love he felt for her shining in his eyes.
"There really isn't anywhere else I'd rather be," she whispered as she looked adoringly in his direction.
Dorthea watched the interaction between the couple, and knew that, indeed, they were well suited for each other. She smiled as she watched them walk closer to where she was seated, arm in arm, and so in love.
************
Edward Rhys was tending to a patient when Angelique and Dorthea got home. Maggie Rhys was sewing in the parlour when the two came through the door. Running to the front window, Angelique watched as Obadiah drove away, and sighed.
Dorthea tapped her on the shoulder. "Angelique, come away from the window, dear. Take that cloak off and go change." She chuckled.
Angelique turned from the window and smiled. "He is so wonderful," she whispered as she began to take off her cloak.
Maggie Rhys called from the parlour, "Angelique, come here, please."
Angelique walked into the parlour. "Yes, Mar, what is it?"
"How was your young man today? Did you two have a nice outing?" She smiled at her granddaughter.
"Oh, Mar, yes, we did, we had such a nice talk." Her eyes twinkled in delight.
Maggie smiled at her, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad to hear it." She patted the seat next to her. "Come, sit down, dear."
Angelique sat down, watching Maggie as she stitched up a hole in Edward's socks. "Men always seem to get the toes worn out much too quickly." Maggie informed her granddaughter. "Here, dear, you try. I dare say when you are married, you will be darning your young man's socks, and of course, the children's."
Maggie handed her the needle, thread, and the sock. Angelique repositioned the wooden egg into the toe of the sock, giving herself a smooth surface to work against, blushing as she thought about someday having his children.
"Small stitches, dear, that's it," Maggie instructed as Angelique followed her directions. "So, my dear, what did you and your young man talk about today?"
"Oh, we talked about how he decided to go into the ministry." She kept her eyes on her work with the sock.
Margaret nodded. "Was his father a minister, dear?" She leaned close to Angelique to see if the stitches were small.
"No, he didn't say anything about his father. He told me his father's best friend took him in after his mother was sent to an asylum."
Maggie looked up then. "So, he told you, too."
Angelique looked at her grandmother, her eyes questioning her. Both women looked up to see what Dorthea was doing. "He told me about her at the harvest social your mother had," Maggie whispered.
Angelique smiled and hugged her grandmother. "I'm glad he told us," she whispered, not wanting her mother to hear.
"It will go no further. If he wants to tell, then he will do the telling." Angelique visibly relaxed, and continued on with her sewing.
Dorthea turned around from the sideboard to see Angelique and her mother-in-law whispering, heads close together. Stepping away with a glass of water in her hands, she asked, "What are you two whispering about?"
Maggie smiled toward her, and laughingly chided, "Now, Dorrie, has it really been so long that you've forgotten what we might have to talk about?" Angelique smiled at her grandmother for keeping their little secret.
Edward had seen his last patient for the day by four, and strolled into the parlour to see where his girls were. "I say, Sunny, how was the outing?" he questioned as he entered the room.
Angelique looked up from her darning. "It was wonderful, Father." She smiled as she thought about her time with Obadiah, and the talk they'd had.
"I'm very glad to hear that, dear," Edward replied. He poured himself a sherry, then took a seat. "I talked to Frank Perry today about our new convalescent home," he informed Dorthea.
"Oh, really, and what did he say? Does he think it will be completed before the first of the year?"
Angelique had heard her father discussing these plans with her mother for months now, but they had never interested her until just this moment.
"Yes, we are looking for completion around January tenth."
Angelique stopped her darning. "Father, what type of home is this exactly?"
"Well, there are people who need specialized care. Those with mental disorders who are placed in asylums, and those who are sick with lung fever, or stomach disorders, who will never leave. Our convalescent home is for people who are well in mind and body, but need care such as a strict diet or daily medications." Taking a sip of sherry, he went on, "They are able to care for themselves to a certain extent, but still need monitoring to prevent relapses."
Angelique looked at her grandmother and smiled. Maggie nodded, knowing just what her granddaughter was thinking.
"Why do you ask, Sunny?" Edward questioned.
"Oh, no reason. It just sounded interesting. Do you think perhaps I could help out when it opens?" she asked as she continued on with her work.
Edward looked at her. "Are you sure, Sunny?" He was pleased that she wanted to be there right from the start.
"Yes, I'm sure. I've always wanted to be involved in helping others."
Dorthea looked at her daughter. "I'm happy you want to help, dear; it's very rewarding. You remember, Edward, Mother used to work for the Gunnersbury Park Hospital?" Dorthea reminded him.
Angelique perked up. "Queenie worked for a hospital?"
"Yes, dear, she did, and she loved it," Dorthea replied, smiling in her direction.
Maggie Rhys looked over at her daughter-in-law. "Dorrie, what say we invite Hester to come stay for a few days with us? It would give her a chance to meet Angelique's young man, and she can enlighten our girl, here, on working in a hospital."
Dorthea nodded. "I will send her a message tomorrow. She went with Berta Myers to Wembley last week. Her note said they would be back this next week. You know my mother, always on the go with friends, never staying home for long." She chuckled.
Felicia walked into the room. "Dinner is served," she informed the family, then walked back to the kitchen.
"What are we having tonight, dear?" Edward asked.
"Roast beef, potatoes, fresh carrots, and Yorkshire pudding," Dorthea responded as they all sat down to the evening meal.
************
The next week Obadiah missed the chess game.
There had been a death in the parish, and he was called to the home of Robert Wamsley. His duties delayed him until well after ten o'clock, and he was saddened at the time he'd missed with her.
He hesitated going to Angelique's, but they hadn't seen one another all week. Riding to the house, he saw that the lights were out downstairs.
'They have all gone to bed,' he thought disappointedly. He started to turn Chances back toward the parsonage, when he caught a glimpse of the upstairs window.
The pale nightdress and her hair stood out against the blackness of the room. Angelique stood looking out the window at him, her hand pressed against the pane. Raising his hand, he waved at her. She lifted her hand from the pane and returned the gesture, then slid the curtain back in place as she stepped back into the darkness.
Obadiah smiled as he turned Chances around and headed home.
The next opportunity to see Angelique came at church on Sunday. Friday and Saturday had been busy with the funeral of Mr. Wamsley.
He was dressed in his pallium and standing in the foyer, when the family came in. Obadiah stepped forward, nodded to her parents and grandmother, then drew Angelique aside. As the others stood beside the door leading into the sanctuary, he smiled at her. "How have you been?" he asked, his voice as soft as a caress.
"I'm fine; I have missed you," she whispered as she looked into his eyes.
"And I, you," he replied as he squeezed her arm lightly. Looking over at her parents, he nodded. "I believe you'd best go inside now. Your mother is becoming a bit eager to be seated."
Angelique acquiesced, and stepped away from his side, walking with her family into the room, seating themselves in their usual pew.
Obadiah mounted the platform and walked to the dais. "As most of you know, the Wamsley family has suffered a tragic loss. I want us to take a moment to pray silently for this family." He bowed his head. After a few moments, he began, "Father, be with this family. Lead, guide, and direct them. Give them comfort in the days ahead. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen." Finishing the prayer, he nodded to the choir, and they began to sing.
Afterward, Obadiah gave his sermon, and asked Brother Stephen to give the benediction, as he made his way to the back of the church.
The last family to leave were the Rhyses. They stood in the foyer until Obadiah was ready to leave. He went to the anteroom and hung the pallium in the wardrobe, then retrieved his coat, hat and over-cloak, then walked back to the front.
Edward and Dorthea stood talking with Stephen Summers, while Angelique chatted with Edwina. As Obadiah approached the group, Angelique smiled in his direction.
Stepping up to the group, he greeted them, and touched Angelique's elbow, drawing her possessively to his side. They walked out of the church, and Obadiah and the Rhyses bid Stephen and Edwina farewell as the couple walked across the street and up the lane to their house. After helping Angelique into the carriage, Obadiah turned to help Dorthea into the front seat.
"Where is Maggie today?" he inquired politely.
"She is home, getting things ready for my mother to come for a visit next week," Dorthea told him.
"How nice; where does your mother live? Is it far from here?" Obadiah questioned.
"She lives in Chiswick," Dorthea replied with a smile.
"Ah, that's not far at all; I hope to meet her while she is here," Obadiah responded.
Edward climbed aboard the carriage. "Obadiah, will you come by the house today?" he asked as he took the reins in his chubby hands.
Obadiah nodded. "I'm looking forward to it, thank you." He stepped back from the coach and looked up at Angelique.
She smiled as Edward slapped the reins across the horse's broad back. "See you around one, then," he called out as they drove away, leaving Obadiah standing there in the cold wind, waving goodbye.
************
Obadiah walked to the parsonage and entered the foyer, closing the door. He removed his cloak and hung it on the peg. Betsy was just coming from the kitchen. "Oh, sir, your lunch is ready." She gestured toward the kitchen as Obadiah looked up.
"Thank you, Betsy, I shall be right along. I need to change first," he replied as he started upstairs.
Betsy smiled as she watched him. 'I must tell Ruth the good news in my next letter,' she thought as she turned back toward the room.
Obadiah changed into casual dark brown trousers and a beige shirt, with brown waistcoat. Removing the brown frock coat from the closet, he placed it across the bed, and went to the dresser. Satisfied that all was in order, he began to change his clothes.
Betsy, true to form, had his meal waiting for him when he walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table. "What have you chosen today for my lunch?" he questioned, tucking the napkin in his collar.
Betsy smiled. "How about beef and noodles with brown sauce, fresh baked bread, and apple pie?" she suggested with a smile.
Obadiah looked over at the young woman. "Betsy, you're going to make some young man a good wife." He picked up his fork and tucked into his meal.
Betsy smiled, and cleared her throat. "Sir, I want to talk to you a moment, please, if you have the time," she questioned as she sat down at the table and looked in his direction.
"Yes, Betsy, go ahead; I'm listening." He placed his fork on his plate and looked up at the girl.
"Well, sir, I've met a young man. It was at a social Mary and I went to, and...well, sir, he wants to begin courting me." She blushed as she spoke.
Obadiah smiled. "I think that's wonderful, Betsy. What's his name?" he questioned as he took a bite of bread.
"Owen, sir, Owen Teague." She added tentatively, as her cheeks turned pink, "Sir, I want you to meet him, if you will."
Obadiah looked at her. "I'd be glad to, Betsy."
Betsy smiled at him. "Mary's mother told me she would be the chaperone for us, as my own mother is in Fulmer."
Obadiah nodded in approval. "Excellent, Betsy. I'm sure everything will be fine," he replied as he finished his meal. "Well, I must be going. Dr. Rhys has invited me over today."
"Have a good time, sir," Betsy told him as he walked out the door.
************
Reining in Chances, he tied him to the hitching post underneath the large oak tree in front of the Rhys home. Walking up to the front door, he knocked, and was greeted by Maggie Rhys.
"Come in, young man. I'm glad to see you." She took his cloak and hung it in the foyer closet.
"It's good to see you, too, Maggie," he replied with a smile as he took her arm in his, and walked into the parlour.
Edward turned from the sideboard, drink in hand, as the pair walked into the room. "Good sermon today, by the way, Reverend." He held out the sherry glass toward the man.
Obadiah took the proffered glass and took a small sip. Maggie had seated herself on the settee, and took the next glass Edward poured.
"Dorrie, would you like a sherry?" he called out.
Dorthea Rhys came walking in from the dining room. "Yes, dear, thank you." Her thoughts were momentarily distracted by Felicia coming into the room right behind her, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. "Hello, Obadiah, excellent sermon today." She directed Felicia to place the tray on the sideboard.
"Thank you," he replied with a smile in her direction.
"Sit down, son, go ahead. Angelique will be here momentarily," Edward informed him.
Obadiah sat in the chair closest to the settee, while Dorthea sat in her usual chair next to Edward. Angelique came downstairs and entered the parlour. She was wearing a lavender and white dress with a high, lace collar, and long sleeves that had lace at the wrists. Obadiah stood as she entered the room, and extended his hand to her, bowing as he greeted her. "Angelique, I trust your day has gone well so far?" he asked.
Angelique blushed as she brushed the back of his hand with her thumb, sending him a silent message. He smiled as he released her hand, and stepped aside for her to pass.
He sat down only after she did, and rubbed the spot on his hand she'd touched, looking at her as she spoke to her mother. After they'd visited for a bit, and had tea, Edward mentioned a game of chess.
Obadiah looked toward Angelique, and she nodded as if to say, 'Go on.'
Smiling, he looked at her father. "That sounds good."
As the two men rose to go to the study, Edward made a passing comment. "Sunny, why don't you join us after a bit? I'm sure your young man would appreciate it."
Angelique looked pleased as she replied, "Are you certain, Father? I wouldn't want to distract anyone."
Edward laughed. "Quite sure, dear. I want to win one!" Obadiah chuckled as they left the room, heading for the study.
