Obadiah's Angel
Chapter 26
Father and Son
By Becky
Kenneth Untner rose early Monday morning and donned his best blue suit. It had been quite a long time since he'd been this excited about a mere shopping trip, but today was special.
Heading downstairs, he stepped into the kitchen, and was greeted by Betsy. "Good morning, sir," she said as she placed a cup of coffee on the table, and then went back to the counter.
"Good morning, Betsy."
Kenneth sat down and added a spoonful of sugar to the hot liquid, stirring it slowly. Taking a sip, he sighed, "Perfect, thank you. Betsy, have you heard from Ruth lately?"
"Thank you, sir," she replied, then added as she continued to stir the oatmeal, "Yes, sir, I have. She is well, and has a new grandchild on the way. She is quite excited."
Kenneth smiled in her direction. "Next time you write her, tell her I said hello."
"Indeed I will, sir."
Moments later, Obadiah walked into the room. He was still wearing his robe. He sat down at the table and looked, bleary-eyed, at the man seated across from him. Betsy brought his coffee over and set it in front of him. "Here you are, sir."
She walked back to the stove, poured the oatmeal into a bowl, and brought it and a plate of sausages over to the table. "I'll just get the toast and marmalade, sir." She opened the oven and withdrew a large pan. She put several pieces of toast on a plate, added a jar of marmalade, and took it all to the table. "Enjoy." She went to the sink and began to clean up the pots and pans.
Kenneth tucked into his food with gusto, while Obadiah sat there, sipping at his coffee, and trying to decide what he wanted to have for his breakfast. "Tuck in, son," Kenneth told him, gesturing with a spoon as he dipped out a good portion of marmalade, and spread it on his toast.
Obadiah rested his head in his left hand while he sipped his coffee, eyeing the man across from him. "Kenneth, it's six o'clock in the morning. What's the rush?" He closed his eyes against the brightness coming through the window. Knowing the answer before it came, he sighed, and waited for the man to speak.
"We have to pick up Esther. Don't want to be late in getting to the stores, now, do we?" Kenneth replied happily, his excitement showing in his eyes.
Obadiah smiled as he set his coffee cup back on the table and spooned the oatmeal into his bowl. "Guess not." He added sugar and a small dollop of milk to his bowl, and stirred.
Kenneth grimaced as he watched the ritual he knew oh so well, shaking his head, then smiling. "Still don't like it plain?"
Obadiah shook his head. "No, sir, I don't." He placed several pieces of sausage on his plate and began to eat.
By the time Obadiah had finished his breakfast, Kenneth was all but chomping at the bit to be on the way to SunnyGlen.
Obadiah dressed, and as he walked back downstairs, he saw his friend standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. He smiled as he descended the last few steps, and strolled over to the coat rack.
Taking his cloak from the peg, he threw it around his shoulders, and picked up his hat. "I'll be right back, sir. I must go hitch the buggy and bring it around front."
"Already taken care of, son," Kenneth replied as he opened the front door. "I hitched the buggy myself."
Obadiah looked out and saw the buggy sitting in front of the parsonage. "Anxious, are we?" He smiled as he walked out the front door.
Kenneth closed the door and followed him down the steps. "Don't want to keep your mother waiting." Obadiah took the reins in his hands as he climbed up into the seat and shook his head.
Kenneth climbed up, and the two set off for SunnyGlen.
************
Esther was sitting in her room, reading, when Kenneth knocked on her door. "Yes, come in."
Kenneth stepped through the door, smiling at her. "Kenneth, what are you doing here this early?" she questioned as she placed her book aside and stood up.
"We came to take you to town." His excitement showed on his face, and it seemed he couldn't stand still.
"To town? Oh, goodness! But Kenneth, I can't go to town looking like this." She gestured to her attire and smoothed her hair back as she walked over to the mirror. "I look frightful, goodness sakes!"
Kenneth smiled. "Esther, you do not look frightful. You look splendid. Come get your coat and let's go, Obadiah is waiting."
Esther shook her head. "Kenneth Untner, what have you got up your sleeve?" She chuckled as she walked over to the closet.
"I came, that is to say, we came, to take you Christmas shopping."
Esther turned from the closet. "Christmas shopping? Kenneth, I haven't been Christmas shopping in such a long time," she whispered.
The hitch in her voice brought him to her side.
"I thought it would be a nice outing for us...for iyou/i," he corrected quickly, as he looked down at her. Esther smiled as she rummaged through the closet, then withdrew her cloak. Kenneth took it from her and placed it around her small frame, his hands lingering on her shoulders for a moment, and then he stepped back.
Esther walked over to the dresser and took her purse from the middle drawer. Turning toward Kenneth, she smiled and held out her arms. "Do I look presentable?"
"Yes, my dear, you do." He took her hand and placed it on his arm. They walked out to the front, where Obadiah waited.
Obadiah stood in the foyer, talking to James while he waited for Kenneth and his mother. He'd inquired about Angelique, and found out she'd not arrived yet. "I'm sure she will be here by the time you return, Reverend," James assured him.
"I hope so, and that I get a chance to talk with her for a moment."
As he stood there chatting, he heard the joyful laughter of his mother as she and Kenneth walked down the hallway toward the front entrance. Kenneth was in the midst of a story, his face animated, and he was gesturing with his free hand. 'Must be about me,' Obadiah thought as he watched the pair walking up the hallway.
He observed Kenneth's actions as he held tightly to Esther's hand, and leaned toward her as he talked. His mother, he observed, hugged Kenneth to her side in a gesture of what seemed to Obadiah of more than friendship. 'No, it's more of a quiet affection for each other.' Smiling at the thought of his mother and the man he considered his father by all but blood somehow being together gladdened his heart.
As they drew closer, he heard Kenneth telling his mother, "Yes, your son most certainly did do that." Esther laughed at the notion.
Stepping forward, Obadiah asked, "I most certainly did what?"
Kenneth looked pointedly at him, and replied, "Hooked me in the breeches with that fish hook of yours, on several occasions if I remember correctly."
Obadiah turned red, and looked sheepishly at the man. "Mother, pay no attention to any stories he tells you about me." Stepping forward, he placed a kiss on her cheek. "Good morning." He opened the door, and they stepped out into the cold, frosty air.
Kenneth settled Esther in the buggy on the back seat, and then climbed in beside her. Tucking the blanket securely around her feet and legs, he watched as Obadiah climbed into the driver's seat and slapped the reins across the horse's back.
The ride into Hammersmith proper took less than fifteen minutes. As Obadiah drove the buggy through the lanes, he listened to the couple in the back chatting about one thing and another from the past, and smiled. He chuckled as he listened to Kenneth relate the first time he'd ever seen Esther, and Obadiah could hear the love he held for her in his voice.
Hammersmith was bustling with all manner of people this day. Last minute shoppers were out looking for that special gift for a loved one. Brightly wrapped packages were being carried by groomsmen to and fro as the ladies went into the mercantile and specialty shops, looking for more to purchase.
Obadiah found a place to tether the horse and pulled into the spot. Jumping down from the seat, he tied the horse to the post, and walked around to help his mother from the back seat. Kenneth Untner had already reached for her hand, and was gently helping her to step down.
Obadiah smiled knowingly as he watched the man pay special attention to Esther. "Oh, my goodness, it's so big!" Esther exclaimed as they reached the pavement. "I don't remember it being this big."
Obadiah nodded. "Yes, it could someday be as large as London, I daresay."
Kenneth held fast to Esther's hand as they looked around at the different shops. Looking down at the woman beside him, he murmured, "Well, Esther, where shall we begin?"
Obadiah noticed that Kenneth was as excited as a kid in a toy store, when he looked at her. "Well, you two, if you don't mind, I have a few last minute gifts to purchase," Obadiah declared.
Esther looked at him thoughtfully, and smiled. "Son, perhaps I could go with you after Kenneth and I look in the mercantile?"
"Yes, Mother, that would be fine. Shall we meet back here in say, an hour?"
Esther looked up at Kenneth, and he nodded. "Yes, son, an hour is just about right."
Obadiah turned and walked down the street, around the corner, leaving Esther and Kenneth to shop.
Reaching the corner, he spotted the shop he needed. Crossing the street, he went inside the small building. He needed something for Kenneth. As he wandered through the shop, he looked into several cases that held watches, tie pins, and an assortment of fine jewelry for men, but nothing he looked at struck a chord. He wanted something entirely unique and special for this man.
As he turned down another aisle in the store, he spotted the perfect gift sitting on the counter. It was a chess set. The board was inlaid with ebony and ivory squares, and the chess pieces were also made of ebony and ivory. It was a beautifully carved set, and Obadiah knew it was the perfect gift for the man that he considered his father.
Striding to the front of the shop, he found the proprietor. "The chess set on the counter, I'd like to purchase it. How much please?"
Matthew Willows walked to the counter and took out a large, well-made, wooden box. He began to set the board and then the pieces into the slots. "That will be four guinea, two shillings, please." Securing the top, he took it to the front of the shop and asked, "Will this be all, sir?"
"I would like it gift-wrapped please." Obadiah took out the required amount for the purchase of the set. The man called for a clerk to take the box for wrapping. Obadiah paid the man, then continued to browse through the shop while he waited. At last his package was ready, and he carried it out of the shop and placed it into the buggy, underneath the leather cover.
Kenneth and Esther appeared a few moments later, laden with several packages. Obadiah smiled as he watched the two, heads together as they walked toward him. The packages they carried went into the back underneath the leather cover as well.
"Goodness, Mother, who are those for?" Obadiah questioned.
Esther looked over at her son. "I got a little something for Kathleen McGregor." She replied with a smile. "Well now, are you ready, dear?" She laced her arm through his.
"Indeed, we are."
Kenneth smiled at them as they bid him farewell for the time being, and walked down the street. He watched them walk away, his love and pride for them showing on his face. 'My family,' he thought, then he turned and went in the opposite direction, looking into the shop windows for a present for Esther. He knew what he wanted to purchase, but finding the right one required a bit of searching.
Esther had helped him with Obadiah's present, and he was pleased with what he'd found. 'It's just perfect for his office,' he thought. He couldn't wait until Christmas Eve to see the look on his face.
Obadiah and his mother walked around the corner to the men's haberdashery shop. As they went in, the salesman greeted them, and asked if he could be of assistance. Esther looked up at the polite young man, and replied, "Yes, I need to find something for a gentleman."
The young man nodded. "I see, for your husband?" he questioned. Obadiah watched as Esther actually blushed, and smiled in the young man's direction.
"No, not my husband," she replied.
"I see. Well then, we have some nice selections of gifts over here." He directed her attention to a case on the counter.
Esther peered into the case, and saw a selection of tie pins and cuff links. She motioned Obadiah over. "Here son, look at this." She pointed to a set of cufflinks and a tie pin. They were onyx and silver, with a hint of emerald around the edges.
Esther asked to look at them more closely, and the young man complied, handing the box to her. She picked up the cuff link and examined it. Turning to Obadiah, she inquired, "Do you think he'd like this?"
Obadiah smiled at her. "Mother, Kenneth would like any present you gave him."
Esther smiled, "Oh, you; you're no help at all." She chuckled as she looked into the case again. She saw another set in the far corner of the case. It was almost hidden by another box, but the gold reflection caught her attention. They were gold, and had a ruby set in the center. The tie pin was the same, but smaller. Esther remembered that Kenneth's birthday was in July, and that the ruby was his birthstone. "Son, look here. I think this will work, don't you?" She pointed to the box in the back corner.
Obadiah peered into the case. "His birthstone," he commented, and Esther nodded.
"Yes, I believe those will be perfect, don't you, son?"
Obadiah looked at the man behind the counter, and pointed to the box within the case. "She'll take those, please."
"Right away. Would you like it gift-wrapped?" Obadiah nodded, and the man took the box to the back.
As they waited, Obadiah and Esther looked around the shop. They'd just walked down one aisle, when Obadiah spotted Stephen Summers at the counter.
"Stephen, good day to you," Obadiah greeted.
Stephen looked up and smiled. "Sir, and Mrs. Slope, how good to see you both."
"Stephen, the test at the doctor's office. How did that come out?" Obadiah asked.
Stephen's face lit up. "Yes, sir, we are."
Obadiah slapped him on the back. "Congratulations." Turning toward his mother, he whispered, "His wife is expecting."
Esther looked at the young pastor before her. "That's wonderful news, such a blessing." She patted the man's arm. The clerk brought the package back to the front and handed it to Esther.
Obadiah paid the man, and finished his chat with Stephen about an issue at the church while Esther listened intently. Turning back toward his mother, Obadiah took her arm as they bid Stephen good day, and walked out of the shop.
"Mother, could I ask your advice about a gift for Betsy?" he inquired as they walked slowly down the street.
Esther looked at him. "Yes, son, what is it?"
"Well, I need to get a gift for the girl. She is a good housekeeper, and I feel she deserves a little something."
Esther thought for a moment, then her eyes sparkled. "Well, son, I'm tatting a hair snood for Angelique. Would you like me to make one for Betsy, too?" Obadiah was confused by what she'd said, and his puzzlement showed on his face.
"A what?"
Esther began to chuckle. "It's a net worn on the back of the head. It's a pretty adornment she could wear to a party when she didn't want to fuss with her hair."
Obadiah shook his head. "Oh, one of those. Good heavens, Mother, is that what they are called?" Obadiah shook his head as he took her arm, and they walked back toward the buggy.
They made record time getting back to SunnyGlen, and as Obadiah tethered the horse, Kenneth helped Esther out of the buggy. Obadiah went up the steps and opened the door for the couple. As they stepped inside, Obadiah heard Angelique's laughter coming from a room just to the right.
He paused and listened closely. She was chatting with one of the newer residents, who seemed to be telling her about her home in Brighton. Obadiah turned down the hallway toward his mother's room.
Obadiah and Kenneth walked Esther down to her room and got her settled. They were sitting and talking about the presents Esther had bought for Kathleen, and about Stephen and his wife, when Angelique knocked on the door.
"Come in," Esther called out, and Obadiah and Kenneth rose as Angelique walked into the room. She smiled at them as she stepped closer. "Well, good afternoon, everyone. Did you have a nice outing, Mrs. Slope?" She knelt down beside her chair.
Esther smiled at the young woman, and reached out for her hand. "Yes, dear. I had a grand time." She looked up at Kenneth and then over to Obadiah.
Angelique noticed the look on Esther's face as she glanced at the Bishop. "Good, that's what's important." Standing, she asked, "Are you ready for lunch?"
"Only if you will join us," Obadiah replied, smiling in her direction.
Angelique walked to his side. "I would love to join you."
Kenneth took Esther's arm and looped it through his as they walked across the hallway to the dining room. The couples sat around the table and chatted for a bit, eating their lunch and visiting. Angelique sat forward and looked around the table. "All of you are invited to our home for Boxing day."
Esther looked over at her and asked, "Oh, dear, are you sure?"
Angelique nodded. "Yes, ma'am, Mother insists."
"Then we accept," Obadiah murmured.
Angelique beamed as she looked at him, thinking for the hundredth time just how handsome he was. They continued to talk for some time, and then Angelique started to stand. "I'm afraid I must get back to work."
Obadiah stood and offered her his arm. "May I walk you back to your office?"
"Yes, please."
Bidding Kenneth and Esther farewell, they exited the room, and walked slowly down the hallway toward her office. As they reached the door, Obadiah caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. "So soft," he whispered as he stepped a bit closer.
Angelique smiled at him, and placed her hand on his face. "I love you," she whispered as she caressed his uninjured cheek.
Obadiah leaned closer and kissed her cheek. "I love you, too, my Angel." He stepped away slowly. Taking her hand in his, and held it close for a moment longer, gazing into her brilliant green eyes. He took another step back, and released her hand. "Have a good afternoon," he told her as he kissed her cheek again, then turned and began to walk down the hallway. When he finally turned the corner, she went into her office, and back to work.
"What a nice distraction," she thought as she sat at the desk and began to look over some papers.
********
Kenneth and Obadiah bid Esther good day and left her in the recreation room, chatting with Kathleen McGregor. They rode in silence for a moment, making their way toward the parsonage, and then Kenneth spoke up. "Angelique is certainly a lovely girl, son."
"Yes, sir, I think so too," Obadiah responded. "I'm lucky to have found her here in Hammersmith. When I think of how God worked it all out..."
Kenneth placed his hand on Obadiah's shoulder. "I can tell she really cares for the people at the home, and is very dedicated to seeing to their care."
"Yes, sir. She is very dedicated to them. She has said that she had always wanted to do something that would help others."
"And I can tell that she really cares a lot for Esther, too."
"Yes, she and Mother get along quite well."
Kenneth thought for a moment. "She would make a good helpmate for someone, such as a minister, for instance."
Obadiah cleared his throat suddenly, and swallowed several times.
Kenneth added, "And I can also see that she is totally in love with you, son." Sitting back, he noticed Obadiah's ears go red, and he smiled in triumph. "Now the question is, when are you going to ask that girl to marry you?"
Obadiah stopped the buggy in the middle of the lane and turned to Kenneth. "You mean, in love, like you are with Mother?"
Kenneth's ears flamed red, and he began to sputter. "What? What do you mean? Me, and Esther?"
"Methinks thou dost protest too much, sir!" Obadiah responded with a smile as he urged the horse into action again. Kenneth looked at him, then reached for the reins, pulling the horse to a stop.
Obadiah looked over at him, and his smile faded. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern written on his features as he looked over at Kenneth.
The man had a pensive look on his face, and his eyes were suddenly filled with tears. Obadiah placed a hand on Kenneth's shoulder. "Sir, what is it?"
Kenneth sat there, looking at the man seated beside him, and came to a decision. It was time for him to tell the truth. Kenneth looked into Obadiah's eyes and shook his head. "Son...Obadiah, I need to tell you something. Something I have kept in my heart for a very long time."
"Yes, sir, what is it?"
Kenneth cleared his throat, and then began. "The first time I saw your mother, I was sixteen years old. Your father and I had gone into Keighley that day, and we saw her coming out of the local mercantile." His eyes took on a faraway look as he went on. "She was such a pretty little thing in her blue dress with the high lace collar.
"I fell in love with her on the spot," he whispered. Obadiah looked at him, shocked, as Kenneth continued.
"I could see right from the beginning, that she only had eyes for James. There was no mistaking her interest in him. So I stepped back, and stood by him, all those years, because I didn't want to lose his friendship.
"He was my best friend, and so I watched as my best friend married the girl I loved. I stood with him, in the dining room, while she bore his son. And when James was killed, and she was so very devastated, I stepped in and took care of you both, because I knew James would have wanted me to.
"Obadiah, I knew I didn't have a chance back then, but now, perhaps..." He trailed off as he looked upon Obadiah's face, and then said, "I couldn't love you any more than I do now if you were my own son."
Obadiah reached across and clasped his shoulder, pulling the man into a hug. "Kenneth, you are the only father I remember. The one who was there for us, all those years, and I love you for that. You have my blessing. If you and Mother can find some happiness together, then I'm all for it."
Kenneth pulled back and searched his eyes. "You mean, if she'll have me."
"Yes, if she'll have you."
They arrived at the parsonage, and Kenneth got out at the front door. Obadiah took the buggy to the barn, as Kenneth went in the house and told Betsy they needed a pot of tea and some biscuits.
"Right away, sir."
Moments later, Obadiah stepped onto the back porch and shook the snow from his cloak, removed his shoes, and placed them beside the stove. Padding through the kitchen, he walked into the hallway and began to go upstairs.
Betsy stepped out of the library. "Oh, sir, the Bishop is waiting in the library. I have a tray of tea and biscuits for you both."
"Thank you, Betsy." He continued to walk upstairs. He removed his coat and vest, and turned up his sleeves. Grabbing his jumper and putting it on, he searched in the closet until he found his old pair of leather shoes.
Kenneth was waiting for him in the library, sitting in the overstuffed leather chair and reading when Obadiah walked in. "Well, there you are! I wondered if you'd decided to stay in the barn all night with the horses."
Obadiah walked over to the low table in front of the fireplace and poured himself a cup of tea, adding a spoon of sugar. Sitting across from Kenneth, he observed the man for quite some time. Kenneth glanced up from his reading, and raised his eyebrow. "What is it, son?"
Obadiah drew a deep breath and let it out quickly. He had been deep in thought about the older man, and wondering if it would be appropriate to express his true feelings. When the man looked up and asked, he suddenly knew that he wanted Kenneth to know exactly how he felt about him.
"I barely remember my father," he murmured softly. "I was so young when he died."
"I know." Kenneth lowered his book, focusing on the younger man. "Why are you thinking of the past, Obadiah?"
"I...well, sir." He paused, looking up. "I think back over the years, and at every turning point, you were there for me. I am at another turning point in my life, and here you are! And suddenly, today, tonight, I realized that you ARE my father. There is no other man in my life who has done for me the things a father would do. Only you." Obadiah swallowed as tears welled in his eyes. "I guess I just wanted you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for me, but more than that, I love you, sir, as a son loves his father."
Kenneth sat there looking at Obadiah, tears welling in his eyes. He began to clear his throat, and carefully closed the book. His hands were shaking, and he was doing battle with a huge lump in his throat. "I always tried to do the best by you, son." He cleared his throat again. "I never knew if I was doing the right thing. Children don't come with a set of instructions!" He laughed softly, and wiped at a tear that trickled from the corner of his eye.
"I wasn't always easy, either." Obadiah laughed softly along with him, his face flushing with remembered indiscretions.
"You were a good boy, Obadiah," Kenneth murmured gently. "I was always proud of you, and I am to this day. I'm honored that you feel as deeply for me as you do. We are as close as a father and son could ever be, and I love you, too...son."
Obadiah slowly came to his feet, staring intently at the man across from him. Kenneth stood to face him, unsure of what he could expect, judging from the look on the man's face. Obadiah raised his hand, and let it drop helplessly beside him as he whispered so softly Kenneth barely heard him, "Dad."
Kenneth's tears flooded his eyes and spilled over his cheeks as he reached out and placed his hand on his son's shoulder. He pulled him into a warm embrace, whispering so only he could hear, "My son."
Obadiah threw his arms around the older man, and they held each other close for a long, long time. It was as if they were trying to make up for the years they had denied their feelings due to the ghost that always seemed to stand between them.
Kenneth was reluctant to pull away, but he finally released his hold on his son, and as he stepped back, he pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his face. He sniffed softly, and gave Obadiah a watery smile. "I'm becoming an emotional old fool!"
Obadiah snorted. "What does that make me? I'm not old! How about a game before we call it a night?" Obadiah suggested, his eyes shining brightly.
"I'd like that very much." Kenneth nodded happily, and the emotional moment passed peacefully between them, and left them both feeling cherished.
************
Tuesday morning, Obadiah told Kenneth he had to take care of some business at the church while they were having breakfast. "Would you like to come with me, sir? I did want you to see my office."
"Yes, I'd love to, son."
They finished their meal, and as they walked to the front hallway to retrieve their cloaks, Kenneth made a comment to Obadiah. "Son, you still haven't gotten that haircut I told you to get." He smiled when Obadiah looked over at him.
Shaking his head, Obadiah replied, "No, Dad, I haven't, because, Angelique, Ruth, and Mother all like it this way."
Kenneth's laughter boomed through the hallway. "Hrrmp, I guess I'm out voted then."
"Yes, sir I think you are."
Kenneth looked at the young man before him and pointed to his chin. "How does it look? Let me see," the older man ordered as he ventured closer to inspect the stitches.
Obadiah tilted his head, and Kenneth looked at his chin. "Looks like it's healing to me. Might want to let the doctor check it, too."
"It itches, and I find myself wanting to scratch it."
Kenneth nodded in understanding as he looked at the young man beside him. "Obadiah, what's this I see here on your top lip?" Kenneth looked closely at the young man. "Did you lose your razor?"
Obadiah turned red, and shook his head. "No, sir. Doctor Rhys told me not to get the stitches wet. So I can't shave, and just a beard looks rather ridiculous. So, I thought a mustache and goatee would be nice for a change, at least until I get the stitches out."
Kenneth nodded. "I see your point, son." They left the house, and walked up the pathway to the church, chatting about the synod as the walked. Obadiah noticed the groundskeepers had been working to clear the paths of snow, making the way easier for parishioners to get to the office. Obadiah opened the door for Kenneth as the two walked into the building.
"Good morning, sir. Might I help you?" Stephen asked Kenneth as he rose from the chair.
Obadiah stepped from behind the man, and replied, "Good morning, Stephen."
"Good morning, sir." He looked from Obadiah to Kenneth.
Obadiah stepped toward the desk, and picked up the letters that were sitting there, waiting for his signature. "I see I have a few things to sign."
"Yes, sir, you do."
Obadiah looked over at the young man. "How is Edwina this morning?"
"She is fine, already cleaning out the room that she chose to be the baby's." Obadiah nodded. "Kenneth, my office is this way." Kenneth followed behind him, after nodding in Stephen's direction.
As Obadiah opened the door, he stepped aside, and allowed Kenneth to precede him into the room. Kenneth stopped in front of the desk and looked around. Taking in the huge stained glass window, he smiled approvingly. "This is a very nice office, son." He commented, turning toward Obadiah.
"Yes, it is, isn't it?" Obadiah replied. "I especially like the fireplace."
Kenneth walked over to the large stone fireplace, and was amazed by what he was looking at. The fireplace went all the way through to the other room. It had a huge grate, and the mantle was carved alabaster.
"This is magnificent, son, I can see why you like it."
"The other side is just as impressive." Obadiah walked over to where Kenneth stood. "Care for some tea?"
"Yes, that would be quite nice. But don't let me keep you from your work. I can find something to occupy my time."
Obadiah stepped to the door. "Stephen, could we get some tea and biscuits please?"
"Right away, sir."
Obadiah sat behind his desk and read over a few letters while Kenneth perused his book shelves. He chose a book and moved to the chair in front of the fireplace. Obadiah smiled at him as he sat down and began to read.
Years later Obadiah would look back on this day with fondness, remembering how his father sat reading in his office, under his watchful eye.
Kenneth was so absorbed in the book he was reading he didn't notice that Obadiah had walked over to where he was until he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Dad, would you like some tea?"
Kenneth looked up and smiled. It warmed his heart to hear the endearment. "Yes, please, I'd love some." He set his book down and stood up, stretching the kinks from his back and neck. "Obadiah, I've been thinking of going to see Esther today, to…" He cleared his throat several times then continued. "Well, to tell her how I feel."
Obadiah turned from the sideboard and looked at him, "Good, I think that is a splendid idea."
Kenneth let out a breath and murmured. "I just hope she won't think me rather foolish."
Obadiah placed a hand on his shoulder. "Dad, just tell her. I think you might be surprised." They sat and drank their tea, then Kenneth rose and donned his cloak.
"Well, I'm off. Wish me luck."
Obadiah stood and gave him a hug. "Good luck, and tell Mother I said hello."
Kenneth smiled as he opened the door and left. Obadiah called after him, "I'm going to the Rhys' home today, to let Edward check these stitches."
Kenneth raised his hand, indicating he heard, and continued on his way. Obadiah finished his correspondence, and took the letters to Stephen.
"Here we go. These are ready." He set them down on the counter.
Stephen looked up. "Very well, sir, I shall send them today." Obadiah nodded and returned to his office to retrieve his cloak.
Stephen looked up as he came back moments later. "I'm going to see Dr. Rhys. I will be back, hopefully within the hour."
Striding to the barn, he saddled Chances, sparing a few moments to give Charlie an apple or two. "Here you go, old fella. Sorry I can't take you today. Chances needs a turn." Obadiah crooned as he gave the old horse a pat. He added an extra bucket of oats to his food bin, and then walked out, leading Chances.
Settling himself in the saddle, he gave the horse a pat, then pulled the reins to turn the horse up the lane. The winter air was crisp and refreshing, as Obadiah rode to Foster Lane.
Tethering Chances to the hitching post on the office side of the house, he walked up the steps, and opened the door to go inside. There were several people waiting as he approached the desk and told the woman his name. Taking his seat, he waited his turn.
After two babies with colic, and an older gentleman with a cold, the receptionist called out to him. "Reverend Slope, the doctor will see you now."
Obadiah rose and walked into the exam room. "Just have a seat, and the doctor will be with you momentarily." She left, closing the door behind her.
Obadiah sat on the exam table and looked around the room. He remembered the last time he was in here, and how his Angel had leaned close, and whispered of her love for him. He closed his eyes and pictured her face hovering above him, and sighed.
Edward walked in moments later. "Well now, Obadiah, let's have a look, shall we?"
He washed and dried his hands, then walked over to take a look at the stitches. "Here, son, lie back so I can get a better look."
Obadiah complied as Edward examined his chin. "Yes, yes, healing up nicely. Let's have a look at that jaw." Edward looked at the swelling, and noted it was subsiding. "The swelling is going down." He had Obadiah sit up. "I think those stitches can come out in about two more weeks."
"Thank you, sir." He hopped down from the table.
Edward motioned for him to come into the study. "I want to show you something," he whispered as he led Obadiah through the hall to his study. Edward walked over to his desk and sat down. Taking out his watch fob, he placed the key that was attached into the lock, and gave it a turn.
Pulling the drawer open, he withdrew three boxes. "I need your help with something." Nodding, Obadiah stepped closer to the desk. "Look here, which one do you think Angelique would like?" He took the tops off the boxes to reveal four different pieces of jewelry: a ring with diamonds and garnets interlaced, a cameo brooch, a set of earrings with small rubies, and a necklace with emeralds and amethyst stones.
Obadiah's gaze locked onto the necklace as he took in the stones it contained. Both his and Angelique's birthstones combined. "Well, son, what do you think?" Edward asked.
Obadiah pointed to the box containing the necklace. "This one, sir. Give Angelique this one."
Edward beamed up at him. "That's what I thought, too, but wanted to be sure. Thank you, Obadiah, you have helped me immensely." Placing the tops back on the boxes, he replaced them in the drawer, and locked it once more.
Obadiah smiled at him, and then asked, "Is Angelique here, sir?"
"Well, she was, let's find out shall we?"
Standing, he went to the door and opened it, then motioned for Obadiah to follow him. When Obadiah stepped into the hallway he looked around at the decorations. Felicia and Thomas had really been busy, he noted. There were garlands of fragrant pine strung across the doorways, and even intertwined up the banister. Holly with bright red berries sat on the table tops, and adorned the lentils on several other doorways.
As he gazed around, he noticed two sprigs of mistletoe. One hung above the doorway, leading into the parlour, and the other, just above his head. between the hallway and Edward's study door. In this area, Obadiah noticed that there was a bit of privacy.
As they drew closer to the parlour, Obadiah heard her voice. "Mar, look at this one."
As they walked to the door, he noticed she was sitting between Hester and Maggie, and they were all looking at cards that had been sent to the family. Several, he noticed, had been placed along the mantle.
"Well, here are my girls, come in, Obadiah," Edward called.
Angelique looked up suddenly, and smiled. "Obadiah, what are you doing here?"
"I came to see your father." Her smile faded, and she looked down at her hands, crestfallen. Obadiah stepped forward. "Angelique, I needed him to check the stitches. Afterwards, I asked if you were home."
Angelique blushed and immediately stood and walked over to where he was. "How is your chin?" She tried to see his wound. Obadiah tilted his head back, and she saw it was still bruised, but healing. She stepped back. "Come have a seat. We were just looking at the cards."
Nodding, he addressed the others. "Good day, Maggie, Hester, Dorthea. I trust you all are well?"
They smiled at him, and Dorthea was the first to speak. "Obadiah, we are having a small get together on Thursday, and would like for you and Bishop Untner to attend."
Obadiah nodded. "I'm sure I can speak for the Bishop when I say we'd be delighted to attend."
Dorthea smiled over at him, then went on. "I heard from Elizabeth Owens today. She wants you and Angelique to come by tomorrow, if you are free."
Obadiah raised his eyebrow. "I shall make the time." He looked over toward his Angel. "Would you be able to go around nine?"
"Yes, I will be ready to go," she replied. "Oh, I must go to SunnyGlen tomorrow, too. Mother, may he drive me there after we have our visit with Auntie Bets?" she asked, an anxious, expectant look on her face.
Dorthea looked over at her mother and mother-in-law, then back to Angelique and Obadiah. "Yes, you may."
Obadiah stood. "Well, I'm afraid I must be going. Duty calls." He turned toward the door.
"Angelique, see this young man out," Edward suggested as he looked toward Dorthea. She nodded in her daughter's direction, and Angelique stood, smiling at her mother.
Obadiah offered her his arm, and the couple walked out of the parlour. As they walked down the hallway, toward the study, they passed underneath the sprig of mistletoe in the hallway that was partially hidden from onlookers.
Angelique pulled Obadiah to a stop underneath the small sprig, and pointed upward as she smiled in his direction.
Obadiah looked into her eyes, then looked around to see if they were being observed. He grasped her by the shoulders, and made to kiss her cheek, but at the last moment, she turned her head, ever so slightly, and he kissed her lips.
His eyes widened, and he drew back suddenly. She smiled and took his arm once again, pulling him along toward the study.
They walked through to the office entrance, where she stood close, and whispered, "I love you." She kissed him once again, quickly, before gently pushing him out the door.
He smiled at her through the screen, and tipped his hat. Climbing on Chances' back, he waved at her, and rode off.
Angelique turned back toward the study, then stopped and placed her hands on her cheeks. 'Oh, my, whatever came over me?' She placed her fingers to her lips and closed her eyes, remembering the brief kiss she'd initiated, and vowed to try again tomorrow.
************
Kenneth arrived at SunnyGlen around eleven. He'd thought about what he wanted to say to Esther on the way.
Practicing many times, he chuckled as he pulled in front of the building. "You're an old fool." He walked up to the door and went inside.
Kenneth asked James if Esther was in her room. "Oh, no sir, she is in the recreation room." Kenneth walked down the hallway. His heart was hammering in his chest as he approached the room and peered in. Esther was sitting beside the fireplace, reading. Her back was to the door, and the room was empty save for her.
Kenneth removed his cloak, and threw it over his arm as he strolled into the room. "There you are!" he exclaimed.
Esther turned around and smiled in his direction. "Kenneth, what on earth are you doing here?" She held out her hand to him as he drew closer. She placed her book on the table as he took her hand and knelt down beside her chair. "Kenneth, why don't we sit over there on the settee? I think your knee would appreciate it." She chuckled as he stood up rather slowly.
He helped her to her feet, and they walked over to the settee. Kenneth turned to look at Esther. "Esther, I…Well, I wanted..." He stopped and swallowed several times in rapid succession.
"Kenneth, what is it?" Worry was written all over her face at his sudden loss for words. "Is it Obadiah? Oh please, tell me he is alright!" Her voice grew frantic as she searched his face.
Kenneth placed his hands on her shoulders, shaking his head. "Obadiah is fine, no worries there, dear."
Esther sat back, relief washed over her, and she smiled. "Thank goodness." She looked back at Kenneth. "Kenny, what's wrong?"
He smiled at her. "Esther, you haven't called me Kenny since we were seventeen." He chuckled as he kissed her hand.
Esther blushed then, and looked at him. "Now, out with it. What's wrong?"
Kenneth shook his head. "Nothing is wrong. I just need to tell you something."
Esther smiled. "Kenneth, what is it? You can tell me."
Kenneth gazed at her. "I…I..." Taking a deep breath, he looked down at their joined hands, and then looked back into her eyes. "Esther, I have been in love with you since I first saw you coming out of the mercantile in Keighley."
Esther sat there, looking into his eyes. "Kenneth, why didn't you say something?"
"Because of James. I could see you had eyes only for him. I didn't want to lose yours or his friendship, so I kept silent." He looked down once again at their hands.
Esther reached out her hand and turned his face toward her to look into his eyes. "Kenny, oh, Kenny, all these years?" she whispered.
Nodding, Kenneth reached up and caressed her cheek. "Esther, I knew that, back then, it was not a possibility. You loved James, and he loved you. But now, Esther, do you think, perhaps, now I have a chance to win your heart?" His voice was husked with emotion, his love for her written in his eyes.
"Kenny. Dear, sweet Kenny. Yes, yes, you do."
He leaned forward, ever so slowly, and gently placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Esther caressed his face as he pulled back, and smiled at him. "Kenneth Untner, is that the best you can do?" she teased.
He laughed then, and gathered her in his arms, placing a proper kiss on the woman he'd waited for, for over forty years. He sat back and hugged Esther close to his side. They sat in quiet companionship for awhile.
Esther looked up at him. "Kenny, did you ever open that home for the poor you used to talk about?"
Kenneth looked down at her, and nodded his head. "Yes, I did. It is thriving. They help with feeding the widows and orphans of the parish near Keighley."
She reached up to caress his face. "You are a good man, Kenneth Untner," she whispered as she placed her head on his shoulder and held tightly to his hand.
************
Obadiah rode slowly back to the parsonage, his mind on the young woman back on Foster Lane. He couldn't believe she'd turned her head, thus placing her lips in line with his kiss, instead of her cheek. He smiled as he remembered her triumphant smirk as he drew back. 'So she'd planned it that way all along,' he thought.
He shook his head and continued on. As he reached the church, he saw Kenneth pulling into the church lot. He stepped down from the buggy, and tethered the horse to the post.
Obadiah rode into the lot and reined in Chances. Stepping out of the saddle, he tethered the horse and turned toward Kenneth. "Well, what happened?" he asked, concern written on his lean, hawk-like features.
Kenneth stood for a moment, his face a mask of non-emotion.
Obadiah was suddenly worried about how his mother had responded, when the man before him broke out in a huge grin. His eyes lit up, and he held his arms wide. "She said yes!"
Obadiah laughed. "I told you." He rushed to the man and hugged him tightly.
Kenneth was suddenly overwhelmed by emotion as tears sprang to his eyes. Clearing his throat, he pushed back, and fished in his pocket for a handkerchief. "I'm sorry, son." He swiped the handkerchief across his eyes, and then replaced it in his pocket.
Obadiah clasped his shoulder. "It's quite alright, sir. I understand completely." Hugging him again, then stepping back, he added, "Come. Let's go into my office, and you can tell me all about it."
Obadiah opened the door and entered the building, Kenneth following closely behind. Looking around, he noticed Stephen was not at his desk, and called out.
"Stephen? Stephen, are you here? That's odd. If he'd left, the door would be locked, unless…" Obadiah trailed off, looking around on the desk he spotted a note.
Picking it up, he began to read. "Oh no, not that," he whispered.
"Obadiah, what is it?" Kenneth questioned gently, responding to the solemn expression on the younger man's face as Obadiah dropped the note on the desk.
"Stephen's wife miscarried." He turned and hurried out the door. Kenneth shook his head and said a prayer as he walked into Obadiah's office to wait until he returned.
Obadiah rode swiftly to Stephen's house. Jumping from Chances' back, he ran to the front door and knocked.
Stephen answered, tears streaking his face. "Oh, sir, I apologize for leaving the…"
Obadiah stopped him. "It's alright, Stephen, how is Edwina?" He led the man away from the front door, closing it behind him.
"I don't know, sir. Doctor Rhys is with her now." Obadiah nodded, and took the distraught young man into the parlour.
Edward walked down the stairs, and found Stephen and Obadiah in the parlour. They looked up when he stepped into the room, and both men stood to their feet.
"Doctor, is Edwina going to be alright?" Stephen whispered.
Edward nodded. "Yes, son, she will be fine. But I'm afraid she lost the baby."
Stephen sat down on the settee and wept. Obadiah sat beside him and placed his arm around his shoulders, murmuring words of comfort as the young man cried.
Edward knelt beside him. "Stephen, listen to me, son. This is nature's way of telling us that there was something wrong with the baby."
Stephen looked up at him and shook his head. "But, she was so happy."
Edward nodded understandingly. "Son, she can still have another baby. But, I want you to understand this. There was something wrong with this one. Do you hear me?"
Stephen nodded his head. "Yes, sir, I understand."
"Good, now go on up to her, and don't worry. She is going to need time, lots of love, and understanding."
Stephen rose and thanked the man, nodded to Obadiah, and started up the stairs. Obadiah looked at Edward. "Will she be alright, sir?"
"Yes, in time she will be. But, usually after something like this, they tend to go into a depression."
"I see. What can be done, sir, anything?"
"Only time, and love, lots of love, and understanding, and talking about it is good. I will ask Dorrie to talk to her. She needs to know she isn't alone in her feelings."
"So Mrs. Rhys miscarried?" Obadiah asked gently, treading carefully over ground he knew nothing about.
"Yes, three times to be exact. Angelique was our last hope," he whispered, clearing his throat. "Well now, I need to go over to St. Bart's. Tell Stephen I will be back to check on Edwina tonight."
"Yes, sir, I will." He walked Edward to the door.
***********
Obadiah arrived at the church after dark. He noticed there were lights on in the office, and went in. Kenneth was sitting in the office. He'd been reading, and had fallen asleep.
Obadiah walked over to the chair, and placed a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking it. "Dad, Dad, wake up."
Kenneth looked up at him and smiled. "Oh, there you are. Is the young lady alright, son?" He slowly took to his feet.
"Yes, sir. Doctor Rhys says she will be fine, in time."
"I'm sure she will," Kenneth murmured sleepily, placing his hand on Obadiah's shoulder. "Come, son, let's go home. Shall we?" Nodding, Obadiah walked to his desk and put out the lamp.
Kenneth closed out the one beside the door, and together, the two men walked down to the parsonage, Obadiah leading Chances by the reins.
As they neared the house, Obadiah started around to the pathway leading to the barn. "Son, let me do that. You go on inside," Kenneth instructed him.
"I can do this, sir."
Kenneth shook his head. "No, son, go on inside." Obadiah nodded, and walked up the steps to the front door as Kenneth took Chances to the barn.
Betsy was in the kitchen fixing supper when Obadiah stepped into the house. When she heard the front door close, she walked into the hallway. "Oh, sir, how is Mrs. Summers? And where is the Bishop?"
"Mrs. Summers will be fine, and the Bishop should be coming in the back door at any moment."
Betsy nodded. "I have the evening meal almost ready sir. Would you like to have it in the dining room?"
"No, Betsy, I believe we will eat in the kitchen tonight."
Moments later Kenneth walked in the back door and shook the snow from his cloak and shoes. "Mercy, but that wind has picked up." He stepped further into the cozy warmth of the kitchen.
"Aye, sir, it sounds that way." Betsy placed several plates of food on the table. Obadiah was standing beside the counter, and had two glasses in his hand, helping to set the table.
"Betsy, this certainly smells wonderful," Kenneth commented as he removed his cloak and hung it on the peg beside the door.
Obadiah sat down in his chair. "Yes, Betsy, this does smell wonderful. Come, sir, have a seat."
He was balancing on one foot, trying to remove his wet shoes without tracking snow into the kitchen. Obadiah smiled as he watched the man. Finally getting them off, he placed them beside the stove and walked over to the table.
Tucking into their food after a brief prayer of thanks, the two men ate their meal, talking about Stephen's wife and her care.
After dinner they went into the study and settled in for their usual game of chess. By midnight, Kenneth had finally won a game, and the two decided to call it an evening. As they reached the top landing and walked down the hallway to their rooms, Obadiah called to Kenneth, "Sir, come and let's say goodnight to Mother, shall we?"
Kenneth looked at him then smiled. "Thank you, son. I'd like that very much."
The pair walked over to the window, and Obadiah lifted the curtain. Lighting the candle that sat on the table, he lifted it up. As the pair watched, another single candle from across the field flared to life, and was lifted in front of the window.
Then, Obadiah placed his palm against the window pane, and across the way they could see another hand.
"Now you, sir. She can see it." Kenneth raised his hand and placed it on another pane, and watched as Esther's hand changed from one side of the pane to the other. Kenneth smiled, grasping Obadiah by the shoulder with his free hand, hugging him close, as father and son said goodnight to Esther.