Chapter Six

St. Mary's on Broadway Catholic Church.

Sunday, May 10th, 1896.

Fitzwilliam Darcy ignored the stares as he approached Father Charles.

"Fitzwilliam Darcy! My son!" The kindly priest greeted. Fitzwilliam always liked Father Charles, the parish's pastor and when he managed to kick Francis away, Fitzwilliam answered.

"Father Charles! A delight and pleasure to be sure! I want to express how thankful I am that you presided over Mass!" Fitzwilliam replied and he meant this. The usual cane was bothering and the ache in his back was there but he ignored this when Father Charles answered.

"It is a humbling grace to say Our Lord's meal, my son. As I'm sure you know that." But in a tone which Fitzwilliam knew, Father Charles lowered his voice when he asked.

"Are you seeking some spiritual guidance? I can see it in your eyes."

"Yes, I am, Father." Fitzwilliam replied as a few other members of the parish passed by. Fitzwilliam, thankful his older brothers' would be away for a month, attended Mass and he loved knowing that there was a statue of Our Blessed Mother, whom he had a special devotion to. He also had another saint he held another devotion to but he kept him to himself until he knew it would be the right time to reveal his other patron to the world. But in this moment? He waited for Father Charles to return speaking to him after the other parishioners' passed by.

"I can arrange for a meeting this week, my son." The kindly priest answered.

"I can see you're seeking some spiritual insight for whatever is causing you to frown so, Mr. Darcy."

"I can't hide that from you, can I?" Fitzwilliam asked and Father Charles nodded.

"You are special, Fitzwilliam. Very special." Father answered and he placed his hand on Fitzwilliam's shoulder. When he waited, Fitzwilliam turned and looked at the priest in the eyes as Father finished.

"And God will surely hear your prayers. Trust Him, my son. He will work wonders."

"I'm hoping with all my heart He will, Father. I hope so!" Fitzwilliam finished and after Father gave him his blessing, Fitzwilliam used his cane and walked out of the front doors of St. Mary's. And Francis – stood outside and helped him to the carriage. It was Sunday, May 10th, 1896, the day after he'd dined with the Queen of Beauty. And a week since his humiliation from his older brothers Phillip and Henry.