Cqofegypt does not own anything. Shakes head
On the day of St. Luke's bell tower extravaganza hosted by Reverend Bohun, Father Brown tried to be as inconspicuous as possible, even stealing one of Mrs. McCarthy's strawberry scones.
Though not an excellent cook himself, he did love food.
As he sat talking with Norman's friend, of whose name had escaped, they were talking of camping and wildlife, when Lady Felicia walked over.
"...I love camping. Tell me when and where."
"Father Brown!"
"Talking of wildlife" he joked with a smile, he turned and noticed how beautiful Lady Felicia looked- her hat seemed to be alive...
"Lady Felicia, you appear to have something nesting in your hat. "
She looked bemused, and a little shy, if he didn't know better...
"Oh! You do tickle me, Father." He smiled, turning to give her his full attention.
"I hear you're entertaining us later." She nodded
"Reverend Bohun has insisted I perform my Habanera." she looked excited, and nervous even in her flourish.
He nodded with a polite smile. "I'm sure he did."
She frowned slightly looking a tad hurt. As she walked away,
Nathan felt guilty as he was sure hed insulted her in front of another guest.
He feared he was starting to pick up some of Mrs. McCarthy's blunt candor... not good when it came to Felicity...er- Felicia.
It turned out Felicia's singing was a big success as well as music to his ears...
he chuckled as he realized her sonnet, too was in French.
L'amour L'amour L'amour L'amour L'amour
L'amour est enfant de Bohême,
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi.
Si tou ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!
Si tou ne m'aimes pas, si tou ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!
To remedy his mistake from earlier, Nathan faithfully kept a careful eye on Felicia especially after that comment made by Reverend Bohen's brother, Norman.
"You're a vulgar man." she glared
"Lady Felicia, I may be wrong but, judging by your general demeanor and the way you're looking at me, I'd say I'm making you randy." Norman had smirked at her
She'd flushed, backing down, but Nathan Brown, standing behind Norman, wanted to kill him...
Thou shalt not murder
Sometime later, seven seconds after counting down, Felicia was nowhere in sight, but Nathans blood turned to ice when he heard the scream.
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...
No bells rang
One, two three...
Jeremiah was confused, even as Father Brown shrugged and showed him his pocket watch.
Four...five...six...seven...
"AUGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Oh dear Lord, Nathan shuddered as his head whipped around, his stomach sinking to his shoes. He hated that scream already... it tore him to shreds...
In the back of his mind he saw a young woman terrified for their lives as her lover brandished a sword...
As Inspector Valentine questioned her, she was in shock.
Xander leaning over Father's desk, Father's rapier sticking out of Xander's back as if he were a slab of meat...
Father...
She alone outside the door, covering her mouth to keep from screaming...
No!
"Lady Felicia, did you see anyone running away from the scene?"
"I can't, um I just..." to Father Brown, she looked confused, scared...
"It's all right. Take your time." he said gently, assuring her, calming her... she nodded her thanks, took a breath, and continued.
"I was cleaning my hat. I looked out and I saw he was lying there."
No, he wasn't lying there, he was lying over Father's desk...
No! They're inquiring about Mr. Bohen!
"Mmm..."
Yes? urged Valentine, getting impatient.
Felicia sensed it and continued, despite Father Brown wanting to reprimand the Inspector...
"I-I didn't see anyone else..." she shook her head. Nathan was concerned at her pale pallor. "I'm sorry, I think I need to lie down."
One of the elderly ladies, Mrs. Crabshaw had been watching Father Brown watch Lady Felicia the whole time. The elderly woman smiled, placing a hand to Felicia's back.
"Come on." she said, leading Felicia back to her home which was about a block away.
Yes. Felicia returned with Mrs. Crabshaw, Father Brown watching pensively in their wake...
"I'll take good care of her, Father Brown" Mrs. Crabshaw smiled again, back at the elderly priest.
Nathan nodded his thanks and raised his umbrella in farewell.
As he helped to solve the crime, he hoped Felicia was alright...
The Next Sunday
He'd said good morning to two parishioners before she walked up.
Not one to deliberately call attention to herself, despite what some thought, she looked lovely... he tried not to blush, especially in wearing his green vest.
"Lady Felicia, you look positively radiant. How are your vocal chords this morning?"
She smiled, flushing slightly, nodding her thanks.
"Ready to delight the congregation with my Amazing Grace."
The priest beamed. "Can't wait."
As she walked inside, he spoke with the Barnes' thanking the Lord for another joyous day.
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Chapter 3 coming up soon!