Disclaimer cqofegypt owns nothing except Felicia's poem.
Review Response
Ratfink- Thanks for your last review! It's so encouraging that you're liking this story!
Enjoy!
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
"Fresh from the word Sweet the rain's new fall Sunlit from heaven-"
To find a new organist after poor, elderly Mr. Knowles had fractured his hip was certainly a challenge in and of itself.
When Mrs. Parfit had begun her rendition of Morning Has Broken, Father Brown had the immediate painful sensation of a blood vessel being broken in his forehead.
The sound of a dying cat being let loose upon the organ wasn't helping...
"Yes, Thank you, Mrs Parfitt! Thank you!" Nathan Brown called to the elderly auditioning organist. he felt guilty for nearly having to yell at her to stop playing, since she was almost completely deaf.
"How many more?" he murmured desperately to parish secretary, Mrs. McCarthy.
"Just a half dozen." she smiled, happy that the priest was with her for the day getting some real work done, instead of running off, getting himself involved in some grisly murder... or ensnared with the likes of that no good, taudry, loose, little...
"Lady Felicia. You do look a picture." She did indeed- what a sight for very sore, very tired eyes...
Spoken too soon, thought the elder with a glare.
Lady Felicia smiled, as if knowing she were a cat capturing a canary...
"Father Brown. Mrs. McCarthy... I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
"Not at all..." Nathan Brown said a little too quickly, ignoring Mrs. McCarthy's huff.
Out of the corner of his eye he could see the ever punctual, no nonsense Mrs. McCarthy strutting forward with her clipboard. Lady Felicia most certainly was interrupting something!
As if reading Mrs. McCarthy's mind, Felicia hesitated.
"I only wondered if you'd care to accompany me to a poetry recital? I know it's short notice, but the host specifically requested your presence. Indeed, he was quite insistent."
Nathan raised both eyebrows at this prospect... finally, a chance to escape the dull attendance of his "duties" (secretly he wondered if Mrs. McCarthy made up such assignments as to keep him rooted to the church and away from other ahem* more captivating interests...)
He tried to give Lady Felicia a very subtle look of GET ME OUT OF HERE!
Pleasantly, the younger lady seemed to catch this meaning, and grinned like a kitten.
"Father Brown is in the middle of auditions." Mrs. McCarthy cut in.
There she goes again! he thought.
"Which, I'm sure, can wait." he said with finality in his tone. He turned his attention directly to Felicia.
"Who, might I ask, is the host?" he asked curiously with a smile.
"One of her highfalutin cronies, I shouldn't wonder." Mrs. McCarthy sulked, insulted that the priest was now, purposefully, ignoring her.
"Mr Quinton." Felicia smiled good naturedly, having no intention of interrupting what the priest was being told to do...
"Mmm." murmured Father Brown, trying to remember if he'd heard of a "Mr. Quinton" in the area.
Mrs. McCarthy obviously had, since she gasped in surprise. "Not Leonard Quinton?" she gasped in excitement.
Lady Felicia nodded, casting her gaze quickly on Mrs. McCarthy then turned again to Father Brown.
"Mm-hmm."
He nodded his head, extending his arm for her to lead the way.
Seeing the two leaving without her without nary an invitation, Mrs. McCarthy huffed, grabbed her bag, and hurried after them.
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Seeing Mrs. McCarthy rush out after them, Lady Felicia gave Father Brown a dissatisfied, indeed aggravated glare.
Looking behind him, the priest nearly groaned aloud.
She won't be any trouble, I promise! he pleaded desperately.
See that she isn't! Felicia glowered.
As they got in the car, which was rather cramped, Lady Felicia rolled her eyes as Mrs. McCarthy prattled on, nodding to Mosely to drive on...
Felicia tried to get comfortable, and discovered that if she leaned over, just slightly, she'd be nestled quite nicely within the crook of Nathan's left arm.
If only his mother hadn't decided to tag along...
Nathan Brown was quick to discover that his headache from earlier was quickly getting worse with the droning on of Mrs. McCarthy.
His mind thinking along the same lines as Lady Felicia, wasnt it his prescence Mr. Quinton had requested?
Why did Mrs. McCarthy always have to follow him around?!
If he could have gotten away with it, one small shift to his left, and Lady Felicia would've been nestled nicely into his arms...
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
A very young lady met the group at the car, attempting to socialize with the ladies, and doing so very poorly.
And the clothes she was wearing!
Natural grace, indeed...
"Is that Christian Dior? His designs are so flattering for mature women, aren't they?"
Father Brown and Lady Felicia caught themselves, trying not to laugh aloud... Poor Mrs. McCarthy...
Yet, then again... they looked at each other and exchanged bemused glances.
"Lady Felicia" a man said, going up to Felicia and extending a hand.
"Your husband is a very good client." Felicia looked him square in the eye- giving nothing away.
"I do not get involved with my husband's business affairs." she said stiffly, which was the truth- socializing with anyone from Xander's business connections was a limit Felicia never crossed- and due to the look in this man's eyes, never would.
Being that Felicia wasn't from here, her reputation was unsullied, and in good standing. She'd do everything in her power to keep it that way. She was thnkful Father Brown was here at least...
As if reading her train of thought, the man sneered. "Better to enjoy the spoils. I'm sure you've earned it." he returned his card to his pocket.
Felicia turned ashen. How- how dare he say such a thing!
She dearly wanted to smack him, but decided to keep her eyes focused on the ground...
She heard Nathan change the subject and sighed in relief.
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Hoping to catch Felicia's eye and failing, Nathan Brown frowned harshly at the tall man with the receding hairline. Just what was that all about?
He averted his attention to Mrs. McCarthy to clear the room.
"What a delightful home. Such curious artifacts."
Violet smiled awkwardly.
"Yes. Lenny will be so pleased you could make it."
Still averting his attention from the stranger, who was getting more smug by the second, Nathan's hand literally itched to grab Felicia and bring her behind him... he mentally dared the man to glare at him!
"We're very much looking forward to meeting him, aren't we, Mrs McCarthy" he said tightly.
"Yes, and I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs Quinton." Poor Mrs. McCarthy... the priest shook his head.
The girl giggled coquetishly, causing Father Brown to frown and Felicia's hair to stand on end.
"Oh! No, Lenny and I aren't married. Not yet, anyway. Come, do follow me. Oh, I'm afraid the train from Paddington was cancelled so it's going to be a rather intimate gathering." the priest wondered just what the girl meant by 'intimate'...
The man whom had addressed Felicia rolled his eyes.
"I'm ashamed to say that Violet is Leonard's mistress, and almost as insufferable as he is."
"How very French." Felicia said awkwardly, turning and giving Father Brown an appologetic smile.
He nodded, allowed Mrs. McCarthy to go ahead of him, passing the man- a Mr. Harris, he assumed from his business card, trying not to punch him.
No one offends or intimidates Lady Felicia like that and gets away with it... for long...
Nathan shook his head.
Maybe Harris would get arrested for murder...
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
"...She had a smile that used to light up the room."
Father Brown and Leonard Quinton were off to the side speaking quietly, as Mr. Quinton looked lovingly in his wife's direction.
Father Brown, a bit perplexed was also confused.
"Mr Quinton, is there something you'd like to share with me?"
" I would like you to look after my wife, Father, if anything should happen to me. She's one of yours. But I'm afraid she's lost her way a little."
Father Brown nodded, wishing that had never been...
"You have my word. I will help her to God's counsel in any way I can. But what do you imagine is going to happen to you? "
As if he was a deer caught in headlights, Mr. Quinton quickly changed the subject.
"Let's not waste any more time, shall we? Violet, my dear. Perhaps you'd like to begin?"
As they all sat down, none were exactly sure what to expect, especially from Violet.
"Entwined in the long grass..."
Nathan and Felicity during the reading, had done their best to keep from looking at each other. From both of their prospectives the poem was much too visual...
As she felt her own face heat up, Felicia tried not to outright giggle at the astounded face of Mrs. McCarthy.
Ha! Served her right!
Subtly, Felicia glanced in Nathan's direction again, who was blushing and wincing at the vulgarity of the words...
Surely his thoughts weren't racing as hers were?
As he heard Violet's spoken literature, Father Brown consistantly prayed that hearing the verses aloud would not allow his mind to wander to her...
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above...
Continuing in his heavenly mindset, Nathan began to pray.
Lord I pray against temptation of these thoughts...
Thoughts of Felicity and he alone, together, in their youth...
She reciting Lord Byron when they met...
Thoughts of them in the future
Thoughts of them alone, married, together...
Wedding clothes of past... no... future... strewn about carelessly on the floor.
Golden bands glinting in the warmth of the candle's firelight as fingers touched soft, warm flesh...
Applause? Hallelujah, it was over!
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Later, after the readings, Harris suggested a walk in the gardens.
As they were talking, admiring a plant Mother Goose had incorrectly identified as oliander, Lady Felicia turned, tripping over something.
"Oh!" she gasped.
"Lady Felicia!" Father Brown cried, concerned, kneeling to assist her.
"I tripped over that and I've broken my heel!"
"Mangy beast." Harris muttered.
"All ears and fleas. Martha always hated that cat." Harris stomped off.
After seeing that Felicia was alright, Father Brown went to the cat.
"What's this? Poor creature. All creation, O Lord, is in your care. Give us eyes to see that every living creature speaks to us of your love. Amen."
"Amen" Felicia said quietly, giving the priest a smile. He returned it quickly.
"I think I may need some help." Felicia winced.
Father Brown quickly stood up and took half her weight against him.
"Looks like a bad sprain." he murmured, commanding himself not to touch her. If they were in a more private setting, alone, he just might risk getting kicked, especially if she were ticklish...
The priest was brought out of his thoughts by Mrs. McCarthy yelling his name. He ignored her.
"I'll go and fetch the first aid kit." Harris muttered, glaring at the priest for ensnaring his former prey.
"And what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" Lady Felicia scowled, wishing Mrs. McCarthy would go with him...
A few minutes later, after being assisted by her friends, Lady Felicia sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness, I thought we'd never find our way back."
Father Brown nodded in embarrassment, a youthful minded, centered daydream having wiggled its way into his head. He tried to keep from overly flushing, lest Mrs. McCarthy ask why...
"Well, if you will wear those ridiculous shoes." she sneered.
Lady Felicia, in too much pain to give a snark filled remark, glared at the woman instead.
"Was that a poem, or an instrument of torture?" Father Brown thought aloud, changing the subject lest he have a cat fight on his hands.
Felicia noticed Harris walking out with the first aid kit. She rolled her eyes.
"And about time too!" Mrs. McCarthy snarked.
"Sorry I took so long." said Harris, whom to Father Brown, didn't look sorry in the least...
As Mrs. McCarthy let go, and Nathan held on to her, Lady Felicia looked straight ahead, gasped, and fainted.
Father Brown was in a panic. First the Countess was upright in his arms, and now she fainted!
"Lady Felicia! Lady Felicia! What...?"
He looked back and saw it.
"Oh my God!" Harris yelled.
"Oh! Father... Father... Are you alright?"
Father Brown growled, wishing he'd heeded Felicia's glare, and left the old woman at the church...
"I'm fine Mrs. McCarthy, now stop henning me, and help me get her up..."
Just as he said that, Lady Felicia's eyes fluttered open beautifully, causing the priest's heart to skip a beat...
"Mmm... oh... Father Brown..." she smiled sleepily.
He smiled also, tempted to rub her cheek.
"Are you alright, my dear?"
Lady Felicia felt herself shiver, especially when Nathan's eyes darkened a shade, a frown of concern gracing his features.
I am now... she thought.
"Yes" she murmured, not wanting to leave the comfort of his arms... ever...
Watching the former swooning Countess within her priest's arms, Mrs. McCarthy huffed.
"Stand up, Father, you'll get your cassok covered in fiflth" she sneered.
As both the Countess and the priest looked at the woman with a 'Are you out of your ever blooming mind?!' expression on each of their faces, she continued.
"Well? Come along! Let her get up and give her a moment; she'll get over her histrionics if you allow her..."
Saints and Heavens above! growled the priest as he glared daggers at the parish secretary.
"One more remark like that, Mrs. McCarthy, and I'll be writing the agency to have you dismissed! Do I make myself clear?!" To her credit, Mrs. McCarthy jumped at the furious look in the priest's blue eyes. If that wasn't scary enough, his wide brimmed hat nearly covered his glasses as he glared over them. He looked like a saintly spectre...
As he helped her up, Felicia rubbed Nathan's arm in an act of comfort. He was infuriated.
"Be merciful as I am merciful" she whispered in his ear, reminding him of her favorite verse.
Just then, Violet screamed.
After Father Brown saw that Felicia was alright, he rushed to help.
With the use of Mrs. McCarthy's gardening shears, he set to work, cutting down the body.
"It seems that he left a note" Lady Felicia said, handing the note to Father Brown.
He took it, perplexed by its contents.
Once the gardener, Umesh, called the police, Father Brown did his best to steer clear of Valentine, managing to solve the case pretty quickly.
Umesh was validated- he had no motive to kill Leonard.
Violet was a vain, foolish, 'passionate woman', but had no real, true means to kill 'her Lenny'.
Father Brown had his suspicions about Harris, due to his history with a certain Mr. Short as well as that scene earlier that day with Felicia, however, it was found that Leonard had indeed taken his own life, due to regret of losing his baby daughter.
Speaking of, where was Mrs. Quinton?
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Father Brown found the hysterical widow in her bedroom.
"...If you've got all the answers, give me one good reason why I shouldn't swallow these pills."
He paused, debating whether or not to approach her.
"The fact you asked the question must stand for something."
Martha scoffed. "So you're not going to try and tell me everything happens for a reason? That this is God's will?" Father Brown sighed.
"I don't know why your daughter died. And I don't know why God let it happen." "Then what do you know?!" Martha screamed hysterically.
Nathan winced, wishing Felicia were there. "I know that God knows what it is to lose a child. And that he is standing next to you. And that he can't stop you suffering, but that he loves you and he loves your daughter and if you let him into your heart you will see Olivia again."
Martha Quinton gasped in shock, crying tears of joy.
"I've never heard anyone say her name out loud before."
Nathan smiled, relieved she wouldn't regret living her life by taking it. If her daughter's name was the healing balm that would help her in the greiving process, then by all means...
"Olivia."
"Again."
" Olivia."
" Again." she started to shake with sobs, and Nathan gently enveloped her in a comforting, fatherly hug.
" Olivia." he murmured into her hair.
Looking over at the door, he smiled as he saw Felicia in the doorway, checking on Martha. Unlike who would turn her nose up in disapproval, Felicia smiled, keeping her eyes on Martha.
Asking Father Brown with her eyes if she could come in, Nathan nodded, moving away from Mrs. Quinton, so Felicia could get by, alerting Martha to her presence.
"Oh, look at me..."
Felicia smiled, embracing her. "It's when we're a mess that God loves us most" Martha giggled. Nathan smiled.
Sitting on the bed next to Martha, Felicia embraced her in her arms, rubbing Martha's arm up and down.
"Dearest Father in Heaven, its times like these when we need and desire you most. Not just when our human minds feel we have it all together, but in times of true brokenness, when our souls can do nothing but to cry out to you..."
Nathan opened his eyes as Felicia continued to pray. Mrs. McCarthy was at the door, a silver eyebrow raised in question.
Frowning harshly, and shaking his head, he ushered her out and signaled for her to shut the door.
Felicia was still praying.
"You know our pain, you know our grief, especially in death" Martha sniffed and whimpered.
Felicia squeezed her arm, allowing a tear of her own to fall.
"Give Martha strength, Father in these next days, weeks, months, and years, give her peace that surpasses all understanding, and a soul filling joy to live and thrive, until she sees You, Leonard, and Olivia again. These things we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen"
"Amen" both Nathan and Martha chorused.
Martha squeezed Felicia tight, thanking her, as a feeling of pride welled in Nathan's chest, bringing him close to tears.
He excused himself, deciding to find out what Mrs. McCarthy had wanted.
"Felicia... don't get offended if I ask," Martha said, a conspirotorial smile lightening her face as she glanced at the door Nathan had walked through.
"Have you ever considered becoming a minister's wife?"
Felicia squeaked and blushed.
"Martha! what a thing to say! I'm a married woman!"
Martha frowned. She knew the struggles of an abusive marriage. she'd been in one before she and Leonard had gotten married... with John Harris...
"If that is so, my dear, then where is your wedding ring?"
Felicia blushed. Was it really that obvious?
Sometime later, Felicia managed to catch up with Violet.
"He was supposed to be mine! I loved him!" she whined.
Lady Felicia rolled her eyes. Was it even possible this girl was tewnty-three? She was whining like a two-year-old!
"How could he love you? he was married!"
"He said he loved me! She should have died! Not him!"
Lady Felicia did what she'd wanted to do since she met the prissy, pompous little bitch. She slapped her.
"Oh!" Violet whimpered, holding her cheek and looking insulted.
"Now that will I hope, teach you some decorum. There will be plenty of others in the future , so stop snivelling and get in the car!"
They both got in, waiting for the others. Violet was pouting, but Felicia didn't care.
"You can stay with me until you've had a chance to talk to your parents."
Natural grace, indeed.
Offering Mrs. McCarthy a ride home, Felicia sighed.
Why did the woman constantly have to turn everything into a fight? Ah well. She was grateful to the woman for mending her shoe.
Looking out the window, Felicia was sure she would feel better soon...
_
There was a storm in Kembleford later that week, which found Lady Felicia at St. Mary's, lighting a candle for Xander and her father, who'd both been born Catholic.
It was times like these that Felicia missed her father, and was thankful for his part in raising her. Too bad her husband hadn't learned the traits of what it was to be a good man...
A moment later, Father Nathan Brown entered St. Mary's, eager to get changed and return home.
Over by the candles, he jumped at seeing a figure in the shadows, making out the form of a woman, in a violet colored dress. Watching the woman closely, he made out her small frame, soft, golden hair, Jasmine perfume...
Wait a minute... Lady Felicia?
Father Brown continued to watch Felicia as she lit two candles, but didn't cross herself at the end...
"Lady Felicia?"
The woman gasped, and turned, noticing Father Brown in his stark white funeral gown over his cassok, a subtle contrast to his near silver hair, which still had blonde tints in places...
He'd taken part in Olivia Quinton's burial ceremony this morning, Martha had told her.
Felicia blushed in the dim candlelight as she remembered yet again her friend implying she should become a priest's wife...
Felicia had rolled her eyes, allowing her friend to have her fun.
"Are you alright?" Father Brown asked, noticing the faint flush in her cheeks... he didn't want her fainting again...
"Yes- yes, I am..." she hadn't meant to say it in a rush, Xander had hated a slow response...
Nathan smiled.
"I noticed you lit two candles- are they for friends?"
Felicia felt as if a cold, hard hand had grabbed a hold of her heart.
He didn't know! He couldn't know! Could he? How?!
Tears welled in Felicity's big, brown eyes, confusing the priest.
"You...could say that...sniffle* Excuse me!"
Blindly, she rushed out of the santuary, out into the rain, not sure where she ended up...
"Felicia? Felicia! Come back! Felicia!" He ran after her into the storm, his habit be damned. It was faster to run in, anyway... Now, where did she go?
Nathan finally caught up with Felicia in the storm.
She was in front of a headstone, not paying attention to the name.
She was talking to Thomas, her father...
"Im sorry, Father, I didnt mean to- I couldnt bear to let you throw your life away for me... to take on my punishment... perhaps he should have killed me when he had the chance..." her voice trailed off...
Nathan stood, soaking wet, staring at Felicia as she sat in front of Mary Talbot's gravestone, silently. Had she known Mary?
"Felicia? Are you alright, my dear?"
Felicia, hearing Nathan's voice, sobbed.
It was getting to be too much, this load she was carrying...
Is this why God had brought her to Kembleford? To hash it all out? To relieve herself of twenty years of pain and heartache?
Slowly, she got up, not caring for once that her dress was all muddy, her hair in tangles, her face smudged with dirt.
Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I shall give thee rest, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light...
Nathan, stood, startled and confused, when Felicia approached him, still sobbing, as she lay her head against his chest.
This was wrong... he shouldn't be doing this... she was married...
Lord? What do I do?
He cared, for Felicia, deeply, amd was brave enough to admit that he still loved her, even after all of this time, but could he, should he, offer the comfort she was seeking?
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted...
Nathan let out a sigh of relief. He embraced Felicia into his arms, quickly noticing that they were still getting wet, and the wind was picking up.
"Come, my dear. Come inside and tell me what's wrong"
Felicia shook her head, shaking with sobs, and shivering.
Nathan had to get her inside, out of the rain, quickly.
Hoisting her into his arms, which he found she was fairly light, he knew her ankle was perhaps still swollen, due to her painful twist in the Quinton's garden, earlier in the week.
He scowled again as he thought of Harris.
Nathan didn't care at the moment who saw them- he knew he had to get Felicia safe, dry, and out of the rain.
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Having not expected company, Father Brown sat Felicia down on the settee, quickly going to find a towel and something warm she could change into.
Rolling up the sleeves of his black habit, he ran a bath in the bathtub slightly warmer than normal. Twas a shame he didn't have any liquid soap to make bubbles...
Checking for fresh soap and his comb, he rushed back to the bedroom to find something Felicia could wear on short notice.
With a sheepish grin, he realized all of his clothes would be too big on her...
Don't go down that road, Brown! he heard Bishop Tolbot's voice in his head, as his mind wadered to Felicia in one of his tops.
Flushing, the priest realized with embarrassment that the only thing he had in the way of nightwear, was his blue two set.
How will I... he thought with a flush.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself; being hospitable wasn't a sin.
Just keep your thoughts pure, and out of the gutter!
Nodding finally, he decided to wear one of his white short undershirts, with the bottoms, and give Felicia his top and robe.
You can do this, Nathan, you can do this...
He exited the bedroom and walked back to the sitting room where Felicia was still seated. She was no longer crying, but he was concerned of her shaking... from cold.
Felicia looked up at him, noticing the red pallor of his cheeks. Was he blushing?
"Father Brown, I h-hope I'm not an incon-ven... Achoo!"
Nathan jumped. This would not do...
"That is utter nonsense. Now, I want no argument... there's a warm bath and fresh clothes waiting for you in the restroom. I'm afraid all I have available is a comb..."
He flushed again at the thought of Felicia in his night shirt and robe, when he saw her wink at him.
"Well, Father, you do know how to spoil a girl"
Nathan coughed, gasping for air, as Felicia laughed and limped to the restroom.
Nathan decided to keep busy by making a pot of tea... Tea and biscuits -yes, that would do the trick...
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Nearly twenty minutes later, Nathan flushed again as he noticed Felicia in the presbytery kitchen, donned in his robe and nightshirt, making tea, and setting a plate with iced oatmeal biscuits, his favorite... the scene felt very domestic, which was something the priest wasn't used to.
Felicia took a biscuit and bit into it, smiling at him.
Nathan also took a biscuit, grinned, and bit his in half, dunking the other half into his tea.
Felicia watched him, making a face.
Nathan shrugged, fishing the soaked half with a spoon and ate it, enjoying the mixture of herbs and oats.
Felicia pretended to gag, as Nathan scowled and stuck his tongue out at her. He took another swig of his tea as Felicia grinned mischeviously.
"What fun we can have when Mummy dearest isn't 'round"
Nathan choked on his tea due to a poor attempt at stifling his laughter. As a consequence, warm tea burned his nose.
Felicia giggled, knowing he got the joke.
She felt positively wicked...
Nathan continued to cough, as the tea he'd swallowed went down the wrong way, glaring at Felicia.
She shrugged, unrepentant as she clapped him on the back.
"You know I'm right" she frowned. "Hmm" he mused. Sadly she was correct about their older friend.
She was strictly business, most of the time, and never approved of Father Brown solving cases, or having any fun.
It was a pity... he was a grown man for pity's sake! Priests were meant to hold to a certain image... strict, unbendable, and unmovble...
Nathan didn't feel that way... indeed there were certain aspects of his teaching, that he didnt quite agree with...
Upon which brought his thoughts back to earlier.
"Tell me, What happened in the cemetary...?"
Contrary to what he expected, or hoped, Felicia shut down cold, defiant, immovable.
"Another tale for another time" she scowled as she shook her head.
Nathan looked at Felicia suspiciously, knowing she was hiding something from him.
What had she meant when he heard her say 'perhaps he should have killed me when he had the chance' ? Did something happen to her father, Thomas?
'Swear to me you'll look after my little girl!
The younger verson of himself nodded solemnly.
"I swear it"
While he was musing, Felicia left for a moment, and returned with what appeared to be a sketchbook.
"Come in here," he said quietly, heading to the bedroom.
He decided she would take his bed, and he would take the cot next to her, should she need anything during the night.
He went to turn down the blankets on his bed, as Felicia limped to, and sat upon the ready made cot.
Once finished, Nathan looked at her confused.
"What?" Felicia asked.
"You'll take this bed"
She shook her head. "That's your bed"
"I know" she rolled her eyes as he frowned.
"I won't kick you out of your own bed, Father."
He looked at her over his glasses.
"Felicity- I won't argue with you"
Suprised, she grinned.
"Good" she got undet the covers of the cot.
"Felicia"
"Father"
"Felicity"
"Nathan"
"Come here!" she jumped as he growled.
"And if I refuse?" she challanged, raising an eyebrow.
Nathan huffed knowing he couldn't force her to do anything. He was just so worried about her!
He sighed. "Fine- are you warm enough?"
Felicia nodded. "And toasty"
She giggled as Nathan blushed.
"Come along" she smiled. "I don't bite..."
He grinned wolfishly at her. "Neither do I" he smirked.
Felicia blushed, curious as to how true that statement was...
"The-" she started and stopped.
"Hmm?" he asked, smiling.
"Never mind" she shook her head. Then, something occurred to her.
"Why do you blush whey I say something? We've known each other for years... surely there's nothing to be awkward about between us..."
Nathan sighed. Could he tell her the truth?
"I care about you- a lot- things wouldn't work between us, because you're married..."
Felicia stared at him, much like she had earlier in the cemetary. Now was the time...
"I used to be married... I'm not anymore"
Nathan stared at her in alarm.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I'm a widow" she said quietly, near tears.
A widow?! he thought with disbelief.
"A-and you've never told anyone?" he asked, shocked.
She shook her head."You're the first and only person I've told"
Nathan was still in shocked disbelief.
Felicia wasn't married! She was a widow!
How?!
When?!
WHY?!
So many questions jumbled in his mind... he forced himself to ignore the happy little jump in his heart at this revelation... until Felicia cleared her throat.
Nathan looked back at her.
"If you're up for it, I have another poem" Natham flushed again.
"If it's anything like Violet's my Lady, I'd rather not...
She chuckled.
"It's nothing like that"
He would have sworn he saw her flush.
It seemed Violet's "poem" had invoked similar images to his own. He smirked and stored that tidbit away for later.
"Just listen" she pleaded. So he did.
Watching waiting
time goes by
one second at a time
I start a letter
telling you why
what happened
to me
to you
to the hope of us
our future
Words
only words
words not actions
not kisses
not promising together
Not promising 'I do'
until our last breath
time goes on
it flies by
we vow to go
to join together
we stay
and live our seperate lives
we meet the first time
love connects
it grows then whithers
in the blink of an eye
the shedding of tears
prayers
flowers
vows
same yet different
meaning forever
skin breaks
as do hearts
yours and mine
why
we're out of time
Blue eyes looked softly, meditatively at the soft fair face of the woman the poem belonged to, noticing the pain and tears in her eyes; he wondered why.
Little did she know, those few simple words meant the world to him...
"Well done" he whispered, horsely, rising to join her on the cot, her hair near dry.
She scoffed, rolled her eyes and shook her head. There were tears in her eyes.
Moreso, there was pain...
It wasn't really- he was placating-trying to make her feel better- Umph!
Thwack! the forgotten volume hit the floor, as first lips then bodies melded together hungrily on the softness of the wrap... rediscovering the passion and time they had lost...
Later, Felicity rolled over. Nathan had won the argument, since both of them couldn't sleep comfortably on the cot, she'd moved to the bed.
They hadn't engaged in anything involving a sexual nature, just some heavy kissing and cuddling.
Felicia stirred, needing to get up, when a large arm pulled her closer, warmer, sighing contentedly, oblivious to her thoughts.
She'd never been cuddled, cared for, kissed, as Nathan had last night into this morning. They were still pure... just intimately so, causing Felicia to smile, and snuggle closer, deeper into his arms and chest...
It was only a matter of time before this love, warmth, safety she felt was ripped away for good, likely causing trial, conviction, sentencing, choking gasping, breathing desperately before slipping into the cold, cruel arms of death...
R&R! More coming soon!