Disclaimer- cqofegypt does not own anything from Father Brown.
In my excitement to post the chapter, I did away with some of the punctuation. Rest assured, you see the same scene in the episode, The Bride of Christ. If you have questions let me know.
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And without further ado, here's the next chapter!
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"The colouration on the face would suggest cyanide poisoning. I think I can take it from here. Very well, Inspector, I'll leave it to you."
"Wipe your face. Sister Mary Magdalene is we dare to hope, in the arms of Jesus. You'd be better occupied praying for her soul rather than indulging in unseemly histrionics." the matronly nun huffed in disapproval.
"Sorry, sister." the young nun bowed her head in embarrassment, trying to hold in her whimpers of grief, her other Sisters also either greiving, or commiserating with her about how overbearing Sister Paul was.
The sisters breathed a sigh of relief when their own Reverend Mother came to their aid.
"Oh, there's no need for this." she clucked her tongue, and reached for Sister Bernadette.
"I'll thank you not to pull rank where the novices are concerned." Sister Paul huffed, infuriated that she had been overruled by a…
"This is not the way we do things here." Reverend Mother said firmly to Sister Paul, then turned back with a genuine smile to Sister Bernadette, who lay prostrate on the ground in a gesture of forgiveness.
"Get up, dear."
"Stay where you are!" Sister Paul nearly shrieked. "How dare you flout my authority!"
Reverend Mother's look was almost condescendingly gracious.
"Authority's earned, I think you'll find."
She turned to Sister Bernadette. "Go to the kitchen and get yourself a cup of tea and something to eat. Quickly now. You're as white as a sheet. Go."
The reverend mother then turned to Inspector Valentine.
"Inspector, this is our new novice Mistress. Sister Paul. She arrived last week from Calcutta."
"Where standards of discipline were much higher." sneered Sister Paul.
"Is there any news, Inspector?" asked the reverend mother, ignoring the Sister's haughtiness.
"The Police Surgeon has provisionally mooted cyanide poisoning as cause of death. We can only assume, it's some tragic accident. Sergeant, find out what Sister Mary Magdalene ate and drank this morning."
"I imagine nothing. She will have been observing her fast before Holy Communion. As were we all."
The Inspector frowned, not in a mind to call the nun a liar.
"Then I can only conclude she must have broken her fast."
"A wilful girl with a streak of rebellion." put in Sister Paul with apt distaste.
Reverend Mother turned to her and frowned. "Perhaps you have some duties to attend to Sister."
"Do you know of any cyanide kept on the premise?" the Inspector asked curiously.
"You need to speak to our Vintner, Sister Boniface, she's in the winery."
Nuns making wine?" the inspector wondered aloud.
"Our Lord asks for poverty, chastity and obedience. He never said anything about sobriety." (1)
"In that case, if someone would be kind enough to direct me."
"Our Sisters lead sheltered lives and are unused to laymen. The presence of a chaperone would be both reassuring and appropriate, I feel."
"Of course, Reverend Mother."
"You know our Chaplin, don't you? Father Brown."
The Inspector rolled his eyes... of course he'd have to look to Brown of all people! Good grief!
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Tom.
Father.
Terrible business.
Inspector Valentine.
And you are? Tom Evans.
Can I ask your whereabouts between nine and ten this morning? In the garden. I'm the gardener.
You live on site?
With my wife.
Valentine asked Evans many more questions, including the whereabouts of his wife.
- She's in Cheltenham. Her Mother's sick. I've told her to stay there.
How is Mrs Evans' Mother? asked Father Brown
TB. Tom answered.
Father Brown winced. "I'll keep remember them in my prayers."
"One of yours?" Valentine asked as Evans walked away.
"Lapsed. His wife attends when her health permits." the priest said, also watching the young man.
"An invalid?" Valentine asked, curiously.
Father Brown shook his head. "Heart condition."
Valentine kept his eyes trained on Evans.
"I see the nuns are used to the presence of one layman at least."
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"I wish you luck explaining this one. I won't let you destroy St Agnes."
"And what exactly are you going to do about it?" Reverend Mother asked coolly.
"Whatever I have to." Sister Paul huffed walking down the stairs to return to her office.
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Sister Boniface." Father Brown greeted the vitner, a pleasant young woman with a taste for danger and mystery, despite never being allowed out of the convent.
"Father Brown. I suspected you might be on the case." she said excitedly.
Valentine huffed in annoyance."Father Brown is present as chaperone. He has no part in this investigation."
Boniface pursed her lips into an 'o' trying not to snicker, "Righto." she nodded.
"Inspector Valentine." Father Brown introduced quickly at Sister Boniface's look of confusion.
The sister nodded her head at the Inspector.
"Interesting choice of reading matter, Sister." Father Brown said with a smile.
Sister Boniface winced. "Oh, no disrespect to poor Sister Mary Magdalene, but I couldn't help notice the appearance of the corpse, and thought a spot of research in order. With the help of Miss Christie. Do you think it was cyanide poisoning, Father Brown?"
Again Valentine frowned in annoyance. Why did everyone assume Father Brown was investigating? He was the lead Inspector!
"I am making no assumptions at this stage in the investigation." he muttered.
Sister Boniface, seeming to understand her error, attempted to appease the inspector while hiding a mischievous smile.
"A puzzling case. I expect you'll be only too glad of Father Brown's help. Like Lord Peter Wimsey and Inspector Parker.
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"Question. With cyanide being such a fast acting poison, Sister Mary Magdalene must have ingested it minutes before she entered the chapel, but how and where?"
The Inspector wasn't keen on knowledge of the layout and functionality of the convent, which was one reason he had to be grateful for Father Brown's presence.
"Potassium ferrocyanide." the nun explained. "We use it to remove copper and iron particles left in the wine by bentonite and metals."
"There's enough to kill half of Gloucestershire." put in his seargent with a gasp.
"Twelve bottles. Or should that be eleven? " asked Sister Boniface.
"It appears you have a cuckoo in the nest." Valentine frowned.
"Similar to the naked eye but it's tetrasodium hexacyanoferrate, or sodium ferrocyanide." Father Brown said, puzzled.
"Bravo, Father. Your reputation clearly isn't exaggerated." Sister Boniface beamed with pride.
Show off Valentine thought.
"Is it toxic?" he asked the sister.
she shook her head.
"Relatively non because the CN ions are bound to the FE." Valentine found his thoughts idyling.
"What happens now, Inspector?" Father Brown asked, bemused. he'd seen the inspectors gaze, and was determined at all costs to keep Boniface safe, while under his charge…
"A search of the convent. " Valentine barked, getting back into focus.
"All of it?" Father Brown asked, alarmed.
Valentine nodded. "Starting with the deceased nun's cells and Sister Paul's office."
"Is that really necessary?" Father Brown attempted to stall, trying to get the Inspector to think about his actions for a moment.
Valentine, suspicious of Father Brown's motives, glared at him.
"I've two suspicious deaths. Anything less would be grounds for my dismissal."
"No-one here has anything to hide." Boniface volunteered.
"Oh, we all have something to hide. Several things, in my case." Father Brown quipped, to which his companions were none the wiser.
Valentine wished the two of them would leave him be.
"I'm sure we'll manage to conduct ourselves appropriately."
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Cooeee!
Oh no!
Will you excuse me, Inspector?" Father Brown smiled, rolling his eyes in Mrs. McCarthy's direction.
Valentine shrugged. "Of course. I'm sure I can manage."
-We just heard the news. Holy Mother. What a thing. And in a convent of all places!l
Father Brown smiled sardonically.
Leave it to her to add to the dramatics...
-Dreadful, Mrs McCarthy. And who do we have here?
My godchild. I'm in loco parentis while mother's in hospital for . . for ailments you needn't worry about.
Of course…
-A proper little bruiser.
You poor child, I don't envy you, truly…
"And what's your name my fine young fellow?" he asked over the wailing…
-Abigail.
Oops
-Hmm...Hebrew for beautiful.
Abigail continued to wail.
You poor dear… I'll pray for you!
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"What are you doing?"
" Hello, Father. I know what you're thinking. The murderer returns to the scene of the crime."
They were out in the garden.
"Is that a confession, Sister Boniface?"
"Ha! Very good, Father. Fact. Sister Paul was in full sight for ten minutes before she died giving Sister Ignatius a record tongue lashing by all accounts. But like Sister Mary Magdalene, the police found nothing to explain how she ingested the poison."
"A conundrum." the priest nodded his head.
"In Death In The Clouds, Madame Giselle was murdered with a poisoned thorn." Boniface continued.
"Dipped, as I recall, in the venom of a South African boomslang snake. A poisonous species rarely found in the Cotswolds." Father Brown smiled.
"You are well read, Father." Boniface smiled, albeit, almost wistfully.
Not a chance in Heaven or on Earth, my child… keep praying…
"I do love a mystery. On the subject of which, Inspector Valentine would like you to make an identification." he led her to the Inspector's temporary headquarters.
Sister Boniface nodded, not particularly eager to meet the grumpy inspector again, but God's will be done…
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"You confirm these as the items missing from the winery?" The inspector asked.
Boniface looked over them and nodded.
"Yes. I expect you need to take a statement from me. And fingerprints?"
Valentine raised an eyebrow and nodded.
"In due course. We may have found our motive. Sister Mary Magdalene discovered Sister Paul's alcoholism and theft and was poisoned to keep her quiet."
"And then she poisoned herself?" Father Brown looked dubious.
Undeterred, Valentine continued "And then . . unable to live with the guilt, took her own life."
"After finding time to berate Sister Ignatius for ten minutes before she committed suicide." Father Brown said, uncertain.
And how was the poison ingested?" Boniface spoke up after minutes of listening in fascination to the Inspector.
"The only items found on the body were - reading glasses, handkerchief, keys, notebook, pencil, ball of string and a Swiss army penknife." She looked at the priest who raised an eyebrow and smiled.
How had she possibly recalled all of that?
"I took notes." she flushed, a shy smile coming to her face.
"Very thorough." Father Brown praised. Boniface flushed redder.
Though he didn't say it, Father Brown wasn't the only one impressed.
Valentine smirked, keeping an eye on Boniface, who kept her eyes glued to the floor.
"No doubt the post mortem will shed light on the matter."
"Alcoholism and petty theft - a motive for murder?" Father Brown asked.
"To compound venal sin with so heinous a mortal sin?" Boniface asked doubtfully.
"Followed by suicide." Father Brown added.
"The ultimate mortal sin." they said at the same time.
Inspector Valentine rolled his eyes at the two, and motioned to the door.
"If you'll allow the police to get on with their investigation, I'm sure things will become clear in due course..."
Father Brown looked dubiously again at the Inspector... cleared up, indeed.
He decided he may need help with this case, an extra pair of eyes never hurt...
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"Reverend Mother, a word, if I may..." Father Brown knocked on the door as he peeked his head around Reverend Mother's office door.
"Yes, Father? How can I help you?" she looked up with a smile from some paperwork she was signing.
"Well, seeing as we have lost two of our own, I thought perhaps we can bring in a second set of eyes, so to speak..."
Mother Superior gave Father Brown a shrewd look.
"Just whom did you have in mind, Father?"
Father Brown smiled.
Reverend Mother did not miss the flush that came over the priest's face... indeed it had her curious.
"She changed her name many years ago when she married, but her birth name is Felicity, Felicity Vivian Marsberg."
Reverend Mother raised an eyebrow.
"English for happiness, I suspect, and... how long have you known this possible postulant, Father Brown?"
Father Brown suddenly grew startled; surely his feelings hadn't shown...?
Reverend Mother chuckled.
"Be at ease, Father... I am not one to judge. How long have you known her?"
Nathan rubbed his hands, not allowing the bubbling emotions within his soul to rise. "More than twenty years" the priest said quietly, his memories and pain mounting again...
Studying him closely, the nun nodded. "Well, perhaps you should bring her in to see me. We'll need all the help we can get."
Father Brown nodded, smiling, standing up to head toward the door. "I will be sure to do so as soon as possible" Reverend Mother smiled too.
"Father, just answer my one question, and I promise I will not pry again."
Father Brown turned from the door.
"Each of us is either given a calling, or we try to escape from the world around us. I don't assume to doubt your calling... in truth, you are an excellent priest. But are you absolutely certain, this is the life you are called to? One can minister anywhere, but true love on this earth... blessed are those to whom it is given..."
Father Brown, immediately overwhelmed, felt his face heat up and tears sting his eyes, opened and shut his mouth, clearing his throat.
"Thank you, Reverend Mother, I will take your words and consider them prayerfully..."
She nodded when he left, sitting silently for several minutes before opening the middle drawer of her desk, where a simple photograph of a man in uniform lay untouched, a single tear coursing down her cheek...
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After having supper with the sisters, Father Brown visited the women's prison, and had a long, enlightening discussion with the Warden.
Now what? He was tempted to speak with Joyce, but after Tom's reaction to the baby, it was doubtful he'd be able to get close enough to find out what happened.
Thinking again on Reverend Mother's words, he briefly wondered if shed had a similar experience, yet dismissed it...
Upon having received permission from Reverened Mother to bring in a fresh set of eyes, and a beautifully stunning pair of brown eyes they were... ahem* Father Brown decided to pay a visit to Lady Felicia...
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Half past noon Montegue Mansion
Lady Felicia's POV
"I'm sorry, Father, i don't think I heard you correctly... you want me to do what?"
Nathan smiled and tried again "We need a stand in... mainly for Joyce Evans. I need to find out what she's hiding…"
"and you think that as I am, she won't feel comfortable to talk to me."
Nathan ruefully shook his head, though I wondered...
How exactly was I going to pull off playing a nun?
Father Nathan Brown had shown up near lunch time, and asked for my help on a new case he was trying to solve.
Naturally, I was intrigued, but when Nathan brought up the notion of me going incognito as a nun, I sort of lost him…
I never crossed myself at St. Mary's, being born Protestant- we don't belive in that sort of thing, not to mention the praying to Mary and the apostles.
Called by God or not, they had been sinners just like Nathan and myself.
I was sure I would stick out like a sore thumb.
I made the mistake of looking into Nathan's baby blue eyes... those eyes that were so expressive, the eyes that with just one look, I could be talked into just about anything...
"What do I have to do?" I sighed a moment later, especially when Nathan clapped and grinned like a little boy...
Oh dear Lord... what did I get myself into?!
He held out a habit, which I was able to master within a few moments, once I pinned down my hair. (2)
When I emerged, Nathan looked startled to say the least.
Is it that bad? I thought.
He smiled and approached me, grasping onto my hands.
"Save for the color and style, you have never looked more beautiful..."
I flushed, wondering what he meant by that...
I still hoped he forgave me for the business with Mr. Short last month.
He hadn't looked pleased- indeed he'd looked almost hurt- when I defended the fiend just because I'd liked him...
After being shot and locked away, the others had found me while Father Brown had confronted Short.
When Valentine said "he's dead" my heart shattered into pieces... I'd fallen ill and had had to be taken home by Sid when I awoke.
Ruby insisted I stay, but I'd wanted to be alone...
Father Brown had arrived at the Adams' shortly aftter I'd left.
"Where is Lady Felicia?" he'd asked; aparrently he'd been worried about me, too.
"She went home, Father..." Reginald said, after arrangements had been made for John and Ruby's wedding.
Father Brown had apparently looked confused, and bid farewell leaving Mrs. McCarthy in a lark, because twenty-six minutes on the dot, I heard the bell ring.
Hornsby had ignored my instructions for visitors, announced Father Brown, and made himself scarce.
"Hornsby, I told you I didnt want to see anyone!"
Hornsby didnt respond.
I heard the person come over to me, and stop before the bed.
My heart pounding in fear, I smelled the air...
Tears came to my eyes as I smelled the most wonderful scent of camphor oil...
Quietly, he sat on the edge of the bed as I turned.
"Forgive me for disturbing you, my Lady..."
Quick as a shot, I sat up and kissed him in a frenzy...on the lips.
As quick as I'd done so, I had gasped and pulled back, but not before Father Brown grabbed me and kissed me just as quickly.
We pulled back together and smiled at each other before I threw my arms around his neck and sobbed.
I blushed thinking about it now. Nathan was a priest, and yet he had kissed me after my momentary lapse of judgement.
As we stood together now, him holding my hands, I flushed redder.
Nathan smiled at me. "What are you thinking about?"
"That kiss" I murmured softly.
"Ah" he nodded, flushing himself, yet squeezing my hands.
"Forgive me Father! It was a momentary lapse in judgement, and I..."
"Shhh shush, my dear," he smiled as he placed a finger to my lips...my lips that ached for his again...
...self control...
Tears filled my eyes.
"shhh...Felicity..."
I looked up. He hadnt said my name that softly in….er…days...
"As I recall, I kissed you back. We also have had our night together last week, in case you've forgotten…"
I blushed redder. He smiled mischeviously, winked, and patted my cheek.
"We'll talk about that later... right now, I need to introduce you to Reverend Mother. Are you ready?"
I nodded.
"Very well then, Felicity Vivian Montegue,"
I noticed the angry, protective look im his eyes, but never slipped to his voice,
"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I pray God's protection and peace be with thee, as the bride of Christ..."
Taking my left hand, gently and carefully into his own, he slipped a gold band onto my left ring finger.
I looked into his eyes, and saw what could have been...
Not only Christ, but Father Nathan Alexander Brown as my husband...
My eyes teared up, not allowing me to speak.
Very quietly, my chaperone, Father Brown, kissed my forehead with a holy kiss...
"Go with God, Sister Felicity..."
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"These thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
As he prayed, I couldnt help but envision the two of us, together with two or three children of our own... when he was finished, I squelched a sigh behind my glass of wine.
"My compliments to the Chef." Father Brown said idly, as he looked at me and winked.
It was then that I realized he had just had the same thought.
The nerve of the cheeky bugger!
I sat quietly between Sister Boniface and Sister Agatha.
Due to my identity, it was decided between Father Brown, Reverend Mother and myself that I was to feign larangitis, and to speak only when necessary.
I supposed Sister Boniface suspected me straight away, but she only smiled and nodded at Father Brown when he gave her a look to keep quiet.
Later, after supper, Father Brown left on some urgent business, involving the Evanses.
Sister Boniface stared me down as my mind wandered to my meeting the Reverend Mother.
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"Now my child, do not be afraid. First, I'd like to let you know that I am aware of who you are; your true identity, and that you've been vouched for by Father Brown."
Cripes. I think i flushed.
She smiled kindly.
"I am aware of that also... rest assured, Sister, you are not alone in your... admiration."
This habit was too stuffy.
Quickly I wrote something down and handed it to her.
He is a priest
"As you are a Belle dame aristocratique"
I raised an eyebrow. for a nun, her French was immaculate.
she flushed slightly, seeming to sense my thoughts.
"Merci" I murmured, smiling.
"Now, if you so choose, which I reccomend, you may remain here. Sister Mary Magdilene shared quarters with Sister Boniface..." she winced slightly.
I smiled and we stood.
"I look foward to working and praising God with you, Sister Felicity... Welcome."
We shook hands.
"Thank you, Mother."
As I walked away, Reverend Mother cleared her throat.
"Remember, Sister... God will make a way when there seems to be none at all, especially if it is His will to do so."
She smiled and nodded as my eyes filled with tears. I nodded and left.
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"I don't believe we've met, Sister... I'm Sister Boniface."
I looked at her. In doing so, what caught my attention wasn't her appearance, but her spirit.
Her genuineness, peace, and love for others radiated from her like the sun from her spectacles.
I knew just as in Father Brown and Reverend Mother, in Sister Boniface, I had found a friend.
I knew I could trust her, and trust wouldnt be broken...
"I'm Sister Felicity... how do you do?"
"A pleasure to make your aquaintance, Sister... has anyone given you a tour yet?"
As I shook my head, Sister Boniface's face lit up, and she eagerly grabbed my arm.
"Come on!"
I laughed as she showed me around the convent, showing me quarters, introducing me to other Sisters, and letting me know the itinerary.
Suddenly as we were on our way to one of the offices, Sister's voice became low.
"So, you've heard about the murders, then?"
I shook my head. During our discussion, Nathan had not mentioned them. I wondered why...
As she caught me up to speed, she tried to open one of the office doors, which for some odd reason, remained closed, yet ajar.
"Who's there?"
"Sister Boniface?"
My heart jumped in my throat.
"Father Brown? What are you doing here?"
"Same as you, I shouldn't wonder." he smiled. He turned to me.
"Good morning, Sister."
I nodded, as per our agreement.
"Oh! Father Brown, Sister Felicity, shes new to our order. Sister Felicity, Father Brown. He's our chaperone."
How to pretend without pretending?
"A pleasure, Father." I said croakily.
"The pleasure is mine, Sister Felicity..."
His face was nearly expressionless, save for a sliver of a smirk. If Boniface hadn't been here, he would have laughed.
I wanted to slap him.
He nodded, blinked, and turned back to Sister Boniface. She didnt seem to suspect anything between us, so I allowed myself to relax.
With that, I was whirled into the mystery.
"Have you found anything?" my new friend asked.
"Sister Paul liked things spit spot. Military precision."
"Rather." Boniface agreed, apparently my predecessor had been horrid an uptight.
"Except here." Father Brown said, pointing to a picture on the wall. "Something's out of kilter. This is the shrine at Lourdes. I'd know it anywhere. But look."
We all looked closer. I barely managed to read it, when they read aloud, together.
"St Bridget's, Gloucester. Christmas, 1940."
These two were definately on to something.
A nun killed, who by personality was formidable to behold, may have been perhaps a Warden at St. Bridgete's. Could the killer have been connected in some way?
"What can this mean?" Boniface asked, speaking my thoughts, since, technically, I wasn't supposed to speak at all.
"The killer is trying to cover their tracks." Father Brown said quietly.
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Since Nathan had had such a bad turn, I decided I would go and introduce myself to Joyce.
There was a baby outside sleeping with the shade up.
I wondered who she belonged to.
As I looked into the carriage, the baby squirmed, opened its eyes, and smiled at me.
I smiled back. Not knowing whether it was a boy or girl, I touched its soft, tiny hand, its fingers wrapping around mine.
I'd always loved children, if only Xander…
I shook my head, and smiled again at the baby. "Hello, darling…"
He or she giggled. "I'll be right back, love…"
I knocked on the door.
"Sister?"
"Mrs. Evans. I am Sister Felicity..." I said, curbing my usual flourish… it was nice to be myself again for once.
"I was wondering if I could speak with you a moment, about St. Bridgetes..."
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At supper, I had made it just in time
The poor woman! She had gone through so much... to have lost her child by force...
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"… how did you find St Bridget's, Father?"
"Truth be told, unsettling." he frowned, shuddering at the thought of the state of that place.
If Felicia had ever had a child by Xander after he died, would she have ended up there, or someplace like it?
He shuddered.
"Word is, Sister Thomas Aquinas provides a fine service."
He frowned again, not knowing how 'fine' a service it was to separate mothers and children.
"The separation of mothers and their children defies nature. Surely better if society found ways of keeping them together."
"Nonsense, Father. Those girls are moral degenerates. Unsuitable to bring up good Catholic children."
He growled. There she went again with her usual judgmental statements about people without knowing the full story…
Abigail had set up a fuss again.
I think it's going to be a long night, Father."
"Perhaps Joyce was right, she misses her mother." he said, hoping in secret she'd take the baby's cries as a cue to leave…
He wondered if Felicia had a chance to talk with Joyce and gauge her reaction to St. Bridgets...
"And Sister Boniface telephoned with a message. Sometimes I feel like the telephone exchange than the Parish Secretary."
Isn't that part of your duty? he snarked. Honestly! The frustration of the woman!
"Now Father, have you room there for another dumpling?"
He felt like rolling his eyes, yet decided to placate her.
"What man could resist your dumplings, Mrs M? The message. Was it important?" he asked curiously.
Had something happened to Felicia?
Oh, too mysterious to relay over the telephone. She wants you to call in on her.
Father Brown was confused "Tonight?"
"At your earliest convenience." she said, packing up.
"Ah. Nothing urgent then."
Soon after she left, he washed the dishes and went to bed, praying…
Why did he feel as if he were missing something important?
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Boniface was creeping down the steps, quiet as a mouse… she wasn't supposed to be up, but she thought she heard something down in the wine cellar.
"Hello? Who's there? Hello?"
GASP
I was tossing and turning unable to sleep... perhaps a glass of wine would help my insomnia...
-Sister Boniface? Sister?
With the lantern I walked down the stairs to the vinery.
Further down, I thought I saw a lump...
Using my lantern, I noticed it was a body.
Not just any body though, my heart pound in my ribs as I shone the lantern in the person's face.
It was Boniface.
Her eyes were focused, and she wasn't moving.
She was still, almost as if
she were…
No‼! Not again‼!
"AAAUUUHHHHHHHHHHH!"
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"Father."
"Turf please . . and a quarter of pear drops."
I waited for him when he came out. In his absent minded state, he and I nearly collided.
-Oh! Sister Felicity, I do beg your pardon.
I nodded.
-No worries, Father... I was wondering if we could talk...
We fell into step together as I told him my discoveries.
Over tea I had gotten her to tell me of her childhood, her youth. She had been the youngest of three, father killed in the war, always treated fragiley due to her heart condition. Shed run away at sixteen, met a soldier whod gotten her pregnant.
He promised... she wailed.
He promised, and he never did!
"What happened then?"
"Her husband came home in a rage and nearly threw me out."
Father Brown scowled. Tom was never one for abuse... he was hiding something... or perhaps protecting something...
"And Father," he turned to me, an eyebrow raised. I never called him that now, when we were alone, after my revelation. I found he didn't like it.
I bit my lip, taking the parcel from my habit. Despite my earlier complaints, it really was comfortable…
"I found these near the cupboard and sugar."
He opened them, sniffed them, and grew alarmed.
"You didn't eat any, did you?"
I was confused. "No, I didn't. Why?"
He shook his head.
"Never-mind that now. Have one of mine."
"I smiled, popping a pear drop into my mouth."
"Mmm"
He smiled at my glee, until tears welled in my eyes…
"Sister Felicity… whatever is the matter?"
He seemed ready to take me into his arms, which if we were alone, I was sure he would have. In public, however, we had to restrain from nearly all physical contact.
I was worried about Boniface. seeing her like that brought up terrible memories. Not only that, but I was just getting to know her. She was quickly becoming a dear friend to me.
"Father, how is Sister Boniface?"
He placed a hand to my cheek, wiping away tears that had already escaped.
"I have yet to find out. Keep in prayer, my dear. Everything will be alright. Just have faith."
I nodded and gave his cheek a quick kiss.
He grinned and we waved goodbye.
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Something happened?
Sister Boniface was attacked last night.
Tell me she's not dead.
Voluble as ever.
She see her attacker?
No, but I'm keen to speak to the gardener when he turns up.
Tom?
Turns out our man has a criminal record.
Three counts of soliciting.
Father Brown frowned, yet decided not to let his anger grow. Felicia hadnt been hurt, and Sister Boniface would be just fine, so best to let go...
It doesn't make him a murderer.
It makes him quite the ladies man.
Surrounded by temptation in a place like this.
That's quite a leap, Inspector.
You have a pure heart Father. Unlike me.
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If Sister Mary Magdalene confessed the affair to Sister Paul Tom would lose his job and his livelihood. More than a motive for double murder, don't you think? Unless of course you know something I don't?
One in particular, who has hidden her heinous character, and concealed transgressions of so serious a nature that I can only assume the diocese has no knowledge of them.
It ends there. And the photograph's gone. I asked Sister Abelard to check and it's vanished.
Someone from Sister Paul's past clearly didn't want to be recognised.
Sister Paul.
All paths lead to Sister Paul. But what of Sister Mary Magdalene? Pure and unworldly. On the cusp of holy union. In a state of spiritual grace. In Sister Paul's office, five minutes before she died.
Are you sure?
According to Sister Luke, Sister Mary Magdalene took a funny turn before the service. Low blood sugar. Known fainter at mass. Anyway, Sister Luke didn't want her keeling over at the altar, so sent her off for a sit down. And guess whose office is right next to the chapel?
Surely it must be connected?
Of course. That poor innocent girl.
You know something, don't you? Of course you do.
I must go.
Good luck.
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Tom grabbed the article from Father Brown and threw it into the furnace. Unfortunately it wasnt a copy.
Oh, dear. I had every intention of returning that.
Tom grunted. Now where's your proof?
I don't wish to prove anything. I want you to confess your sin and receive God's forgiveness. the priest advised cautiously.
My sin. He didn't know. Joyce spoke up.
You told him what you'd done? And you tried to protect her by removing the poisoned sweets from Sister Paul's body, and planting the cyanide in her office.
I suppose that's where you saw the photograph. Yes it was all making sense…
I'd like to see you prove it.
There's no escaping God's justice.
I abandoned your God when he abandoned me and mine.
But your wife hasn't abandoned him.
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"Blessed peace, at last. Sweet Jesus! Abigail! Abigail!" as she looked around! the baby was gone.
Father Brown came riding by on his bicycle, wondering what all the fuss was about.
"Father, she's gone. I left her for five minutes, just to take the shopping in and when I've come out, she's disappeared. Oh, holy God, who would want to take a baby?"
As the parish secretary panicked, the priest calmly wondered why she would leave the baby alone in the first place!
"Don't panic, Mrs McCarthy. Listen." Abigail started to wail loudly.
"Bless the Lord, Mrs McCarthy. He gave her those lungs for a reason!"
Now if they could get there without the bicycle collapsing under them…
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When I heard the wail of a baby, I thought it was odd. Not only did that cry sound familiar, but there were no scheduled baptisms for today.
I thought I ought to see what was wrong.
I gasped.
"Shush. You're all right. I'm here now"
"Joyce!"
She gasped, surprised she had a visitor "G-get away from me!"
"Joyce, listen to me carefully, dear... whose baby is that?"
"'E's mine!" she shrieked. she was dangerously close to the alter bar. One wrong move and it would be over...
Mrs. McCarthy and Father Brown came rushing in behind me
You give that baby back right now! Mrs. McCarthy shrieked.
"Father, shut that woman up this instant!" I roared.
" I won't let you take him! I'll die first. I swear I'll kill us both!" Joyce cried.
"No one wants to take him from you, dear! What's his name?"
"That's not your baby, Joyce. Your baby was born at St Bridget's!" Mrs. McCarthy screamed.
I threw a murderous glare at her over my shoulder.
She startled to see me in a nun's habit, without makeup, but dash it all if she didn't shut her mouth!
"Bridget McCarthy, I swear, if you don't shut your pie hole this instant, I will send the judgment of gossips on you! Now shut the hell up!"
I would have sworn I heard Father Brown chortling behind me as I turned back to Joyce.
"What's his name, dear?" I hesitated taking a step forward, only for Joyce to take a step back.
To protect that child, I had to keep Joyce talking, and calm… the stress was starting to get to me, but I stayed calm, praying for peace.
I could also hear Nathan prayinng quietly behind me.
"Daniel! His name is Daniel!" she cried.
"A fine strong name for a fine strong boy! Now I have a question or two to ask you..."
I saw Father Brown shuffle to the edge of the bar, signalling to Valentine to halt his movements.
"May I hold him?" I asked, quickly getting the annointing oil out of my habit.
Father, help me, I prayed silently.
Joyce handed me the baby as soon as I was ready...
Amazingly, once the child was in my arms, she was silent...
Father Brown and Mrs. M gasped behind me.
"Lord God I ask that you bless Baby Daniel and that he may rest forever in your everlasting arms. in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
Baby Abigail continued to look up at me with big brown eyes, not making a sound.
I bounced a little, smiling at her. "Hello, darling..."
"Now Joyce, my friend Sister Boniface is in the hospital because someone pushed her. Did you do that?"
Joyce, looking as if she wanted to take Abigail again, nodded. I continued.
"You were frightened, weren't you? And very alone. What happened to your child, Joyce? What happened to Daniel?"
Now sign it.
My child has a Father. Thomas Evans. He's a Private in the Glosters.
He's a prisoner of war, who didn't see fit to make an honest woman of you before having his way.
I have a right to...
You have no rights. Forfeited when you succumbed to evil lust and contravened the laws of God and society.
Now sign it.
Evil bitch. I'll die before I sign away my child!
"You gave birth to a boy." Father Brown cut in. I nodded when he looked at me.
"His name is Daniel." she cried again.
"Joyce, what happened to your child?" I pleaded again, as Joyce looked from me, to Father Brown, then back again...
We needed the motive. Why would she take a child that wasn't hers?
I could see Joyce was struggling with emotions of pain, hate, anger…
"She stole him!"
Please, No! Please, No! Please, No!
Get her.
No!
Calm down.
Where are you taking me? No!
"She locked me up with lunatics. For my own good. A moral degenerate."
Abigail was nearly asleep. Slowly, carefully, I handed her to Father Brown. Amazingly, she stayed asleep!
Father Brown and I beamed at each other as Mrs. McCarthy sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes.
"I'm so very, very, very sorry." Father Brown murmured.
"I wanted to wait till we were married, but he went on and on the night before he went to war. Said he needed something to remember in case he didn't come back."
Joyce looked even more distressed, not once taking her eyes off of Abigail. I had to stall… somehow
"He did come back for you, didn't he?" I wondered incredulously.
"He made me an honest woman, but I couldn't be a wife . . stand his touch." she shuddered.
She again looked at Abigail, safely nestled in the arms of my beloved priest.
I knew if I turned around, my heart would break, cursing the man I had married for the life I'd been denied, with the man I truly loved.
Joyce and I weren't so different from each other, at least in that sense..l
"He looks just like him. I'm not sorry I killed her." Joyce frowned.
"Sweet baby Jesus. Now she's the murderer!"
NEVER have I longed more to slap Mrs. McCarthy in all my life!
As soon as she said that, Abigail woke up again and started to fuss. Father Brown quickly tried handing her over to me, but not before Joyce snatched her up again.
"She stole my baby. A life for a life." Joyce cried, rushing back to the bar, which prevented Nathan and I both from protecting the baby.
I looked at him, nervously. He looked at me, over his glasses, turning his head. Perhaps if he were to try?
I nodded, stepping back, while he stepped forward, Joyce looking around the church nervously.
"A life for two lives. Sister Mary Magdalene was someone's child too. She was faint from low blood sugar."
Father Brown said sadly.
"Sister Paul was the intended victim all along. For that I deserve to burn. Will I go to hell, Father?" Joyce looked almost comotose... it worried me she may harm herself.
"I wouldn't be worrying about just that now!" Father Brown said quickly, flashing me a worried glance.
"Certainly not. God is forgiving and loving." I said quickly, nodding at Nathan.
We silently agreed. The best thing to do would be to keep her as calm as possible.
"He won't stop crying!" she wailed.
"She's crying because she wants her mother, Joyce. Give her back to me, for now. There've been too many lost children." I pleaded.
Just when I thought my plea, prayer, landed on deaf ears, my throat chocked and eyes welled as Joyce handed Abigail one final time, to me.
"This isn't my baby. Forgive me." With a sigh of relief, I held Abigail close as Joyce returned her to me, kissing the baby's soft head. Abigail stopped crying then.
Nathan led Joyce downstairs, and Inspector Valentine led her away.
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We all watched grimly as Joyce said her goodbyes to Tom.
I was vaguely reminded of that terrible night with Nathan… I shook my head and shivered.
"Poor soul. She paid a terrible price for one act of love. As did I. I ask only that you'll allow me to inform the Bishop myself."
I looked over at Reverend Mother, confused. She wanted to leave? Why?
"I ask only that you'll do no such thing. St Agnes' convent has been through enough without losing the rock that is its foundation."
Father Brown had seen my pensive look, and shook his head.
"Excuse me."
He made his way next to Inspector Valentine.
"What will happen?"
"We're charging him as an accessory. As for his wife, that's out of my jurisdiction."
"You cannot blame yourself." Father Brown said softly, as he noticed the wan, guilty look on the Inspector's face.
I shrieked slightly when a hand was lain on my arm. Turning, I cried out in joy as I noticed Boniface standing beside me. I pulled her in for a bone crushing hug. She was alright‼!
Nothing could tear me down now, not even Mrs. McCarthy's snicker at my fearful outburst.
Father Brown rejoined us, also giving Boniface a half hug, smiling at me as I looked at Abigail, fast asleep, the sweet little dear…
Boniface addressed Father Brown.
"I thought murder was exciting. In reality, a tragic and sordid business. Nothing at all like one of Miss Christie's novels."
We grimly nodded our heads.
"Father." Mrs. McCarthy laid a hand upon his arm. He nodded respectfully, smiling slightly.
"At least he isn't any worse the wear for his experience. Quite the lungs on him." Boniface said when Mrs. McCarthy moved the carrier a bit too rough, causing Abigail to startle and wail again.
What was it Nathan had said about her comment, ''It takes a man to wake a baby'? I began to think the baby just didn't like Mrs. McCarthy…
You and me both, Little One, though she's not so bad… sometimes…
"It's a...never mind." Mrs. McCarthy rolled her eyes.
I smiled secretively at Nathan, wondering if at any time he, or I could have been good parents...
"Lady Felicia, before you go, I was wondering if you would do me a favor..."
He stood close to me as he could within propriety. I wondered what he'd do if we were alone…
Ugh! Will this man never cease in causing my heart to palpatate, especially with that look?!
To deflect, I had just the answer.
"Sorry, Father, no can do... I have a family soiree for my neice Bunty coming up..."
I winked. He frowned, then smiled. There would always be next time...
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"Abigail Mary, I baptise thee in the name of the Father, the Son . . and the Holy Spirit." "Amen. Amen"
From the back of the church, a strawberry blonde lady came to the front near the alter, catching the eye of the priest.
Smiling in relief, he placed the child delicately into her arms, a look of love passing between them.
The child's parents looked on proudly as the woman smiled down at their daughter, smiling, tracing her tiny cheek with a manicured finger.
As if recalling the woman recently, Abigail Mary smiled up at the smiling face of her new, second, godmother.
"Hello, darling..." as she rocked, Abigail Mary closed her eyes and finally fell fast asleep.
"She's a natural mother" Abigail's mother said with a smile.
"Forgive me for any impertenance, Father, but youre missing out on your natural calling" Abigail's father gestured towards the lady.
Might want to snatch her up, before someone else does...
Father Brown and Felicia shared a secret smile, as Felicia blushed, knowing what Mr. Danvers was insinuating.
Not just now, but perhaps someday in the future, Felicia wouldn't just be a bride of Christ; perhaps Father Brown would find that being a sheperd was second to his true calling...
Stay tuned! Read and Review‼
1 People in the Bible did drink wine. Jesus drank it too. However, I disagree with this point. Read 1 Peter 3.1-3,8
2 Felicia's habit is similar to that of Maria's in Sound of Music. Though she's older, Felicia's not an actual nun; I thought this would do nicely.
Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to review!