Disclaimer: cqofegypt owns nothing
Felicia was busy looking at some flowers when someone bumped into her from behind.
Her arm sent into spasm, she whirled around to see who it was to bump into her.
Her husband was dead, so there was no fear of him creeping up on her.
Nathan usually had more balance than that, and wouldn't physically bump her without immediately apologizing, so who could it be?
…
"Sir?" in his comatose state, she was able to grab a hold of his arm without him flinching or objecting. She felt concern overwhelm her when she felt the man's thready pulse beating erratically at 30bpm.
She thought of consulting the doctor, but Kembleford's physician was unreliable; misdiagnosing and insisting his diagnosis was law.
Felicia had nearly smacked him the first time they met when he tried to make a pass at her.
Surely, she knew the stigma of doctors and nurses coming together eventually on some occasions, but really!
Was that all she was to the men of this town? A pair of pantyhose they could rip into and forget whenever they felt like it?
Felicia knew not all men were that way, but she wished men and women both would see her for the woman she was born, and not the woman they conceived her to be.
Shaking away her thoughts, Felicia followed the man until he nearly approached Inspector Sullivan, Inspector Valentine's replacement.
Felicia had been so busy with soirees and avoiding Nathan, that she hadn't taken the time to introduce herself. Ah well, better now a time as any…
…
Inspector Sullivan shook her hand. "How did you know he was going to collapse?" he asked.
Felicia smiled slightly, her cheeks reddening in embarrassment as even Nathan turned to them at the question.
"I felt his pulse, which was rather threading…. As you could see he was dazed…"
Sullivan gave her a look that he knew there was more to her explanation than she was letting on.
Mrs. McCarthy snickered. Felicia glared at her, pulling out her identification cards, and handing them to the Inspector without a word.
"Felicia Vivian Montague, 8364 Queens Road, Kembleford, Glousteshire England…."
His voice halted as he read the second one. "…Registered Nurse 1947 Second War Gloustechire"
He looked at her. "Your registration is still valid"
Felicia nodded, her cheeks darkening. "Yes"
"Why aren't you in hospital instead of here?" Sullivan asked, curiously.
Nathan stood up, noticing the embarrassment on his beloved's face and walked over to the group.
"I haven't seen Felix at Mass in a long time" he said, changing the subject.
Felicia refused to look at him, he noted. "Nor his wife for that matter"
Felicia whipped her gaze to him, scowling. He winced. They would have to talk, and soon.
….
Felicia groaned. "Did you not hear what I just told the Inspector?"
"What, that you're used to seeing half-naked men, and worse?"
"That, will be enough. Mrs. McCarthy" Father Brown growled. He glared at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Lady Felicia's service in the War is just as commendable as anyone else's"
Felicia swallowed her next question, asking Mrs. McCarthy what she had done to contribute to the Cause.
Nathan noticed this and smiled slightly.
"How do we know she didn't make it up, to get attention from other men?"
Sullivan had walked away before this half of the conversation. Felicia took a sharp intake of breath and walked away.
If things change, think, WWJD as m's w….
What would Jesus do in this situation? Keep silent and walk away without speaking anything else.
"Bridgette McCarthy, I am absolutely ashamed and appalled at what you just said to Lady Felicia just now… that's even worse than what you told her at the Quinton's, or accused Mr. Bennett of four months ago." Nathan said, scowling at the secretary.
He needed to make amends with Felicia and soon. It wouldn't help if Mrs. McCarthy were constantly tearing her down…
"Until you have sufficiently made amends with the Countess, I will look elsewhere for sustenance." With a curt nod, Father Brown walked away, wishing he could talk with Felicia now.
Now wasn't the best time, however. Felicia was looking at him as if he were an insect crawling on the floor that disgusted her.
His face flushing in shame, Nathan decided that it would be best to first find out what had happened with Felix, and then make amends with Felicia.
It was a rather awkward time speaking with Felix's widow, since both men had the same questions to ask, and Inspector Sullivan was of the mind that Father Brown didn't belong there.
Indeed, the priest physically felt his stomach tugging, and heard in the back of his mind to go to Felicia, but he ignored it. This was an interesting case, and he would see it through to the end…
If only he knew what lay in store for him…
While attending the Danvers Retreat for Veterans, Father Brown grew appalled at the state of the rooms and condition of the patients staying there. He resolved to find out more… until he met the vulturous Nurse Farrow.
Nurse Farrow didn't like priests, and was worried for the sake of her patients, or so she said, but Father Brown had a feeling that she was hiding something, much, much deeper…
Like Felicity did when you spoke to her that first night…
Nathan wiggled his head. Surely that voice couldn't be that of the Holy Ghost… could it?
Romans 10:10
Then on the back, Genesis 2:24-
Nathan shivered as he read that… either his mind was playing tricks on him, or Holy Spirit was using Sarah to convict him of his behavior towards Felicia.
So, you lied…
She had tried to defend herself, but he had ignored her and near berated her, not refuting her claim of his perception of her promiscuity…
"Come now, Nathan, I'm no saint, but surely you don't believe as others do that I'm promiscuous!"
Nathan's eyes narrowed at the thought of her telling him what he should and shouldn't believe, especially about her past...
"I really don't know what to believe; your past is your own, and I don't judge. I am, however tired of playing cat and mouse with you regarding the affairs of your heart. So, until you can become completely honest with me, it's best we start from square one and remain strictly professional." he sighed as a man satisfied of saying his peace. "Good afternoon, Your Ladyship"
In hindsight he had acted monstrously, refusing to hear her out all due to the fact that he had been angry and jealous of the men in her past.
Wasn't it right then that she should feel hurt and refuse then to talk to him?
Of course, she should! He shuddered at the memory of their departure nearly two weeks ago.
He wondered if this were the end to their relationship entirely… he hoped not, then again, she had every right to call everything off after the way he had treated her.
He shuddered at her last words to him…
"Your candles? Who were they for?" He took a step closer to her, she pursed her lips, frowning as if pondering whether to answer him.
"I believe that is my affair Father Brown," she stated, icily. "I think you made it perfectly clear your opinion of me, especially in this community."
The priest was confused. What could have brought this on?
She started to walk away and then she turned back. If you want my honest opinion Father, here it is.
"As I stated before I am no saint, I have a past which, unfortunately, for both of us, involved you."
He winced at her glare, his stomach churning.
My husband, if you care to call him that, was in fact killed. I have been a widow for the last 15 years.
Nathan noticed with a pang, the pain resentment fear and pride shining in her eyes as clearly as her tears.
"And like it or not, I did what I had to do to survive! Am I proud of it? No. Am I thankful, yes. God has brought me out of the darkness into His light, so believe what you want, Father. I am actually of the belief that you and Mrs. McCarthy deserve each other. You both have jumped to conclusions about my past, as others have done, without first searching for the truth. I didn't want to think that our romance had come to an end. But I'm afraid that is what must happen. Goodbye, Father Brown."
As she turned again, Nathan panicked, he felt like this was goodbye for good.
You may not care anymore about us, but I do! He thought.
After being trapped, thinking mostly of Felicity in a dark, dusty tomb, he really didn't want to lose her forever.
He was afraid, though as he lost sight of her retreating form, that was exactly what had just happened...
Nathan shuddered at the whole scene replayed in his head. He had acted abominably to his one true love, and she still had the grace to depart as a lady.
He wouldn't be surprised if the next time they met she would smack him senseless. It was what he deserved!
I am actually of the opinion that you and Mrs. McCarthy deserve each other…
Deserve each other
Deserve each other
Deserve each other
"Noo…" he moaned quietly, when he was alone in the presbytery that night, laying down in bed after saying his prayers.
"I didn't want to think that our romance had come to an end. But I'm afraid that is what must happen. Goodbye, Father Brown."
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Her form disappeared from sight, never to be seen again…
Further in the dream, Father Brown was conducting a funeral for someone.
He didn't know the identity of the person yet, but something felt routine, as if it were to be expected, and yet his muscles felt heavy as if something were dreadfully, terribly wrong…
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…"
"though he die yet shall he live…"
"such a beautiful woman, kind to all who know her" sobbed Faith Crabtree
"Pft good riddance" muttered Bridgette McCarthy…
Nathan still didn't know…
Couldn't see….
Until the casket was lowered and the body fell out…
Eyes still, motionless looking straight ahead…
The body of a woman, with strangled marks on her neck
"Never figured her for a murderess" Sullivan frowned. "Well, she'll have her judgement come yet…"
Confused, Nathan felt himself looking into the hole where the body had fallen in…
Lady Felicia… was dead…
Nathan woke up screaming.
"NNNNGH FELICIA… DON'T LEAVE ME… PLEASE! FELICIA!" as he cried out, tears streaming down his face, lightning cracked, and thunder boomed outside, as rain skittered and scratched upon the windows, beating harshly upon the roof.
Nathan curled into a fetal position on the bed, crying and wailing with the wind and rain as he fought for sleep.
He had ripped out Felicia's heart and stomped upon it, just as something special had sparked between them.
How would he ever gain her trust and feel her love again?
Was it even possible?
Meanwhile, within the walls of Montague Mansion, another heart was breaking, despite its owner's attempt at taping the pieces back together, all for naught…
Felicia cried into the night with the howling wind that tore into the land outside. She wanted Nathan back. She missed him desperately, but he had hurt her, deeply…
Were they not to marry? Were they not to spend the rest of their lives together? If not, why would the Lord give her a love for this man that ripped her in two?
Rolling over, she grabbed for the end quilt that Nathan had used on his last visit. Breathing deeply, she breathed in the Aloe soap he used, his aftershave, and the medical smell of camphor oil that had been placed on a war wound, he'd said.
Smelling the blanket, Felicia cried herself to sleep…
The next day, as Father Brown rode to the Danvers' retreat, he decided that the best tactic for getting information about Felix and Benjamin, was to get admitted himself.
He was actually getting a late start this morning because he had slept late, and had stopped off to run an errand.
Speaking with Sarah again away from the prying eyes of Nurse Farrow, was tricky, but Nathan somehow managed. She left him another clue and another puzzling verse: Genesis 2.23-25
And Adam said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Say what? He decided to find that girl, Sarah, and ask her what she meant by that verse.
Meanwhile…
"Inspector Sullivan…"
"I told you, Mrs. McCreedy…"
"-That's Mrs. McCarthy to you young man!
It would be if you were still married, you old goat Felicia thought with the roll of her eyes.
"All of our departments are busy at the moment…"
"Not looking for Father Brown, that is for sure and for certain! I just checked the presbytery and he's not there!"
Felicia flushed as she listened to Mrs. McCarthy's last remark. Had the woman walked in the presbytery looking for Father Brown the morning after she'd spent the night the last time? Not that she recalled.
That thought made Felicia seriously uncomfortable.
At that moment, a strange look had come over the Inspector's face. "Did Father Brown say where he was going?"
"Danvers Retreat" Felicia spoke up. "It's a medical hospital for veterans" she wanted to tweak Mrs. McCarthy's nose for eyeing her up and down in disgust.
"Right. I'll return later. If Father Brown comes back, tell him I want to speak with him."
"Righto" Felicia said, hoping secretly they'd lock Nathan up for good, and toss the key…
Little did Felicia know, Father Brown had committed himself to Danvers' Retreat in order to gain insight of what was really going on.
Sarah hadn't been able to tell him much of anything, save the fact she as apparently next in a murder plot conjured up by Dr. Henshaw and Nurse Farrow.
Sarah had also supplied him with more puzzling verses such as Malachi 2.14-16, Ephesians 5.25-31, Proverbs 31.10, 1 Peter 3.7, and Colossians 3.19.
He didn't have time to look at all of them save two.
Malachi 2.14-15,
Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she thy companion and the wife of thy covenant. And did he not make one? Yet he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
and Proverbs 31.10
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her praise is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
What had he done? Nathan had been blessed with a gift such as treasured and gentle as Felicity's heart and what had he done with it? Trampled it as if it meant nothing… Proverbs said 'the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil'
He hadn't treated her as a husband does a wife; how a husband was supposed to treasure and cherish his wife… he didn't deserve such a virtuous woman as she!
You and Mrs. McCarthy deserve each other….
Nathan shuddered as tears again came to his eyes. He didn't want Mrs. McCarthy! Mrs. McCarthy didn't make his blood rush to his veins, he didn't feel invincible or as confident in himself without Felicia around…
He deserved to crawl in the dirt and wallow in mud with pigs, like the prodigal son…
Well, there weren't many pigs about, but if he solved this case would he be able to talk to her and set things right? He hoped so!
(Ode to Joy) 1
Felicia, I love you! He thought
Spoilers
Father Brown cheered to himself as he tossed and hit Inspector Sullivan with a bowl of tomato stew. The priest surmised that he was possibly going to prison after this 'mishap', and wouldn't likely get bonded out by Felicia for anything…
His heart tugging in pain and guilt, he kept his mind focused on the case.
"Father! What the devil?"
"I'm so sorry" he winced, as he pulled back his fist and punched forward.
"Augh!" the inspector yelled, as the priest's meaty hand connected with his eye.
That's for interrogating my fiancée Nathan smirked. (2)
I'm sorry, Inspector. I can't help myself.
Doctor, I suggest you admit Father Brown for psychiatric evaluation.
"And get me some ice while you're at it… please"
The retreat's only for ex-service personnel.
I was in the Glosters. An army chaplain.
Unfortunately, we're full.
Last I counted, you had at least two empty beds. I'm starting to find your reluctance somewhat suspicious.
Nurse, fetch an admissions form. Now.
Are you sure you know what you're doing?
Absolutely.
"You'll be lucky to end up in jail after this for assaulting a government official. I may let you stay here"
Nathan smirked after thee inspector left. Of course, you would he thought.
Kleptomania? Frequently. Mr. Hammond's apple tree is a particular casualty. Gambling? I like an occasional flutter. Occasional? Every day. Compulsive eating? Who can resist second helpings? Or third. Or fourth. Do you ever have the urge to take off your clothes in public? Often, especially during Mass.
Nathan felt a stab of guilt for lying, but if it would help find out the reason why Benjamin was dead and Felix was MIA, then so be it.
I really didn't need that image in my head Henshaw thought.
Thank you for your candour, Father. That concludes the evaluation.
Nurse Farrow? Congratulations. You score highly on most markers for impulse control disorder. You would seem to be in the right place.
We'll start you on a treatment plan tomorrow morning.
Thank you. It's such a relief to be finally getting some help.
Nathan really wished it were Felicia that had come to see him, but he had a feeling that his 'impulse control problem' would send him to the isolation chamber, unconscious, hands crossed behind his back instead of around her lovely waist.
Mrs. McCarthy waved the key at him after three diversions and a shout of where the key was located.
Humph- about time…
Pretending to sleep was easy enough. Sneaking around, and hoping to catch Sarah awake so they could chat some more was another number entirely, especially when Jeremy caught him and demanded more 'magic'.
Father Brown hoped to find out more about Benjamin's death, especially since Sarah had been holed up by the notorious, vicious Nurse Farrow.
Nathan was sure the Nurse wanted nothing more than to see snoops like him 'get it'.
He shivered. How that… woman… could be seen fit to wear the same nurse's cap as Felicia, was beyond him.
He'd have to watch out for Farrow, like a hawk.
Nathan found a tape recorder and notes on a drug called psilocybin- what was it, and what did it do?
Unfortunately for him, Nathan Brown was about to find out on a very personal level.
Do you seriously think I am that idiotic? He sent to Nurse Farrow in an eyeroll.
As retaliation, she poked him in the arm with something sharp…
Damn
"Side effects include hallucinations and memory loss" she grinned wickedly at him. Nathan knew he was going to 'get it'…
Nathan's heart rate increased in alarm as he realized the ramifications of 'memory loss'
Noo! Felicia! Thomas! Sid!
Then, suddenly he felt a peace, and was thinking rationally.
Don't panic, Nathan, he thought, that's just what they want…
As the doctor monologued his explanation, Nathan had the fortitude to prevent rolling his eyes.
Felicity my darling, I love you with all of my heart. I'll never doubt you again, I swear it!
Nathan knew that by the doctor's testimony, he was the best person to break down.
Nurse Farrow was the driving force in drugging the patients, but Dr. Henshaw seemed hesitant. Nathan wondered why.
"Let go of your guilt"
As I let go of mine… not doing more to protect Felicia, not marrying her, not protecting her from others' shameful gossip.
Hadn't he once told Mrs. McCarthy that she was the most afflicted when it came to tale telling, and shunning families like the Bennett's?
He himself felt guilt and shame for how he had ridiculed her, mistreated her, broken her heart, and then shamefully expected things to be peachy…
Felicia was right… he did sound just like Mrs. McCarthy. Nathan felt tears at the corner of his eyes. He blinked, allowing them to fall, looking to his left, and seeing that Henshaw was struggling with his own emotions.
"I can't!" Henshaw cried, "I can't!"
"Enough of this!" growled Farrow, just as Nathan and Henshaw locked eyes.
The priest had the same look of guilt that Wallace had when thinking about Elizabeth.
That meant that there was a woman in the priest's life that he felt guilty for harming in some way….
As Nurse Fanny Farrow turned the intravenous fluid upside down, Dr. Henshaw's face drained of color.
He had never been able to apologize to darling Elizabeth for all he had done. He could not undo all he had done, but he could allow Father Brown a second chance to do so…
Glancing at Nurse Farrow's face, Henshaw's own face drained of color at the bloodthirsty crazed look in Nurse Farrow's eyes.
If that intravenous fluid reached Father Brown's veins, he would never know his beloved lady again; Instead of ten, the nurse had changed the dose to thirty micrograms- enough to kill the priest at best…
He had to do something and quickly…
Seeing Felix by the door, Henshaw realized everything was hopeless, until he remembered his forceps…
"Noooo!" Nurse Farrow shrieked. The priest would only cause more trouble!
Henshaw found his forceps just as the liquid was two inches from Nathan's veins. The forceps successfully clamped, with no chance to reopen.
Nathan breathed a shuddering sigh of relief. That had been way too close!
The next morning after breakfast and prayer, Nathan Brown got on his bicycle, and headed towards Faith's Flowers and Gifts, owned by Faith Crabshaw, a friend of Felicia's.
Faith looked up when the bell rang and noticed Father Nathan Brown come toward the counter with a smile and very heavy countenance.
Faith had a feeling that Father Brown was in a heap of trouble with Felicity; the girl had hardly spoken to the priest in two weeks- he must have said something or done something dreadfully insensitive to incur Felicity's wrath.
Faith thought that the best course of action was to pretend she knew nothing about what was going on between Felicity and her beloved friend.
She smiled knowingly. "Good morning, Father Brown. I never expected to see you of all people this early in the morning"
Nathan smiled sheepishly.
"How can I help you?" Pretending that she didn't know what was going on between Lady Felicia and Father Brown was difficult. She liked and respected both, and had taken Felicity under her wing as soon as she had arrived in Kembleford…
LF-LF-LF-LF-LF-LF
Felicia walked into Faith's Flowers and Gifts, looking around. The saleswoman was busy with a customer, so Felicia took the opportunity to stop and smell the roses… literally.
"Can I help you with something, my dear?" Faith Crabshaw smiled. She hadn't seen this woman before in Kembleford. Was she new?
"I'm just…gazing" Felicia said with a soft, sad smile, a wistful look in her eye.
Faith caught the look immediately, and suspected the woman to be in love.
"Be sure to let me know which ones take your fancy… the cream roses are quite lovely this time of year, as are the scarlet"
Felicia flushed. Faith smiled, suspecting she was correct; the woman was in love with someone.
"Well then, I'm Faith Crabshaw and this is my store… how can I help you?"
"How do you do?" Felicia smiled, shaking the woman's hand. "Lady Felicia Montague"
"A pleasure, Your Ladyship" Faith smiled.
Felicia blushed. "Oh, please… call me Felicity"
"Felicity… a lovely name… your Christian name, I take it?"
Felicia nodded. Faith walked around the counter and got a tray from the small kitchen sink.
"Tea? I was just about to sit down. You're welcome to join me"
"Lovely! Thank you!" Faith beamed and set down the tray, turning her sign to Closed.
"Now then, Felicity… if that is your real name" the women grinned at each other. "Who are you really, and what brings you to our charming village of Kembleford?"
Felicia bit her lip, not knowing where to start. Should she start with her husband? No, she didn't like to talk, or even think about Xander… to everyone, he was alive and well, traveling abroad while in politics…
"Well… it all started twenty years ago, at my father's estate in Kent… there was a Summer Solstice banquet given for my birthday, and my father had invited a friend of his"
Faith grew interested when Felicia started to blush, as she bit into a cream cake.
"Oh?" she winked. "What was his name?"
"Nathan" Felicity sighed dreamily.
"Nathan Alexander Brown"
LF-LF-LF-LF-LF-LF
Faith looked at the priest expectantly, since he didn't quite seem to know what he was looking for, or if he should even be in the store at all…
"Do you happen to have… um…" Nathan flushed, not knowing what to look for, or what to purchase. He knew men usually bought flowers for women as a courtesy or as an apology, but he didn't know what to do…
And how was he to account for the purchase without Mrs. McCarthy getting suspicious and asking what they were for?
Nathan gulped audibly.
Faith grinned, having a feeling she knew he was afraid of Mrs. McCarthy. She shivered. That woman could make Pharaoh shudder!
"Tell you what, Father, I'll put together the bouquet, and it'll be on the house"
He grinned sheepishly and nodded his thanks.
As she readied the blooms, Faith sent a cheeky look over her shoulder to the priest.
"So, any man coming in here asking for a bouquet is either in trouble with his lady, or trying to woo her"
Nathan flushed. "What brings you in here?" Faith grinned mischievously.
"Well, I er…." Nathan had never thought to portray his and Felicia's romance in public; it had been so new- he had assumed that she wanted to keep it private.
Faith grinned outright at him.
"A bit of advice, Father" Nathan looked at her, noticing she had a bouquet of eleven roses both red and white, within her grasp.
He gulped.
"Every woman wants to know she's loved and cherished by her man. Whether overtly or subtle, she wants to know and feel she is appreciated…"
"Not STOMPED ON" Nathan looked at Faith, who was glaring at him now, furious.
He had really screwed up if she knew and was yelling at him about it.
Felicia was a private person for the most part, and if she had shared something with Faith, that meant she was really upset.
"Honestly, some men, I'll tell ye" Faith muttered under her breath with her Scottish accent.
"Now, I am going to give you these bouquets. The next time I see Felicity, Father, she better be the happiest woman on this planet, or else I'll…"
The door jangled, preventing Faith from continuing her threat.
Faith turned, all smiles to her newest customer, keeping Father Brown in her line of sight.
"April" she muttered under her breath.
Nathan cocked his head, confused.
"Her month… it's April"
Nathan nodded, thankful, yet confused. He bid Faith Crabtree farewell, and took his parcel out to his bicycle.
Thinking over what Faith had said, Nathan looked over his bouquets and pondered for a moment.
Faith had given him a total of thirteen roses. 7 red, 6 white, and two of them were tied independently of each other.
Nathan, a student of botany knew exactly what message Faith was "encouraging" him to relay. It clicked together, especially with the implication of Felicity's birth month.
April.
Diamonds.
Last forever.
Eleven roses red and white- unity
Two flowers independent of each other…
Marry me…
"Mmm nnghhh!" Nathan groaned; he felt light headed.
He wanted Felicity- He loved her more now than he ever had; especially with what had occurred yesterday afternoon.
According to the Lord, it was time, anyway…
So, what was stopping him?
Felicia, and the thought of her reaction.
Would she punch him? Kick him? Slap him?
He whimpered at all thoughts of physical abuse he could suffer at her hands, then his body betrayed him with a heated jolt.
He decided he would much rather suffer physical injury or otherwise at Felicity's beautiful hands, than never have her in his life ever again- or worse, have her taken from him by another man…
NEVER! He thought heatedly.
She had been hurt too much by her first husband… and by him, he thought with a wince as guilt stabbed his chest.
He in no way deserved her, but he loved her more than he could ever realize or express.
Closing the small jewelry box, he now held within his hand, Nathan smiled as he geared his bicycle and headed in the direction of Montague Mansion.
After all, faint heart never won fair lady…
Making his way to Montague Mansion, Nathan hoped to find Felicia and make amends as soon as possible, whether it be kissing her senseless among many and all, or groveling at her feet at all hours.
Nathan found Felicia and her maid Sarah caked with mud in the garden.
Not quite knowing what to say, Nathan opened his mouth, and then shut it again, looking at the garden.
"A lovely spread you have here" he smiled, wondering if she knew and enjoyed botany as much as he did.
"What are you planting?" he asked, curiously.
Felicia wanted to roll her eyes, and say 'plants', but didn't.
She was tired, hot, sticky- she wanted to get out of these gardening things, take a hot bath, and curl up with a good book.
"Beans, potatoes, carrots, lavender, Aloe Vera, and forget-me-nots"
Nathan winced at that one. What sheer irony…
"Look" she growled. "I know you didn't come to talk about the garden," she sighed, as if she were doing her best to put up a front as she pulled off her gardening gloves.
"S-so what are you doing here?" she huffed in irritation.
Nathan winced, not wanting to see her cry. She hadn't worn a hat, so he took his off, placing it on her head.
She looked rather comically adorable like that, her forehead stuck with damp curls, as others behind her, now safely nestled in the crown, spilled out and over the brim, making her look like a scarecrow.
He tried not to laugh. Her glare stopped him, mid-thought.
Shuffling his feet, Nathan went over his apology speech again, but it didn't sound right.
Looking at the garden, he thought about how there was a certain order to things, like planting in a garden.
A gardener dug a hole in the dirt, spread seeds, covered the seeds, watered the earth, allowed sunshine, and time to take effect for life to be born and grow.
While reminiscing for fifteen years on one week of memories, Nathan had expected life, seeds, sunshine and dirt, not accounting for holes in the dirt, rain storms to come, or seeds of work faith and hope to be planted.
Nathan and Felicity were not the same two people that had met, been attracted to one another, challenged each other, and fallen in love together.
They were not the same two people who had died together. Not physically, but the death of hope and of a life lived, planned, laid out, like the seeds of a garden…
"I came to apologize" Nathan murmured.
Felicity glared at him, tears streaming down her face. Sarah had excused herself. Her Lady and the priest had something to discuss, and they needed time alone.
"I-I don't understand" Felicity gulped. "After all these weeks, days, all of this time has passed, you feel that we should continue on a first name basis? As if none of this ever happened?"
"Well… er… no… not that it never happened… but I would like us to continue where we left off…"
Suddenly, Felicia shrieked. She yelled as she had when she had fought Patrick Galloway a few months before- yet, instead of a sword, she pushed Nathan down… into the mud.
"Oof!" he yelled. He didn't have time to scramble before Felicia straddled him and started beating his chest with her fists and slapping his face, several times…
So… this was the physical altercation he had so feared… didn't hurt too much, but he supposed she had to let her aggression out somehow.
Then, before he knew it, she pulled back her fist and connected with his eye when his glasses had flown off in the mud somewhere.
"Aaagh!" he cried.
"That's what you GET!" she screamed. "You imbecilic infantile infuriatingly stubborn, indecisive… COCCYDYNIA"
Nathan, his eye quickly turning black and blue and nearly swollen shut, turned his head at that last phrase.
"What…?" he'd never heard of a 'coccydynia' before… (3)
"You, Father Brown, are a pain in my ever-loving ass!"
Again, Nathan felt a stab of guilt. She had every right to get angry with him, and call him a 'coccydynia'… whatever that meant…
She had gotten off of him, and was crying softly.
Nathan struggled to get up, then looked around for his glasses.
Bending over to find them, he tripped and slipped again in the mud, this time, coating his face.
He heard a snicker come from Felicia's direction. She was laughing at him.
Ah well, at least he had stopped her from crying…
"Felicia?" she looked over at him.
"What?" she sniffed.
"I'm really very truly sorry. I love you with all of my heart. It wasn't until today and faced with actually losing you made me realize I can't live without you in my life."
She glared at him, untrusting. The mud was hardening and dropping from his cassock.
"What about Mrs. McCarthy?" she sniffed.
"What about her?" Nathan asked.
Oh, I don't know… how about the fact that she picks on me for no reason, or she sticks to you like a leech! Or maybe the fact that she's the worst gossip in all flipping Europe!
"..cia?"
"Hmm…?"
"What about Mrs. McCarthy?" he asked, confused.
He was here about Felicia, not about Mrs. McCarthy.
"Felicia…"
"Fine…" she muttered. "SHE'S IN LOVE WITH YOU!"
Nathan winced, then smiled. "Well, it's too bad for her, then"
"Why?" Felicia asked, still wary, but not as hostile.
"First, there's something I must tell you" he said, nervously feeling in his pocket, then releasing a sigh of relief when what he was looking for was still in his pocket.
"Wait a moment, hold that thought" try as she might, Felicia was trying not to laugh in his face.
"I made a mistake in not trusting you, not taking you at your word"
She frowned. "I suppose it didn't help my offering my assistance like that. Mother did always say that the best intentions could be easily misconstrued…" she glared at him again. "Especially by men"
He took it, wincing, knowing he deserved that.
"I had a rather eye-opening experience this morning" he said, not intending to change the subject, but needing her to know what was truly on his mind.
"they led to the retrieval of those" he nodded to a mysterious package resting on his handlebars.
"Oh?" she asked, not wanting to reveal her curiosity peaking, especially concerning his package.
He nodded, deciding she must hear all details at once. Being angry with him was exhausting work, especially out here in the hot sun all day. It took more effort and strength than she had at the moment.
Besides, she still loved and missed him. She was also curious about his case. Why had he winced when she mentioned forget-me-nots?
She still wanted to change and get comfortable.
Nathan would stay for lunch of course, and…
"Sarah! Have Emily run my bath, would you?" Thank you dear"
The maid rushed off.
Nathan geared his expression to neutral, trying not to go down a familiarly recently travelled path to his destruction…
He was in love with this woman, and come hell or high water, she would be his…
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
20 minutes later…
Nathan paced the library, volumes once quickly holding his interest, paled in comparison to the agony of waiting. What would he say to Felicia?
Would she love him, or laugh at him?
Gahh! What was taking so long!?
Finally, she joined him in the study, donned in a cream-colored tea dress with pearls light rouge, and lipstick.
White house shoes completed her look, causing Nathan to correctly assume she would not be going out this evening.
"So," Felicia said, instructing the maid to serve Nathan first from her mother's finest tea service.
The priest had a wry grin.
"Tell me all about the case. Who was the stranger? Did he have family? What happened?"
Before speaking, Nathan sat his teacup down, joining her on the loveseat. She placed her teacup down, as the maid Sarah, vanished from the room.
Noticing they were alone, Nathan gently grasped Felicity's dainty hands in his larger calloused ones.
"Before I begin, there's something I need to tell you"
Felicia looked at him curiously, anger no longer evident in her eyes.
In truth, Felicia's heart was pounding in anticipation. What did Nathan want to say?
We have known each other quite some time. When we first met, I found myself attracted to you quite instantly"
Felicia smiled and flushed. Nathan smiled, squeezing her hands.
"When I hear gossip about you among others, it well- it makes me feel anger for you. I know you aren't they type of lady to harm someone intentionally- because of your caring nature, you're too kind for your own good.
He looked at her sheepishly over his glasses, his eye healing somewhat after his own hot bath, a spare change of clothes he had left last time he was there… (4)
Well this was coming out wring, and he was digging his grave.
Instead of anger, he saw Felicia trying not to laugh.
"Father Brown… are you calling me naive?"
His open and shut mouth as he thought of his answer, answered her question.
"You're lucky I love you" she blushed as he looked at her in confusion.
"Dinner's getting cold, dear" she smiled.
"I'm sorry?" he asked in confusion.
Felicia sighed. "You were jealous of the thought of other men in my life. Since we were never betrothed, despite Father's wishes, I was forced to marry someone else, preventing me from waiting on you, which was a moot point, since priests can't marry. That being said, you put your foot in your mouth, effectively, and solved it by apologizing and buying the most beautiful bouquet I've ever seen!"
She took a breath. "Does that sound about right?"
Nathan gaped, blinking.
"You're forgiven Nathan" she purred wickedly as she kissed his cheek.
He in turn grinned wickedly and turned his cheek to kiss her mouth.
She gasped into the kiss as he pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms possessively around her waist.
"Mine" he whispered, grinning.
"Oh, no you don't" she smirked, leaning her head against his, then necking him out of desperation.
She whimpered, causing Nathan's grip to tighten, holding her fast to him.
"I should have never said those things and acted the way I did. I had no right to doubt you, ignore you, or force you to tell me things best left forgotten." he said hoarsely, tears in his voice.
He sniffed as he put a hand to her cheek.
"I don't deserve you or your forgiveness" he croaked, as tears streamed down his face. "You have every right not to forgive me for what I've done to you…"
To his surprise, Felicia was crying as well.
"Shhh…Hush, my love… What is said and done is behind us now… all that matters is the future…" she necked against him again, cuddling into his embrace, as he ran his fingers into her hair.
"I love you, Felicity Vivian Marsberg" Nathan grinned cheekily.
"I love you too, Nathan Alexander Brown" Felicia giggled. "Now, let's go eat" she nodded to Hornsby, who had entered the room for that very purpose.
Nathan sighed as he followed Felicia to the dining room. He was seated at the head, in Xander's former seat filling him with a dark sense of pride he never knew he could be capable of.
One man's former wife is another man's treasure he thought with a wicked grin.
Felicia sat by his right side as they enjoyed tomato bisque, roast, cheese, bread and wine.
"Just a moment my dear." Felicia said with a smile. "Before you pray, I would like Sarah, Emily and Alan to join us"
The servants all stopped what they were doing and looked up at her.
"All three of you are my family, and you are responsible for creating this meal for us. It's only fair that you should join us."
"Here here" Nathan smiled, as he dropped something in the butter dish.
Alan looked at the priest and raised an eyebrow.
"Would you care for a knife, Father Brown?"
Nathan noticed the butler smirk at him and flushed, shaking his head and scowling.
"Not just yet, Mr. Hornsby, thank you"
Alan smirked. "As you wish"
The servants all sat down, Sarah had a nervous smile on her face. She wasn't accustomed to eating with the Lady of the house.
"Get used to it" Felicia smirked. "There are going to be changes around here… big ones" she winked at Nathan, who wondered if she had any idea just what he had planned for her…
Instead of questioning her employer, Sarah heeded Emily's subtle shake of the head and blushed down at her food.
Felicia beamed as Nathan took and squeezed her hand. With her nod, and the others' heads bowed, he began to pray.
"Lord God, as we sit down before you about to enjoy this meal, we thank you for the many blessings you've bestowed upon us: family, friends, and most importantly, the love of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"Yes" Emily whispered. Felicia squeezed her hand and rubbed it. (5)
"May your love shine through us every day, and may this food be nourishing to our bodies. In Jesus' Name, Amen"
"Amen" the others chorused as Felicia looked up at Nathan in surprised confusion.
She was curious as to the lack of ceremony associated with his prayer this time; no crossing himself, no Latin… what was going on?
Nathan watched Felica with a smile. She was no doubt curious as to his change and tone in his prayer.
After a few minutes of eating, Nathan opened his roll with the butter knife. Alan raised an eyebrow, raising his wine glass to his lips.
Felicia didn't see the look of mirth in his eyes, or the subtle smirk on his lips. No butter knife indeed…
"My compliments to the chef" Felicia flushed as Emily chuckled. "Well, I did have help yesterday, Father"
Nathan looked surprised at Felicia. She nodded at his supposed question.
"Yummy" she flushed redder, and Sarah chocked on her bite of roast. Nathan chuckled at the two women.
Alan frowned at Sarah who flushed, but Emily looked amused.
"Felicity, my dear, would you mind passing the butter?" he knocked his roll on the floor.
"Oh dear" Sarah startled and made to stand up, when Nathan shook his head at her. Sarah nodded, smiling.
Felicia, handing Nathan the butter, was surprised to see the priest not sitting on his seat, but kneeling next to her chair… on one knee.
Confused, the Countess looked back at the butter dish in her hand, when something shiny caught her eye.
Fishing it out, she noticed it was a ring.
"Nathan…"
Emily gasped. Alan chuckled. Sarah squeaked.
Felicity gulped, unsure if what she hoped was coming true… "what…?"
Nathan paused, seeming to be searching back in time. "If it weren't for that strike against my leg, I would have won, and you would have never had to endure the life you did…"
Sarah looked confused at Alan, while Emily sniffled, dabbing her eyes. She was nodding.
Felicity thought back to the night he was referring to, and closed her eyes. He was right. He had been one swing, one hairsbreadth away from winning her against that monster…
"Nevertheless, that was then; this is now. I have been a lonely, angry, bitter Catholic priest with no joy in site save Sid and my Savior."
Felicia turned her head with a smile.
Nathan rolled his eyes. "Yes, and occasionally Mrs. McCarthy," he shivered. "I do not love her the way that I love you. She is someone I love like a mother."
"You" he paused, kissing her hands, "You are my Eros, Pathos, and Agape all in one."
Felicia smiled. "But mostly Eros" his eyes glittered a rich sea blue as her cheeks burned.
Alan cleared his throat, as Sarah giggled. Emily smiled.
All five chuckled a moment.
"In Genesis chapter 1 verse 24, it says 'a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife. For twenty years my mother has held to my cassock with an iron grip"
Felicia snorted. "I am no longer Catholic" he said with a smile.
Felicia opened her eyes wide in surprise, as did the others. "When?" she asked.
"Since the morning I was released for the Blue Cross incident" he murmured.
Felicia scanned her memory. That was a good near three months ago! "The day after I…?"
Nathan nodded. "I realized I was grieving over lost items, rights, and duties- that I've come to resent. Death rites, ceremonial duties, confession, its nothing compared to the love for people. I also acted abominably to you and can give no rational reason for my behavior save the sin of jealousy and covetousness. It took your absence and today's case to understand that I need you in my life, forever- and to do that, I need to do it properly."
"After today I felt like Saul turned to Paul who'd been sent out to other countries. I realized I could do it anywhere- loving others in Christ, and being used by him to spread his Gospel his truth."
Nathan flushed, but to his surprise, Felicia had happy tears in her eyes. Not the anger he had seen moments before.
"I am a Protestant, Lissie. I was led to 1 Corinthians 6.14. the firs that says one cannot be unequally yoked" (6)
Felicity laughed, happy tears streaming down her face. "I am now and forever yours. From this day onward I will love, lead, serve and devote myself to you and our family, as long as our Lord gives me breath.
Nathan gently took the ring from her hand, a small, gold princess cut diamond ring, with two freshwater pearls on either side of the diamond- Nathan's birthday was June 18th.
"Felicity Vivian Marsberg, will you marry me?"
Felicity let out a happy little gasp, tears streaming down her face.
"Yes, Nathan Alexander Brown… I will be your wife"
Crying himself and thanking the Lord that she was finally his, Nathan slipped the ring onto her finger, which was aided by the butter that it had been sitting in.
Finally, they shared a kiss so tender, so sweet, that the rest of dinner and dessert were forgotten as their family clapped and smiled at the two souls whom had finally found each other…
That's all for this chapter! Read and Review!
Rofl I loved this chapter and the idea of playing with Nathan's head. It was fun and hilarious.
1 This scene was funny; I liked that they used Ode to Joy to commemorate his 'insanity'
2 I know they weren't 'engaged' by this point, but I felt it only fair for Nathan to take out his physical aggression on the nearest male possible- Inspector Sullivan- who, by the way, pressured Felicia into answering questions about her military service. Nathan had not been amused.
3) coccydynia- medical term used long ago for 'pain in the butt'
4) For fanfictioning purposes before their argument, I interject that he spent the night once more at her house between chapters 7 and 8, leaving some objects at her house (No, nothing happened :p)
5) I am a ND Christian (non-denominational). While people pray, I say things like this a lot.
6) This is not to say that Catholics and Protestants don't both believe in Christ. I being an ND, wouldn't marry a Muslim, or a Catholic (Catholics believe in Jesus too, but they also practice some other things I don't believe)
Anyway, for Nathan and Felicia, I wanted them both literally on the same page. They're both Protestants, though, he will still have to remain a "Catholic" priest for some time, until he is free to leave the Vatican to marry Felicia.
Due to my canon plot, he would have to follow the series to the end. If your confused, I'll explain in future chapters.
Anyway, feel free to read, review everything, and let me know what you think!
Till next time,
cq