One week after Felicity's discovery of her birth mother's death, Nathan was called upon to perform the death rites for Violet Fernsley.
The evening after the discovery, Felicity decided to give a small dinner party for close friends in their circle, including Faith Crabshaw, Michael and Eleanor Sherwin in attendance with Kathleen and little Khan, Robert Camden and Fanny Derstan as well as Alan, Emily, and Sarah.
There was much laughter, joy, and happiness during the dinner, and many toasts, to the married parents, and engaged couples when champagne and apple cider was brought out.
Kathleen was turning out to be quite the little madam, her eloquence and grace had improved while in school.
Khan was serious and somber like his father, and had an intelligence that rivaled his mother's. He expressed himself well for a two and a half year old, and was forever playing with his father's old stethoscope- leading the grownups to suppose that he may follow his father into the medical field.
Both children were the apple of their parents' eyes. Nathan toasted him and Kathleen both, and the others followed suit.
When the Sherwin family and Mrs Crabshaw left for the evening, Robert and Fanny sat down with Nathan and Felicity to get to know each other better.
Laughter was shared, tears were shed when first Robert and Fanny, then Nathan and Felicity shared the stories of how they met.
Robert was the eldest of five, raised in a Christian home, and always had his heart set on becoming a doctor, until he'd seen a priest holding a mans hand as he lay dying in a hospital.
"It was the moment I was certain God had a higher calling on my life than just as a doctor. He was more concerned with mans eternal soul than just their physical bodies"
The others nodded, and Felicity and Bob turned to Fanny. She grinned and nodded.
"I was a princess, raised on Daddy's riches, but I was never happy. I wanted more out of life, but i wasn't sure what! I soon got into school as a secretary. It was at a cause rally that I first heard Reverend Graham speak-
Tears clouded her brown eyes.
"He was speaking on God's forgiveness, and how much He loves us… I felt the stirring in my heart and knew I wanted Him as much as He wanted me… about five minutes later, I met Bob"
All four laughed.
"He asked me if I had asked Jesus into my heart yet and become saved."
I said I hadn't prayed yet, and he asked if he could pray with me."I told Jesus I was sorry for my sins and asked for forgiveness. I asked him to help me change and continue my life serving him. I also thanked him for sending the nice pastor to help me pray"
"Aww" Felicity crooned.
"How long was it before you both started courting?" Nathan asked.
"Two year's" Bob smiled, kissing Fanny's hand. "I knew immediately that I loved her, but, I knew she needed time to find herself and to grow in Christ on her own without my leadership."
Fanny nodded. "He advised me to find my local pastor and read my bible everyday"
"The one I gave you" Bob grinned
"It's falling apart" Fanny laughed.
"That's a good sign" Nathan smiled. Felicity nodded, looking at the clock. It was nearing one in the morning.
"Oh, dear" Bob said looking at his pocket watch.
"What is it darling?" Fanny asked.
"It's getting rather late. We ought to be heading home"
Felicity shook her head.
"It's far too late tonight, and there's extra room here"
Bob looked nervous, and Nathan looked at Lissie.
"Is something wrong?" Felicity asked.
"N-no… I um…" Bob looked at Fanny. She nodded.
"We've never stayed under the same roof before. We decided not to, in order to keep from any accidents" she flushed.
Nathan grinned and flushed himself. He knew he had been guilty many a time for giving into temptation with Felicity, even before they became engaged.
Felicity flushed also looking at Nathan, as if she'd read his mind.
"One of the good things about this house, is that each room has its own relieving quarters. You dont have to worry about bumping into each other in the hall by accident"
All four laughed.
"I'd like to say that I commend you both for your strength and willingness to remain pure at this time, especially when it can be so easy to give in."
He looked at Lissie and she blushed redder.
Fanny giggled.
"It hasn't been easy" Bob grinned, hugging Fanny to his side.
"I agree" Nathan laughed. Again all four laughed, hoping to relieve their nerves and jitters.
All four gathered and joined hands, closing their eyes in prayer.
"Lord, Thank you" Bob began. "Thank you for friends, joy, laughter, and uncertainty.
Thank you for commonality among us four, that we can bring our concerns to each other, and to you.
Help us now, as we continue on our road to sanctification each individually, and each man with his wife, and helpmeet.
We pray for purity of mind and heart as we continue to wait for each marriage to take place. Help us to rest in your love and grace.
In Jesus' Name, Amen"
"Amen" all four said, giving hugs and handshakes alike."Now for the fun part"
The others looked at Lissie.
"A stay over. Fanny, you're with me, and Bob will stay with Nathan"
She looked at the priest raising an eyebrow. He looked thoughtful for a moment and nodded.
Felicity nodded and stood waiting for Fanny.
Fanny clapped and grinned with excitement.
"Not a bad idea" Bob laughed, holding Fanny and kissing her on the head goodnight.
Nathan hugged Felicity in his arms, not wanting to let go.
"I love you" he grinned, kissing her cheek.
She grinned in return. "I love you too, sweetheart. Now off to bed with you!"
While the ladies were already asleep, the gentlemen were still awake and rather restless.
"I guess I shouldn't ask how it is you have provisions here" Bob grinned.
Nathan flushed. "They aren't many, but I'm thankful"
Bob smirked as he dressed in Nathans oversized green two set.
He smirked as the pants began sliding down.
Nathan shook his head, trying not to laugh. "There's- hehe- a drawstring."
"Now he tells me" Bob snickered.
Nathan laughed, making himself comfortable on the cot by the bed.
"I can sleep there if you like" Bob said.
Nathan shook his head. "It's alright. I've discovered an obsessive attachment I have to Felicity being with me at all times." He flushed. "This is good for me"
Bob nodded sympathetically. He and Fanny had never fallen asleep side by side, for that very reason.
He didn't want to scare her, or himself by waking up with an unneeded desire. It wasn't worth it.
"Are you asleep yet, Nathan?" Bob asked.
"Not yet." Nathan smirked. "What's wrong?"
"Just curious how you got that gash on your leg."
Nathan looked over at him, sans glasses. "It's a long story, but if you're really curious, I'll tell you"
Bob got himself comfortable, wondering for a brief second what Fanny was up to at that moment.
Soon after Bob heard the whole story, he hung his head, tears making his way down his cheeks.
"Wow" he whispered. "No wonder you two are so close"
Nathan nodded, rubbing the tears out of his painfully tired eyes.
"As I said before, I loved her so long, I even waited for her an extra year, waiting during the war to hear word from her…"
He shook his head. "Maybe it was punishment for loving a betrothed woman"
"Not punishment" Bob offered. "No one could have known what happened to Felicity or her husband. But the Lord knew that it wasn't your time to have her as your wife."
"But to have to marry him at all?!" Nathan hissed in frustration. Felicity hadn't been sleeping well, and he didn't want to yell and wake her up.
"She, according to both of you was in an abusive marriage. We don't know how, but the Lord knew that her husband was going to die. And only if they divorced or he died, she was free to be with you. You and I both know that had you been together any other way, it would have been in sin"
Nathan nodded his consent. "I just wish it had never come to that"
Both men consented they needed sleep and decided to call it a night.
The next day, Nathan was called to the prison to give death rites to Violet Fernsley.
He had shared with Felicia and others that he didn't feel confident continuing in his practices with consideration to his faith.
Listening to Violet, Nathan was confused, pensive... to claim she was with child would not go without investigation. to kill an innocent child while inside its mother's womb would be murder in and of itself.
Was it true, or did Violet say it to buy herself more time?
Felicia was reading to Mrs. Fernsley when Nathan rode up.
He had a slight conversation with Sid before entering the house.
"Oh, Father, good, you're here. Ethel is in a bit of a state in is resting uneasily at the moment. We've been doing a bit of reading from my manuscript."
Perhaps that is why she is uneasy he thought with a smirk, deciding wisely not to say it aloud...
Felicia looked at him sideways.
"when are you going to give me notes?"
"Oh, Im not the best literary critic, I'm not certain I can attribute anything of value"
She eyed him affectionately.
"Nonsense- what about the time you first arrived here?"
Nathan looked at her. "In Kembleford?"
Felicia nodded. "I know of at least one reader who would be interested" she purred the last word, causing her fiancée to grin.
"I am afraid, my dear, the excitement of my life in Kembleford did not begin until after the arrival of a very special lady" he winked.
Nathan was tempted then to shove her toward the wall, kissing her in a frenzy, which would go against everything he had been taught during the Directa Dicreetal.
He had missed the last one nearly six months ago, and the Bishop had been against him missing it a second time.
Nathan was tempted to literally toss it all away and have his way with the woman he was soon to wed.
They hadn't set a date as of yet, and had told no one of their plans, yet...
Nathan backed away from Felicia, afraid to touch her, lest Ethel hear some interesting sounds drawing from the foyer...
As if reading his mind, Felicia's breath quickened, her hazel eyes dilating a fraction, in arousal...
Giving his beloved future wife a dark grin, he moved forward, gently took his fingers of his right hand, and moved some curls from her forehead.
He could do so without acting on his wants and desires...
Lead me not into temptation, and deliver me from evil...
"I rest my case" he growled lowly, sensually, in her ear.
Felicia flushed bright red, looking away shyly.
"Thank you, Father..." startled to see him closer than expected, indeed, a small move forward and a shift to the left...
"FELICIA!"
Nathan and Felicia jumped instantly moving away from each other, the magic of their moment vanished with the insistent roar of the invalid in the next room.
"FELICIAA!" yelled Ethel again, this time a decibel louder. it was plain she wouldnt give up until the Countess saw to her patient's needs.
"Duty calls" Lady Felicia mumbled, looking slightly cross, then hopeful within an instant.
"I'll see you later, then?" she asked, hopefully.
Nathan winked, feeling like a young lad again, as if Ethel was Felicia's mother... thank the Lord she wasn't...
"You can count on it." he said softly. They parted ways, he outside to wait for her, and she to Ethel's room to see what the woman wanted.
"You called?" Felicia asked, once in the privacy of Ethel's room.
"Did I call..." Ethel scoffed.
"Aye, I called ye! Twice! Not that ye would 'ave 'eard... fraternizin' with a PRIEST under MY OWN roof! Your 'usband would be turnin' in 'is grave if 'e knew, if 'e were dead... Fraternizen... makin love woth our 'Oly priest! The SHAME of ye girl..."
Ethel carried on, whining about Ivan, claiming he wouldnt have ever done that to Violet, the cheeky slut...
All the while, Felicia sat quietly, motionless, expressionless... How did Ethel know about Xander?!
Rationally, Felicia knew no one could know about Xander, save Nathan, since he was the only one she told...
Ethel by now had circled back to the issue at hand, through by what means, Felicia had no idea, nor cared...
"...how are we supposed to take confessionals now, when 'e's tied up in the likes o' you? Eh? Under me own roof..."
Felicia rolled her eyes, knowing far more about Ethel and her masculine "exploits" than she cared to ever know.
What's more, she didn't have the inflamation on her back of one losing their legs in a car accident.
As her attending Nurse, Felicia had checked numerous times, while getting fluid from a spinal tap... the liquid was clear, her vertebre all in tact, which could only mean one thing...
"Said the pot to the kettle. I have it on good authority that you have had quite the dance card, both domestic and extracurricularly, even from as young as twenty!"
Ethel turned purlple as a turnip. "You get outta 'ere you little trollop, you 'ere me! OUT!"
She threw one of the vases at Felicia's head, who ducked out of the room.
Outside, Sid and Nathan looked back towards the door as Felicia came out breathing heavily.
"What was that?" Nathan asked.
"Oh, nothing, Ethel just dropped a teacup, Father, she'll be alright. But on second thought, Id wait until tomorrow to ask her anything. Come along, Sid"
Sid and Nathan looked at each other, Sid shrugged and made to follow Felicity.
Nathan pondered in thought, before going to get his bicycle.
Teacups weren't that loud... what had Ethel done?
After giving Violet her last Holy Communion, Nathan caught up with Felicia at supper at the mansion.
When he finally met her, stance for stance, stare for stare, something snapped in both, they grabbed on to each other, or rather Nathan grabbed on to Felicity, bringing her fiercely yet gently into his arms.
As their lips met, he could taste the mint and sugar of her tea... a laugh bubbled from her throat as his tongue bridged her teeth and tongue... he always did have a sweet tooth.
And just before things could get even more heated- him gently shoving her against her bedroom door as he squeezed her hips a loud "A-a-ahem!" was heard from below the banister.
Felicity snorted as she lay her head against Nathan's chest, his cassock robe lost somewhere in the vicinity of the couch...
"Yes, Hornsby?" Felicity laughed.
Mirth twinkled in the old man's eyes. He was a good ten years older than the priest, yet not impervious to the wiles of a willing, beautiful woman... Perhaps Emily would care later to join him on a stroll in the park?
"-lan?"
"Mm... yes. Dinner is served, m'lady" Felicity nodded, having suspected as much as she and Nathan made their way into the dining room.
Alan and Emily were present at the table, but Nathan was surprised to find Sarah missing.
"she went to visit her mother in Kent" Felicity nodded, understanding her fiancée's unspoken question.
Emily huffed, and Felicity awkwardly took the bowl of mashed potatoes from the table.
Before Nathan could inquire further, Alan asked Nathan about his latest case.
"Quite puzzling, really, and I fear we're quite running out of time."
"Oh? why's that?"
"Well, Violet's claim of pregnancy was unfounded, and there's something about Ethel's story that just doesn't set well…"
Felicity's fork clattered as she jumped, as Nathan grasped for her hand.
"My lady?" Emily crooned.
"Is everything alright, my dear?" Nathan asked worriedly, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.
"I need to be excused" she murmured, giving him a look as both he and Alan rose when she did.
Nathan caught her look and nodded. He smiled guiltily at their friends as Emily smirked. Alan chuckled, and Nathan beat a hasty retreat.
"What's wrong?!" he hissed as he met her in the kitchen, Emily's buttercream custard with chocolate ganache sat cooling on the counter.
Eyeing it, Nathan moved a finger, until it was suddenly, painfully swatted away.
"Ouch!" he whined. "Leave that for dessert!" Felicity scolded. he grinned.
"But I want something else for dessert..." he muttered, grinning cheekily and swooped in for a kiss.
She glared at him, turning her head at the last second, his lips caressing her cheek.
He pouted, like a little boy having his favorite candy stolen.
Felicity rolled her eyes. "Oh, hush now... this is important!"
Nathan was curious. "What is?"
"Ethel Fernsley. She scolded me earlier, but that's not important. I just remembered the therapies I had worked with her, and just this afternoon, I gave her a spinal tap."
Nathan nodded for her to continue.
"When a person is paralyzed even from the waist down, they cannot lift their legs on their own, and they dont feel the joint when hammered."
Nathan nodded, trying to keep up. No lifting legs and hammered knees...
"What's that got to do with Ethel?"
"She winced" he looked at her confused. "When I hammered her; she tried not to show it, but she winced!"
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "What were the results of the spinal tap?"
Felicity frowned. "Doctor patient confidentiality" Nathan huffed.
"but, I can tell you this. a normal person comes clean, while someone with paralysis can be murky, depending on the diagnosis"
Nathan nodded. "and Ethel?"
"water" she smirked, then squeaked when Nathan kissed her lips passionately; Felicity had just handed him the case on a silver platter.
"I take it you have a plan?"
He winked and grinned. "I do"
She frowned. "what do you want?" she asked suspiciously.
"Hmm... curious you should ask... How long can our friends hold without our company?"
Emily came in just then with a smile and a hue of pink in her cheeks.
"I'll be stepping away for a bit... the dessert is off limits, Nathan..." both Nathan and Felicity laughed.
After Emily and Alan were gone, Nathan turned to his beloved, his eyes darkening once more...
"Now, where were we?"
FB ~LF~FB ~LF~FB ~LF
The next day, Father Brown spent the morning trying to convince Sullivan he needed to change his mind when the sergeant rushed into the room.
"Sir, Ethel Fernsley, reporting screams."
'I heard him crying out. ' Please, help. I can't move, I'm trapped here! Mrs Fernsley, do you know how Mrs Fernsley?
You can collect me in an hour. Felicia said, as she walked inside "Hello? Hello?"
Meanwhile, in accordance with their arrangement, Lady Felicia returned to the Fernsley residence to try and get information from the woman whom she felt was guilty as sin- yet, she needed proof... until she got more than she bargained for... there was a body laying dead.
Despite the temptation to scream, she immediately went to the body to search for any signs of life, per her medical training.
Sid rushed back at the sight of Lady Felicia on the ground.
"Milady!"
"Sid, call the police... this man is dead"
Sid looked from the corpse, to Felicia and nodded, rushing towards the house...
Felicia did brilliantly, holding up the facade that she had 'just found the body' as Father Nathan Brown rode up on his bicycle.
"Oh! Thank the Lord you're here!" she said with her usual dramatics.
He nodded to her, trying not to smile. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"
Taking in account her medical training as a nurse, Inspector Sullivan decided to use the woman as an asset.
"Lady Felicia, I don't have a WPC at my disposal."
Felicia waved him off. "Thank you, I'll be quite alright without one."
Sullivan looked annoyed. "No, I mean, would you mind attempting to comfort Mrs Fernsley?"
Felicia rolled her eyes…
Nathan, meanwhile was attempting to hold to his temper...
"Another murder. Another corpse disposed of in the same way as Ivan's. How many more people have to die before you will listen to me?"
Meanwhile, Felicia was having a time of it- pretending she knew nothing of the case, and that Ethel Fernsley was in fact faking her paralysis.
"What's happening out there? What have they said?"
"They're doing everything they can."
"That's what they said about Ivan. Someone's out to get us!" Ethel whined.
Felicia decided to have pity on her, instead of calling her out; that was Nathan's job.
"Don't worry. The police are going to get whoever did this."
Ethel humphed. " I can't just lie here. Get someone. I have to get up!"
Get up my foot Felicia thought with a smug smirk.
"Oh Sid! Sid!" Just wait, she thought smirking at Inspector Sullivan. Ethel will walk, and you'll have to apologize to Nathan for doubting him!
"She's played you like a fiddle, Father. But in under an hour she'll hang." the Inspector sneered as Nathan stood, stoic.
"And, in due course, I fully expect her lover to follow her." Behind Nathan, Sid shook his head in defeat.
Nathan was already onto something else "That's how they died." he muttered.
He showed the scrap to Sid. "What does that look like?" Sid was confused as he looked at the scra
"A dress."
"Ethel's dress." Nathan stated, trying to affirm.
Sid shrugged.
"Well, it could be. You can ask her yourself. She's in the kitchen"
Nathan looked where Sid indicated but saw no one. "Where?"
Sid rolled his eyes "She's in there, trust me. I had to push her in there myself."
Nathan nodded, finding Felicia, Ethel and Alf in the sitting room.
"Good morning." He gave Felicia a subtle nod.
She smiled as he sat up and down on the couch in front of the window which overlooked the water trough.
He could see it standing up, but not sitting down.
He continued this process until Ethel about snapped with the pressure.
"What's he doing?" She snapped at Felicia. Nathan clenched his teeth. The woman wouldn't yell at his fiancée again, even if she did know about them.
"Ethel, your evidence about Violet. Take it back." Ethel raged up, confused "What?
Nathan was getting impatient.
"An innocent woman is about to hang. Your evidence about the water trough, take it back."
"She's not innocent!"
"No? Well, from where I'm sitting, which is the level at which you sit, there is no way that you could see the water trough across the yard."
"I don't understand." Alf started.
"You're lying, take it back." Nathan insisted. He felt like the prophet, calling David out on his sins.
"There was blood on her hands. I swear it!0
"Then, in that case, the only possible explanation is that you . . can stand unaided."
"Pfff! And people say I'm daft!" Alf scoffed.
"I wanted to ask you who would have access to your old clothes, who could've stuffed the flue and poisoned the workers." Nathan started.
"But, of course, the most obvious answer is you."
"What? Father!" Felicia was playing her piece brilliantly!
"This is poppycock!"
"And if you stuffed the flue and asphyxiated the workers, then you killed your son Wilf before he could take the evidence to Inspector Sullivan." Nathan surmised.
Alf looked incredulous.
"Ma, tell him, that's ridiculous!"
"Well, we'll see how ridiculous it is when I ask the Inspector to compare the fingerprints in the van with yours."
He looked back at Felicia and winked. "The ones on the steering wheel."
Suddenly, Ethel jumped up. Grabbing a wooden candelabra, she hit Felicia on the forehead.
Felicia, not having expected the move, roared in pain. "Aaargh!"
Nathan instantly ran to her side, looking deeply into her eyes. He recalled their conversation the night before.
Alright, so I'm pretending to know nothing of the case, and pretend to act all shocked when you point out the evidence?
Nathan nodded. He and Lissie were on the porch, enjoying coffee, and Emily's rich cream custard with ganache. Mmm…
'That about sums it up' he said with a sly smile.
!Alright smartarse on one condition'
He raised an eyebrow in surprise. 'And that is…?'
'If she hits me in order to get away, you won't stop to check on me; I'll be fine. She needs to be brought to justice!'
Nathan frowned, not liking the idea. However, Felicity was right…
'As you wish my love,' he said, kissing her hand, hoping and praying nothing would go wrong...
"Oh!" Nathan looked at Felicia, a worried look in his eyes. She glared at him, and motioned with her eyes to get going.
Get on with it! I'll be fine!
Nathan nodded, determined to see something through even if he couldn't be by his fiancée's side.
"Right. Archie, you stay with Lady Felicia, here. Sid, come with me."
The two fought for their lives, battling a herd of hungry sows, as Nathan explained the case to Sid.
"Explain to me, Father, in case I should fall to my death. If Ethel could walk, why would she pretend for so many years that she can't?"
"Some people fake chronic illness. Why? It's a psychological condition. It's an illness itself. They crave attention from doctors, hospitals, their family."
"But why would you kill your own son? And that Piotr? Because they were threatening her facade. Piotr was helping Violet to escape from her marriage, which meant Ethel would've lost her household slave. And Wilf was going to the police with evidence that the workers had been killed."
" And what about the workers? Why kill them?"
"They saw her out of bed. They would have told her sons. Oh!"
Sid did his best to distract the pigs as Nathan made his way over to him.
"Come on, piggies! Come on!"
Nathan shook his head. "It's not going to work.
They finally got out of the pigpen and ran over to Inspector Sullivan
"Inspector! You have to find Ethel Fernsley. She's the killer!"
Michael Sullivan glared. "If this is a stunt…"
Sid and the priest shook their heads.
"You have to find her now. You have to stop the execution!"
I'm leaving now, Father. No more diversions! If Ethel's the murderer, then I'm the next pope!
Suddenly there was a scuffle, and one of the cars was speeding off.
That is until Alf stopped it with the tractor, grinning to beat the band.
Ethel sent up a holler against Violet, even at the station as Nathan approached her.
"If you ever need me…"
She spat in his face and hollered all the way to the prison cell.
Sullivan smirked, handing Nathan a kerchief.
"Thank you." He said, wiping his face, even more disgusted than when Felicity upchucked on him.
"Well. It would be ungracious of me not to offer my congratulations. I imagine you'll be celebrating."
Nathan focused on cleaning his glasses.
"Well, I'm pleased that Violet and Charlie will be released. But Ethel is facing a death sentence. So, nothing to celebrate there."
"By the way Inspector, which ones hasn't she confessed to?"
FB ~LF~FB ~LF~FB ~LF
After narrowly escaping the firm grasp of the church secretary, Nathan made his way during the night to the mansion.
There was something freeing in riding at night. (1)
His whole morning had been occupied with taking down Ethel Fernsly, he hadn't taken the time for a genuine devotional study this morning as he had done every morning since his conversion.
I am at a loss of what to do, Father. Give me a sign that I am to leave this flock, and begin anew…
Nathan turned into the street and noticed a car there that looked familiar.
In truth, he was in turmoil to know what to do, now that he was a Protestant.
Was he still to take confession and grant those within his parish Holy Communion?
What did that include in regards to Felicity? If he were still acting as a Catholic priest, how did that fall in line with leading her, as her husband, when technically, they could not marry at all?
His heart aching for his love, grief settled into his chest, causing tears to flood his eyes. He loved Felicity so much, it was painful. To be without her again…
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."
(2)
Similar to the joy that flooded Felicity's face when she learned of his conversion, Nathan felt an indescribable joy in hearing the words of that proverb. There was hope, and peace.
He now recognized the vehicle as that of Mr. Robert Camden. Ah, what sweet fellowship to be had! Nathan excitedly kicked up his footstand, and leaned the bicycle against the wall.
Politely he knocked on the door, and it was opened by Felicity herself. Without a word, Felicity threw herself into his arms as he embraced her firmly.
Both of them had happy tears in their eyes as they shared a loving, passion filled kiss behind the closed door, Gillespie barking at their heels.
"Lissie, dear, are you alright?" a female voice called from the dining room.
Nathan and Felicity broke the kiss and chuckled.
"You'll stay, won't you?" the hope in her eyes was bright.
"Wild nurses couldn't keep me away" he murmured, nodding to the dining area.
Felicity snickered. "Nathan! You are a sly thing!"
Nathan grinned mischievously and kissed her forehead, noticing the plaster that was placed on it.
"Like a fox" he grinned toothily, as Lissie laughed.
"Shall we?" He motioned for her to go first.
"Of course, Reverend Green" she quipped.
Nathan raised an eyebrow… could things really be that simple?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. (3)
FB-FB-FB-FB-FB-FB
Nathan was praying the next morning in the chapel, thanking the Lord for last nights fellowship and peace, flushing as he also gave thanks for waking up in the arms of his future bride.
The two of them had a strict vow, witnessed and made accountable by Robert and Fanny, that they wouldn't tread into dangerous and compromising territory, by having sex before the wedding. Nathan and Felicity discussed dates long into the night, hoping to be wed sooner rather than later, especially considering the research found in Thomas' writings.
It had been the Irishman's delight that his daughter and student had found attraction with each other. Granted Nathan was a bit older than Felicity, his being thirty-five to her twenty,
But it would do my heart so much good, as slow as it is my Lyddie, for our Lissie to be attached and attracted to such a humble compassionate man of God- so much better than the wastrel Agathe has set her designs on! Did you know, my love, that after Sir Montague left, Agathe tried to set another man onto Lissie! His name was Victor something-or-other… praise be to the Lord that Lissie showed no interest in him, and he soon was off!
Nathan flushed as he remembered just a month ago how badly he had treated his beloved because of presumed jealousy towards Victor McKinley.
Sensing his shame, Lissie flushed and turned the page.
14, August 1932
I, Thomas Abel Marsberg, being of able body and sound mind, do bequest that my daughter,
Felicity Vivian Marsberg
enter into Holy Matrimony to
Nathan Alexander Brown
on a date that they so choose
This bequest remains unaltered provided that he be able to financially provide for her and stay true to his vows 'until death do I part', and provided they also believe on the same path, that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.
Tears came to Felicity's eyes. She looked at Nathan, who smiled down at the paper, the tears welling his eyes now streaming down his cheeks.
"Oh, darling…" Felicity whispered, rubbing his cheeks from the tears.
"Want to know a secret?" Nathan smiled.
"What?" Felicity grinned.
"I saw you with your father, once"
Felicity looked at him confused. "When?" She asked.
"You were three years old" he laughed.
Felicity raised an eyen. "You were very sweet and such a chunky little thing"
Felicity groaned as Nathan laughed.
He took her into his arms and rubbed her back up and down.
"But even then," he whispered. "I never dreamed I was worthy of you… or even that your father felt the same way…"
"My darling… you are ten times the man that beast was. I love you with all of my heart, and I cannot to become your wife"
Nathan, tears streaming freely now, felt Felicity lean in as he gave her an endearing kiss.
He too was anxious for the day when Felicity Vivian Marsberg would become his bride…
FB ~LF~FB ~LF~FB ~LF
One week later
Nathan's mind was brought to the present by Violet and Charlie seeking to be wed.
Nathan looked at Violet and knew something was off.
Still masquerading as a priest, he advised her to participate in confession.
"I killed my husband, Father."
"I know. But it needed to be said, for God's ears, not mine."
" How did you know?"
"Ethel's evidence against you. She'd refused to back down, even when it proved that she wasn't handicapped. And then, when I found out that Ivan's death was the only one she didn't confess to."
"Why didn't you hand me in?"
"Facing death did not convince you to seek peace with God. But looking forward to a life of perhaps undeserved happiness has brought you closer to him."
"I did a terrible thing. But Ivan was a terrible man. I didn't deserve to die for it."
"I know how savagely he beat you."
Nathan couldn't help but think of Felicity. Had she been within his grasp after Xander left her broken and beaten in the hospital?
He shuddered, trying not to let his emotions give way when dealing with Violet.
"When I said I was innocent, Father, I meant it."
"And Charlie? Does he know the truth?"
Nathan was glad Felicity felt strong enough and trusted him enough to tell him the truth.
"No."
"If you think that Charlie wouldn't marry you if he knew what you'd done . . how can you marry him while keeping him in the dark?"
Then Violet seemed to change the subject.
"Father, God has given me back my life back for a reason."
"I agree."
"Father, I love him. You have to marry us, please!"
Violet sounded so desperate in her uncertainty, Nathan turned his head to her.
"Of course I'll marry you! I'll do whatever you think is the right thing."
The next morning, Father Brown and Mrs. McCarthy were walking back to the church, when Alf approached Nathan.
"Father Brown, do the honours! Ta-da! See, I caught him in the end, Father. Hunted him down."
Nathan smiled truly lost for words.
"I don't know what to say."
"I do." Mrs. McCarthy smirked.
" It's you, can't you see? Cunning, wily. More wily than my mother, anyhow. There's not a lot of people who can say that. Thank you, Father."
Nathan looked at the fox with a grin as Alf walked away.
Mrs. McCarthy looked annoyed, but Nathan ignored her.
"Tell him to take that thing with him!"
Nathan shook his head.
"I'm not going to look a gift fox in the mouth.
"That's actually a good likeness."
Nathan grinned at her, holding the fox close for her perusal.
Felicia smiled. "I must dash. I'm just dropping this by."
She handed him a thin yellow covered book. The title read The Adventures of Reverend Green Penned Felicity V. Marsberg
"A first edition of my published novella."
Nathan's eyes flickered to Felicity, filled with mischief as he grinned. Shed finally found a title…
"Well, I'm flattered. I shall look forward to reading the investigations of Reverend Green."
Felicia grinned recalling their conversation the week before.
"I got the telephone call just after Ethel's story
appeared in the paper. My blow to the head in the pursuit of justice was the icing on the cake. They offered me a publishing deal. Only cost ˆ ́£100!"
Father Brown ignored Mrs. McCarthys snide remark.
"Oh! Now, Father, if I'm not mistaken, there's somewhere you need to be."
"Would you?" He handed her his items as Charlie walked over
"Father. Shouldn't you be dressed, or something?"
Having seen Violet as he escorted her to the Abbey, Nathan looked at Tom with sympathy in his eyes.
As he'd seen Violet, Nathan couldn't help but fantasize what Felicity would look in her wedding dress as she married him.
Feeling guilty, Nathan felt the peace of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.
The love between man and wife is holy, My son. Do not fear your love for her, for it came from Me.
Thank you Father
I love you, My son. Now, comfort my sheep.
Yes, Lord
"Come inside."
Inspired by Spare the Rod by RatFink
Proverbs 18:22
Proverbs 3:5-6