Three weeks after her dinner party for her fiancée and friends, Lady Felicia Montegue received two telephone calls.
One was from Sister Julienne, of Nonautus House, asking if she would be interested in a temporary nursing position in London.
Felicity was extremely excited, and let the woman know she would have to talk with her fiancée, and would call her as soon as possible. Sister Julienne agreed, and said she would expect Felicity's call the next day.
The next call made Felicity rather nervous. The caller, Bishop Tolbot wanted a favor...
"Montegue residence, Lady Felicia speaking..."
"Lady Felicia? Bishop Tolbot. I was wondering if I could ask a favor"
Felicity's stomach rolled around like a bowling ball. The last time she did someone a favor, Nathan and she had been on the outs for a month!
"...it depends, Bishop Tolbot... what can we do for you?"
Mrs. Nathan Brown...Mrs. Nathan Brown... Mrs. Nathan Brown...
"...of your garden... Lady Felicia?"
Felicity shivered and had brief curiousity if the Serpant Eve heard sounded like Tolbot. Something about him gave her the willies...
"Y-yes... I'm here"
"So is that a yes?"
'Yes to what?' she thought.
"Using your gardens for the ceremony"
Felicity was officially spooked. It was as if he could read her mind...
"Of course... and this will be opened to the general public?"
"Oh, no! Just the benefactors of the church that have helped Ignatius along- much like yourself"
If Felicia didn't know better, she'd say he was purring...
"I see, and when will this take place?"
"Saturday"
Felicia made a mental note to talk to Nathan as soon as possible.
"Very well"
"Excellent!" Tolbot cried. "I shall call on you tomorrow to work out the details."
Felicity hung up the phone, shivering so badly she was near tears. Why did she detest that man so much?!
In his study, Tolbot grinned- he'd gotten Felicia Windemere to do him a favor for little at all!
He stroked his fingers on the cheeks of a woman in a picture- an old society clipping of Felicia Windemere herself...
Soon... he thought with an ardent smile. Very soon…
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Bishop Tolbot was annoyed. Not only could he not get ahold of Father Brown, but the hair brained half minded twit seemed to be avoiding any and all correspondence from Tolbot! That, and he had not attended the Directa Dicreetal hosted last month!
Tolbot began to consider certain possibilities, one more unlikely than the next...
The first being Father Brown was entertaining the presence of a lady. In the midst of his sleuthing? It seemed preposterous, laughable even.
I know more about loving someone than you can even begin to imagine!
The memory made the bishop shudder. It hadn't been the words themselves, by the haunted, heartbroken look in his face as he said it.
He had loved and lost someone, and Tolbot, nor anyone else had been privy to her identity...
Tolbot shook off the uncomfortable feeling that particular memory had given him.
He hadn't liked Brown in the beginning, and he didn't like him even more now.
He was absent minded, infantile, and prone to wander off on his own, disobeying orders while off on escapades likely to get him killed...
Speaking of which, Tolbot didn't think Brown could actually be dead, either. Pity.
If Brown were dead, Tolbot could get someone to fill his position- someone who would actually follow orders...
On that note, Tolbot made a mental note to write to a promising young postulate, to see if he could test the young man's efforts. Then, building a case against Brown to get him dismissed altogether!
Ignoring the thought of Brown for the moment, Bishop thought of why he wanted to contact the priest in the first place...
Lady Felicia.
A thrill went through Tolbot at the thought of the woman, beautiful, charming, and very... alone... at the moment.
Lord Montague was away on politics intermittently, leaving Lady Felicia in the care of Father Brown, in regards to her spiritual care.
Pft Tolbot thought in regards to Brown and Lady Felicia together. Preposterous!
What did Brown know about giving care, spiritually or otherwise, to a woman like Felicia Montague? It was laughable!
Feeling better about himself, Tolbot went in search of Brown, not finding him in any of the usual places.
The Holy Church was ordaining Bishop Ignatius as Monseigneur on Saturday. They needed a venue, and Brown's secretary had lost the woman's number!
Tolbot then decided to search the hospital, to make sure that Brown didn't injure himself...
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Lady Felicia Montague, also known as Felicity Marsberg, was in attendance with her coworker and best friend, Nurse Fanny Derstan.
As they treated patients, both women dreamed of the men they would soon marry.
Fanny was engaged to Mr. Robert Camden, a Protestant pastor who had worked alongside Reverend Billy Graham when he was ministering in London. It had been a famous day in history when Reverend Graham was sought out by Queen Elizabeth I, in audience about forgiveness.
Fanny had met Robert the night the Queen was due to receive the Reverend, before Felicity and Fanny had met. (1)
After waiting two years, the two decided to get married, and were settling in the quiet town of Kent which neighbored Kembleford. It was ideal at the moment, especially since Fanny worked in Kembleford as a nurse; Robert picked her up when she was finished, and the returned home to a quaint boarding house on the border of town.
Fanny looked up at Felicity, and both women started to laugh.
"I trust your thoughts are commendable?" Felicity teased.
"Oh, you should talk" Fanny sniffed, smiling secretly.
Fanny suddenly turned, nearly colliding with a tall older gentleman, who looked to be in his mid to late sixties. He had grey, nearly white hair, and smelled oddly of fish…
"Oh! I beg your pardon, sir! Can I assist you in any way?"
The man's smile sent a quiver up Fanny's spine.
"Yes, I think you may- I am looking for a priest."
Fanny blinked. "Are you a patient?"
The man shook his head. "No-I" he looked around, something or someone very evident on his mind.
"Perhaps you know of him. Father Brown"
Fanny raised an eyebrow in surprise. Whomever this man was looking for, it certainly wasn't Father Nathan Brown.
"Father Brown is not here" Fanny stated, turning to the one person she knew whom would know where the priest was located that morning.
She went over to where Felicity Marsberg, formally known as Lady Felicia Montague, was engaged in a friendly discussion with Mrs. Sherwin.
Fanny touched Felicity's arm gently, as the women turned.
"I am sorry for disturbing you both, Lissie, that man over there is looking for Nathan"
Felicity was puzzled. Who might be looking for her fiance at this hour of the morning?
She turned back and noticed that Dr. Sherwin's wife Eleanor was making a disrupted face, and trying not to laugh.
Furrowing her brow in confusion, Felicity took a whiff of the air, and nearly gagged. The air was becoming nearly pungent with the scent of stale fish!
Naturally, Felicity's nose crinkled with disgust and looked over at where the offender was standing.
Nurse Marsberg was startled and a bit apprehensive at the sight of Bishop Tolbot near the radiation hallway of the hospital.
What was he doing here? Was he not able to get in touch with Nathan?
"Who is that?" Molly hissed. "That is Bishop Tolbot- Nathan's employer" Felicity replied, hoping that her anxiety did not show on her face.
"What is he doing here?" Molly hissed, voice near hysterical with laughter.
"I have no clue, but I will find out. Excuse me, Eleanor, Fanny"
Both women nodded, and watched as Felicity approached Bishop Tolbot.
While Fanny was looking in disgust at Tolbot, Eleanor noticed with quick aptitude how hesitantly their chief nurse approached the bishop.
She is afraid of him! Eleanor thought with surprise. She wondered if Michael was busy at the moment….
"Bishop Tolbot! What are you doing here?" Felicity asked.
Bishop Tolbot raised his eyebrows in surprise at the sight of Lady Felicia Montague in a crisp, white nurse's uniform.
She looked- clean- and… beautiful.
There was an awkward silence as the two stood in the hallway, Felicity wondering why the Bishop was there, and wishing the whole time that he would leave.
Tolbot ran his gaze up and down the Countess' form in approval, as Felicity became more and more uncomfortable, thinking that in some way, the bishop reminded her of her deceased husband, but she wasn't sure why…
She was torn between staying, and fetching Dr. Michael Sherwin to run the bishop off of the property.
Dr. Michael Khan Sherwin may not be of the same physical stature of Bishop Tolbot, but he had an imposition about him that scared most brutes into silence.
With a wife and young family to raise, he had no choice but to appear that way.
Nevertheless, Dr. Sherwin was an exceptional employer, and took very good care of his nursing staff, Felicity included, especially with both nurses being engaged to ministers.
Unaware of Lady Felicia's intimidation of him, Bishop Tolbot continued to look at her approvingly.
If I were a young man, I'd...
Felicity was getting the willies standing there with Tolbot not saying anything. She missed Nathan, but he was off on another case...
"I am sorry…" Tolbot purred. "I was looking for you, actually…."
His voice faltered into silence.
Felicity felt that if he didn't say his piece and get out of that hospital, she would likely scream her head off.
"Yes…"
"Can we speak…" he asked, guiding her to a secluded area of the hospital, "...alone?"
If it weren't rude, Felicity would have looked back at Fanny and exchanged a dirty look.
"I-I'm sorry, Bishop Tolbot, but I must be getting back to my patients…"
Yes, a safe way out… she'd been in his company far too long already…
Bishop Tolbot looked her over a moment longer.
"Yes, yes of course- you see, as I mentioned, we are holding a bit of a gala on Saturday, you see, and I was wondering…"
As he was speaking, Felicity tried hard to breathe in the anesthetics of the hospital, and not the stale stench of rotting fish coming from Tolbot's person.
Why did he have to come here and contact her in person? He had already contacted her by telephone!
If he was so persistent on speaking about details, why not talk to Nathan about it?
"...if we may partake in the use of your Japanese Gardens for the fete"
While he was speaking, Felicity had zoned out.
"...I tried to contact Father Brown, but received no word from him" he said that last part with such distaste, that Felicity riled and decided to give him a taste of his own medicine.
"Bishop Tolbot, in regards to the garden for the fete, I already said yes when you called me on the phone about it… why in the world do you feel the need to come here, to my place of employment, and bring it up again?"
The Bishop was merely taken aback. What had brought on this attitude of 'higher than thou' spiritedness?
"In regards to that, my dear lady, this affair is none of Father Brown's concern… after all, it is not as if Father Brown is a permanent resident of yours…."
A loud "Ahem" was heard behind the Bishop. When he turned around, Felicity let out a sigh of relief. That had been too close!
"Father Brown is not a resident, this is true," Felicity smiled, returning the bishop's attention to her.
"However, he is a permanently invited guest, and dear friend of mine…"
Unlike you she thought. As if Sherwin could read her mind, he shook his head. Do not go down that road!
"If that be all, your grace, I bid you good day. I have my work to attend to"
As if he were startled about her response, Tolbot blinked, then seemed to return to his old self.
"Splendid, splendid! I leave you to your work, then, my lady… Adieu"
He kissed her left hand, seemingly ignoring the modest but noticeable engagement ring upon it.
He turned back. "I look forward to your presence then, on Saturday?"
"Of course, thank you. Goodbye"
Eleanor socked Fanny's rib to keep her from snickering aloud.
"Au Revoir, my dear" with a last smile, he walked out of the hospital.
Ah, yes! He thought. If I weren't a priest, and then, perhaps if I were…
He looked around, suspicious of anyone following him or hearing his thoughts.
"Perhaps, my dear Lady Felicia, you'll be mine!"
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As soon as the Bishop left the hospital, Fanny let out a shriek, which led to a torrent of giggles- laughter that turned her from red to blue in the face.
Michael Sherwin glared at his wife vehemently. She nodded, and led Fanny out of the room.
"And what, on God's Mighty Green Earth, may I ask, was THAT all about?!"
Felicity buried her face in her hand, dangerously close to tears. Tears of embarrassment, shame, and tears of fear.
She was shaking with sobs when she released her face. She was terrified.
His face softening instantly, Sherwin walked over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Lissie?" he asked.
"Yes, Doctor?" she murmured, looking out blindly of the rain drenched window.
"I know how much that man scared you. And I pray to the good Lord he does not return, especially if Nathan is here."
By God there would be hell to pay if the priest had just seen what Dr. Sherwin had just been privy to.
Unfortunately, this could not be dismissed. Sherwin would have to call Nathan and tell him what had occurred this morning.
Sherwin gulped, hoping all would go well for Lissie… and Father Brown would not be arrested for Tolbot's desecration.
"I don't mean to upset you, but Father Brown must know about what transpired this morning."
He felt Felicity tense. "It's for both of your good."
"Also, I do not want that man upon the premisis of this surgery again. Do I make myself clear?"
Felicity nodded.
"I know he scared you; I advise you to stay awsay from him. As for any furture correspondence, it must be done through Father Brown"
Because Nathan is your husband-to-be, and that man is his employer, not yours, Sherwin seemed to say.
"Is that clear?" Michael rubbed her shoulders gently in a brotherly manner.
"Yes, Doctor" Felicity murmured, wishing the funny feeling in her stomach involving Tolbot would go away…
And soon…
"And for goodness' sake someone please boil some peppermint! This surgery smells of rotting fish!"
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The fete went on as planned. Lady Felicia was so busy planning for it, that she forgot how unnerved she had been while at the hospital.
Unfortunately, true to his word, Dr. Sherwin had told Father Nathan Brown what he had seen, but the priest hadn't spoken to her about it- yet
Felicity gulped as she and Emily were preparing the luncheon that would be served.
"Something wrong, my dear?" Emily asked.
Felicity shook her head, distracted "No, Emily, I'm alright. If you have things here, I'll help Faith outside"
Emily and Alan shared a look when their lady was outside.
Lissie would have to have it out with Nathan, and soon…
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"Here, now! Drop that, lass! This minute!"
Felicity had tried to lift a wreath of brambles that was far too heavy for her. Faith had seen the strain on her face, and rushed over immediately.
"That's a man's work, lassie- no use in overdoin' it! We need ye up and able to direct!"
Faith grinned and soon noticed Felicity's nervous state.
"Here now, Lissie. What's the matter with ye lass?! you're as taught as a high strung cat!"
Felicity told her in a sudden rush about Tolbot's visit to the hospital.
Faith nodded, patting the Countess' hand.
"Aye, lassie. Emily told me about that, as did Dr. Sherwin"
Felicity felt cross. Why did they have to talk about it to others?
"Out of concern for you, my girl" Faith soothes as she touched Felicity's cheek gently as a mother would her daughter.
"As it should be! Someone's gotta look out for ye in this big house! Specially since yer man isn't ready to yet" she winked.
Felicity pouted, then grinned as Faith tapped her nose.
"Now then, if you're ready, tell me where ye any this garland of petunias…"
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"From the grandeur of the Mass of Thanksgiving, to the pastoral delights of Lady Felicia's garden,"
Tolbot gave the Countess a look that did not go past her fiancée. Nathan was furious, as he was about the event Michael Sherwin had shared with him, but unfortunately, he had to keep calm. He settled for crossing his arms in disapproval. He didn't like Ignatius either, but he was more furious at Talbot.
"I think we'd all agree that today has been a day to raise the spirits. Awards for distinguished service are to be cherished. I can only quote from the tribute of Pope Pius himself. "For the devout duty, the boys of St Bartholomew's "will always be in your debt. "
Suddenly there was a scuffle with two boys that Felicia had never seen before. They were having an argument. She looked on, bemused, grateful to have something to distract her away from Tolbot and Nathan, if only for the moment.
"I saw it first!" yelled the youngest to the oldest, reminding Felicity of her myriad of boy cousins. She winced as the younger punched the older in the eye. Unfortunately, the distraction didn't last long, as Tolbot with a smile in her direction, concluded his little speech.
"Please join me in congratulating Father Ignatius. Or should I say Monsignor?" He gave an extravagant bow.
Sid flicked a cigarette to the ground.
"I thought he'd never finish."
Nathan was keeping a close eye on the bishop, who had pulled Felicity aside to speak with her privately.
Nathan riled. What on earth was he saying to her now!?
"Bishop likes to rise to the occasion."
Felicia joined the party with the men in question, before Nathan got a chance to talk with her, alone…
"Moving service, Monsignor." gushed Mrs. McCarthy.
Ignatius, as if thinking of something else, brought his attention back to the secretary rather haughtily.
"Oh, "Reverend Father" will suffice."
Sensing an awkward pause, Felicia changed the subject. "I've persuaded Father Ignatius to stay for dinner."
"Which I will be attending as well, naturally" put in Tolbot, which caused the already awkward conversation to take on a rather pregnant pause.
Felicia flushed crimson as Sid hooted in laughter, just before Mrs. McCarthy shushed him and led him away.
Felicia tried to move toward (and behind), Nathan before Tolbot caught on to what she was doing, and fortunately for her, he'd left the group standing to talk to someone else.
Nathan, to attempt from yelling obscenities in Latin, further crossed his arms and decided to take his anger out on Ignatius.
Won't you be needed at your mission?" Father Brown spat.
Again with that flippant air, Ignatius ignored Nathan deliberately.
"The country air will be good for the boys."
Sensing the hostile countenance with which her fiancée addressed the priest, Felicia decided to move the subject along.
"They're certainly full of high spirits" the two had stopped fighting by now, but the nurse in Felicia still wanted to look at the injured lad's eye.
"Abandoned as infants and brought to my care." Ignatius droned on.
"Poor mites." Felicia sympathized.
"Pair of tearaways!" muttered Mrs. McCarthy as she once again joined the group, standing too close to Nathan, who moved closer to Felicia.
"Behave! Or it's straight back to Coventry!" As a nurse, Felicia understood quickly that the boys were perhaps a reason for the stress and strain on Ignatius' failing health.
"Why don't I show you the Japanese garden?" She offered. "You can tell me more about how the boys came into your care"
Nathan watched as his fiancée led the priest to the Japanese Garden. He didn't know why he felt so critical of Ignatius- he guessed that was easier to deal with than the emotion of anger he felt at his employer for scaring the love of his life!
What had he wanted, that Nathan himself couldn't address?
"Oi, oi, look out." Nathan was so into his thoughts he didn't think about Sids warning until it was too late.
"Ah, Brown."
Nathan inwardly scowled at the absurdity of tradition involving this man- especially considering what he knew now, both spiritually and physically…
Give to Ceaser what is Ceaser's. Give to God what is God's.
*grr* Yes, Lord
I heard that growl, Nathan
Nathan smirked as he kissed the bishop's ring.
"Bishop."
Tolbot seemed to be looking for someone.
"Glad you could join us."
" My Lord." Mrs. McCarthy said, making her presence known.
"Oi!"
Nathan noticed the young boys that had caught Felicity's attention before were starting to argue again.
Father, I thought there was a Scripture in Your Word that said 'thy house must be in order'?
Judge not lest ye be judged
"Ignatius and I were fellow seminarians." Nathan said by way of explanation.
"A sterling example of what we aspire to achieve without the distractions of amateur sleuthing."
Nathan wanted to growl at Tolbot.
Be silent.
Nathan kept his mouth shut.
"I was hoping to catch Professor Ambrose." Tolbot sneered. "An update on his quest for the Lannington Rosary."
"I imagine he's busy with his research." Nathan said, feeling concerned himself.
Tolbot sneered again. "There's no fool like an old fool, eh?"
Such as himself?
Nathan!
Forgive me for feeling unrepentant…
Feeling more concerned at the moment than angry, Nathan decided he would have a word with Bishop Tolbot later… right now, it was time to find Ambrose...
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Ambrose was officially missing. His door had been opened and there were three jars of milk by the door, indicating he had been missing since sometime Wednesday or Thursday.
Nathan was worried.
Felicity was worried about him.
"Bishop Tolbot has no idea where he is?"
Nathan scowled as he thought of Tolbot; the old man had done nothing but gloat the entire time about Ambrose's absence.
For a curious moment, Nathan wondered: could he…?
No, that's preposterous!
Nathan, remember what we talked about judging others…
But…
Seek, and ye shall find…
"...speaking about Tolbot… I wanted to ask you…"
The tea dishes rattled as she set down the tray.
"I didn't want him there! I didn't ask or invite him! WHY does he keep having to…?"
"Shhh! Lissie… shhh… Darling, look at me…"
Felicity looked up at him, tears filling her eyes, two spilling down her cheeks.
"I was just going to ask if you were alright, dearest. I know you don't approve of him, and sweetheart, I don't either! As an employer, and as a man he is without a doubt, at this moment in his life, an embarrassment to the Christian faith"
Felicity sniffled, laying her head against Nathan's broad chest, as he wrapped his strong arms around her.
What would she do without him? How had she survived so long on her own without him?
He made her feel protected and safe…
"I love you" she whimpered.
He smiled into her hair, which he kissed.
"I love you too" he kissed her forehead.
Dinner with Ignatius and Tolbot had been a disaster, to say the least...Felicity had invited Nathan for assistance and support, while Mrs. McCarthy had tagged along, 'to make sure that Father Brown was sure to eat' she'd claimed
Felicity had nearly lost it with the butter knife. She was shooed out of the kitchen by Emily, and sent to tell the Monseigneurs boys to wash up before dinner.
Felicity felt wicked glee when Mrs. McCarthy was told by an angry Emily to stay out of her kitchen, and not to get any ideas about fussing over Father Brown- his needs were well in hand under Emily's care, thank you.
Discussion with Ignatius hadn't been a terrible affair, but Felicity had had it up to her eyeballs with Tolbot making comments to her at every turn, and Mrs. McCarthy vying for Nathan's attention.
Needless to say that Felicity was relieved when they all left, but cried herself to sleep with frustration when Nathan had had to go home for the night.
She'd wanted to fall asleep in his arms, and let go of her frustrations, but in the end, it wasn't needed.
She'd fell asleep in the Arms of One who understood her anger, fear, and anxiety better than Nathan ever could.
It wasn't fair that she expected Nathan to fulfill a position of protection that was already filled…
Be anxious for nothing she heard the whisper, feeling the need to comfort Nathan in that moment as he had comforted her…
"Nathan, we will find Ambrose… we will!"
Nathan nodded and slowly released her, despite both of their silent inner protests.
"What if while I'm after him he'll ask me about my lack of practice?"
Felicity grinned "You're also out of practice with horseback riding, dearest, and that doesn't worry you. Why should this?"
Nathan frowned at her harshly- "This is serious!"
Felicity, noticing her fiancée's state of distress, tried to appease him.
"I never said it wasn't, darling. But while he is missing, worrying won't find him. God knows where he is."
Nathan felt the presence of the Holy Spirit fill him with her words. He nodded as she grinned.
"Perhaps riding bareback will give you a solution"
Nathan fought a groan as Felicity led him to the stables...
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Nathan certainly didn't expect Flambeau to be present at Lourdes, but he was thankful for the thief's intercession on his behalf.
While boarding at a local inn, Nathan's frustration with Sid was magnified tenfold about the rooming situation when Flambeau and his acquaintance de femme were obviously otherwise occupied…
In his heart of hearts, Nathan admitted to himself he was envious of the thief and his female companion, flushing as he thought about Felicity.
His Lady was off in London, training as a part of a Nursing House called Nanotous, run by the Sisters of Northington Abbey.
She wouldn't be back for a week, as one of their nurses, now a vicar's wife, was away on her honeymoon for the week.
As the House was closed up for the duration, arrangements had been made for Gillespie to spend some time with Nathan, who had been responsible for the dog, until he learned that Ambrose had been kidnapped.
Nathan quickly rang up Mrs. Callister at Marsberg Manor, asking if she would mind caring for the dog until he returned. Mrs. Callister readily agreed, especially when Nathan told her he'd be returning the following day.
While driving, Nathan looked out the window.
On Flambeau's side there was a beautiful ebony stallion running freely.
After he had opened the gate, Flambeau had already ridden off.
Nathan bit his lip; apparently the thief was rubbing off on him worse than he thought...
He was thankful Felicity had practically forced him to practice riding bareback, especially in his cassock robe.
The horse was surprisingly gentle, as if expecting Nathan to need a lift.
"I don't have much time, m'boy, but if you could indulge a fellow traveler... YAH!"
The horse took off, running down the path with ease, and galloped through the open gate that Nathan had previously opened for his cohort.
As the priest rode up on a beautiful midnight stallion, Hercule Flambeau raised his eyebrow in surprise, wondering just where the priest would have obtained such an animal.
"You know, when I spoke of us joining forces, I didn't think you would quite take me so literally"
Nathan glared at him, rolled his eyes, and jumped down, landing on his feet as he'd practiced. Once down, he smacked the horse's flank, which took off rearing back home.
"Huh, you need a girl, Father... all that hidden talent" Flambeau grinned lecherously.
Nathan scowled, baring his teeth- shut up!
The thief read him loud and clear.
"Then again, perhaps you've already got one"(1)
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After getting shot at, and Flambeau getting away with the rosary, which Nathan, but for Ambrose, was tempted to let him keep, Nathan saw no choice but to return to St. Mary's...
Who but the thief himself was there, injured, seeking sanctuary and medical attention.
Nathan warred with the idea of wanting Felicity with him and not.
Flambeau was a cad, through and through- he wasn't sure he also wanted his fiancée corrupted by him as well.
In the end, Nathan patched up Flambeau, meager as it was, with the basic first aid knowledge he'd received from his beautiful wife-to-be.
Nathan later found the whole debacle to be a plot between Verity Penhallick and Ignatius himself! Ignatius soon passed away from a heart attack due to the stress of it all.
The rosary had broken, a hundred beads strewn across the floor, making Nathan grateful yet again that he had seen the Light and the difference between living out his faith, and idolizing objects. Ambrose had soon been found and Miss Penhallick arrested for kidnapping and attempted murder.
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Felicia caught up with Father Brown shortly after the funeral ceremony, as Bishop Tolbot looked after her with an appraising eye. She had ignored him, running straight to her fiancée.
"Such a sad way for Ignatius to go, but at least I've still got you"
Fortunately Tolbot wasn't there to hear that comment, but Felicity couldn't care less, as she loved Nathan and had missed him terribly while away.
Nathan grinned as she squeezed his arm and hand, her way of a subtle hug. He would have kissed her, there in front of Tolbot, had Mrs. McCarthy not been standing right there.
"I never trusted him for a moment" she sniffed with disapproval. Felicity and Nathan looked at each other.
Of course you didn't!
Upon the revelation that Monseigneur Ignatius' two boys would be sent back to St. Stephens Orphanage in Coventry, Lady Felicia Montague decided to open her home to them, provided they were well behaved.
It wasn't easy, especially considering her work hours and her arm still throbbing from time to time, however she did the best she could to make due with the resources she had.
Her hope turned to misery after nearly a week of the boys roughing Alan and terrorizing Emily.
They were rude and unkempt, refusing to follow rules.
After the first week, Felicity had had enough of their
inappropriate behavior.
Taking matters into her own hands, she swatted their behinds with her father's old switch.
"Ow! what was that for you miserable, crippled old cow!?" said the oldest.
"Yeah!" cried the youngest, both rubbing stinging bottoms by the seat of their pants.
Felicity glared, holding on to the switch her father had used on her when she was their age.
Spare the rod you'll spoil the child, Father used to say.
"I barely touched you" she snapped.
"Call me that again, and you'll not sit for the rest of the evening" they pouted and glared at her.
"Now you're in my house, and following my rules. if you don't like it, you'll get a first class ticket back to coventry."
Both boys paled, shaking their heads.
Felicity nodded.
"I thought not. Now, if you two act like gentlemen and learn some responsibility, we'll think of a way to keep you from going back to the mission."
Both boys looked at each other then back at Felicity excitedly. "really?!"
Felicity nodded and smiled, wondering why she hadn't thought of it before. She could give them a home, here…
"Miss um your Ladyship, ma'am…" Felicity giggled a little, putting the switch away. She had a feeling she wouldn't be needing it anymore… Except on special occasions…
"Yes?"
"Me an my bruva, we're um… Sorry we caused so much mischief" said the oldest.
The younger boy made a face. Felicity raised an eyebrow, pursing her lips and frowned at the little boy.
He gulped, looking down at his shoes.
"I forgive you. Now, if we're to be a family, I think it best we learn each other's names. My name is Felicity."
The little boy looked up seeming to take interest. His eyes looked bright, and if Felicity didn't know better, she'd have sworn he were blushing.
She tried not to giggle again.
"I'm Stephen" grinned the oldest, proudly. "This here's my li'l bruva, Michael"
Well, that would be easy to remember.
Stephen had been named for Apostle Stephen in Acts, murdered by the Jews for giving witness to Christ.
Michael had been named for Archangel Michael- enemy of Lucifer. He also had the same name as her employer.
Stephen started speaking again, as Felicity was heading to the kitchen for their supper.
"Ms Felicity, ma'am?"
Lissie turned noticing Michaels red little face.
"Yes, Michael?"
"Er… can we call you 'Mum?'"
Felicity beamed, tears in her eyes as the boys ran into her outstretched arms.
"Of course you can, my darlings" she kissed and held each boy in turn, delighting that they would hold her so tightly.
From this day forward they would officially be a family…
Two weeks later...
Lady Felicia's decision to take in Monsignor Ignatius' boys caused scandal throughout Kembleford.
The gossip mills were running overtime, Mrs. McCarthy being last for once to get the news!
"Father! Father! you'll never guess what I just heard! Lady Felicia has taken in those orphan terrors! What on earth was she thinking?!"
Nathan, puzzled at the news, decided to visit his fiancée.
Arriving at Montague Mansion after his rounds, Nathan found the
boys in the stable mucking stalls and giggling.
Nathan had to smile. Lady Felicia giving hope and care to those boys...it's a wonderful idea...
She was weeding the vegetable garden with Emily's help when he walked over.
How ironic it was- the last time he'd visited Felicity while she weeded the garden, was six months ago when he'd officially asked her to marry him...
"I see you've welcomed two little soldiers"
She looked up and grinned.
"They're wonderful, aren't they? Now I can put money aside for school, instead of paying a stableman"
Nathan nodded. An industrial idea.
"What are your plans?"
Felicity winced, realizing she should have consulted with Nathan first about the adoption situation. Perhaps there was still time...
"I'm not sure yet- they don't want to go to school, I thought perhaps I could teach them the basics.
Nathan cocked an eyebrow, grinning.
Felicity playfully frowned at him.
"I'm not just a pretty face you know, I was a governess before you and I met."
With this knowledge, Nathan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Really?"
Felicity smirked "No, I was the Queen of England…"
He laughed.
"Mum! We're finished!"
Nathan raised an eyebrow.
Felicia shrugged.
"Very good Michael! you and Stephen go wash up for supper!"
Michael saluted, grinned, and ran off to find his older brother.
Nathan's heart yanked painfully in his chest at this domestic setting as he saw himself and Felicity married and having a family someday...
He was more proud and thankful for her than she could ever imagine...
"Whether or not they stay here, you my love will someday make an excellent mother."
She blushed prettily and grinned, giving her features that lovely youthful glow he remembered.
As they kissed softly, the boys were making faces from the house...
"MOTHER! FATHER! HURRY UP! WE'RE HUNGRY!"
Nathan and Felicia laughed as they walked hand in hand towards the house, having high hopes for their future...
(1) If Reverend Graham and Queen Elizabeth from the Crown were to look in the mirror, youd have Mr. Camden and Nurse Durstan haha
Enjoy and tell me what you think!