On a cold day in early January, Stephen asked Felicia to teach him to dance.
She put the phonograph on the Landler. "Any particular reason why?" she asked.
"No..." Stephen began to blush.
Felicity grinned. A party was planned for the celebration of the boys' adoption being finalized.
Kathleen Sherwin was among the guests; she and Stephen were six months apart- she being the one to rob the cradle.
"Mhmm" Felicity gave Stephen a look she always gave her neice Bunty.
"Come on, then. There's just enough time to get started before the party."
Nathan was finished his rounds and stopped by the mansion.
Not finding anyone, he found Sid in the doorway of the ballroom.
"What's going on?"
"Not sure. Think her Ladyship's teachin' the kid how to dance" Sid smirked.
"Which dance?" Nathan asked.
Sid shrugged "Dunno- Land something"
Nathan grinned from ear to ear.
Hmmm. What delicious memories the name of the dance brought to mind...
"It's the Landler... it's an Austrian folk
dance - very popular about twenty years ago."
Sid raised an eyebrow and was just about to ask how Nathan knew that, when the priest went to tap Stephen on the shoulder.
"What's it called?"
"The Landler... its an Austrian folk dance"
"Teach me?"
"Oh, Stephen, I haven't danced that since I was a young girl!"
"Aw, you remember! Please?"
"Well..."
"Pretty please?"
"With goobers on top!" Michael chipped in. He couldn't dance, but he wanted to watch Mummy dance pretty!
Felicity giggled. "Oh all right."
"Yay!" The boys cheered.
"Now you bow, and I curtsy"
Nathan watched bemused as Felicity curtsied and Stephen bowed. This would be interesting...
"Now we grasp hands like this, good, and we waltz to the right step-hop step-hop. Good! Now turn under..."
Nathan winced. That couldn't be good for her shoulder or her arm...
They made it back to the left side and tried again, but Nathan heard Felicity's sharp quiet hiss of pain.
"It's alright Stephen, we'll just have to practice, love... er"
"Master Marsberg, if I may..."
Felicity blushed and Stephen looked up and smiled at the priest.
"Sure, Father. Our arms were hurtin anyway"
Both adults chuckled.
As the trumpet sounded loudly, Nathan offered Felicity his hand.
Still blushing, she accepted.
As they were swept into the music, the memory of their first dance together took them back, years ago, when time, and they themselves were young, and very much in love...
It was an hour after dinner had concluded
Ladies congregated to the sitting room, while men gathered in the drawing room for discussions of business over cigars and brandy.
Among the men prominently engaged in discussion was one Lord Xander James Montague, esquire, Felicity Windemere's betrothed.
Having no desire to sit as the silent center of attention, or endure her stepmother's disapproving glarese as she sat with married friends discussing garden parties and babies all evening, young Felicity Vivian Marsberg managed to escape to the gardens and breathe in the delightful fresh air of the flowers her stepmother had spared no expense for.
Above the steps of the green was a marble plateau and gazebo where lovers could sit and chat, or dance for hours without being discovered, provided there was enough of a distraction inside…
If only… Felicity thought wistfully as she glanced up at the stars, twinkling like diamonds- mocking her, taunting her- at the visige of the gaudy lavish ring upon her left ring finger.
She tore it off, her finger raw. She hated it- him- her stepmother- the life they plotted for her- all a waste!
How ready she felt to toss it into the drink, never to be seen again… but alas! A promise was a promise.
Father needed Xander's money desperately- she had heard her parents talking.
Her match with Xander would ensure their survival and keep them from debt.
Her father had screamed at her mother and reprimanded her for her lavish spending that was the cause of their dwindling funds…
She had apparently known about some other money, but Father refused saying that money was "for Felicity when she comes of age"
Her mother had apparently soured and went to bed after that, because that was the end of the discussion…
Felicity wished she had someone of wise council with her, who may know the answer to her query, the one felt deep in her heart.
She flushed. Was a promise a promise if no words were spoken? Surely not! She were still unwed, still able to make decisions on her own, for herself, brash as they may be!
She was free to live her own life, have her own thoughts, love whom she wanted… wasn't she?
Felicity flushed again as she thought of a particularly kind young man with honey blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
Granted he was fifteen years older than she, but he was still good, still true, still… a prospect?
Away with this stone that was soon to be a millstone about her neck!
Her husband-to-be! HA! He was not saved! He was not even a Christian!
He certainly did not believe as she did- and yet, what was she to do?
Try as she might, she still lived in a man's world- the consequences for saying "No…" she shuddered to think.
"Are you cold?" asked a voice. Felicity gasped and turned behind her, so lost in her thoughts she had not noticed nor had she heard the steps of one Nathan Brown tread quietly behind her. She started as he chuckled lightly, not daring to touch her, and yet...
Here he was, holding his arm out to steady her, just in case she fell.
"M-Mr. Brown... Good evening" the girl flushed, eyes glued to the floor.
For his part, Nathan Brown was amused and struck with tenderness for this young lady, a feeling which was accompanied by something he had never felt before, not even with his Heavenly Suitor.
The feeling he felt for Him was more reverent, a thankfulness that filled him with gratitude that his eyes burned with tears at the thought of His holiness.
The feeling now that he felt for Miss Felicity, squeezed his chest and beat his stomach like a drum.
She was beautiful to behold, indeed he was smitten the moment his blue eyes beheld her golden features, so lovely in youth... she was vibrant and intelligent, burning with passion and fire, though she was also a bit meek and unsure of herself.
Nathan felt compassion for her in that standard, since that was how he felt on a daily basis when it came to strangers.
Given the right opportunities and chances for stimulating conversation, Nathan was sure that Felicity Windermere could make a worthwhile impression and impact on the world and all it had to offer.
To his knowledge she had no prospects, save one that apparently her stepmother considered, but of whom Thomas disapproved. The man was vain, a drunk, and a philanderer. Of course he had money, but he was not tender; he was cold, calculating, and would take advantage of Felicity, Thomas was certain.
Nathan began to wonder and indeed worry. Was that why Thomas was so insistent on speaking to Nathan about his faith? Was he intent on...?
But no, certainly not! Nathan flushed, stealing a glance at Felicity and gulping.
Once he became a priest, Nathan would not be allowed to marry. However, if he joined the church in another capacity, such as ministry within a faith such as Protestantism, he would surely be able to take on, and care for, a wife...
He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing in the Lord.
Lord? Nathan flushed again, hoping that was indeed the Heavenly Father speaking to him, and not his own head reciting the verse he loved so well.
Attempting to think of anything other than the young lady beside him, the young postulate looked self consciously down at his attire, a three piece dark blue tuxedo complete with dinner jacket and cufflinks.
Nathan sighed to himself making a mental note to thank Thomas yet again for his generosity.
The older man had already shooed him off, saying 'a man can never go wrong with having at least one fine suit in his wardrobe, even if he is a priest'.
Nathan flushed not having missed the wink Thomas had given him as Miss Felicity and Mrs. Windermere passed the bedroom hall.
"I'd keep hold of that if I were you" Nathan nodded to the ring in her hand, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "It could be kept for a nice King's ransom"
Felicity eyed him and smiled. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps this stone could be put to good use, given time…
Both young people turned at hearing music drifting from the house. The women had joined the men in the ballroom, for a dance- the Landler, Felicity remembered her father telling her. A voice was cleared beside her, and Mr. Brown, bless him! The young man had his hand stretched out to her.
"May I have this dance, Miss Felicity?" he smiled nervously, a thousand and one thoughts plaguing his mind, the primary of which involved the young lady's other suitor…
Surely one dance wouldn't hurt, Lord? He thought in prayer.
"You may" whispered the voice of an Angel, as a soft, delicate hand was placed upon his own, and the dance began…
FB-LF-FB-LF-FB-LF
Felicity felt the movement of a thumb grazing her palm. She looked into Nathan's mischievous blue eyes and noticed him grinning at her. She flushed.
"Do not worry, precious one" he murmured. "I only arrived seconds before you did" he winked. Felicity laughed nervously.
"It's been so long" she whispered sadly. "Hush… feel it in your feet" he advised, nodding when she stepped with him, in a waltz to the left of the room.
"That's it…now, as we hop, I will only twirl you" his voice trailed off as they linked arms, step-hopping to the right.
He let go of her left hand, only to twirl her with her right. She nodded as she understood(1)
As they began to waltz to the left a second time, he twirled her again, using her right hand instead of her left.
As they again stepped to the right, Nathan grinned, crossing their hands instead of their arms.
Felicity looked up at him and gasped. He shook his head and twirled her again when they reached the right.
As they reached the right, Felicity twirled under Nathan crossing their hands as they danced cheek to cheek.
She tried not to giggle as Nathan blushed, remembering her kissing him as he had inhaled her perfume when they were younger.
With a mischievous grin, she kissed him this time, too. Nathan laughed, his cheeks turning red.
Nathan surprised Felicity this time by waltzing her back to the left with only one hand on her hip.
He winks at her smirk as he twirls her right hand, before letting go.
Nathan claps as she prances around him, a move similar to the French Can-Can.
Both giggled as they had twenty years ago; she had almost lost her footing then, too.
Nathan trotted around her, still keeping the beat.
He's surprisingly as good now as he was then, she thinks to herself with a burst of love and pride.
Placing her right hand on his shoulder, both crossed hands and waltzed back to the right.
Nathan led her in a Cinderella twirl (2) as Mrs. McCarthy came into the ballroom and looked on, amazed at not only how sweet the two look together, but how well they moved around each other as they danced.
How could she have ever said those hideously mean things to Felicity, and to Nathan, causing in her departure from the church she loved so dearly?
She had seen the error of her ways in the past two months, her dwindling funds were proof of that; she was ready to return, if the two would find it in their hearts to forgive her…
As the melody ended, Nathan twirled and dipped Felicity, kissing her as she giggled. When they danced the Landler before, he had been timid and shy, yet bold enough to kiss her hand… the one with the "Kings ransom" diamond on it.
Sid turned off the phonograph before the music turned on again as the boys cheered.
"Thanks for the dance lesson, Mum. You too, Dad"
Nathan looked at the boy in surprise. Felicity held on to Nathan's arm and beamed with pride.
"You're very welcome, my boy. Now, seeing as this dance is meant for a young lady… presumably one Kathleen Sherwin,"
Nathan grinned over his glasses at Stephen, who was flushing beet red to beat the band.
"My only rule is this" Stephen looked at his adopted father-to-be.
"What's that?" he asked.
"No kissing her, until you're old enough to not make faces"
Michael giggled. Stephen frowned at his little brother then grinned sheepishly.
"how bout on 'er cheek?" he asked with a smile.
Nathan shook his head grinning. "Give it a year or two" he winked.
"Okay" the boy nodded, shaking the priest's hand.
"Good lad" Nathan grinned, gently shaking his son's smaller hand in his own.
A movement by the door caught the family's attention.
Nathan's smile faded from his face as he stoically stared at the former secretary.
As if sensing the issue at hand was to blow out of proportion any second, Felicity motioned for Sid to take the boys, who decided to take them outside.
"I-I've brought some scones" Mrs. McCarthy smiled awkwardly.
Nathan looked at Felicity who smiled graciously.
"Thank you, Mrs. M- I'll take them to Emily straight away."
Nathan was glaring at her, she could feel it.
She turned and glared at him and motioned to Mrs. McCarthy.
Get on with it!
Nathan gave Felicity a withering "we'll talk about this later" glare before returning his attention to the fluttering Mrs. McCarthy.
"Well, Father, I see you're back on your feet again"
He looked back at her coolly. "Indeed."
Searching carefully for her words, Bridgette wondered what to say next.
"A-and how is…everything…with the parish…?"
He glared at her. "Well in hand, thank you" he stated simply.
Mrs. McCarthy gulped, knowing what she should say and not knowing how to say it.
That Jezebel!
She's just like one of Saul's wives, turning you away from all you hold dear!
She's an adulterous harlot who will drag you down to the ninth circle of hell!
Nathan's ire was growing with each passing second. He had a feeling that 'harlot' was not the term she had used when addressing his fiancée…. It angered him to no end!
"What are you doing here, Mrs. McCarthy?" he asked, rudely, and not caring how it sounded.
"Well, I er, came by to, drop off the scones…"
Nathan eyed her venomously from behind his glasses.
"I see." He said. "Was that all?"
If the former secretary was in distress, Nathan took no notice of it, or chose to ignore it.
"I… er… I… wanted to… apologize for what I said, the last time, I saw you and Lady Felicia…"
Nathan sneered. "Did you now?" he asked, nastily.
"Well, I believe my fiancée is in the kitchen at the moment with Miss Emily, should you wish to make 'ammends'."
Not giving any further thought to the state in which he left Mrs. McCarthy, Nathan walked in the direction of the stairs, to a certain room in which to relieve himself.
Mrs. McCarthy, with tears in her eyes, allowed some to fall down her aging cheeks.
She soon made her way to the kitchen to find Felicia. After all, she knew where she was not wanted…
Two hours before the party…
"NATHAN ALEXANDER BROWN!"
Uh-oh… middle name! Felicity must be furious with him to use his full name at such a high volume in front of so many people….
The former priest gulped.
Robert and Fanny had just arrived with Faith, and some of the couples from Felicity's church, to help set up.
A couple of the older ladies looked at Faith questioningly- she smiled and shooed it off; they shrugged and return to work.
Nathan had been in the sitting room and had tripped when Felicity screamed for him.
He found her in the ballroom, eyes a'fire and madder than a wet hornet.
"Darling?" He giggled sheepishly over his glasses, looking like a little boy about to get scolded by his mother...
Felicity was not amused; she looked yet again ready to pulverize him!
Nathan tugged at his collar, gulping.
After shutting the doors for complete privacy, Felicity sighed, whispering his name.
"Nathan..."
Nathan looked perplexed... what had he done?
"What on EARTH do you mean by making Mrs. McCarthy cry and sending her away?!"
Nathan gulped, perplexed, and yet felt anger in his heart for how his beloved have been verbally abused by the old woman.
He himself had not received a hint of an apology for her last words spoken against them both upon her return.
"I did not send her away she left on her own accord." he stated.
"In tears!" Felicity cried.
Nathan winced.
"What did you say to her?"
Nathan drew his lips into a defiant line as he looked at the floor and into his fiancée's eyes.
"I told her that you were in the kitchen if she wanted to make amends."
The guests and staff jumped as a woman shrieked from the ballroom.
"You IDIOT!"
Fanny tittered as did Sarah. Faith tsked them both as Robert frowned at Fanny, shaking his head.
She ducked her head and he smiled and kissed her.
They all turned at the Sherwin family entering the kitchen, hugs and love aplenty going around.
"Where's Lissie?" Eleanor asked.
"She's um..." Fanny started.
"In the ballroom with Nathan" Dr. Sherwin deduced grinning.
"And I further deduce by the awkward stance of individuals out here, and the fact that the ballroom door which always remains open and is now closed, they are in the midst of a tête-à-tête, hm?"
The women snickered knowing he was correct.
"Very good, love" Eleanor said cheekily, kissing his cheek.
"Uh oh, Khan, dear, why don't you try to find your cousins, eh?"
Sherwin grinned as his son was trying to climb up on the stool that led to the chocolate creme custard, his favorite food.
If they weren't careful, the boy would take after his uncle in a quest for sweets. (3)
Fortunately blessed with a fast metabolism from both parents, weight gain
wouldn't be a problem for the
extremely active four year old boy.
"Don't worry son... we'll get sweets later... oh hoh!"
Kahn screeched with delight as his father picked him up and gently put him on his shoulders.
The two frolicked outside, finding Stephen, Kathleen and Michael already outside with Sid playing pirates.
Fanny and Molly giggled from inside as they watched the doctor and chauffeur being chased and ganged upon by the children.
Meanwhile...
Nathan Felicity sighed, "I love you, truly I do; when we're married I will submit to you as a wife is called to do, but right now, permit me to say that in this moment: you are out of your head!"
Nathan looked affronted.
"This house, as it is, is still mine." She went closer to him, knowing that Sherwin was there and would most likely perform deductions to show off.
"Legally you know that I am still considered married" she whispered.
"when you and I are married I will
decide what to do with it, but until that point, until that very moment we say
our vows- I am not yet your wife"
The priest nodded, trying to understand.
"in this house at this time I decide who I seen who I socialize with including those I have wronged," she nodded at him, "and those who have done me wrong, she nodded her head at the doorway, suddenly cocking her head to the right. Nathan looked over and no one was there; he looked back at Felicity confused.
"Mrs. McCarthy has already made her man's" Nathan gave Felicity a suspicious glare.
"When?" he asked.
Felicity sighed, rolling her eyes.
" on Saturday you were at Lourde's
again with Ambrose." Felicity smile.
"on Saturday she wasn't here when I returned" Nathan defended.
Felicity sighed again, shaking her head a little. "because of what you said to her last time! she's been afraid to approach you and make amends because you were still angry!"
Nathan was still adamant.
"she has had plenty of time to call upon us both and apologize!"
Felicity shook her head. "how can she when you treat her like you did?! yes she made a terrible mistake, yes she has said some awful things, but who is more wrong in the first place?"
"Sh-" Felicity interrupted him by shaking her head again. " as I said that morning: 'he who is without sin'"
Nathan grinned sheepishly.
" you have been hurting the both of you for two months and it's time to end this for both of your sakes! you've known each other for too long to let your friendship and like this. a relationship like the one you we have with her is a worthwhile one"
Nathan sighed.
" Lissie, how I am I the one in sin?"
You shouldn't be asking her that Nathan that question belongs to Me.
Oops
Do not let the sun set on your anger, My son
Nathan was in tears by this point. All of the anger and hurt he had felt over what Mrs. McCarthy had said came flooding out. He had held that anger in for far too long...
Collecting himself, he took Felicity into his arms and kissed her.
"Go" she whispered sadly, wiping away his tears.
He looked at her. "You don't have much time before the party starts."
He nodded. "This doesn't change the fact that what she said was unacceptable" Felicity nodded. "God be with you" she whispered, kissing his cheek.
As he left, Felicity started to pray.
Father help them. Help them both to understand and to come together again in You. In Jesus' Name Amen
45 minutes before the party
Father Nathan Brown found Mrs. McCarthy out in the English garden, sitting alone on a bench.
"Mrs. McCarthy..."
The woman looked up. Nathan smiled awkwardly and shifted. "I hoped I might find you here; I thought you had gone home"
She shook her head and looked away.
Nathan sat across ways from her on the bench.
"I haven't been out here to this garden in years" he said softly, reminiscing, both joy and pain gripping him at the thought of the woman who waited for him inside.
"Oh?" The woman asked. "How long has it been?"
Nathan smiled. "I was thirty-five, about twenty- three years ago"
Mrs. McCarthy raised both eyebrows.
"Yes, I didn't always see myself as being a priest- I had plans for it, yes, but there was something in me that wondered if I were supposed to become a priest at all"
"Did meeting her Ladyship have anything to do with it?" Bridgette asked with a small smile.
"She was an influence, yes, but the major reason was because of her father."
Mrs. McCarthy looked surprised.
"His name was Thomas... he was Irish like you"
Bridgette gave a start, which Nathan tried hard not to laugh wickedly to himself.
" yes I thought that might interest you."
The priest folded his arms.
"Not only was he Irish, but he was also Protestant." Nathan ignored the astonishment on the woman's face in order to tell part of the story of the woman she had misjudged so harshly.
"There is so much more to her than meets the eye" his voice trailed off for a moment until he thought about Thomas again.
"he was actively looking for a suitor for his lovely daughter. One who would love the Lord with all his heart and who would care for her and cherish her all the days of her life. For some reason Thomas felt that I was that man- a fact of which still humbles me to this day."
Silence fell upon the two sitting upon the bench.
"What happened?" Bridgette asked a moment later. A dark, stony look settled upon the priest's face.
"Another claimed her. I never saw her again until two years ago"
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Much time had passed between us. We had to get to know each other again, and learn lessons that we never knew we needed"
He shuddered to think about Victor McKinley and how that whole disaster played out.
"How long... how long...?" She struggled to get the words out.
"How long were we engaged?" He enunciated the last word, watching her shiver uncomfortably.
"Tonight is our eight month anniversary"
Bridgette looked up at him surprised. Usually couples did not wait so long before getting married.
"I suppose you are wondering what is taking so long" Nathan surmised wryly.
Bridgette nodded.
"It takes some time for the Vatican to receive letters and process them"
Bridgette thought to herself.
" you are no doubt thinking about James Roland and how he was able to leave so quickly"
Bridgette nodded.
"He had just joined the church had only been a priest for about six months compared to myself who has been a priest for the last 20 years. Now, seeing as I have not expressed the reasons for my leaving, the Cardinals in the Vatican are not likely to take my letter with much seriousness."
Bridget looked at him shocked "but you told me yourself you were no longer a Catholic Surely that, not to mention the fact that you are engaged to be married and soon to be the father of two boys..."
Nathan looks at her wryly again. "with about how much seriousness are the Cardinals likely to take such statements? At this time I am not only a menace in Kembleford, but perhaps they may consider me out of my mind."
Bridget shook her head not wanting to believe it. "As a person out of their mind who wants to have a life full of God's blessings. Look around Nathan you have a beautiful, wonderful woman who loves you and two beautiful children to help raise... I cannot believe that you were out of your head do you want the life that God has placed before you."
Nathan squinted at her out of the corner of his eye. "Precisely my point" he said.
Bridgette look at him confused again.
"What I want to know is what made you say those things to Lady Felicia to call her 'Jezebel' and all else among that she was like one of Saul's wives?! Really?!"
He stood up again in incredulity.
"What in the world would make you say something like that?"
"Because you said you were not Catholic!" she cried. "I was jealous and envious! She had your love and attention! You and I have been friends for so long, and she comes into the picture and takes you away from me!"
"Felicity has no bearing on the amount of love and care I have for you. I do love you Bridgette, but I love you as a mother, nothing more! Think about our age difference! I am technically young enough to be your son!"
She winced.
"As for being Catholic I am no longer so! God through Felicity has shown me where as a Catholic I had faith confused. He sighed and sat down again. "it is not about rites and relics. It is not about duties and traditions by themselves! the church answers to know man but Christ Himself- that includes the Saints!
Mrs. McCarthy shook her head. Old and set in her ways, it would take the Lord to show her the difference if she were meant to see it at all...
Nathan sighed and decided to change the subject.
" Despite the fact I have no romantic feelings for you, I still love you as my own mother. I yelled at you in the heat of anger and held onto that anger for far too long. As a man of God and a minister, your minister, I am sorry for that, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
They were silent for a moment longer. Nathan looked around memories swimming around in his head. he hoped tonight would be as beautiful as it had been 20 years before.
"Father you mentioned before there was more to Lady Felicia than met the eye. What did you mean?"
Nathan supplied her with a mischievous little grin. Why don't you come inside and find out? Come along. I want to catch a scone before either of the boys get to them first"
Bridgette smiled for the first time that night. "What about Felicity?"
she asked hoping she'd made enough for everyone.
Nathan looked off in the distance. "She cannot eat them." he winced "She has been allergic to strawberries since childhood"
Mrs. McCarthy gasped into shock at this revelation the conversation she had with Felicia about the scones came back into her mind.
You didn't taste my scones?!
No, I only just pretended...
Bridgette looked hurt
Well, naturally if I had, you would have won!
Which is why, as embarrassing as this is, I'm planning to have the contest declared null and void.
That doesn't matter...
Bridgette decided, patting the woman's hand.
Deep down, I know the truth!
Oh, gosh Mrs. M.! Underneath it all you're a jolly good egg!
Bridgette realized with absolute clarity what had transpired and what she could have been responsible for, if Felicity had eaten one of those scones...
Nathan turned to Mrs. McCarthy as she attempted to hold back a whimper.
He smiled, and placed a hand around her shoulder.
It seemed as if Bridgette had finally seen the important facts and would be able to turn over a new leaf from now on... only time would tell...
From the house Felicity was in tears as she watch Nathan and Mrs. McCarthy come together and a mother- son hug. That was the sweetest sign of affection she'd ever seen! Things would be better now she hoped during the time to come. She held onto Faith who joined her outside thanking the Lord that her prayers had been answered.
"C'mon lassie, theres not much time left- let's go get you ready!"
By the way Nathan what is the Landler?" Bridgette asked as she wiped her eyes from her tears. Nathan grand "Mrs. M, stay for the party and meet with us at Mass tomorrow- you'll be in for a treat!"
"Does this mean Im hired again?
Nathan smirked, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Honestly Mrs. M, I don't know how we've managed this long without you!"
"Oh, Father!" Bridgette squealed. "And now, unless I am mistaken, there is a beautiful young lady in there who needs a dance partner"
It was finally time for the party! unfortunately it was a little later than all had hoped, but everyone enjoyed themselves as they got to enjoy the taste of the finer things in life.
The younger men were dressed to the nine's and ladies, at least Fanny and Molly got to borrow a couple of Felicity's ballgowns and finery for the evening. As Nathan glanced at Felicity again for this first time in a few hours, he was taken aback!
She was stunning! The dress she wore was a warm powder blue, similar in style to the off the shoulder ballgown she had worn when they first danced together...
Nathan offered Felicity his hand once again and they danced the Landler to perfection. Stephen and Kathleen cheered lower than even Mrs. McCarthy as they were cheered on their completion.
As the guests mingled and Mrs. McCarthy was busy helping Emily in the kitchen, Nathan and Felicity snuck out for a stroll under the stars. "Well done my love" Felicity smiled as she held onto Nathan's arm.
"Happy New Year my darling" Nathan murmured as they stopped by the moonlit brook sharing their first New Year's kiss...
" I must say you are quite the dancer" Nathan Brown smiled as he released his partner.
He looked to the house and noticed they were still alone. Good...
"Shall we stroll through the garden, my Lady?" He asked with a smirk, holding out his arm.
"Why thank you, good sir" she grinned, holding onto his arm. As they began their trek, unchaperoned, the two young people started talking, getting to know each other. They talked about families, literature, travels, dreams, and even sports.
"How long before you leave?" She asked as he told her about the Vatican. He was on a sabbatical as he prayed about what to do.
"That's just it... I'm not entirely sure"
Felicity looked at him. "What do you mean? Surely the Vatican is to be your calling in life...?"
Nathan nodded. She was keeping him rational. His head agreed- go to the Vatican, become a priest... but his heart was starting to whisper something else...
"I believe it is my calling to join the church, indeed... but I also wonder if that is to be my true Calling"
They were standing side by side now, behind the hedge in front of the house in the moonlight... he and she together... alone...
Nathan gulped as he caught the stars twinkling in Felicity's eyes. Truly she was lovely... perfect... but alas, she did not belong to him...
"Mr. Brown, I want you to know that I admire you greatly. If there were no promise, I would accept..." her voice trailed off, but he understood her perfectly.
"My dearest Felicity" he whispered, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Were we able, I would ask for your father's blessing this very night! As it stands, I must do the will of my Father."
"I understand, sir. May God bless you with the path you have chosen. Will this be the last we see of you?"
Nathan laughed bitterly, tears streaming down his face. He was prepared to say goodbye, but in his heart he had a feeling he had a chance... a choice...
"Not yet, my dear. Not yet... I only ask one thing of you, Miss Felicity..."
She inquired with her gaze.
"Pray for me, that I do the will of my Father"
She nodded, tears in her eyes. "I will do so, sir" she whispered. "Until tomorrow then?"
Nathan smiled, caressing her cheek and kissing her forehead.
"Until tomorrow, my precious one... until tomorrow..."
They bid goodnight and farewell, Thomas waiting at the edge of the hedge to escort her back inside.
The old man turned back to him and gave him a wink.
Nathan chuckled and looked up at the sky.
"Not my will, but Thine be done..."
That's all for this chapter! Please let me know what you think!
Nathan knew Felicity would be injures trying a move like that. He altered the dance to prevent her further injury.
This is also a move played in Brandy's Cinderella
Watch the Sound of Music "Maria dances with the Captain" on Youtube.