Disclaimer: I own nothing
Following Sid's attack in the glen, a trio consisting of Father Brown, Lady Felicia, and Sid himself sat in the Royce looking up at Masters Hall.
Normally one would have to make an appointment, but because of her contacts and charm, Felicity was able to gain access.
Nathan wondered if she enjoyed her status still, or was it becoming tiring?
"Sid, are you sure you're up to this?"
"Course."
Not wanting to go in, but rather wanting to return home with the priest in tow, Felicity looked up at the mansion, dreading its occupant.
Lord Masters had always had a fancy for her, and had never acted on it- especially while "Monty" was "away"
"Steer clear of listening ears… the coward…"
Oh, but if he only knew the real story...
"Right, what exactly are we looking for?"
Nathan rubbed her right hand in comfort.
"Anything out of the ordinary."
He thought back to his meeting with the Sheppards- his own memories haunting him as jealousy of a life stolen plagued him…
The couple was young, mysterious, and expecting within a short time… exactly the life he would have given Felicity- given the chance.
"This is where the Sheppards knew Archie from.
We can learn a great deal about all three of them from here."
As if sensing his inner thoughts she squeezed his hand back with her left one.
"Why are you suspicious?"
Nathan frowned, demanding his mind stop coveting...what was to come…
Though delayed, he would still get to marry Felicity. They had been blessed with a large extended family, and two wonderful little boys of their own.
Nathan forced himself to focus on the task at hand.
"Because one of them said they'd found out about what happened from the morning's paper.
The other one said they couldn't sleep the previous night because of it."
Felicity didn't quite understand Nathan's suspicions
"Perhaps they had good reason to lie."
Nathan shook his head.
"Sullivan isn't treating this case as routine.
There's something else going on here."
Felicity remembered when he had been this insistent regarding Mr. Short. She hadn't listened to him then, and it had nearly cost her. Trusting her beloved's intuition, she made a move to get out of the car.
"I'll see what I can find."
"Assuming his Lordship lets us into his house in the first place…"
She waited for him, surprised at his uncertainty.
"He will."
She smirked.
"I hope you realise the sacrifice I'm making.
You know he's a madman?"
Nathan raised his eyebrows.
"But he's a member of the House of Lords!"
"Exactly." she snorted.
Nathan smirked, following the Countess, his fiancée up to the door of the Hall.
Sid was taking his time… Nathan pondered the probability of stealing a morning kiss from his Lady…
...and then the door opened…
Bullocks!
"Ah, hello."
Lord Masters was a healthy 5'11, with greying tomcat brown hair and rudy features.
Eyeing first Lady Felicia with a glint in his eyes and then Father Brown with amusement and recognition, he made way for each to pass.
"Come in, come in."
He led them in the direction of the library… or was it the sitting room…? Nathan couldn't tell with the myriads of papers books stacked about.
Despite his wariness of Masters' reaction to Felicity's presence, Nathan was bemused.
"...I was just practising my stroke.
Do you play?"
Nathan smiled, remembering Felicity's frown when they were younger as he had beaten her rather harshly at the sport.
"I did, I did but never on carpet."
Remembering the time he had beaten her rather cruelly, Felicity made a face at Nathan's mischievous smirk, surprised when the lord snuck up on her.
Nathan has been about to say something when he noticed Felicity's ashen face- this must have been what it felt like to have Bishop Talbot accost her standing space.
"It's good to see you, old girl."
Nathan choked his umbrella as Masters took Felicity into his arms and dipped her.
She covered her cry of pain with shock.
Nathan glared daggers at Masters as he made sure that Felicity was alright.
I'm fine her look said.
Oblivious to the pair, Masters strutted and waved like a peacock.
"Please, make yourselves at home."
They did so, sitting on the couch together.
Felicity prayed for a believable alibi that Masters would believe…
"So what can I do for you?" his eyes gleamed mischievously.
"Well, Monty and I are holding a little soirée next Saturday, you know."
Masters was already excited. Nathan fought not to glare at him.
"Oh ho...Sounds divine."
Felicity grimaced, squeezing Nathan's hand.
"I was just passing, and I thought I'd ask you in person. We'd... love it if you could come."
Again Masters looked at her with a glint in his eye.
"What red-blooded man could refuse such an offer, eh?"
Wincing inwardly at Felicity's painful squeeze of his hand, Nathan changed the subject.
"I uh...I was sorry to hear what happened, Lord Masters."
"Sorry, what?" Masters seemingly forgot Nathan was in the room.
"The man working on your restoration project." Still a blank.
"Archibald Waterson." Nathan supplied, hoping that would jog Masters' memory.
"Ah, I've been expecting you." he stood up, rifling around mess and papers.
"Now - where the hell is that thing - ? Ah!" He returned with an envelope, handing it to Nathan.
"Are you sure this is for me?" Nathan asked uncertainty.
Masters shrugged in uncertainty.
"I found it on my desk this morning. It said an important stranger would ask about him and I should give them this envelope." Nathan handed the note to Felicity.
"Did you know Archie well?" he asked.
"Oh, barely at all." Masters shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Those restoration fellows, you know, stick to the far side of the house."
Felicity opened the letter as it was handed to her and read it, a puzzled frown crossing her features.
Masters looked hopeful.
"Love letter, is it?"
"I'll take the secret to my grave."
"Does that mean anything to you?" Nathan asked.
"No." Masters shook his head.
Nathan could feel tension vibrating off of Felicity as something or someone caught her attention outside.
Nathan looked from her, to outside, noticing a tall blonde man in a dark blue suit, walking towards the door.
"Do you know him?" Nathan asked.
Felicity thought of evading the truth, but that would do no good.
She had promised herself she would never lie to Nathan. He deserved to know the truth.
Grasping for his hand and squeezing for all she was worth, she nodded.
"I did, once" she said quietly. "He's an old school friend of Montey's very shrewd, and not unlike Mr. Harris"
Nathan knew what she was insinuating.
He remembered that day eighteen months ago when Harris had said something which made Felicia freeze on the spot.
Considering he couldn't comfort her now like he wanted, Nathan settled for rubbing a soothing thumb against Felicity's shaking hand, praying that Lord Masters wouldn't notice.
Why? Why not claim Felicity as his in public?
Public image. They had done nothing wrong, but if they were to go public with their relationship any more than it was, there would be suspicions and questions, especially upon Felicity.
Her image of a Countess meant nothing to her, and yet, there was a matter of respectability they both had to adhere to, even Nathan himself being a priest…
Then there was the matter of her dearly departed husband, nearly seventeen years ago...
He watched outside as the man made his way up the stairs.
Humph red blooded man indeed…
They went outside for a breather, especially after Daniel left.
Nathan had honestly wanted to… do what, exactly?
"Felicity, who was that man?"
She hesitated, Nathan heard her swallow thickly.
"Daniel Whitiker we had... dealings... during the war…"
she shivered, remembering…
Flashback
"Well well well… a pretty thing like you shouldn't be drinking alone…"
Felicity shivered, noticing a tall blonde man come up behind her with a sneer.
"Let me buy you a drink"
"I think not…"
The man sneered and caressed her forearm. It twitched.
"Oh, don't be that way... tell you what, we'll have a couple of drinks here, then go back to my room for a little chat…"
End Flashback
Nathans stomach rolled uncomfortably.
Whomever Whitiker was, judging by the look on Felicity's face he was worse than Short, Harris, Lord Masters, and Victor McKinley put together.
Had she fallen for his charms?
He looked to Whitiker, then Felicity.
No, surely not!
Nathan frowned to himself. He was going to have a nice, long chat with Daniel Whitiker…
They returned inside, Nathan watching Whitaker like a hawk.
Masters would have sworn he'd seen the priest squeeze the Countess' hand.
"Oh, like that, is it? Eh?"
He looked from Nathan to Felicity and back again with an impish looking grin.
Nathan gulped. He was beginning to wonder what was taking Sid so long.
Felicity stood due to the tension in the air and started to pace.
"So when did the restoration project start?"
Annoyed she'd moved, as he wanted to ponder more about the Lady's and the Priest's relationship, Masters sighed.
"My dear, I have people who remember dates for me."
He offered apple crumble, which they refused.
"Roughly." she insisted.
"Er, well, eighteen months ago or so. Give or take."
"How did you find the people to do it?" she continued.
" I didn't, they found me. They're a benevolent organisation who wanted to help me preserve my family's heritage for future generations."
He offered again and still she refused.
"How many people work on it?"
"I don't know - these Restoration fellows, they keep themselves to themselves and I rattle around the East Wing. I suppose about a dozen in total."
"That seems a lot." Nathan put in.
"Well, it's a big house." Masters shrugged.
He rattled on about ancient family history…
Nathan could tell Felicity was getting desperate.
"...So you don't go over to the part of the house where they work?"
"They use dangerous chemicals. No, they said it was safest for me to stay clear. Not that I mind, of course. I'm quite happy here with Terrance."
That one caught Nathan's attention.
"...Terrance?"
Masters pointed to a stuffed bear standing next to the doorway.
"Ah."
All seemed relatively normal...
That is… until Sid stumbled upon something he shouldn't have done…
"Sorry. Wrong door."
He was then carried out by the officials…
Just as Masters started in again, Felicity took charge to leave.
"We've taken up too much of your time."
Nathan read her body language and knew something was wrong.
"Oh, not at all, no." Masters grinned devilishly.
"It's a delight to see you without old Monty in tow. Was it he who insisted you be chaperoned with a priest?"
Nathan rolled his eyes.
"Father Brown is not here to keep an eye on me." Felicity scoffed.
"Methinks the Lady doth protest too much."
One thing Nathan never thought Masters would catch, was that Felicity was a terrible liar…
Hmm perhaps there was hope for him yet…
"It's been a pleasure."
"I look forward to the weekend. I'm already counting the minutes." Masters took her hand.
Nathan scowled. He must be mad not to feel the diamond on Felicity's finger...
"Must dash." Lissie said hurriedly.
Nathan clenched his umbrella to keep from whacking the weasel.
"Goodbye, your Lordship. Terrance."
They soon caught up with Whitaker.
"Lady Felicia."
She glared at him.
"What has Sid done?" Nathan demanded.
Whitaker looked bored.
"And you must be Father Brown."
Nathan, keeping a discreet arm about Felicity, summed up the imposter.
"You have the better of me."
Calmly, Felicity took a breath. she wouldn't get past him ranting in Gaelic.
"What are you doing here, Daniel?"
He had the gaul to smirk - "Oh, you know.
Same old, same old."
Please." she said folding on to the thin threads of her temper. "I'm sure we can sort this out."
Familiar with her wiles, Daniel Whitaker shook his head.
"I'll arrange for someone to give you a lift back to town while your driver is indisposed.
he nodded ordering his men to put Sid in the car, who was yelling and shouting his fool head off.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have urgent matters to attend to…" he sneered at the two and the company drove away.
Nathan sighed in confusion and frustration.
"Felicity you already stated you had dealings during the war…. what is he after and why did he take Sid?"
Again she gulped.
"He works for the government."
He eyed her.
"What part of the government?"
"MI5."
Oh no…
They said nothing as they drove back to the church with a temporary driver.
"Wait there." she instructed as they walked discreetly around the graveyard.
"What now?" she asked, wishing it were done and over, Nathan, her dearest love, making her forget all...this...
"I realise there are legal reasons why you shouldn't talk about this." Nathan said cautiously, not wanting any of the ghosts to see them kiss.
"I won't abandon Sid."
Nathan nodded, proud of her for not giving in to a bully like Daniel Whitaker. "Good."
"Now what?" she asked.
We need a better idea about what's really happening.
The restoration project is just a front. she supposed.
"That's why the Sheppards lied to me." Nathan added.
Lissie nodded taking his arm. If Bridgette or the boys were watching they could all assume the two were discussing further wedding plans…
"What do you make of Archie's letter? "I'll take the secret to my grave""
Nathan thought harder on that. It was tricky...
He must have left it as a safeguard in case anything happened to him.
He knew he was in danger.
But why didn't he ask for help? Why put yourself in harm's way?
Perhaps he was involved in something illegal.
He eyed her. "Tell me once and for all, Lissie, honestly. To the best of your knowledge was there anything… anything to suggest that Lord Montegue was involved in criminal dealings?"
Lissie shook her head. "Not that I am aware"
Nathan was confused. "But he does feel he has something on you?"
Felicity's brown eyes welled with tears.
"He does"
She shook her head and wiped her eyes when he looked more quizzically at her, making a move to bring her into his arms.
Saddened, Nathan nodded. Free Sid first, love Lissie later…
"I'll find out more about the official investigation."
He nodded "Good."
No one, not even the driver could suspect their romance right now, especially with MI5 watching their every move…
"Cheerio."
"Anon, anon." she waved.
FBFBFBFBFBFB
Sometime later, Nathan received a visit from the man he now considered an enemy.
May I?
Please.
You aren't going to read it?
What did you make of it?
- Nothing.
Spare me the modesty. You've solved too many crimes to be the bumbling idiot you appear to be.
No, I am a bumbling idiot. But I see patterns to things.You seem to know a lot about me.
You've shown up on our radar a few times.
Have you got a file on me? Nathan sneered.
Why don't we pool our resources? We both want the same thing, after all.
- Do we?
The truth.
- I want my friend released. And my wife left alone Nathan glared venomously at Whitaker.
As if Whitaker read his thoughts, the man smiled shrewdly at Nathan.
Then perhaps you could start by telling me about the letter.
Well, it obviously wasn't meant for me.
And Archie didn't leave it for his colleagues either, which means he didn't trust them.
He wanted it to go to an outsider - someone who'd come to investigate if things went wrong.
You.
But I got to the manor house first which meant Lord Masters got the wrong end of the stick and doesn't know what's going on in his own house.
But you do.
Whitaker grinned like a stupid ape.
I'm sure Lady Felicia has filled you in.
Nathan glared at Whitaker suspiciously.
She said nothing. he defended, knowing from his fiancée that there was more to this man than met the eye…
Fine.
If you want to play it that way - my name is Daniel Whittaker and I work for the Security Service.There, can we move on now?
- Yes.
I'd like to know how Sid is.
- Maybe later.
You worked out what the message means.
Yes.
- It wasn't a question.
What did you find? -
Nothing.
Local officers don't know the sources of each others' aliases. Only senior staff.
Whitaker glared suspiciously.
And you, it appears.
I recognised the name.
I buried Archibald Waterson twenty years ago.
He was eighteen months old.
A tragic death.
Nathan said all of this to gauge what pity the man was capable of.
I can imagine. Whitaker rolled his eyes sarcastically
Nathan was getting more and more agitated by the man's demeanor every minute.
Why did your man use that poor little boy's name?
When we create new identities for our officers, it's easier to use real people - dead people.
There's an existing paper trail we can manipulate.
How tasteless. Apparently he wasn't capable of any pity… what a shame...
You did ask.
Do you know who killed that young man?
What did you find at the grave?
I found nothing there.
We found your friend trespassing in a very sensitive area. It's a serious charge. Espionage.
I did not find anything at that grave.
I'll see you later, Father.
I thought we were sharing information?
Whitaker had the gall to sneer at Nathan.
I've changed my mind.
You… Nathan growled wanting to use a worldly sinful epitaph, but stopped himself.
You cannot play with an innocent man's life like this!
Actually, I can.
I cannot give you what I do not have.
Don't leave it too long to come to your senses. Once people disappear it can be hard to find them again.
"Mr. Carter isn't the only one I have dirt on you know…"
With an evil chuckle, Whitaker left, leaving Nathan stewing in anger.
Deciding Felicity was safe for now, he decided to take action to help Sid.
When he got there, Felicity was already there. He decided to hide from view, out of sight…
I want to see Sid.
- Sorry, orders from on high.
No visitors.
Then let me speak to Daniel Whittaker.
Ah, good.
I'll need your office.
Lady Felicia, this way.
Finding he could not hear from brick, Nathan ran back to the church.
Why are you here, Daniel?
Oh, the usual. Trying to save the country.
We're hardly in danger out here.
It's that kind of complacency that'll get us all killed.
Oh, is that your job? Going round trying to frighten people.
Felicity rolled her eyes. Daniel eyed her up and down. she wasn't the meek little mouse he'd known her to be… whatever the change it was alluring… to say the least…
We don't have officers out in this godforsaken nowhere just for the fun of it.
It's because the fight is going on right now, all around us.
Is that why you had my driver arrested? Because he's a threat to national security?
We all need a little leverage. He leered at her.
Felicity gulped, feeling her skin crawl.
Your priest has something I need.
A conscience? she mocked.
He ignored her. An item he found in his graveyard.
What is it?
Whitaker rolled his eyes. "I don't know.
I thought you might find out and bring it to me."
"You are joking?" she felt the familiar squeezing fear from her heart.
"Oh, I rarely joke, my dear… Especially when reputations are concerned…"
He ran his fingers over her goose covered flesh. She shuddered.
"I really don't care what you tell people about me."
"And how about the Earl? Does he feel the same way?"
She shivered remembering when Xander had been caught laundering money, shortly after their marriage- there had been a thorough investigation…
Shortly after his death, something had happened to the child Felicity bore, and Whitaker had been hard pressed to blackmail her since she had been found clear of all Xander's charges...
"We paid our debt."
He sneered "And we're very grateful for that."
"So now we're offering you another chance to help your country."
He leered at her again, and she knew he knew...
"This isn't fair."
Past indiscretions can be made to vanish for a while but sadly they never really go away.
Which is a problem for men who rely on their reputation….
Is that what he thought it had been? An indiscretion? How he was sorely mistaken!
A few words in the right ears, who knows what the fallout might be?
She had to protect Lydia and Nathan at all costs...
I need something from you in return. The man who died. I want details.
Why not? Your friend might unearth something useful.
He smirked at her. But you know the price.
Yes.
Either she get what he wanted, or no one would ever trust her again, least of all her beloved fiancée…
Nathan recognized the postcard immediately. He now knew what Daniel Whitaker was after, but wasn't quite sure why…
What did it have to do with Felicity?
Discarding that discussion for later, he decided to visit the Sheppards again.
Later, Nathan received a visit from William for confession.
"Hello, William."
"Why do you think I was involved?"
Nathan paused remembering his youth. I know a broken man when I see one.
"What was in Archie's letter"
Nathan grew angry. First his son got arrested for no reason, then his wife was harassed, he still didn't know what about...
There is a game going on around me, one I do not wish to play. Spies and official bullies and all manner of madness.The people in my parish are suffering because of this. They are my only concern.
Actually the ones who would suffer from the fallout were Felicity, Sid and the boys if he weren't careful…
"Goodbye, Father. I'm sorry I couldn't be a better man."
FBLFFBLFFBLF
Later, Felicity paid a visit to the parish where Mrs. McCarthy was tidying up.
Her stomach churned.
"Good morning, Mrs. M. Father Brown here?"
"No, he is not." Felicity caught her irritated tone.
Uh oh
"Do you know when he'll be back?"
Bridgette frowned at her.
"Oh, I thought you could tell me. I presume you're a part of his latest little escapade?"
Felicity shrugged, not wanting to answer.
"Why, what's he been up to?" she chuckled nervously.
Bridgette sighed. "Heaven only knows! But he seems to think this has something to do with it."
She put the evelope with the postcard behind the tea caddy.
"Hello?" Nathan called.
Felicity winced; she had to act fast. Bridgette was the perfect cover. She found the envelope and slipped it into her purse.
"Her Royal Highness is here."
Nathan frowned at her which she ignored.
"And your precious postcard is behind the tea caddy. Oh, and your dinner is in the oven."
Felicity heard the woman leave, most likely miffed.
"Lady Felicia." Nathan smiled, knowing that Mrs. M wasn't likely out of their hair just yet.
She jumped.
He frowned at the look on her face, catching a feeling in his spirit that all was not well.
"Any luck?" he asked.
She handed him a thick file, her eyes awash with guilt and tears.
"A copy of the police report." she managed.
Nathan grinned excitedly.
"How did you manage that?" He took a look at the report still feeling that all was not well with his beloved.
"Oh, you know wild flirtations and laughing at dreadful jokes." she smiled, unconvincingly.
He looked at her over his glasses. Daniel Whitaker was a bully, not a flirt… what was she hiding?
"I need to go…"
He put his hand on hers and rubbed it.
"Are you all right?" he asked gently.
It had been a little while since they had gotten away as a family… perhaps they needed another holiday.
"Yes." she shrugged off his concern, which caused him to frown.
He eyed her, allowing the Holy Spirit to say His peice.
"It's frightening. What we've got ourselves involved in."
She gulped, feeling the Holy Spirit's gentle voice prod her with the concern of her beloved.
She ignored both of them, her pride winning out.
"Better get on - I need to explain to Emily why I've invited that landed lunatic to our soirée."
Nathan giggled.
"I love you" his eyes twinkled with adoration.
You won't when you find out what I've done… she thought.
She smiled sadly, kissing his temple and made her way quietly out the door.
Father protect her he prayed. There's a reason she's not sharing everything with me… perhaps there is a reason for that, but please, help her to know that I love her and you love her, that she's not alone…
Wiping tears from his eyes, Nathan cleared his throat and glanced further at the police report, not once taking his mind off of his sweetheart…
Before heading back to the police station, Felicity paid a visit to the hospital.
"Lissie! You're not due back today! How are you?" Fanny grinned throwing her arms around her best friend.
"I'm alright dear…. Is Dr. Sherwin in?"
"Yes he's in his office just now…"
Dr. Sherwin was speaking to his fraternal twin brother Marshal, who looked almost exactly like Daniel Whitaker.
Felicity blanched.
"Lissie? You're not due back for another week, my dear…"
"Yes, Doctor… I have that file on Archibald Waterson"
Sherwin looked at her shrewdly. Marshal raised an eyebrow.
By his recollection, Archibald Waterson had been an eighteen month old drowning victim…
This was NIS… or MI5…
Sherwin handed the file to Marshal, who took it, opened it, smiled, and grasped for something in his left breast pocket.
"Madame, I believe this is what you are looking for… all is well arranged"
Sherwin looked at Marshal, who shook his head.
Felicity was slightly confused, but nodded nonetheless.
She returned to the police station, where Daniel was waiting for her.
"Lady Felicia." he sneered.
"Take it." she snapped
"Thank you for your service." he mocked.
"May God have mercy on your soul…as dark as it is." she growled.
When everyone was out of the office, Whitaker moved to look at the microchip within the stamp…
However it was in German…
I know who you are and what you are doing. You would do well to cease your charade and your harassment against the priest, his own, and parishioners of St. Mary's.
M.S. MI6
"Damn it!" he howled.
The MI5 agent caught up with Nathan after William was found dead on the train.
"How did you know he was involved?" Nathan stayed silent.
"You do realise this is an official investigation?"
"I'm bound by different laws."
"How did you know he'd be on that train?"
Nathan smirked "Lucky guess."
"Shouldn't you be writing this down?"
"As you said." Daniel smirked. "Different laws."
"If you let Sid Carter go I will ensure that he says nothing about what he has seen."
"We don't make deals." Whitaker said smugly.
Fool Nathan thought.
"I think you will this time. I found-"
"I already have the postcard, thanks to a friend of yours." the MI5 agent sneered.
Nathan winced, however he had known there was a reason for it, and it had to do with the monster in front of him.
Nathan returned to Maude and confronted her.
When he had visited the first time, he had envied the young couple for a flash of a moment. They had been presently what Nathan and Felicity had hoped for in their past.
Currently however he felt blessed that they were together again, given more than they could have ever asked for.
"Before I came here, I prayed that you only acted to defend your husband.
That you had no idea of his political beliefs.
On the contrary, you defected to his cause."
"Why would you think that?"
Nathan sighed sadly. "When he was cornered, William took his own life.
As I imagine he was trained to do, rather than be captured.
And you showed your hand when you put cyanide into your tea."
He shook his head, the name Lydia stuck in his mind for some reason… he wasn't sure why...
"I will not let you take your own life and your child's."
A vision of Felicity pregnant afraid and tormented instead of thrilled and elated… Nathan flushed, shaking his head.
"It won't be long now." Maude said resolutely.
Nathan shook his head, peeved she would think him so naive.
"I swapped the teas."
Daniel Whitaker showed up just then, a smug look on his face. Nathan wanted to punch him, but stopped himself.
Sid getting arrested for no reason was one arrest too many.
"I should just follow you around all day, Father.
You turn up the most interesting things…."
They arrested Maude, and she was taken to the hospital where she gave birth to her child, a boy named Nicholas.
FBLFFBLFFBLF
Nathan and Felicity stood together in front of the police station.
"You know what I did?"
He nodded quietly.
"Yes."
Her eyes clouded with tears.
"I'm so sorry."
Filled with compassion for his soon-to-be-bride, Nathan put a comforting arm around her, bringing her head to his chest.
If only they were at home...
He gently kissed her cheek, publically taking her into his arms.
"There's no need for you to apologise." he murmured into her hair.
She looked up into his warm blue eyes, confused. "I lied to you, and I betrayed you."
Nathan shook his head, rubbing her back.
"I'm sure you did what you did for the best of reasons."
"Selfish ones…." she scowled down at the ground.
Nathan sighed. someday she'd have to tell him why she did what she did, but not at the moment.
He decided to look for the light in the situation.
"Well, without the police report I wouldn't have known the truth."
He lifted her eyes to his and kissed her nose.
"And I'm sure Daniel charged you a high price for it."
Not saying anything she snuggled into his habit.
He tightened his arm around her, holding his umbrella in his other hand.
After a moment when his mind still wished they were at home alone, Nathan grinned at Felicity.
"Right, let's bring Sid from the chokey."
She giggled.
"If you say so."
Edmund Sullivan was just letting Sid out of the cell.
Next time, keep quiet when I tell you.
Whatever you say, Inspector.
Are you alright? Nathan asked.
Sid shrugged. They could've done worse I'll live.
Whitaker tried to sneak out.
I'll be on my way.
Thank you, Father, for your assistance.
You've a keen mind.
You're wasted out here.
Kiss arse Nathan thought heatedly.
He swallowed his pride and tightened his grip around Felicity.
"On the contrary, I think that you've proved that this is where I should be." he spat.
Whitaker, annoyed tried to change his mind.
"There's a war on, just as terrible as the last one.
The Red Menace poses as much of a threat as the Nazis ever did."
Nathan squinted at him, not trusting Felicity to be out of his sight for a second in this man's presence.
"Then we have to hold ourselves to higher standards.If we resort to bullying and underhand tactics, then what's the point? We're as bad as them."
Whitaker had seen the priest place his arm around Felicity and his eyes flashed with jealousy.
"You've no idea what goes on to let you live in ignorant peace! The evils I see every single day!"
"Then I feel for you." Nathan said, rubbing Felicity's waist.
He could tell Whitaker thought him a fool.
"Lady Felicia." he sneered. "I hope to have the pleasure of your company again soon…Apparently your company is well known out here… what would your husband think, eh?"
Flushing, she buried her face in Nathan's neck, inhaling her lover's masculine scent.
She knew she would have to tell Nathan the truth, but not while Whitaker was around.
Whitaker huffed out, and Nathan hesitantly let go of Felicity.
"Inspector sad to see him go?"
Edmund scoffed, having suspected something going on between the Countess and the priest, not wanting to comment on it.
"Get out of here, Father."
They left, retreating to the dais at the mansion.
That evening the couple saw to it that the boys were asleep, with Galespie watching over them.
Nathan chuckled and praised the dog, scratching the pup behind the ears.
Retreating to their quarters, the two sipped some red wine Felicity had saved from the soirée that afternoon.
"Ahh deliciousness at its finest" Nathan grinned.
"Yes, better with you than with Masters" she shivered. Nathan frowned.
He kissed her temple, and she in turn lazily kissed his lips.
"Yummy" they giggled like school children.
Nathan mused quietly as Felicity dozed on his shoulder.
He knew about Xander, Thomas, and Talbot he scowled.
Now he needed to know about Whitaker… what part did he play in all of this?
"You're miles away" Felicity commented lazily.
"Just thinking about our friend Mr. Whitiker, I'm certain we haven't seen the last of him…"
He eyed her as she shivered.
"You're right on that count."
"Why did he try to blackmail you?"
Felicity winced, not expecting him to be so blunt.
With tears in her eyes, she looked up at the starry sky, smiling sadly as one shot across the night…
Tell him
"Of all of the children we have, you and I" she smiled, "Stephen is not second born"
Nathan raised an eyebrow, sipping his wine.
"Who is it then?"
Nathan grew alarmed instantly when Felicity's shoulders began to shake.
"Lydia" Felicity whispered, sobbing. "Our daughter, Lydia Grace Brown"
Glass shattered threefold as both glasses and the wine were knocked to the ground in shock.
Impossible!
The very notion that he and Felicity Marsberg-Windermere Montague had a child together, much less had improper relations was inconceivable! and yet, they had a daughter?!
Unbelievable!
Wasn't it?
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