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It all started with that blasted envelope.
Lady Felicia Montague the script read in embossed golden letters- mocking her- taunting her...
Cannons, Gunfire...
A letter was forced into her hands, stained red with his blood.
There was nothing she could do...
"Germans coming... too late..."
He had died in her arms, and she was left with a responsibility...
In 1939, she was 27 when WWII started.
Freshly arrived at the camp, making plans to contact her father she'd arrived safely, she looked at her surroundings.
Functional, sterile. She was struck with determination and duty.
Meeting the sisters was awkward to say the least. Upon seeing her bent arm, Sister Beatrice wanted to turn her away- there was no work for a defected miscreant like her among their nurses- one never knew if God had cursed her with a disease...
Felicity remained silent. Sister Evangeline soon came to her aid, effectively telling Beatrice off, and barking orders forthwith.
The nun looked at Felicity out of the corner of her eye.
"You'll be fine here- just stick with me n don't lift anything heavy. As long as you do as told, we won't have no problems"
Felicity nodded solemnly and gave a thank you nod in return.
"Yes, Sister"
Evangeline eyed her. she had a fighting spirit this one... she'd keep her under her wing...
"Any questions?"
Felicity opened her mouth then shut it again.
Shaking her head she thought better and asked what was on her mind.
"In this unit or any other, has anyone heard of a man by the name of Nathan Brown?" she flushed.
Evangeline smirked. "No need worryin your head about him- you've got your work cut out, ya hear?"
Felicity flushed again. "Yes, Sister"
Over time, Felicity did well under Sister Evangeline's gruff but mothering eye.
Felicity soon rose in the ranks: Staff Nurse(4 months) Sister (6 months) Senior Sister(2 months) Matron (duration).
She did her work well under Evangeline, who not only tested her daily, but urged her also to exercise and use the muscles that had been damaged in her arm and hand.
Evangeline rose to Chief-Principal-Matron and was beloved by all her nurses and patients.
Dunkirk, 1940
The time came when Felicity's QA unit was moved from Kent to Dunkirk- that meant that Felicity among others would have to leave Evangeline and others behind. She didn't want to, but Evangeline encouraged her to take the chance.
"We'll meet again if the Lord wills it" she gave Felicity a wry grin. "just as you and your young man, if he's here"
Felicity flushed and smiled. "thank you Sister- er I mean Matron- for everything..."
Evangeline shooed her off "Bah, keep it- I'll be going into the church soon anyhow."
Felicity raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Where to?"
Evangeline smirked. "A place called Nannotus"
They embraced.
Evangeline eyed her. "You keep your lookout, hear?"
Felicity nodded, leaving with the others.
She didn't know why, but for some reason she felt that this was the last time she'd ever see Evangeline this side of Heaven...
Dunkirk 1940
The Colonel ordered you to get these co-ordinates to HQ, requesting the Engineers launch a diversionary attack.
Yes, they've to mobilize in an hour.
He didn't tell you?
Tell me what?
He's sending them to their deaths.
We don't know that.
She was lost. She'd wandered too far from her path, and her mind dwindled back to sweet memories of Nathan Brown...
Mmm his strength, his scent, the soft gentle way he'd held her in his arms before they'd been attacked...
He would have kissed her if he'd had the chance...
He would have bent his knee right then, asking for her hand in marriage- laying kissed all over her hand, her wrist... tangling her hair in his fist as he gently carressed her face with his fingers, softly caressing her lips with his own...
*Snap*
"What was that?"
"What?"
"That noise?"
Thu-thump...thu-thump... thu-thump...
Her heart hammered as she crouched, the man facing the regiment catching her eye.
Quickly he looked the other way, diverting the other man's attention...
Felicity listened closely... something was wrong here- something more important than a stalwart nurse spying on a regiment...
Liar! You had me recce those co-ordinates this morning.
There's a German Panzer division waiting.
If HQ know about those tanks, they'll never send the Engineers.
They'll be slaughtered!
This is war.
Their sacrifice will help more men get home to fight another day.
Sacrifice? You don't even have the decency to warn them and give them a fighting chance.
It's for the greater good.
Nah, you just want to save your own neck. her rescuer growled.
The other man, the man who'd asked what she was, blanched.
Felicity shivered there was something about him she did not like... something evil and inhuman...
Prove me wrong.
Send HQ another message and tell them what awaits the Engineers.
She was confused. HQ? Headquarters. Engineers? the men who fixed the telephone wires for communication...
Something was wrong... something was coming... but what?
I will not send those men to die just to save us. The man with the evil eyes growled.
You are a coward and a traitor.
Coward? Traitor?
Felicity felt she had been too sheltered. She knew England was at war... but war with whom? France, Italy, Russia and the United States were their allies...
Suddenly something clicked in her mind.
The black spiders...
The men and people her own grandfather had defied and turned away from...
The Germans... Not just any Germans
Nazis...
Her mother's enemies...
Would they have killed her if she'd been alive? Her father? Felicity herself?
Of course Xander had been of German blood... He would have turned her in just for the pleasure of it...
She continued to listen, her muscles taught, her body filled with fear...
Are you going to stand for this?
Oh, I see.
Well then, let's see if HQ think it's for the greater good.
Her rescuer was turning away...
He was accosted by the man with the evil eyes who did something- reached for something at his hip...
"Stop!"
Felicity wanted to scream. The man had been pierced with something... a sword...
Bring forward the attack.
But the men are dead on their feet! We need to prepare for the final surge.
If we attack now, no-one will notice he's dead.
She had to help him!
She had to make certain he was still alive!
Presently August, 1955
"Good morning.I'm RSM Davis, this is Lieutenant Graham."
"Father Brown." Nathan grinned. He'd instinctively been about to introduce his "wife and mother", but was stopped, thankfully.
"Lady Felicia Montague."
"Mrs McCarthy, parish secretary."
Felicity felt the need to pry the needles from her chest… what she really wanted was to get out of there…
"It's an honor to be invited to such a solemn occasion."
Davis nodded. "The Kembles appreciate the fundraising you've done for the memorial."
Felicia shuddered inwardly, thankful a portion of Xander's money went to some sort of good cause… despite its history- "It's really nothing."
Davis looked towards the Mess Hall. In all honesty he was trying to keep his eyes away from the beautifully charming Lady Felicia. She was a married woman!
However, there was something about her that was vaguely familiar...
"We'll be starting with reception at the Mess. Then there'll be a display of marksmanship at we'll reconvene at St Mary's for the memorial 1600."
They all nodded, Mrs. McCarthy excusing herself at two- for which Felicity was thankful.
She had a hard time wondering how to bring the truth to Nathan, let alone Mrs. McCarthy overhearing and clucking her tongue in disapproval…
Major Rawlings immediately recognized Lady Felicia as the nurse who spied on them- she was also the one who tried to save Murray's life.
Lady Felicia shivered as she recalled the memories of this regiment. A man had died in their company, and the man responsible had never been charged...
Nathan felt there was something amiss in the air, especially when Felicity firmly suggested that Sid had room up front. Lissie wanted to talk to him about something.
Dr. Sherwin had not cleared her for working at the hospital yet, though she received pay, and he suspected that was one of the reasons driving her stir crazy. Sherwin and Nathan both knew that Felicity wouldn't be ready to work unless all (or most) was brought into the open...Nathan suspected that their coming destination had had a great deal to do with her past...
When he found her yesterday, It wasn't at Montegue Mansion, but Marsberg Manor. She was on her hands and knees in an old pair of coveralls, quickly but gently covering dirt on a small brass jar...
Instead of opening the brass jar, she covered it with dirt, and placed a marker in the form of a cross with forget-me-nots around the cross.
The marker had three letters- L G B
What did that mean?
He intended to ask her about it, but they went horseback riding instead.
Now, he couldn't help but agree with Felicity that Mrs. McCarthy had needed to sit up front.
No matter... they would find some time today and talk privately, just the two of them...
Davis nodded. "The Kembles appreciate the fundraising you've done for the memorial."
Felicia shuddered inwardly, thankful a portion of Xander's money went to some sort of good cause… despite its history- "It's really nothing."
Nathan was surprised by this. He knew Lissie was one to help different causes and organizations, but why this regiment, especially when she seemed so ill at ease?
Dunkirk 1940
They found her spying.
She claimed she was trying to make her way back to camp- There was no outhouse, and she got lost
Rawlings looked as if he believed her, but Sinclaire, as the rest of them, knew it was lie.
Sinclaire looked her over- she was attractive, young...
There hadn't been a female in these parts for quite some time...
Hërr Mäxen would love how youthful she looked...
Wait... why that old fool? he found her- he'd keep her- as the spoils of war...
Felicity didn't like the look the Colonel was giving her.
How she wished Nathan were here now... he'd know what to do!
She tore away from her captors and rushed to the fallen man.
He was bleeding- if she could just get a tunicate on him...
"Leave him be"
She glared at him, quickly shredding her cloak.
"No this man is my patient and in need of medical assistance."
Colonel Sinclaire smirked, placing his sword to her throat-
"I said, leave him be..."
She was a Jewess... he could tell by her features... mmm and since she wouldn't follow direct orders...
She glared spitefully at him. "If you do not allow me to heal this man, you are no better than the Germans who surround us"
He stiffened.
She turned to Rawlings.
How was he wounded?
"I- er... I..."
She looked at the rest, and knew... the Colonel had done this. They would cover for him.
She looked down at the dying man, the sword in his abdomen sticking out...
He had done nothing wrong- Sinclaire had betrayed his men...
"Sir?" she asked in Gaelic.
He turned to her. He was of her people!
"He did this..." he whispered with effort.
"Men trapped... will die..." he sighed.
Fear struck Felicity.
"How many?" she asked quickly...
He didn't move... didn't answer...
"Lieutenant... how many?!" tears stung her eyes. Placing a hand to his pulse she found he was dead...
"Heavenly Father protect them, please!" she cried, still in Gaelic... the soldiers didn't react- they didn't understand what she was saying...
"Up on your feet" Colonel ordered.
She struggled against him, hitting, kicking, thrashing around...
"Enough!" he ordered.
She stopped, but glared at him hatefully.
"Better" he smirked at her. He turned to the regiment gathered.
"I'll return shortly- I need to return this nurse to her camp"
The others nodded, though the Sergeant wasn't so sure...
"Where are you taking me?" she demanded.
They were alone in the woods, too far away from aid...
"Hush, Little One" he hissed, as she suddenly blacked out.
"Someone will hear you..."
Kembleford 1955
That was the last that anyone had seen of her for fourteen years... Rawlings and the rest thought she had died...
Had Sinclaire sentenced her to a fate worse than death?
As matter of protocol, it would have been his duty as Sergeant to escort the nurse back to her camp, not the Colonel... so why had he done so?
She was still beautiful, about forty, with a modest engagement ring on her left finger. She seemed rather close to Father Brown, also...
When the Colonel entered the room, Nathan, who was beside Felicity felt her physically stiffen and jump.
When he turned his attention on her, casually, Nathan decided up front he didn't like the look in Sinclaire's eyes.
Something was wrong here and Nathan would find out what it was!
"Felicia? Has it really been 13 years? Looking at you, I'd swear it couldn't possibly be so long."
She fought the urge to spit at his feet.
"Shall we?" he purred.
He made to grab her arm, but she tricked him, handing him Sid's wine glass.
Nathan eyed her curiously when she grasped his arm- she was as tense as he'd ever felt her.
Some of the men wondered if we'd ever see Blighty again.
Outnumbered, trapped Then we saw the Colonel striding out of the trees.
You, sir, were a giant.
If the Jerries thought the Third would go down without a fight they had another thing coming.
We would have followed you to the ends of the earth.
You made us believe.
A toast.
To our great hero.
Who lets us all bask in his reflected glory.
Sit down.
Without him and his sword, none of us would be here.
Get a grip, man.
St Clare cannot stand the truth, it embarrasses him! Enough! The truth, that we owe it all, our lives, our glory, to him.
To St Claire. he drawled drunkenly, ridiculing the Colonel who was highly embarrassed by this point.
And the Broken Sword.
Rawlings was frightened. It was her... that nurse... she was here to have it out for all of them!
The Matron was here- she could ruin it all for them- she had hinted at it at the time-
And why shouldn't she? They were all as good as dead anyway…
Nathan stood up and met him before he could escape…
That poor… bloody… fool… and that sweet…innocent, young nurse…
"I hope you don't mind me being so forward but you seem very agitated by something." Nathan pleases, not sure how this tied in to his fiancées jittery nerves, but adhered the call to press on…
Is there anything I can do to help? The priest asked.
"Unless you can take me back to before the charge of the Third, then I doubt you can help me, Father. But thank you."
It had been Sinclaire's fault anyway! From beginning to end... why shouldn't everything come out into the open!? Why shouldn't he suffer for all he had caused?!
Nathan stood there helplessly as Rawlings moved nervously out of sight, still wondering how the darkness would be exposed to the light…
"I do hope you're not planning to give me the cold shoulder all afternoon- it would ruin the plans I had for our reunion together…"
She glared at him hatefully.
Stay away from me, I have nothing to say to you!"
"How about, I forgive you..."
He leaned close purring in her ear
"Despite what you felt that was one of the best afternoons in my life... I meant to thank you..."
Disgusted, she slapped him, hard with her left hand. Her engagement ring caught the skin and he bled.
"Madame, you wound me" he sneered.
He picked up a rifle and started shooting.
Angrier by the second, Felicity stormed off.
Nathan watched the whole scene between his beloved and the Colonel wondering what the devil was going on.
He winced when Felicity cut the Colonel's cheek with the ring Nathan gave her.
Less than minutes later, Felicity didn't have her medical bag with her; it was at the hospital. She screamed to alarm Nathan that something was wrong... he was first to her side- he knew she was agitated- nothing was going right today...
Nathan wanted to bark at Sinclaire to leave Felicity alone- but he had to keep up the charade of priest for just a bit longer...
"This ought to steady your nerves" Sinclaire handed her a glass of cloudy brandy.
Felicity was vulnerable, but being a nurse, she was no fool…
Get out of my sight you worthless dipshit she wanted to scream, but didn't... she glared at Sinclaire until Father Brown came to her side.
Don't leave me! Don't leave me here... with him! her eyes screamed.
Nathan took her hand in his, had her rise, and glared for all he was worth at Sinclaire.
"I will be right back..." he whispered. "You have nothing to fear..." they squeezed each other's hands.
"Colonel, I believe I saw one or two of your men outside"
The Colonel was confused until Nathan jerked his head towards the door.
"Father that's not necessary" started the Lieutenant.
"On the contrary, it is... I saw them also" Sullivan said airily. "Colonel, as you have chain of command..." he looked at Nathan, who nodded his thanks.
Sinclaire returned, finding Lady Felicia had moved.
Eager to get as far away from Sinclaire as possible, Felicity round that Nathan had gone exploring…
Map of Dunkirk.
He was obsessed by Dunkirk.
All these units heading towards evacuation.
Except this company of Royal Engineers, moving towards the 9th Panzer Division.
Why would you do that? I thought it was an evacuation.
It was.
A company of Royal Engineers against a Panzer Division, that'd be lambs to the slaughter.
Father, what are you up to? I saw you sneaking out of the mess.
I tried to be inconspicuous.
I noticed.
If the Lieutenant finds you I gather military prisons make Kembleford cells look like the Ritz.
Mind you, not even the Ritz looks like the Ritz these days.
Ah, breaking and entering, even better.
Nice of you to join us, Inspector.
What do you want? Sid scowled.
"To see Lieutenant Graham clap Father Brown in irons and throw away the key? I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Nathan left the room for a moment.
"You really wouldn't do that, would you?" Felicity asked, a weary, grieved look upon her features.
Ruefully, Sullivan shook his head. He thought she seemed edgy today- nervous…
"I appreciate that Inspector" Felicia said.
"How long have you two..." Sullivan started.
"We've been engaged over a year"
Sullivan raised an eyebrow. He didn't go to church much but he didn't think that priests were allowed to marry...
Felicia smiled. "They aren't. He's not Catholic... not any more"
Sullivan was confused. "His faith has changed, but until we can be released by grant of the Vatican, he's..." she shrugged.
"A bloody genius" Sullivan muttered. He caught her eye. "I'll deny every word" he frowned.
Felicia shook her head. "Discretion and cooperation"
Sullivan nodded, rolling his eyes. Truth was, he wouldn't be able to see this solved correctly without Brown's help.
"Forgive me for prying, but did Rawlings call you Matron during dinner?"
Felicia flushed. She nodded.
"You never received..."
Felicia shook her head. "Truth is there was no joy during that time in my life, save one. It's a time I would rather forget... Excuse me"
Father Brown had been released from questioning, (more likely thrown out,) Sullivan guessed, and was motioning Lady Felicia over.
Nathan was surprised when Felicity grasped his hand and nearly dragged him to an empty office space.
When he shut and locked the door, returning to her, he was surprised to see her upset and crying...
"Lissie my darling! what's the matter?!"
"Hold me!" she hissed, burying her trembling form into his wide one.
Without hesitation, he brought her into his arms, holding her just so...
She cried and hiccuped for about ten minutes, Nathan holding her and running his fingers in her hair.
She buried her face into his neck and let go- if Nathan didn't know better, he'd say she were grieving...
About seven more minutes passed, and Felicity calmed, Nathan still holding her about the waist.
"I'm sorry" she whispered.
Nathan shook his head. "I suppose this is one of those events that happened before?"
Felicity nodded, taking his proffered handkerchief and dabbing her eyes with it.
"Did this happen before or after..."
"After" she whispered quickly. "I was a Nurse in the War"
Nathan nodded. "Most of my nursing regiment was transferred to Dunkirk."
Nathan raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had worked with some of the QA's, in the surrounding area, but didn't know that Felicity was part of that regime...
We were so close! he thought sadly.
Felicity was staring off into space.
"I had had my instructions- search for the wounded, and find a regiment that could assist in sending cots and the like back to camp for treatment"
Nathan nodded, wondering what Lissie would have looked like as a nurse back then- then felt a familiar heat rush to very alarming parts of his anatomy.
"Nathan..." she warned with a small cheeky smile.
He flushed.
"En route, i found a regiment that seemed reliable, until..."
She chocked on a sob.
"Until what?" Nathan asked, waiting for her to continue.
"I don't know exactly what happened- I know there was some sort of disagreement- and one of the men fell to the ground... he'd been pierced..."
"With what?" Nathan asked.
She didn't answer- she looked out the window, as if looking to the Heavenly Father for help.
"A sword..."
Nathan was in disbelief!
His fiancée had been witness to the murder of Murray?! Impossible!
With God all things are possible; you know that Nathan...
Nathan knee it was time to catch Sinclaire, the question was how?
He hated it but Felicity would need to talk to Sinclaire privately…
Surprisingly, she agreed.
"I need to know why"
"Why what?"
"Why you did what you did! You trapped your men, you killed Murray, and I..".
"Received a fine token for your relief efforts he sneered
"You monster! She's dead! She died in my arms!
"Well had you been still perhaps she'd still be alive...
Felicity wished she had the sword now... she'd run him through!
"I just want to know why...
"War changes men.
"We saw things we didn't think we'd see, did things we didn't know we had in us.
"Some of those things I'm not proud of." Smirking, he stroked her hand...
she viciously tore her hand away.
"Rubbish! You saw me as an additional hinderance to your plan! Killing me would have been too easy!"
Exactly! he growled coming to her and squeezing her right arm until it hurt.
Irish Jew! I should have killed you the moment I saw you- I thought why not send you to my comrades... but perhaps I'd enjoy you myself! He made to kiss her but she spat in his face.
Felicity tore herself from him, taking a book and tossing it at his head, screaming. He ducked and it hit the door.
From down the hall, Nathan knew something was amiss...
He tore into the room, twisting Sinclaire's arms behind his back as Felicity went to the bookshelf.
She found the scabbard hidden behind more books…
"Inspector!" Nathan roared.
Sullivan showed up at the door, catching Felicity's eye They had agreed on cooperation…
Before he dealt with Sinclaire, Nathan had to check on Felicity.
He brought her back to the office they had been in before...
"What happened after Murray died?"
"I couldn't save him! the note he'd received mentioned that the men, a group of engineers were heading to a German Penzi Division" she looked confused.
Nathan winced. "it meant that the engineers who saw to the machinery, were unarmed- they would have died instantly... and Sinclaire's men didn't have a fighting chance either..."
"Everyone there was supposed to die?"
"Not everyone" Nathan supposed. "Just Murray. He was a whistle blower... as were you"
Felicity's face fell. "It's not that I'm not proud of what I did... I just wish his lust hadn't taken him over- he'd given to their cause"
Nathan's brow furrowed "how do you know?"
"He called me an Irish Jew- I don't know how he knew, but he said it with such contempt..." she shivered.
An unsettling feeling rose in Nathan just then.
"Felicity... listen very carefully... what happened after Murray died and you found you couldn't save him?"
"Sinclaire said he'd walk me back to the camp... I didn't want him to..."
Tears clouded her eyes. "We we're heading in the wrong direction... I could feel it... we were father in the woods than we should have been... Evangeline always told us to stay out of the groups of trees in the forests, and stay away from high ranking officers who offer to walk back to camp..."
She was trembling. Nathan's fury was rising.
"At one point he hit me" she sobbed "and there was a weight I couldn't move off. That's the last I remember I must have blacked out"
Nathan's fury was at an all time high... just looking at his fiancée, trembling, tears flooding- there was no doubt what Sinclaire had done to his beloved twelve years ago...
"Lissie" he whispered. "The... jar... I saw you put in the ground, covering with dirt..."
Felicity shook her head and bawled. she cried and cried and cried...
"Tho-se we-re Ly-dia's ash-es" she cried.
Lydia! Nathan's blood froze. She had named her daughter... their daughter after her birth mother!
"And L G B?" he asked shakily, tears of his own causing his voice to tremble.
She glared through her tears. "Hateful man" she hissed. Nathan knew she was speaking about Sinclaire...
"Lydia Grace Brown" she said softly.
Both broke down. Felicity wept for the loss of Lydia, and the young lady and older sister she would have become- possibly best bosom friends with Kathleen Sherwin.
Nathan wept for Felicity herself. First Xander and the hell she'd gone through, now this... and subsequent happenings recently...
He also wept for dearest little Lydia... his second eldest, as Felicity had given the child his name, instead of that of her attacker's... He loved Felicity for that, and being so strong and brave to tell him the truth...
Why couldn't they have had the wonderful life together that had been so full of promise back then?! Why did men covet his wife to make her their own?
She is not yours yet, beloved... very soon... beware your anger and remember that vengeance is Mine...
They soon calmed within each others' arms, Felicity lulled to sleep by the warmth of Nathan's body and breathing... however, it was getting slightly uncomfortable, and they both had to prepare for the Service later that afternoon...
"You're late! both of you!" Mrs. McCarthy clucked as they walked in, hand in hand together. Both didn't seem to mind her mothering, as a weight had been lifted off of their shoulders together...
Nathan got ready for the service, as Felicity touched up her makeup.
She was tired, he could tell, but she put on a brave face. He kissed her cheek and her hand in courtesy, and she smiled as she lay her head upon his shoulder, gently touching his chest with the hand he'd kissed.
"Come along, you two!" Mrs. M smirked. "This church isn't going to finish tidying itself!"
"I think the waitress stole the sword." Sid supposed.
"Miss Murray?" Felicity asked
"Miss who?" Nathan asked, ears perking up.
"Murray." Felicity's eyes welled with tears again…
Sid and Mrs. McCarthy were confused on why Felicity was crying.
No time to explain, Nathan left her in their care while he caught up with Simone.
Simone Murray... the daughter of the man that Felicity had tried to save...
The man who died a real hero...
"Simone? Simone Murray. Major Murray's daughter? I'm so glad you decided to come here today to honor him. You must be so proud."
She nodded hesitantly.
Yes, he was a hero.
It must have been very hard, losing him so young.
He was a wonderful father.
I miss him every day.
I never understood why you stole the sword.
Until I heard your name.
Did you kill Major Rawlings? No! I don't think the Colonel did.
And it would be terrible for such a hero to be hanged.
He's no hero.
He's a traitor.
My father was the only one who stood up to him.
Nathan winced. Not the only one… he thought sadly. And like Simone, Felicity's freedom had come at a terrible cost…
He sensed her behind him, not as fearful as she had been, but still tense. He put his arms around her in comfort.
"This is Lady Felicia Montague" Father Brown introduced. "She was a Nurse in the War, and happened upon your father in the woods..."
Simone, teary eyed, looked at Felicity questioningly.
Feeling ashamed she couldn't save the soldiers life, Felicity's own eyes burned with tears.
"Your father was a brave man. I did all I could to save him... I was too late...I'm so sorry..."
Simone instantly embraced Felicity closely
"Thank you for all you've done and tried to do" she whispered.
Felicity squeezed her eyes shut, wanting to clear the burning in her eyes.
Nathan looked on, thankful that chapter of Felicity's life had a glimmer of a bittersweet ending
I'll never expose St Clare.
Why? The shame.
The shame would destroy this regiment.
I will not have the world know that we were led by a traitor and a coward.
If he was a coward, how did he lead you into battle? He didn't! As soon as we engaged the enemy, he ducked behind us.
Everyone else was busy trying not to get killed but I saw him! And afterwards, when they called St Clare "the great hero", well, like you said, Father, the country needed heroes.
I kept my mouth shut.
In the wake of Davis' tirade, Nathan was filled with righteous fury
Be angry and do not sin.
"In that case you are also an accessory to the rape of a nurse"
Davis looked dumbstruck.
"...what?"
"Matron Felicity Vivian Marsberg was a nurse sent to aid your division and tried to help save Murray's life... when she couldn't, she was intending to head back to her camp- to blow the whistle- but the Colonel stopped her from doing so-"
Shock and disbelief showed on RSM Davis' face. Yet another reason why the Colonel was a coward...! he had harmed that beautiful young girl?!
"On my life I swear I had no knowledge of his doings! I swear I did not know that he... he... hurt her..."
The stormy blue of the priest's eyes seemed to calm and brighten, even as he continued to glare at Davis...
The priest knew the girl personally...
Lady Felicia...
The Countess had seemed on edge… jittery… he'd been told that she had slapped the Colonel… made him bleed…
You monster! She died in my arms!
"Oh, God!"
Nathan hung his head, pursing his lips.
"Father..."
Nathan shook his head. "You know what you should do" he said mildly.
The Next Day...
Nathan went to visit Sinclaire in jail. On the way he gave a note to the desk sergeant.
"I killed Rawlings."
No you didn't." Nathan scoffed.
"They'll hang you." he said, which is what you deserve!
It was hard for him to feel remorse for that thought, because he felt it was true.
He that liveth by the sword also dieth by the sword...
A thought occurred to Nathan. He felt like the Prophet calling King David out on his sin... except instead of a neighbor's lamb, it was his wife that had been injured!
"Is it because the honour of the regiment comes first? Or that you'd rather be known as a murderer than a traitor and a rapist?"
Sinclaire raised his head. "What did you just say?"
"You heard me, Colonel!" Nathan growled.
"This is slander!"
"No, it's truth!" Nathan roared, banging his hand upon the bedpost, causing the brass bed frame to ring.
"I'll ask you again... Why did you put those solders in harms way?"
"...I made one terrible mistake and it has cost me more than you will ever know..."
"What mistake would that be, Colonel? The death of your men? or the terrorizing of an innocent young nurse?!"
"I don't know what Felicia has told you..."
Nathan wanted to roar at the man to shut up, but decided against it.
"Will you hear my confession?"
Nathan studied him, having the dark desire to refuse confession and play executioner himself, his meaty hands upon the Colonel's throat...
Vengeance is Mine... he heard the whisper and scowled.
He moved to the bed next to the Colonel and crossed himself, ignoring the whole Latin spiel
The Colonel stayed silent for a span of two minutes.
Nathan knew he wasn't going to confess... he didn't mean it...
Confession must be sincere and absolute.
"As long as you put your reputation first, I fear God will not see true repentance."
Personally Nathan wished Robert were there with them.
Nathan felt too close to this; he was too close to this- he wasn't able to hear the man's confession and forgive him on his own much less offer absolution for other crimes the Colonel had committed.
"I need to speak to Lieutenant Graham."
Nathan glared. "As you wish..."
"Father..."
Nathan turned.
"Will Felicia... will Felicia ever forgive me?"
Breathe...
"That is not for me to say... I know her personally to have a generously forgiving and loving heart."
Colonel Sinclaire was confused.
"How? How do you know that?! She's married to someone else!"
Nathan grinned cruelly. "Not quite yet, Colonel... she have not yet set the date"
Sinclaire met Nathan at the bars, who wisely shut the door.
"I want to know how you know that!" he yelled.
Nathan laughed wickedly... it wouldn't be long before justice would soon be met... Vengeance was indeed the Lord's...
"Because, Colonel Sinclaire," Nathan murmured, lightly running a finger over the scratch on the Colonel's cheek before flicking it painfully, "The man she is to marry, is me..."
He could hear the Colonel's howl of protest long after he left the jailhouse, turning left to return to St. Mary's. He had a memorial service to attend, and a lovely nurse to pin...
"As we gather today to commemorate our fallen hero's, those who have died to serve and save Queen and Country, we also gather to commemorate those in service who are unsung heroes..."
Graham nodded to Sullivan who motioned for Father Brown to come closer.
"Those heroes include members of our Engineering Corps, Clergy" he smiled at Father Brown who beamed,
"And those of our Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Division"
His eyes scanned the crowd, until they settled upon a nurse who had her eyes closed, a tear staining her cheek.
It had come to his attention that not only had this nurse not been rewarded for her service, but she also lost a daughter after the war...
"Lady Felicia Montague, will you please step forward?"
A small group of people grinned their heads off in the back as Felicia stepped forward in confusion.
"I do not know Lady Felicia well at all, but I do recall her doing her very best to save the life of one of my own comrades who was injured in battle"
No need for details, make it believable for those who weren't there...
"As it happens she was injured herself and never received her just rewards."
He nodded to Inspector Sullivan, who opened the casing.
Five brand new medals sat shining against the blue black velvet casing…
Nathan's eyes welled with tears of pride and awe when he realized what medals the love of his life was being honored with…
The Royal Red Cross Medal
The Dunkirk Nurses Medal
Military Medal for Queen Anne Nurses
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Finally she had received a
Gold Star for Bravery
Felicity's eyes widened in surprise. She had received five medals?
"One more than me" Nathan grinned.
She smiled, but it didn't last long. Today wasn't much a day to celebrate. "Choose two and I'll wear them" she murmured.
Nathan nodded. He gave Sullivan a look, who nodded.
Nathan chose three to pin on Felicity. One, The Royal Red Cross. She was a nurse, and deserved respect.
Two, The Dunkirk Nurses Medal- She was in an uncharted, unsupervised area, and had received injury. They owed her allegiance and a severe apology, in Nathan's opinion...
Finally, the Gold Star. Felicity looked up at him.
He looked back at her quietly, his mouth in a line.
A traitor had harmed her, and despite her injury, she had faced her terror with bravery and come out stronger in the end.
He couldn't be more proud of her... he felt he could burst with pride and tears...
"If that be all, Father..."
"A moment" said a tall, lean, sharp featured man with ice blue eyes.
he came forward and beamed at Nathan and Felicity
"My name is Dr. Michael Sherwin. Matron Marsberg is Head Nurse at my surgery here in Kembleford."
His eyes shone with brotherly love and pride.
"I had no idea..." he murmured
Felicity shook her head. "There was no need... it was all in the past..."
"Even still..." he whispered with a mischievous grin.
"Matron Marsberg only chose three out of modesty. Perhaps another time she will wear all five medals."
The audience laughed.
"Modest as she is, she does not see the need take the attention of our fallen comrades. My Lady?"
Sullivan gave the remaining medals to Nathan.
"Thank you, Doctor... Thank you everyone of you who have banned together to grant me such an honor. I came today to pay respects for those who are the real heroes. Men and women who sacrificed themselves to protect us and the freedom we share. Join me in thanking them for their service"
A loud round of applause was heard from around the camp, as Felicity returned to Nathan's side. He placed his arms around her, and she met his lips for a stolen kiss...
When the applause died down, the audience was shocked at the arrival of a jeep.
Upon seeing the arrival of the jeep, and a nod from Sullivan turned to RMS Davis
Later, as everyone in their group returned to the manor, it was a solemn occasion as Nathan and Felicity decided that he would perform a Protestant ceremony instead of a Catholic one.
It was difficult for him to process let alone considering getting through , as at one point, this child literally could have been his...
Give me strength O Lord he cried in prayer Please...
Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted...
"Nathan, Felicity" Robert said softly, guiding them inside.
Once inside the quiet parlor, just the three of them, Robert turned to Felicity.
"She was your daughter?"
Felicity nodded.
"And yours, Nathan?" Nathan shook his head.
Before Robert could speak, Felicity spoke up.
"A colonel in the second war attacked me. He has since been arrested, but Lydia passed twelve years ago."
Understanding and sympathy lit Robert's eyes.
"You gave her Nathan's name"
Felicity nodded.
"She died in my arms. I had her cremated and promised myself I would see to it her- that man would pay."
Robert nodded. "You were alone"
Felicity broke down, bending over her knees, Nathan quickly went to her side.
"You are not alone anymore, my love. We are he-here... she is surr-ounded by family today..." his voice broke as he lay his head on Felicity's right ribs, crying.
He looked desperately at Robert, shaking his head.
Robert, now crying himself, nodded.
He helped first Nathan and then Felicity up.
They made plans to eulogize Lydia that day.
"Lydia Grace would have been twelve years old today" Robert began.
"Her father was a chaplain in the war, and her mother had a difficult pregnancy"
He glanced over at the couple who nodded somberly.
"She was born a beautiful child, and was taken from her family too soon. She will be greatly missed by her family: her father, Nathan, her mother Felicity, and her younger brothers, Stephen and Michael. Rest in Peace, Lydia Grace Brown..."
He closed his bible. Fanny was standing next to him, her hands around his left bicep.
"Father this is a painful time. We mourn the loss of one who began and lives in eternity with You. Thank you for the love and support of family for Felicity and Nathan. May they be surrounded and embraced by love. In Jesus' Name Amen"
Upon request, Felicity was given her guitar to play a short melody she'd written in Gaelic for Lyddie.
Stephen and Michael clung to Nathan as Felicity sang the song in English.
My little one I loved you so much.
Your papa loves you too
We wish today you were here
And we were holding you
My darling one
Do not forget
How much you are loved
by Papa, Mama, your family
and Heavenly hosts above!
That's all for this chapter!