Chapter 6

Chapter Six

R obert sat in his church pew with a sigh. He sat on the benches closer to the back with his children and Mrs. Rosemont, leaving those wealthier and nobler amongst the village to have the pews closer to the front. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel comfortable mingling with elevated society, but rather, he did not want those who sat near the back to feel excluded, unwanted, or alone. Those even worse off than him, those who didn’t make enough income to always wear the newest fashions, or those whose clothes might smell from needing a wash. Robert always thought it better that they come hear the good word, even if they had to sit in the back. These people were the clients he saw most regularly. Of course, he visited those in higher ranks when needed, for illness and injury was not exclusive to the poor and needy alone, but they knew who he was. Knew that his was a status below theirs and treated him as such. The country might have been lax in rules of society and general propriety compared to London, but such things were not ignored altogether.

Light music from the elderly woman playing the pianoforte filled the chapel as the pews also filled with members of the congregation. Most of them were people he’d known almost all his life, with only a few more recent ones who had married in or moved to the area. It made Robert wonder… he shook his head. He ought not wonder about her at all.

But he couldn’t help himself. He glanced over at the separate box pew, specifically intended for the property owner nearest to the rectory, where Aunt Fanny had sat for years. It had been empty multiple weeks in a row since her death, and now Robert wondered over and over again if Caroline would come to sit in her place. He knew she had no desire to be in church, especially among those she felt were beneath her. Perhaps she would not come at all.

“Mr. Cratchit?”

The voice that shook him from his thoughts was the widow, Mrs. Nichols. And this time, she was not alone, so he stood to greet them. “Ah, good morning to you. Is this your family?”

“Yes, they’ve just arrived yesterday. This is my son and his wife.”

The older gentleman reached out to shake Robert’s hand. “My mother tells me you’re a regular visitor since the passing of my father, and I must thank you for your diligence on her behalf. I’m a merchant in Bristol, and my business keeps me away more than I would like, so I’m grateful to know she has such a faithful community to support her.”

Robert smiled, giving him a firm shake. “It is my great pleasure.”

Mrs. Nichols cleared her throat. “And they have many children, but this is my eldest granddaughter, Alice.”

The young woman on her arm smiled prettily and bobbed in a modest curtsy, and Robert did not miss the blush that crept over her cheeks as he greeted her in return. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Alice.”

“This is the doctor I was telling you about,” Mrs. Nichols explained. “He’s easily the finest gentleman in the county.”

“Mrs. Nichols, you mustn’t tell such stories,” Robert said, uncomfortable with the designation. For he did not feel very fine and could never live up to such an expectation.

“Very well. The finest unmarried gentleman in the county.”

There it was. The woman had no qualms about revealing her intentions.

“I have to thank you, as my father did, for being so attentive to my grandmother,” the young woman said. She must have been four or five years younger than his own thirty years, and her youthfulness shone in her bright blue eyes. Her sweet chin and pert smile were of course endearing, but she deserved someone much better than the likes of him.

“You are most welcome,” Robert said, motioning for them to sit in the pew before him. He did not care if Mrs. Nichols carried on with his mother-in-law, he only wanted the attention off of him. Especially in a church.

Fred entered the chapel from the back and the remaining standing visitors scurried to find their seats. Once he made his way to the elevated podium, his white robes flowing around him, Fred started the service with a scripture and a prayer, occupying most of the congregation’s attention. Glancing around the room, Robert took account of who all was present from the village. Many of his patients were in attendance but a few were still missing, like the Dilber family. He would have to check on them later this week. But there were a few others from the upper class who he had not seen in weeks seated up front and ready for the sermon. The more Robert looked around the chapel, the more he was grateful for it. Practically ancient and humble in surroundings, but even the wealthy came to this place, the great equalizer.

The congregation had nearly finished reciting the Lord’s Prayer when the chapel doors opened again, and this time a figure in black approached. Fred’s reading of the prayer continued, but the echoes from the pews were quieter with each stanza. Eventually the words halted in Robert’s throat as he realized it was not some harbinger of death, but Caroline Marley. She still wore her mourning blacks for her aunt, only with the most elaborate baubles and finery. She took her seat in the separate box pew, turned to the side and facing all of the congregation instead of the pulpit. The short veil of black lace that rested over her face remained, and no one could see what she looked at, or how she judged them all.

When the prayer had ended, Fred cleared his throat, and Robert did not miss the expectant glance he gave his sister before beginning his sermon.

“‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,’” Fred said, his gentle voice echoing through the chapel. “This is Matthew’s caution to us. If our focus is on gaining the things of this world, all the wealth and admiration of those around us, it will all turn to dross and slip through our fingertips. But if we remain humble, and focus on heaven’s reward, we will inherit all we shall ever need, in this life and the next.”

Robert pressed his lips together tightly, hoping to keep his expression neutral. Most of the congregation were poor and needy themselves. Perhaps as the parish rector, Fred felt inspired to preach on such a subject for those few noblemen who seldom attended and rarely donated to the church’s charity. Or maybe it was just something to inspire heartfelt giving before the upcoming Christmas season. However, Robert felt that was less likely. Surely this sermon was fully intended for Fred’s own sister.

Fred went on, citing scripture after scripture to warn of the evils in the pursuit of wealth, and focusing on the intents of one’s heart. And it required a great deal of strength for Robert not to turn his head ever so slightly to examine Caroline. He knew he would not be able to see her face for the veil, but he could imagine she would be fuming, glaring daggers at her brother in a carefully guarded rage. Robert knew for he had witnessed such anger in years before.

Once the sermon was completed and the hymns were sung and the prayers were said, Fred descended his post and led the way down the aisle for each pew to follow through to the exit. Robert and his family would be one of the last ones, but that was just fine with him, for he would want a moment alone with Fred after such a daring presentation.

Robert urged Mrs. Rosemont and his children out first, allowing them to visit with friends in the courtyard before returning home, and himself a moment with the rector. When he finally had the chance to shake Fred’s hand, there was a spark of laughter in the rector’s eyes.

“Are you certain you know what you’re doing?” Robert asked him with a raised brow.

“Rarely,” Fred responded with a wink.

“I’m sure you know there will likely be consequences for your sermon.”

Fred nodded. “Yes, I’m certain of that. But there would also be consequences if I didn’t.”

Then Robert understood. Fred was not letting Caroline go back to London without a fight. And he threw the first blow there in the chapel.

“Ah, here she is now,” Fred said, smiling behind Robert. “Good morning, sister.”

Robert immediately stiffened, closed his eyes, and prepared to face her. He couldn’t appear to be a fumbling fool before her, he needed composure.

He turned, with a greeting on his lips, but it died in his throat, the moment he saw her. The black veil had been pinned up; her beautiful face now fully accessible to him. Her brown eyes were striking in their fierceness, her full lips drawn in a pert frown, and any youthfulness about her had long since faded into the finest maturity. She was a masterpiece.

“Brother,” she greeted with barely reserved anger. Then she flashed her gaze to him. “Robert.”

Hearing her say his name again, without an ounce of compassion, locked up all his tenderness and curiosity for her. He was able to swallow his nerves and speak clearly. “How do you do, Mrs. Marley?”

Her eyes narrowed at him. He was certain she did not approve of his constant formality, but they could not be as casual as they once had been.

“I am well, of course. As always.” He could just imagine her going on; never mind the mourning blacks, as they are only for society’s sake.

“But perhaps you would allow me a moment alone with my brother,” she said, the last word coming out with a heated whisper. “It seems we have a great deal to discuss.”

Robert nodded and moved to step away, but Fred placed a gentle hand on his back to stay him. “Oh, I’m certain Robert would have a good deal to include in the conversation,” Fred said, his lips twitching as if fighting off a smile.

She let out a frustrated sigh in response. “Very well, but I only asked for your benefit, not mine.” Then she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “If your sermon had a specific target, I only wanted to tell you that you needn’t waste your time on my behalf. Your efforts lack any sound logic whatsoever and will make no difference on my financial or societal decisions.”

Fred still smiled with ease, folding his arms across his chest. “I shared what I felt inspired for my congregation in my sermon. If you felt chastened, then perhaps it is worth some introspection.”

“Oh, do not play innocent with me, Fred,” she spat. “I could always see right through your schemes, and that hasn’t changed even after a decade apart. If you seek to change me, then I’ll say again, you will be seeking in vain. In fact, I should be the one trying to change you. For you speak out of two sides of your mouth when it comes to money and wealth.”

Fred raised an eyebrow. “Indeed? How so?”

“You preach about the evils of money, how anyone who pursues it will be damned, but then at the end of your sermon, you remind those who have wealth to give it to the poor and needy. How is their pursuit of money less evil than any other?”

“I think you may have slept through part of the sermon, sister,” Fred said, “or you purposefully leave one point out. The collection of funds for the sick and needy goes to those who are trying to survive, not those who are trying to be better than their neighbors. It is all about one’s intentions.”

“Humbug,” she said with a shake of her head. “I already give charity to the Poor Tax. Why should I give more?”

Robert held his tongue, incredulously watching the woman before him. She looked like the girl he used to know all grown up, but now, he did not know her at all. Miles apart for more than ten years, and she had never felt more distant than she did in this moment, standing before him.

“Yes, that is an imposed donation, nothing given from the heart.”

“But why should I give more voluntarily when I have already given out of obligation? Why should I part with more money when what I have given already goes to the cause?” Caroline pressed on, digging in her heels. “There are plenty of other establishments where they can find assistance and refuge if they wish.”

Fred tsked at his sister. “The only options to the less fortunate would be a workhouse or a prison, and you know the condition of such places. Many cannot go there, and others would rather die.”

“Then they better get to it, and ease the burden on the village’s pocketbook as a whole.”

Robert’s mouth hung open in shock. She must have noticed, for she bit her lip as a flush colored her cheek, but she did not back down, even as Fred let out a chuckle.

“I ask for donations from my parish because it is required of my position, regardless of where I am, regardless of who is present, to try and see everyone within my reach have a modest living,” he explained gently. “But you would not believe how often I receive donations from the poor themselves, knowing it is their dear friends and family who struggle, instead of from the wealthy, who have more than they need and know nothing of such suffering.” He tilted his head to the side. “Or perhaps you would.” Then he turned to Robert. “Let us take the doctor for an example.”

“Oh, please do not bring me into this,” Robert insisted.

“Just as an example.” Fred motioned to Caroline. “You are not any happier for having married into wealth, and he is not in the depths of misery for having married without it.”

Robert’s eyes immediately shot to Fred, begging him to stop. The topic of marriage was not something he wished to discuss in current company. Not only that, but he couldn’t confirm that statement was true. Caroline appeared plenty satisfied with her status in life, and though misery might be a strong word, Robert’s life would improve a great deal with the right amount of money.

Caroline had the decency to sidestep his comment altogether. “I am not ashamed of my wealth, Fred.”

“But you have so much more than you would ever need. Why not use that to do good for those who don’t have, and make the world a better place around you?”

Again she pursed her lips and lifted her chin, ever proud. “Money is security, and I am a single woman. Something you would know nothing about.”

Fred nodded. “You are correct. But you know nothing about what it is like to be poor, to struggle to survive. Do you intend to forget that there are people here who helped raise you and loved you, and you would turn your back on them in their greatest hour of need, because it is an inconvenience to you?”

She did not have an immediate response, and instead she narrowed her eyes.

Fred leaned forward, unabashed love in his eyes. “In the end, it is not a matter of the poor tax or the workhouses or the parish funds. It is a matter of your heart.”

“Well, lucky for the both of you, my heart is not your concern.” She glared at her brother, and leveled her eyes at Robert, then whirled around and stormed off in the direction of her home.

Fred sighed, placing an arm around Robert’s shoulders. “Do not fret, Robert. I have a feeling she will come around. Someday.”

Though he couldn’t help but nodding hopefully, Robert caught himself. “What have I to fret for? Come around to what?”

Fred gave him an incredulous look, let out a short laugh, and patted him on the back. “Have a good Sabbath, Robert.” Then returned to visit with his flock.