Devotion Page #5

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Does that surprise you?

No doubt, the Bishop acting on

information received from my daughter.

Has pictured me a helpless invalid

with one foot in the grave.

Why no, not at all.

Well that sir, is not the case.

And let me assure you. You are here

neither at my wish nor my request.

It was my daughter Charlotte who took

the liberty of writing to His Lordship.

I hope I shall give you no

cause to regret her action.

I hope not.

Well .. you look a strong,

healthy specimen.

Which is certainly more

than I expected. Sit down.

Now.

I understand from his Lordship,

you were educated abroad.

Well, I shall not hold that

against you .. but remember.

No fancy foreign airs here.

We have some pretty rough

customers in this parish.

Who are not to be charmed

into a state of grace.

Would you care for a pipe?

Am I being tested, sir?

I've no use for a man without a vice.

A small one preferably.

It supports his character.

Thank you, sir.

And I dare say the large vices

support the church, don't they?

Very good Mr Nicholls.

I am happy to find you

possessed of a sense of humour.

Ah, Emily. Did they get off alright?

Yes, Papa.

This is Mr Nicholls who's come to

assist me in the care of the parish.

My daughter, Emily.

Why, how do you do?

Good morning.

You will stay to luncheon of

course my dear Nicholls?

Yes thank you, sir.

Sorry you didn't arrive earlier.

You'd have met my son.

He left for London this morning

to make his place in the world.

I think you'd have got on with him.

Do you think Mr Nicholls would have found

much in common with Branwell, Emily?

I'm sure he would, Papa.

Would you take a glass

of wine, Mr Nicholls?

No thank you. I never

touch it before sundown.

You will be pleased to hear that the sun

sets early in these parts Mr Nicholls.

Emily.

I hope they looked after you well

at The Bull last night, Mr Nicholls.

Oh yes, thank you.

The hospitality of The Bull

left nothing to be desired.

Yes. The Bull is noted

for its hospitality.

I'm sure you felt at home there

immediately, Mr Nicholls.

Not immediately, Miss Bront.

I was called upon to take up my duties as

a Curate rather sooner than I'd expected.

Oh, indeed?

One of your parishioners, who

had indulged rather freely.

Seemed in sore need of an

escort for his homeward journey.

I hadn't the heart to refuse him.

But it proved to be a very thankless task.

Ruffians like that should be left

to find their own way home.

You can be sure, Mr Nicholls ..

That your thoughtfulness was appreciated.

This is where Charlotte and I used

to come when we were children.

To see who could pick the most

blackberries for Tabby's pies.

Poor Charlotte.

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