Come Here to Me by Karen Dean Benson

Author:Karen Dean Benson [Benson, Karen Dean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

19

Sunday morning dawned lazy with a heavy mist hanging over the village, curling low in the lanes. As soon as the sun warmed the land, the mist will scoot like a startled cat.

Today Christopher would be anointed Godfather to the Cooke twins.

With Dino’s curiosity about the twins and the Sacrament of Baptism, Christopher needed to assure him he was most likely baptized as an infant having been born in the overwhelmingly Catholic Sicily.

As they approached the stone church, they noticed the steeple on the back lawn still awaiting the crew to hoist it onto the roof.

Dino spotted Mrs. Cooke with one of her babies and ran toward her. Christopher stepped into the interior of the church. Because of the missing bell tower, a canopy was spread above the font where the ceremony was to take place.

The last time Christopher stepped inside was a year ago when he had taken the time to look Hawthorn Village over as a possible home for the infirmary. He had noticed the pews were not segregated by position, wealth, or the size of their donations. It made an impression on him.

He glanced at the pulpit of black oak probably carved by one of the original parishioners, then made his way to a small group of folks to the right of the nave near a doorway that led to Reverend Alcott’s office.

Miss Fitzjames was in animated conversation with Mike Cooke and the Reverend. Gowned in lilac with matching feathered bonnet and shawl, her smiling face tilted to Mike. Christopher chided himself—of course she lived across the hall from the Cookes. She had cared for Mona daily after the births, so why wouldn’t she be here? Her difficult mother stood to her side.

Mike immediately stretched out his hand as Christopher approached. “Thank you for agreeing, doc. You’ll be sharing the Godparent honors with Miss Fitzjames.”

Their glances met and she smiled. He figured she’d been made aware it would be the two of them.

She greeted him. “I hope all is well with you and Dino.” Her mother stepped closer, and he had the distinct feeling it was to listen to their exchange. Fortunately, Reverend Alcott carried his Sacred Oils and Holy Water to the Baptismal font and called everyone to step close.

As if on cue, Michael and Patrick began fussing. Mona patted the infant she carried walking slowly toward the altar rail. Miss Fitzjames immediately approached her and took the infant in her arms. Christopher felt awkward, and he wanted to blame it on Mrs. Fitzjames presence, quickly shaming himself for the thought.

The Reverend stretched his arms in welcome. “We are a community of Godly Christians who will become part of the Cooke twins’ extended family.” He glanced about. “Godparents please take your place next to me.”

A dozen or so folks from the village shuffled near, a goodly number of faces he recognized from the Black Pig. He saw several who had visited the infirmary. Dino put his hand in Christopher’s and tugged for him to stand next to Miss Fitzjames, which he did.

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