The clergyman, Dr. Roderick, concluded his sermon, closing his scriptural book with a loud smack, and Hodges immediately leaned towards me.
"Likes that dramatic finish, doesn't he?" I shook my head, trying not to laugh and be disrespectful. Dr. Roderick was the man Betram was to replace once he was a clergyman, as Dr. Roderick and his wife were moving to a quiter parish out in the country.
As the crowd swelled, I grabbed a steady hold upon Nelly's hand, her disapperance from a few days ago, all too fresh in my mind.
"Now, save a spot for me at the feast. I just need to go secure some last minute details. Won't take longer than a minute." Hodges nodded towards me and disappeared into the crowd. He had been given the title of this years 'Lord of the Harvest', which meant he had all the responsibilty of making sure everything ran smoothly. Usually, the title went to the most presitgious in town, but Hodges was next as parisher, and the town had decided to give him a hearty welcome by giving him the sought after title.
"Miss Ainsworth." I spun around, Nelly in tow, as the deep voice reverburated through me.
"Mr. Scott." I curtsied, and he gave a small bow in return. "Glad to see you participating in the town festivities."
"Yes. But not as good as it is to see Mr. Hodges employed with something productive." Mr. Scott nodded toward Hodges. I could only guess he had directed the conversation towards Hodges because he had taken notice of Hodges at my side seconds earlier. I glanced at Hodges who was speaking with one of the men who had brought in the harvest for the feast. "Doesn't seem the man has much going for him, as he is to be a clergyman and all."
"I suppose it is the greatest thing he could do with his time, as he is doing a service not only to God, but to his fellow men." I stated firmly, getting a bit defensive for Hodges sake. Mr. Scott had no right to talk of Hodges so, especially in my presense.
Mr. Scotts seemed to think upon this. "I suppose it is." He paused a second, before going on. "Tell me, are you close to Hodges?"
I looked at him closely, trying to figure out his angle. "Yes, quite. We've been friends since we were children. In fact, our parents even wished us to marry."
"I hardly think Hodges qualifies as a suitable suitor-" Mr. Scotts began, but was cut off by my father, who came up behind him, clamping a hand onto his shoulder in greeting.
"The feast is to begin soon. We should take our places, least they be taken by all these hungry crowd."
"Mr. Scotts, after you." I stated; I watched him closely, trying to read his actions.
"I'd rather not. I've got no family or friends to sit with- I'd probably be better at home, celebrating quietly by myself."
"Oh! Nonsense Mr. Scotts! My family enjoys your presence quite enough, especially Hettie and Minevera. We'd be delighted to have you join us!" My father grinned, the festival spirit of giving really taken over him.
Mr. Scotts smiled, a smile that didn't reach all the way to his eyes. "I would really like that."
"This way then." My father lead the way, as Nelly held to my hand tighter, her shyness presenting itself once more. Mr. Scotts followed behind us, and I was unable to tell what his motives were.
*
"What's he doing here?" Hodges just managed to whisper in my ear, as he used his chin to point to Mr. Scott, who sat on my otherside.
"He wanted to sit with us at the feast. He has no relatives here to sit by, and we thought it would be impolite not to ask him." I whispered, making sure only Hodges heard.
"Quite a somber man for such an occasion, don't you think?" Hodges asked, scrutinizing Mr. Scotts over my head.
"Leave him be Hodges." I warned.
"So Mr. Scotts, what is your profession, exactly?" My father asked, seemingly more interested in our guest than in his food.
"The selling of properties mostly. I really like dealing in land, so this Gransville estate really has piqued my curiosity."
"Yes, I remember you telling me about your interest in it last time you were in town." My father nodded, quite satisfied. "You were quite enthusiastic about it if I remember correctly."
"So this Gransville estate seems to attract many unique characters." Hodges noted aloud, a mean emphasis on the word. I wanted to pinch him for saying such a thing. Instead, I nudged him with my foot, trying to subtle tell him to mind his manners.
"Yes, I heard I wasn't the only one interested anymore." Mr. Scotts stated, and I breathed a sigh of relief, glad he hadn't taken the bait, but I realized I was a bit too early in my relief as he said, "Do tell me Hodges, do you have any interest in buying into any large estates? Oh wait, I suppose as a parisher, it'd be a bit above your allowance. But I am sure whatever cottage you buy will be more than enough."
Hodges opened his mouth to reply, but Minevera cut him off, already having enough of this business talk.
"Mr. Scotts, can you tell us about the parties you have in London? I'm sure they are better than any balls thrown around here, especially because you attend them." She leaned forward, and smiled, clearly trying to flirt. "No party could be dull with you there, surely.
I tuned out, not wanting to watch the display that my sister put on.
"That man. I don't like him, not at all." Hodges whispered harshly, and I could tell his temper was boiling.
"Hush. We wouldn't want him to overhear." I stated, a huge grin already forming on my face.
"Let him overhear. Maybe then he'd realize how we 'parishers' feel about him, and take his sorry-self back to London." Hodges spat out.
I laughed, aloud, making the whole table turn towards me and Hodges.
"Sorry." I stated, hanging my head, while supressing another bout of laughter.
"Seems you two have a lot too talk about." Mr. Scotts stated, and I could just hear the jealously in his voice. I thought it strange, as he had nothing to be jealous about, but he hardly knew that.
"It does seem that way, doesn't it?" Hodges asked, an eyebrow cocked, as if in a challenge. Hodges and Mr. Scotts kept their eyes locked, neither one ready to back down.
"Mr. Scotts, I'd love for you to join our family for dinner sometime. It would be great to discuss details of the Gransville estate." My father stated, hoping for the little showdown to end.
Just as he hoped, Mr. Scotts turned away, facing my father. "I think I would enjoy that. I could take a tour of your whole estate, as we talked about last time I visited."
Hettie actually giggled in delight. Something that would never come out of my lips.
"It's settled then!" My father announced, and our table settled into conversation, this time I made sure to steer around any topics where Hodges and Mr. Scott would be pited with one another.
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